Marine Electronic Services Ltd have launched a new AIS anti-collision system called the Watchmate WMR750.  Watchmate is an electronic chart plotter incorporating a dual channel AIS receiver that displays an overlay of AIS targets but without mapping to clutter up the screen.  The display emulates a radar with the vessel in the centre of the screen and the user able to choose from either a head up display when under way or a north up display when at anchor.  Other modes include a list of targets which can be prioritised and filtered identifying the most dangerous as a priority.
 
It incorporates a high performance, dual channel receiver which saves all the complex wiring up of a separate black box AIS receiver and chart plotter.  Dual channel receivers constantly monitor the two AIS frequencies to ensure the best performance.  Targets can also be prioritised so that non-converging targets can be filtered to reduce clutter. 
 
The Watchmate WMR750 features a clear 10cm x 7.5cm LCD screen.  It’s waterproof so can be cockpit mounted and consumes a minimal amount of power plus it also acts as a GPS repeater. 
 
Targets can also be tagged (allowing easy identification on screen) which is great for tracking friends or other racing colleagues.  The WMR750 receiver de-codes transmissions from both Class A and Class B transponders and also has an output for chart plotters and PCs so that the target data can be relayed to other systems.
 
Priced at £479.95 including VAT it is available from Marine Electronic Services Ltd.