System management on superyachts: the challenge of integration

Crestron – Integrated by Design

One of the biggest issues with technology on board is the complexity of different systems required for a fully functioning modern yacht. The challenge is integrating lighting, audio, video, environmental systems, networks and communications, navigation interfaces and security in a way that can be easily managed no matter where the boat is located. By integrating all of the disparate systems and devices on board on a single open platform they have the ability to communicate and work together intelligently for the benefit of the shipyard, ETO, integrator, crew and ultimately the client.

With the growing demands of modern life, the amount of technology on a yacht is increasing and changing, with more of it on the network. The design and implementation of these technologies is typically done independently and as a result each one operated on a separate platform, adding many layers of complexity and inefficiency.

A solid control system solution, managed correctly, should lower costs and boost efficiency thus providing greater comfort, convenience and security. 

 

At Crestron we build complete automation and control solutions. All of our products are designed, built and guaranteed to work together as a complete system rather than a collection of unrelated parts housed in technology silos. Because our products are purpose based and engineered to work together as a single system, our extensive product line enables us to design the perfect custom solution for any environment or application which is unique to the particular requirements of the yacht owner.

In a more custom environment, like a private yacht, integration is key. All Crestron systems can be displayed on an online dashboard to provide a comprehensive status update at a single glance, and our controllers can be programmed to interact with third party cloud management tools. From system level information right down to device-level event logs like power supplies, everything can be monitored from on board or remotely via any cloud based dashboard. 

An easy and cost-effective way to add remote access to any Crestron control system is to use XPanel. XPanel transforms any computer into a virtual Crestron touch screen which communicates directly over IP, no special server or service fees required.

Crestron 3 Series™ Control Systems provide an open architecture, scalable IP-based platform for implementing fully integrated yacht management and automation. These network grade appliances unify the entire Crestronecosystem and our Ethernet switches connect all systems and devices to our control system on the managed network. All systems run independently and communicate with each other on the same platform, creating a truly smart home on the sea.

Remote Monitoring Software

Powered by the cloud, our Residential Monitoring Service, Mycrestron.com, enables you to centrally monitor and manage Crestron 3-Series systems with ease, identify issues, and resolve them faster, keeping the customer happy. All of the Crestron systems are displayed on an online dashboard to provide a comprehensive status update at a single glance. From there it’s possible to drill down to the system level information which can then be seen by the ETO or Crestron support.

Crestron Fusion is a software package that adds a layer of intelligence to the system, turning a private yacht into a high performance yacht.  Fusion is a monitoring and scheduling software that enables global device management, data collection and analytical reporting of all the AV devices on the network. More familiar within the enterprise environment, the principles of remote monitoring and maintenance are clearly relevant in the marine world. Real time alerts can allow proactive management of systems, equipment status and maintenance workflow which help to optimise investments in people, spaces and technology by looking at each room and the devices within.

Crestron Fusion offers standard reports out of the box which provide valuable insight into how rooms, facilities and AV equipment are being used and how energy is being consumed. Custom reports can now be created which track all operations of the equipment in rooms, which are designed to plan for and cost-justify investments.

 

Global support

By adding the extra layer of software management to the AV system, ETOs and AV integrators can monitor a system 24/7, often pre-empt issues and provide instant support, thus reducing downtime and prevent any inconvenience. 

Crestron has offices in every major market and country around the globe, each is fully staffed to provide sales, technical support and training, ensuring an identical customer experience wherever you are. The Crestron Technical Institute provides training for everybody relevant in installing, maintaining and updating Crestron systems on board. Crestron True Blue Support is an elite group of dedicated on call engineers and customer support representatives available 24/7 ready to assist you with any technical issues or to be onsite, anywhere in the world if needed. 

Daniel Kerkhof, Marine Division, Crestron EMEA

(10)

The post System management on superyachts: the challenge of integration appeared first on SuperYacht Technology.

Read Full Content Here

The post System management on superyachts: the challenge of integration appeared first on YachtAweigh.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2tLPuUM
via Yacht Vacation Rentals

Madagascar is one of the most unique spots in the world

Madagascar is one of the most unique spots in the world

Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, is about as off the beaten path and otherworldly as one can get, home to thousands of species of wildlife found nowhere else, ranging from lemurs to chameleons and…

Dave Stamboulis
Thursday, July 27th, 2017

Read Full Content Here

The post Madagascar is one of the most unique spots in the world appeared first on YachtAweigh.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2w2eqE9
via Yacht Vacation Rentals

Fishing Tender: Grady-White's Fisherman 216

Yachts

Grady-White introduces its latest center console, the Fisherman 216.

Grady-White introduces its latest center console, the Fisherman 216.

Read Full Content Here

The post Fishing Tender: Grady-White's Fisherman 216 appeared first on YachtAweigh.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2uDbgHt
via Yacht Vacation Rentals

CRN Introduces Superconero

Yachts

The 164-footer is a fully custom steel and aluminum superyacht.

She’s a fully custom steel and aluminum superyacht.

Read Full Content Here

The post CRN Introduces Superconero appeared first on YachtAweigh.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2uxejm1
via Yacht Vacation Rentals

Bahamas Summer Yacht Charter Special

Cruising and Chartering

The 140-foot Proteksan Ice 5 has dropped her weekly base rate.

The 140-foot Proteksan Ice 5 has dropped her weekly base rate.

Read Full Content Here

The post Bahamas Summer Yacht Charter Special appeared first on YachtAweigh.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2v7VwQ0
via Yacht Vacation Rentals

SECURITY ALERT! Keeping watch on surveillance and technology

lang: en_US

As the saying goes ‘forewarned is forearmed’. Awareness of one’s own surroundings is arguably the most important part of any security system on land or afloat. Yacht security systems were traditionally focused onboard in the form of CCTV, pressure pads, access control and maintaining a good lookout. As a result, the first line of defence was essentially the hull, with potential threats only being detected once they were already onboard.

Advances in sensors, tracking devices and navigation equipment resulted in them being used for security purposes. Lack of integration between these standalone technologies, however, meant these systems were limited in evaluating real threats and were prone to false alarms. Furthermore, crew were required to analyse data from multiple sources which was both time consuming and risked delays in making critical decisions.

Thankfully technology is catching up, with modern security systems providing more intuitive and intelligent solutions to help busy crew and security, conscious owners.

What are superyacht security needs?

Awareness of a yacht’s own tenders, toys and guests, as well as the proximity of unknown objects that may pose a threat are key aspects of yacht security. An effective security system will depend on numerous factors such as yacht size and location, but most importantly the profile and requirements of the owner that will differ from yacht to yacht.

That said, common themes do occur when discussing yacht security. Crew are likely to be busy so systems must be easy to use with users being alerted to relevant information, namely an immediate threat to safety, security or privacy. As such, systems must be intelligent and able to seamlessly link together different sensor data, analyse that combined information and present a clear security picture to aid decision making.

What’s out there?

Objects around a yacht fit into three distinct categories: air, surface and underwater. These can also be classified as ‘known’ and ‘unknown’, or distinguished as Blue and Red forces in military terminology.

Known air, surface and underwater assets can include: helicopters, drones, tenders, personal watercraft, seabobs, divers and submarines. However, all of the above could also pose a potential threat as unknown objects approaching a yacht.

The development of blue force trackers for tenders, toys and even humans has improved the ability of a crew or security teams to monitor and track the location of a yacht’s own assets, crew and guests. Technology has also enabled advances in the way that unknown objects can be detected, tracked, classified and even deterred.

How can technology help

Products like the MARSS’s NiDAR security shield achieve 360 situational awareness around a yacht by integrating different hardware and data feeds into a single system – able to automatically detect, classify, track and alert users to multiple air, surface and underwater objects.

Above the water, approaching objects are detected using radar as the primary sensor, linked with long-range cameras and other sensors for confirmation. Underwater diver-detection and navigation sonars are used to identify approaching divers or submersibles.

Detection is just one element. It is the merging of data, analysis and tracking of objects using advanced software algorithms where the real power of technology lies. These algorithms can automatically classify objects based on factors such as size, shape, speed and moving patterns and rank them accordingly.

An awareness picture is then presented on an intuitive ‘command & control’ interface giving the operator a complete view of their surroundings, with live tracks and video feeds overlaid on a map or satellite view. Large touch-screen displays on the bridge or in an onboard security room and portable tablets provide access around the yacht, while security teams located ashore can access the system remotely.

Awareness on the move

In addition, augmented reality has made it possible for layers of relevant awareness information to be presented over a user’s field of view using the latest smart glasses and head mounted displays.

This ‘augmented security’ enables crew to access and control real-time security information whilst mobile, for example when on passarelle watch, underway in a tender or monitoring guests swimming and using water toys.

In summary

Advances in technology mean that yacht security is no longer limited to onboard as comprehensive 360 degree ‘offboard’ systems deliver increased awareness. When combined with simplified control systems and mobile access for crew, potential threats can be detected earlier and known assets tracked in real time with more accuracy and ease.

In 2017, watertight security on superyachts is now a reality.

 For more information, contact MARSS

(6)

The post SECURITY ALERT! Keeping watch on surveillance and technology appeared first on SuperYacht Technology.

Read Full Content Here

The post SECURITY ALERT! Keeping watch on surveillance and technology appeared first on YachtAweigh.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2tY1e1U
via Yacht Vacation Rentals

Recent developments may mean the end of server issues on a superyacht

lang: en_US

Sometimes, throwing money at a problem is not a viable solution. While certain issues can be solved by using premium equipment, bespoke designs, or hiring the best experts of the world, other problems can only be solved through scientific work.

The server issues presented on superyachts, for example, cannot always be solved just by purchasing the latest equipment. Some issues simply require advancements in scientific research or the innovative work of new companies.

Thankfully, both seem to be in abundance these days. 

Graphene continues to impress with superconductor capabilities

Graphene is often cited as a “miracle material” due to its unique properties. While its actual uses are still being tested, there are many who believe that graphene will lay the foundations for the future across countless industries.

In one of the latest discoveries, a team of researchers from MIT have found a way to essentially unlock the superconductor abilities of graphene. More specifically, they have found a way to turn graphene into both a material capable of superconducting and carrying supercurrents. 

Without delving too much into the technical details, this discovery could lead to huge leaps in the computational field of research. Quantum computing is still a few years away but such experiments bring us closer and closer to a reality of super-fast computers and other electronic devices.

For example, Majorana fermions, the particles which are their own anti-particles, are a major point of focus in quantum computing as they can carry information without being strongly affected by the local environment, potentially allowing researchers to use and manipulate them in physical devices.

Spintronics may have also found a new material

While some believe that graphene is the answer, a team of researchers at the University of Utah has another idea. In fact, the team has discovered a new group of materials dubbed ‘organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites’ that could in fact prove to be the go-to material for Spintronics.

For those who are hearing about Spintronics for the first time, the explanation should start from the origin of the word: a portmanteau of spin and electronics. Essentially, scientists believe that they could use an electron’s spin (instead of its charge) to carry information.

The problem is that a physical material could have its spin change, and a way to retain the change in spin has not been found so far. The electrons in this hybrid perovskites, however, can support such functions.

As Moore’s Law seems to be coming to an end, researchers have turned to other solutions for faster and improved computing. If Spintronic-supporting materials are fine-tuned, the computers of tomorrow would be faster, more efficient, smaller, and would even use less power. 

OneWeb and SpaceX race for Internet satellites

Issues of connectivity are plenty in the high seas. While satellite internet offers some respite from being entirely disconnected, it is difficult to always achieve stability and quick performance.

OneWeb and SpaceX, however, may be about to change this. OneWeb recently got approval from the FCC to proceed with its plans to launch a fleet of at least 720 satellites into low-earth orbit, a first in the industry.

Should OneWeb go ahead with its plans, its internet-beaming satellites will be able to deliver high-speed internet anywhere on Earth and at any time. The idea here is to connect rural areas and provide new avenues for educational facilities, but commercial applications may be considered too.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has a similar plan, and an ambitious goal of setting up the first part of the project by 2019. The ambition does not stop there; the company plans to construct a network of more than 4,4000 satellites in various parts of low-earth orbit. 

Such plans, of course, are still very much theoretical in nature, particularly because of the implications they would have. Many, for instance, would consider those 4,400 satellites as space junk, cluttering up everything and making future launches more dangerous and difficult.

What does all of this mean for superyachts?

Because superyacht owners are able to invest into the latest trends, management should definitely keep an eye out for the latest technological innovations. As discoveries turn into practical concepts and then tangible products, current problems may be solved by future ideas.

The potential in startups and scientific teams should be obvious. When Google started Project Loon with its Internet balloons, for example, some laughed while others, like the New Zealand government, embraced the project and its potential to distribute the Internet in a new and exciting way.

The same goes for technologies which may soon be found in superyachts. Early adopters will not only enjoy the benefits of such innovations earlier than anyone else, they will also have the joy and pride of being at the forefront of advancement.

(0)

The post Recent developments may mean the end of server issues on a superyacht appeared first on SuperYacht Technology.

Read Full Content Here

The post Recent developments may mean the end of server issues on a superyacht appeared first on YachtAweigh.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2uwxTPk
via Yacht Vacation Rentals