FirstN (Navionics Charts)

FirstN is the software package intended as the first approach to the informatic aid for sailing. It offers much more than a normal plotter providing the navigator with simple and real time information, boat position, track and tools for checking and recalculating plans rapidly

At a glance, on the main screen, FirstN provides the user with a highly detailed view of the navigating area, while the boat marker continually shows the position - either from GPS or dead reckoned. Heading, boat speed, depth and whatever variable available from the instrument system can be represented both on digital readouts or analogue indicators.

FirstN allows easy and safe route planning: enter waypoints just using simple mouse clicks and the program will immediately construct a route, computing bearings, distances and estimated time to arrival. A powerful "Tools Box" enables the user to personalise any chart to mark favoured anchorage, dive sites, route plans, etc. or include updated notices. Overlay data are totally independent from the chart displayed: as the user changes charts or zoom level, the data remain in the correct position. Data are automatically written to a log file on the computer harddisk for later replay or review. Easy and intuitive user interface allows to customise the system in order meet user preferences as language, measure units, chart colour palette, etc.

Main features

System requirements (minimum):
IBM compatible PC
Pentium III processor (or equivalent)
512 Mbytes RAM
50 Mbytes of hard disk space (depending on charts number and format)
SVGA (or higher resolution) graphic board
A mouse (Microsoft® compatible)
Windows® XP operating system (or above)

Input/Output management:
input: up to 20 serial ports (merge mode)
output: up to 20 serial ports

Connectivity
NMEA 0183

Charting formats:
vector charts NAVIONICS® GOLD.

Route planning and monitoring
Unlimited storage capacity (depending on hard disk size)
Full editing feature (name, colour, description, user defined zoom level for each single leg)
Unlimited number of waypoints
Waypoints full editing feature (name, description)
Route information (single leg range and bearing, total distance and ETA calcula-tions)
Great Circle and Rhumb Line calculation
Reverse route option
User defined filtering criteria for easy to handle route selection
Cross Track Error calculation and display
Automatic vessel position tracking with user defined time interval and distance step
Move/Copy route option

Markers:
Unlimited storage capacity (depending on hard disk)
Full editing feature (name, shape, colour, zone, description)
"Go To Marker" option
User defined filtering criteria for easy to handle marker selection
User defined max display scale
Import/Export options

Tracks:
Unlimited storage capacity (depending on hard disk size)
Full editing feature

Data Display:
Numerical readouts for any variable available from GPS system
Analogue readouts for most variable available from GPS system

Alarms:
User defined alarms for any variable available from GPS system

Navigation Information Display:
Electronic dividers ("A to B")
Permanent display of vessel to cursor range, bearing and position
Built-in colour editor for cartography elements
Multi layer display set-up option
Day/Night/LCD display
Multi language option
Floating toolbar
On-screen keyboard
Instruments diagnostic screen

Further features:
Dead reckoning facility
"Go To Zone" option
User defined vessel position
Magnetic Variation and Declination
Time Zone option
Man Over Board
NMEA simulator