{mprestriction ids="1,2"}The company introduced its new-generation DM800 ECDIS in 2015, with the DM700 a more standard version of that technology but designed with the same Linux-based software, ruggedised low-power LED monitors and SoftWare Advanced Protection (SWAP) technology.

“This is the smallest, most compact ECDIS package ever made,” said Danelec Marine CEO Hans Ottosen.

“It’s designed for fast and simple installation on the ship’s bridge, and is a robust hardware and software platform designed for long life and easy serviceability.”

“Unlike many other ECDIS manufacturers, we elected not to go with a panel PC-based design. That’s because panel PCs are prone to failures from excessive heat build-up and are extremely difficult to service onboard the ship. Our monitors meet military-grade standards and have very low power consumption, minimising heat emission.”

SWAP technology is a standard element of the Danelec ECDIS systems, storing all programs, application software, configuration files, cartography, routes and other data on a 64GB memory card. The SWAP card can be removed from the ECDIS main unit and installed into replacement equipment as the faulty unit is taken off the ship for repair.

In related news, Danelec has also launched its second-generation Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) remote access platform, with packages including VDR OnDemand pull-through data retrieval and Vessel AutoConnect push-through data transmission.

At the heart of the platform is the Vessel Remote Interface (VRI) module, a small box that is external to the VDR. It receives data from the VDR and data interfaces, processes the data and sends it to the ship’s satellite terminal.

The unit works with Danelec DM100 VDRs in pull-through applications, and can be used with any VDR brand or model in a push-through configuration since it can bypass the VDR completely. The system can also be configured to allow the crew to enter data manually through a web interface.

VDR OnDemand allows authorised shore personnel to query the ship and request downloads of specified data sets from the VDR, using Danelec’s VDR Remote Access Tool software. With the push-through Vessel AutoConnect service, shore personnel can either use a dashboard on Danelec’s server or their own custom-designed dashboard.

Selected data sets are transmitted automatically at pre-programmed intervals under software control without the need for a request from shore, and the software can support event-driven or condition-based rules to vary the timing and selection of data as the situation requires.

For instance, the system may be programmed for data downloads from the GPS, speed log and engine (RPM) once an hour under normal steaming conditions, but increases the reporting interval automatically as the water depth decreases or when the ship enters restricted waters. It can also provide immediate notification of alarms from crucial shipboard systems.{/mprestriction}