Design Concept

MCS designs systems to best suit you. Our systems are customer designed for your needs and your vessel's equipment. Please see the below example of a Design Concept's content.

Computer System:

Laptop computers used in conjunction with a docking station allow the owner and operators to have the flexibility of using the computer from anywhere, and the ability to have a hot swappable back-up solution. MCS always recommends Lenovo/IBM systems for their lack of pre-installed “clutter” and their semi-rugged features, including shock resistant hard drives, magnesium chassis and sealed keyboards.

We recommend a pair of Lenovo/IBM ThinkPad T60 or T61 laptops to include:

• 2GB RAM memory
• 15” Widescreen SXGA+ LCD display
• CD-RW/DVD optical drive
• Windows XP Professional (Vista capable)
• Integrated Wired/Wireless Networking
• One to Three year international warranty with service in 150+ countries
• (optional Cellular Modem)
• Docking station

Estimated equipment cost: $2,700 - $5,200
(range of a pair of laptops and dock)

Vessel Integration of Laptops:

The laptop would be semi-permanently docked inside a chart table or bulkhead that was easily accessible for hot swapping. An LCD screen would reproduce the laptop’s view and be permanently installed into a bulkhead near/at the Navstation. Additional screens could be added to other locations around the vessel to just reproduce the view of the one laptop, or to both view and control the laptop. Network connections would be physically connected to the docking station and dropped to any other locations or equipment needing a physical network connection. A wireless router would be utilized to create your vessels own hotspot for wireless connectivity. Information can be broadcasted to connected computers wired or wirelessly with the use of a Serial to Ethernet adapter.

Recommended equipment:

• Wireless keyboard and Trackball mouse (backup wired keyboard/mouse to be stored on vessel)
• LCD screen with integrated speakers
• Panel mounted USB and Network connections for easy access
• Panel mounted DVD/CDRW drive for easy access
• Wireless router
• Serial to Ethernet converter (allows ships systems to be networked to PC based software)

Estimated equipment cost: $1,500

Weather Software:

Ocens WeatherNet and GRIB Explorer can provide access to sophisticated weather products via the Internet (WiFi, cellular and Iridium phones). Files can be used in Nobeltec software to overlay on charts.

• Ocens WxNet and GRIB Explorer

Estimated software cost: $300 + usage fees

or

Clearpoint Weather can provide access to graphical weather products via the Internet as well. The user interface stands alone and allows the export of GRIB info into Nobeltec.

• Clearpoint Weather Software

Estimated software cost: $10 -$132 per month

Satellite Weather option:

XM or Sirius Weather are great options for “all the time” streaming weather. Data from their robust satellite systems will stream into your computer and/or chart plotter anytime the unit is turned on and can be displayed by itself or over-layed on charts. Depending on installed vessel equipment, either XM or Sirius will be the better option.

Coastal Internet and Data Solution:

MCS specifies the following computer peripheral for use in coastal communication.

• WiFi amplifier, antenna, and Ethernet Bridge to allow the vessel’s network to connect to WiFi internet/hotspots wherever they are available.
• Cellular Data modem and amplification system; which amplifies all cellular signals on the vessel and connects to the internet via the cellular network.
  
  This set up will be auto switching from WiFi to Cellular. If the signal of the WiFi drops out of range or becomes unavailable, the system will transfer over to cellular without any extra configuration from the owner/operator. This will happen on general voyages. Upon returning or arriving at a new destination, the owner/operator needs only pick a new hotspot to connect to and the system will switch back.

Estimated equipment cost: $3,300

Navigation System Integration:

MCS will supply the software for PC-based electronic charting to compliment the installed system currently working on the vessel.

• Nobeltec Visual Navigation Suite v.10.0 (or similar) with charts for
• One US Region

Estimated equipment cost: $750

Recommended considerations for Navigation software

• Nobeltec Radar Solutions overlay onto your charts seamlessly
• Nobeltec Automatic Identification System (AIS) Receiver integrated with electronic charting to provide the added safety of automatic ship identification.
• Nobeltec integrates with GRIB files out of the box. Additionally, Nobeltec offers XM or Sirius Weather, which provides a continuous weather feed over a robust satellite radio network. Enables customers to download high-resolution, real-time weather data and overlay the data on top of Nobeltec Navigation Software(XM or Sirius Hardware is required at extra cost).
• Nobeltec Hardware solutions; Radar, sounders and other various sensors round out the Nobeltec Chart plotting software.

Estimated equipment cost: $200 and Up

Satellite Data and Communication:

Global satellite coverage for voice, data and distress notification can be provided with the following equipment: An Iridium phone provides global coverage for voice and data. Using the handheld Iridium phone with a docking station is recommended. This allows for “fixed” installation of the phone while on the boat and portable use while ashore in remote locations. The Inmarsat C system is the international standard in distress notification and simple text messaging. The Inmarsat constellation is available globally and the technology is simple and robust. Emergency notification of regional rescue authorities, including GPS position, is sent at the press of a button. Text, email, free weather and urgent notice to mariners are available worldwide.

• Iridium 9505A Portable Satellite Phone
• Iridium Docking Station Telephone Interface
• Inmarsat C terminal with integrated GPS

Estimated equipment cost: $8,300

VSAT from Stratos:

StratosITek is a cost-effective, IP-based satellite solution that provides a high-speed, always-on connection to the Internet and the international Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), as well as corporate intranets on a global scale. What’s more, StratosITek terminals are not fixed permanently in one location. FleetBroadband Satellite Communication provides access to both Fleet’s Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) channel and Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) via Inmarsat’s global spotbeams. The coverage includes 90% of the world’s cruising routes as well as all popular maritime regions. FleetBroadband unit’s services give you two powerful options for highspeed Internet access: ISDN (per-minute charge) for high-bandwidth voice, video conferencing, and large file transmission; and MPDS (permegabit charge) for a high-capacity, always-online connection which allows you to surf the web without the constraints of a pay-by-the minute type of connection – a far more relaxing way to use the Internet. Fully compatible with shipboard PABX systems as well as onboard networks (when connected to an IP router).

Estimated equipment cost: $10,795-$21,595

TV Entertainment System (Matching Dome to FleetBroadband):

Onboard Television system can be tied into LCD screens and any additional screens already existing on the vessel. A KVH TrackVision, satellite receiver, cables and splitters will be needed to connect your Television system to LCD screens throughout the vessel.

Estimated equipment cost: $4,855 - $13,495

Other System Options to Round out Functionality:

• TV/LCD Screens for duplicating the navstation screen throughout the vessel. These can also be tied into the Satellite TV system and DVD Players. 
• Marinized screen at helm (Touch screen option available).
• Wireless access points for connectivity if vessel’s materials are composites which prevent or weaken WiFi singles.
• Nobeltec Wireless screen. Portable marinized touch screen which duplicates the navstation.

SSB Radio and VHF Consideration:

Icom Marine SSB (M802) and VHF (M602) products are leaders in the market. MCS recommends these units for the reliability and safety features. Both units are equipped with DSC or “Digital Selective Calling” which allows you to instantly send an automatically formatted distress alert to the Coast Guard or other rescue authority anywhere in the world. Digital selective calling also allows mariners to initiate or receive distress, urgency, safety and routine radiotelephone calls to or from any similarly equipped vessel or shore station, without requiring either party to be near a radio loudspeaker.

Estimated equipment cost: $575 - $3,400

Other Communications & Safety:

A 406 MHz EPIRB should be carried on the vessel and man-overboard beacons should be considered with a 121.5 MHz alert receiver and bridge alarm.

Estimated equipment cost: $900 and up

System Design Services, Documentation, Commissioning, Training and Support

System Design: Research equipment choices, review with client to prepare detailed equipment list and accompanying high-level schematic diagram.

Estimated cost: $450 - $2,300

Installation and Configuration: System and software configuration, bench testing to verify proper operation prior to shipping for installation, detailed wiring schematics for all supplied equipment. Includes configuration and updates of PC.

Estimated cost: $700 - $3,700

Commissioning: Final system hookup and testing aboard. Does not include travel/expenses.

Estimated cost: $800 - $3,600

Training: Two half-day training sessions on installed systems at standard half-day rate. Additional time available at $140/hour.

Estimated cost: $1,120

Downstream Support (optional): Up to 4 hours dedicated technical support for a one year period. $495

Project Website and Support: Online access to design and support documents for duration of project. Access available to boatyard, ownerand installers. Thirty days Telephone Technical Support also included.

Estimated cost: Free
(after 30 days hourly billing rates apply, free website access expires 18 months after last billable service date.)

Extended Documentation (recommended): Complete binder documenting computer system configuration, to streamline future maintenance/troubleshooting. Includes user manuals created specifically for the owner/operator and is based on our Adaptive Training.

Estimated cost: Only 5% of the total project cost.

Project timeframe to be determined pending discussion with owner and builder.