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The Best
Navigation Software Just Got Better (Again) Introducing Upgrades are Available Now
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COASTAL EXPLORER 2011
The new Coastal Explorer debuts a more streamlined planning interface and enhanced features. The new interface adds functionality without adding complexity. It also includes access to the Atlantic Cruising Club and Active Captain content. There is a new "one button sync” feature. One button checks for software, data, and chart updates as well as synchronizes your blog and guide book with the Coastal Explorer Network.
NMEA 2000 GATEWAY
The Gateway provides simplified and reliable access to NMEA 2000 data in Coastal Explorer. By purchasing the hardware and software from a single source, the user is ensured that all of the components work well together to get the most from the NMEA 2000 network.
NMEA 2000 ENGINE INTERFACE ADD-ON
For the first time, there is a full-featured, reliable, and easy-to-install engine monitoring system for owners of vessels that have older analog gauges and senders. The key benefit of this new system is that it includes the hardware to connect to existing sensors in the wheelhouse or the engine room, and includes a NMEA 2000 network connection and USB gateway. It displays the information on a page of user-defined gauges and also records historic data which is shown in a timeline. The system also includes support for user-defined alarms.
ROSE POINT FISH FINDER
A complete electronics installation includes several key elements: electronic charting, radar, instruments, and Fish Finder. Now, users can get all of these features from a single company. The new Fish Finder Add-On is a sophisticated full-featured system that compares very favorably to other Fish Finders costing five times as much. The product consists of an interface box, and the Fish Finder Add-On. Transducers are sold separately.
ROSE POINT NETWORK
All of the Rose Point products are designed to work together to create a unique customer experience. Each add-on product includes support for an additional screen. If desired, the user can have a separate dedicated screen for plotting, radar, sounder, and instrumentation all running on the same PC.
Rose Point’s dedicated customers have benefited from new and innovative features added to the software since 2005. Rose Point’s newest release is scheduled for December 2010.
One of the biggest challenges of adding new features to a software program is to create more functionality without adding complexity. This is why so many older programs are so hard to use. Rose Point has invested a lot of resources in developing the new version of software and a more simplified user experience; the 2011 version has a completely re-designed planning mode. The most commonly used features require the fewest number of steps which makes the software easier to learn and use.
Many of the new features are consistent with Rose Point’s goal of making various types of useful information more easily accessible to boaters, including: support for cruising guides (such as the Atlantic Cruising Clubs Marina Guides and Active Captain) and new weather options (such as support for XM, WX, weather, and free NEXRAD data). Other features include: better planning tools and enhanced tracking, as well as, direct support for NMEA 2000 data.
Coastal Explorer 2011 is a paid upgrade. The cost is $99 and includes continued enrollment in the Coastal Explorer Network. Rose Point will provide complimentary Coastal Explorer Network access to existing customers through December 31st of 2010. New customers who purchase the software prior to the release of 2011 update will get one year of access to the Coastal Explorer Network (from the date of activation) and a complimentary upgrade to the 2011 edition of the software. The upgrade can be downloaded from the Internet, or users can request a DVD for a nominal charge.
There are hundreds of other minor changes that improve the overall user experience. Examples include new route manipulation "handles" that make it easier to edit existing routes and the route timeline that helps users understand where they will be along their route at any given time. This unique feature also makes it easy to choose when to depart for optimal travel times based on tides and tidal currents.
Rose Point Navigation Systems is a leading developer of PC-based navigation systems and produces Coastal Explorer and Rose Point ECS. The company was founded in 2003, by Brad Christian, an ex-Microsoft developer. Rose Point is located in Redmond, Washington.
For screen shots, please contact Jeff Hummel: Jeff@Rosepointnav.com.