Panbo Marine Electronics Blog
The Marine Electronics Hub
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Icom’s M510 Evo VHF radio, a modern feature packed radio with an app
Icom introduced the world to its M510 about 3 and a half years ago. The M510 came with a slew of features including a bright, crisp color display, WiFi, AIS receive option, remote CommandMic second station capability, and control of the radio via a phone app. However, access to a NMEA 2000 network as well as hailer functionality required a separate interface box. Now, Icom has refreshed the M510 line with the M510 Evo. The Evo offers all the M510's features and NMEA 2000 and a hailer with listen-back in a single unit. So, with a new radio from Icom and a new boat for me, the timing was for an extended test on the water.
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Savvy Navvy launches ‘Savvy Integrated’ for OEMs
This integration is part of the ‘Savvy Integrated’ product from Savvy Navvy – designed to create seamless navigation solutions for marine manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, simplifying and elevating the boating experience. "We’re excited to collaborate with world renowned Arc, setting a new standard for navigation in electric boating...
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ABYC 2025 Standards Week, improving safety and evolving standards
ABYC published their first lithium-ion battery standard in the summer of 2022. At the time, I wrote an entry on the standard and expressed some concerns about some requirements not in the standard as well as a strong reliance on manufacturers’ documentation and specifications. My first paragraph began with the words, “I’m not an expert on the many intricacies involved in getting a standard ratified.” Attending this year’s ABYC Standards Week provided me with a deeper understanding of the process. Additionally, since I had some concerns about the initial version, it only seems fair that I participate in its revision. So, here’s what I’ve learned so far.
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Getting Technical: Top tier technologies
Innovation in the past five years or so has been a little bit lumpy. The impacts of a global pandemic, followed by severe supply-chain shortages, slowed the pace of product introductions and advancements. Even so, three major innovations are hitting the marine marketplace with a big splash. Each one is changing the way boaters use their boats, and leaving a lasting imprint on the industry.
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A Deep Dive into Boat Electrical Systems with Nigel Calder
Electrical systems are the leading cause of problems on boats equipped with anything more than a rudimentary electrical system. Most of these problems are preventable; they arise from a failure to abide by core design and installation principles. To explore these critical design and installation challenges, OceanPlanet Energy (OPE), in collaboration with Professional Boatbuilder magazine, Ocean Navigator magazine, and BoatHowTo.com is once again hosting an intensive two-day seminar developed and presented by tech guru Nigel Calder, author of...
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How-to: Making engraved dash panels
Ben Ellison and I began working together on Panbo seven years ago. For me, that time has been a journey of figuring out a new industry, a new career, and new side gigs. One of those side gigs has me installing marine technology. My work ranges widely including full electronics refits, lithium battery upgrades, troubleshooting, and more. Recently, I took on the update of a friend's center console. A casual mention that he'd like to modernize the look sent me down a rabbit hole of figuring out how to make a new panel with labels etched into it. Obviously, once I figured that out, I had to add the boat logo. Ultimately, a simple ask turned into nearly a dozen prototypes, countless hours, and a lot scrap before the finished product. I learned a lot during the process and I'm excited to share it.
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Bob423 How To: Aqua Map with a big screen monitor
Robert Sherer (aka Bob423) has been helping fellow East Coast cruisers for many years -- especially with specific advice about transiting the ICW and getting the most out of the nav app Aqua Map -- and Panbo is pleased to publish his technique for using a large second display with an iPad....
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Maretron and Raymarine announce strategic collaboration to integrate MConnect and Raymarine Axiom displays
Integration offers enhanced vessel monitoring and seamless user experience Hudson, NH: Raymarine – global leader in high-performance marine electronics for the recreational boating, marine first-responder and law-enforcement markets – announced today a strategic collaboration...
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New Sirius 12 gyrostabilized binoculars from Koden combine rock steady vision with great value for fishermen and boaters
Koden, a name long trusted for professional-grade marine electronics for fishing and navigation, has entered the premium optics market with its new Sirius 12 Gyrostabilized Binoculars. These compact and lightweight, yet ruggedly built binoculars...
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WattCycle LiFePO4, value battery with a punch
You may not have heard of Watt Cycle before, but if you are in the market for a value oriented lithium iron phosphate battery, you should probably take note. Watt Cycle offers numerous batteries in multiple voltages at attractive price points. We have certainly seen batteries with low price tags and performance to match. So, the question is, how will Watt Cycle's batteries perform? I have tested a pair of batteries extensively and have some pretty positive results to share.