General Information
Deckman for Windows is software that will run on any Windows compatible computer. Deckman for Windows has the ability to correct the true wind calculations, which even on a B & G 690 system are not completely accurate. The new values can then be displayed on the yacht, and are used in the calculations.
The Deckman is the complete tactical racing package used in the worlds' top racing events such as the America's Cup and is also eminently suitable for local club racing and coastal events and offshore classics. Features range from instrument calibration and graphical data displays to navigation displays with shorelines and optimal routing.
Deckman for Windows is the first software package to offer the combination of all the tactical features required for yacht racing, from local round-the-cans races to the America's Cup, but with the display overlaid on Livechart vectorised charts, ARCS or Maptech raster charts.
Deckman for Windows provides a broad range of features, which will appeal to many different users. It is a Windows based chart plotter package, using the popular Livechart library of vectorised British Admiralty charts. It is the established Deckman software moved from the waterproof computer with touch screen on-deck unit to the universally recognised Windows platform on any desktop or portable PC. Together it is a pioneering development, which will be used for both racing and cruising, as well as for preparation and post race analysis ashore, all with the same software package.
Livechart offer chart coverage of most of the world, mostly using British Admiralty charts but also using charts from local hydrographic offices, which are vectorised (digitised) and supplied on CD-ROM. Special Chartpacks are available for certain areas at a cost much less than that of the individual charts in the pack.
Sailmath Ltd who have developed the Deckman handheld navigator have offered many of the features of that unit but now on the open platform of Windows. Deckman for Windows supports Windows 95 to XP. It requires simply a serial port for a connection to either B & G 690 or Ockam instruments, or an NMEA interface to other integrated sailing instruments.
The powerful features of Deckman for Windows include the following: The yacht's position is displayed, showing a track that indicates the recent history of leeway, current and laylines to marks as well as laylines of optimal gybing or tacking angles. The wind data is graphed over variable time periods and shows true wind direction and speed. Laylines refer to an easily edited table of data that is also graphically displayed, and can then be displayed over the chart. A time to go on each layline is also displayed and constantly updated. Next leg data is also calculated, offering bearing to the next mark and expected apparent wind data offering the choice of predicted or present tide conditions. Either laid marks or libraries of fixed marks can be quickly accessed for courses.
B & G and Ockam instruments can be calibrated with ease using the Deckman for Windows software. Mast head units which might offer different wind speeds or directions on opposite tacks can be quickly corrected and then the improved data can be returned to the instruments. Target speeds or angles calculated by Deckman for Windows can also be displayed on the instruments for trimmers and helmsmen.
Livecharts have a large number of optional layers available for display, so detail that is not required can be turned off to suit the user's requirements. The display of depths, buoyage, text and such can all be edited, which allows a clear display with just the required information. Any setup of layers is saved on exiting the program and presented again the next time the software is used.
Deckman for Windows uses all the normal features of Windows, with multiple windows of different parts of the Deckman software available for simultaneous display. The chart can be zoomed in or out with a click of the mouse, the screen can pan along by the mouse, and the display automatically centred on the yacht. The sequence of waypoints can be stepped through or the order quickly modified. This allows for example the chart to be shown, with the historical wind plot, as well as the route list of waypoints. Whatever the favoured arrangement of windows is, it is returned to the same when the software is restarted.
By using the common platform of Microsoft Windows, the Deckman software can be used not only onboard your yacht, but at home or in the office. Races can be reviewed and prepared for, and then transferred to the yacht. The same software can be transferred between desktop or portable computers. If a waterproof computer is required onboard, this too can be supplied by Island Computers. DC power supplies are available for all the major manufacturers of portables, That are much more efficient with the onboard power instead of using an invertor to produce AC electricity.
Optimum routes can now be calculated, also known as weather routeing.
Download Deckman for Windows latest demo. Or request a Demo CD from Island Computers for which there is a GBP10.00 administration fee.