New GMDSS offering from Thrane & Thrane
“We are delighted to be launching a brand new suite of GMDSS and communications products that fit and work seamlessly together or perform faultlessly on their own. When combined through the sophisticated ThraneLink system, the Sailor 6000 GMDSS series meets all GMDSS requirements whilst also becoming a vital part of bridge operation and communication,” said Walther Thygesen, CEO, Thrane & Thrane.
The ThraneLink network communications platform was developed in-house and enables all Sailor 6000 products to communicate, being based on a LAN interface, using standard RJ45 cabling and open protocols, allowing simple installation and maintenance, and providing expandability for the future.
ThraneLink is enables service technicians to access all the Sailor products from a single point for fast diagnostics and easy upload of new software. The protocol automatically identifies any new products in the system, making installation easier.
The Sailor 6000 GMDSS series consists of five core products, plus accessories including alarm panels, switches, printers and keyboards. The 6000 consoles house individual units, all designed to operate as a network, and selected according to GMDSS regulation and the vessel’s operational requirements.
The Sailor 6110 mini-C satcom terminal integrates with the sailor 6006 GMDSS Message Terminal, which features touch-screen operation of the GMDSS, SSAS and LRIT procedures. The 6110 mini-C introduces Can-Bus (NMEA 2000) cabling, said to be a major departure from the proprietary cables used in the previous generation terminals. Sub-systems, such as alarm panels, are now connected using RJ45 cables via a switch, for easier expansion. The 6110 mini-C is claimed to be the only unit of its type that offers triple functionality – GMDSS, SSAS and LRIT in an Inmarsat C suite.
Operation of the 6110 mini-C is performed via the 6006 Message Terminal, claimed to be the first touch screen, wheelmarked terminal on the market. It offers a multimedia-style interface, said to provide very straightforward functionality, which in turn ensures the safe operation of the vessel’s IMO safety and tracking systems.
The 6110 mini-C features a new transceiver, designated the Sailor 3027, an improved version of the 3026 mini-C platform. The transceiver housing has been re-designed to avoid condensation issues, and help ensure reliability and durability in the maritime environment.
The Sailor 6222 VHF DSC Class A is a new DSC/GMDSS radio developed for the 6000 GMDSS series, with a number of hardware and software improvements, including improved replay functionality, featuring a menu system to access the previous 240s of a message. It uses a 3.2in QVA graphical display (320×240 pixels) that can be read in day or night light conditions and an onboard 6W loudspeaker. The menu structure and performance have been improved for ease of operation, across multiple languages.
The 6222 VHF is claimed to be a high-end communications system in its own right, complying with the new DSC spec 493-13 for VHF DSC Class A, part of the mandatory SOLAS requirements and many national GMDSS requirements. It is thought to be the first DSC Class A VHF to be rated waterproof to IPx6 and IPx8, making outside installation possible without modification.
The Sailor 6300 MF/HF offers several enhancements including the implementation of ThraneLink.
The 6300 MF/HF features an efficient power amplifier with control hardware for the marine bands from 1.6 to 30 MHz in TX mode, offering constant and full output power on all ITU channels. It is available in 150W, 250W and 500W versions with special emphasis on cooling. If has a similar graphical display, menu structure and 6W loudspeaker to the 6222 VHF. Also in common with the VHF, it allows the previous 240s of the message to be replayed, said to be a safety feature because operators can ensure all messages are clearly understood by listening to the whole message or sections of it again.
Built in battery and supply voltage monitoring also covers the backup batteries so there is no need for a battery panel in the GMDSS console. Additionally, instead of connecting the 6300 MF/HF to an external GPS, the GPS input can be taken from the Sailor 6110 mini-C via ThraneLink with no additional cabling.
Another 6300 MF/HF feature is new radiotelex software, to comply with the requirement for MF/HF DSC Class A, part of the mandatory SOLAS and many national GMDSS requirements.
Major FleetBroadband order
Meanwhile, Thrane & Thrane has begun delivery of 200 Sailor 500 FleetBroadband terminals for implementation by partner Polaris Electronics onboard the Maersk Line fleet. The roll-out follows shortly after A.P. Moller – Maersk signed a significant contract with Polaris Electronics for the supply of the terminals. With the completion of this supply Thrane & Thrane has delivered a total of 370 Sailor 500 FleetBroadband systems to A.P. Moller – Maersk.
As the flagship terminal in Thrane & Thrane’s FleetBroadband portfolio, which also includes Sailor 150 & 250 FleetBroadband, the 500 makes use of the full speed and power potential of the new-generation Inmarsat service, providing global internet, email and voice communications.
