The first sailors already are visiting our shop in Heeg for installing the new DKW1800-series on there laptop. This is really an early start this year. We hope you enjoy our Spring Special newsletter.

Vista updates for WinGPS 4-series released!
New updates of WinGPS 4 Navigator and 4 Pro allow easy GPS-navigation under Windows Vista, including easy DKW1800-series chart updating using the Chart Update menu button, starting up DKW Manager. The WinGPS 4 Pro update now also supports AIS message 24 for showing the name and call sign from ships with Class B AIS-transponders.

Vista updates of WinGPS 4 Lite and the demo versions can be downloaded from our GPS-freeware page. The Vista update of DKW Builder is expected next week. From April 2 the Vista updates of WinGPS 4 Navigator and 4 Pro become available in our Programme Update Service. Then use the Search for Update menu option under help to download and install the new versions.

Affordable NV1-4 Combipack box for Baltic Sea travellers
Sailors destination Baltic Sea and Sweden might be interested in the new Combipack box from NV-Verlag containing all the 4 paper chart folios NV1, NV2, NV3 and NV4 and 4 BSB4 CD's to be installed by DKW Manager for WinGPS4-series programs. Including harbor pilots.

New box and update service for Dutch DKW1800/2007 series
For DKW1800/2007 a new retail box have been designed. The small jewel case has been replaced by a large DVD-box with unique cover for each product. The 2007 update service will start-up in April with a first big update using the old BaZ method. In April the new update method based on the Dutch RWS buoy database will be tested and will replace the current method when proved to be reliable enough. Updating through the Internet is free until March 2008.

Starting with AIS in short
WinGPS 4 Pro is necessary to show the AIS-ships on your laptop. For WinGPS 4 Navigator license holders there is an affordable upgrade available. The Smart Radio SR161 is the most affordable AIS-receiver at the moment. An USB to Serial cable can be used to make a connection to your laptop. On polyester ships a simple portable AIS-antenna can be connected to the SR161 (see fig right) showing AIS-ship in the range of say 5 to 10 Nmiles. A wider range can be realized with a special AIS antenna. With a VHF-splitter you even can use your standard VHF communication antenna.

With the professional 2-channel SR162 you receive AIS-signals as fast a they were transmitted. New is the AIS-Class B transponder which makes you visible on other AIS systems. Only a basic certificate is necessary to request permission and MMSI numbre at your local telecom authority (in the EEG). An additional antenna set is necessary. A Silent button can be used to switch off the transmitter for privacy reasons or to save energy.

Miniplex 41A/42A USB now for Seatalk and AIS !
Special versions of the Miniplex 41 and 42 NMEA-multiplexers now support 4800 baud NMEA, 38400 baud AIS (input 2) and Seatalk for Raymarine (input 4). Now avalaible in our online shop.

2007 Upgrade Special:

License holders of 4 or more DKW1800/2006 chart sets can make use of our DKW1800/2007 Complete Upgrade Special (valid until April 30). For more info visit our online shop!