Why Compass Heading?
This is the first known implementation of the solid-state compass technology into a low-cost monitoring transponder. FMC operators will find this feature in the form of a stable, ship’s environment corrected, Compass Heading - orientation of the vessel’s bow. The ship’s course is provided as standard whenever vessel steams with speeds over 1-2 knots. At very low speeds, the Compass Heading takes over. The vessel's heading is therefore not calculated anymore from GNSS data (GPS) but is measured!
The periodic "automated calibration" feature cares for the long-term stability of the measured heading, eliminating any metallic and magnetic influences at the site of installation during the whole lifecycle of the transponder! No need for recalibration anytime soon!
The problem with all other transponders on the market lies in a simplistic approach to determining the vessel's direction of movement. First to know, the ship’s direction of movement (COG-Course Over Ground) is one thing while “heading” i.e. ship’s bow orientation is another and this last one cannot be simply determined. Under ideal conditions (no side currents, winds, etc.), both could be the same, but they often differ. The course is typically derived from the calculus based on two consecutive positions on the map (GNSS data). When the vessel’s speed is low or practically zero, such as when docked at the port, all current tracking transponders become highly erroneous in calculating their course. Their bow orientation is a complete mess. Those vessels are pointing one over the other when closely docked and they constantly rotate in different directions – a result of such simplistic approach. Sometimes, software programmers attempt to fix this annoying appearance by locking all courses to the North/South direction for ships with very low speed of travel – an annoyance of its own.
The annoying "ballet dancing" of fishing ships when stationary in ports or standing still at sea (such as purse seiners) is now a thing of the past. The BlueTraker VMS 2024 and SSAS and LRIT transponders are always correct in their bow orientation (Compass Heading) while traveling at very low speeds or while stationary, and the screen map always shows the Course Over Ground while these vessels are voyaging.
Illustration: Comparison between GPS-derived ship orientation in port and the ship's heading shown using the BlueTraker compass heading functionality.
Ultra-long power autonomy (BlueTraker VMS only)
The BlueTraker VMS was already offering an extended operation if and when the main ship's power went down – or when the power supply was intentionally disconnected: giving up to 7 days of autonomy!
With the advent of the newer and improved energy density of lithium batteries, the BlueTraker VMS gets double that value: an ultra-long autonomous operation of 14 days after the main power is disconnected! What does it mean?
Thanks to the significantly increased battery capacity and the device’s ultra-low power consumption mode, the BlueTraker VMS continues to operate seamlessly after a loss of main power. Whether reporting via the terrestrial mobile network or the Iridium satellite network, the system will continuously send the vessel's position (and other relevant information) at predefined intervals when external power is unavailable. Such ultra-long autonomous operation is assured for at least full 14 days.
This advancement greatly enhances safety of fishermen, providing peace of mind in the event of an emergency, malfunction, power loss, or other unexpected situations at sea. Even an SOS Alert Button is functional during this time acting as an emergency beacon, transmitting vessel’s location at a more frequent, predefined intervals to facilitate rescue efforts.
New embedded software version
Consistent with our policy of Continuous Improvement, we regularly upgrade and enhance firmware of the BlueTraker terminal, ensuring it meets the highest standards of performance and functionality.
The BlueTraker 2024 transponder now operates on firmware version 20 and higher, incorporating afore mentioned Compass Heading functionality alongside major improvements in power management and non-volatile memory handling. These enhancements are designed to prolong the device's lifespan and ensure its optimal performance under harsh marine conditions.
Moreover, the latest firmware update introduces an upgraded software stack designed to optimize communication between the BlueTraker 2024 terminal and other devices within the BlueTraker ecosystem, such as ConBox and WirelessGateway implementing the industry proven CAN bus interface.
The communication protocol now leverages the SAE J1939/21 data link layer, ensuring robust and reliable message transmission across multiple connected devices. The adoption of the SAE J1939/21 standard not only enhances internal system communication but also allows for seamless integration with other manufacturers' devices that utilize compatible protocols, such as IEC 61162-3 (NMEA2000) for marine instruments and SAE J1939-71 for engines and various machinery.
These updates ensure that the BlueTraker 2024 remains a versatile and future-proof solution, ready to meet the evolving demands of modern maritime operations.
And the best part of these improvements? The BlueTraker transponder's price stays unchanged!