New Firmware Update for WatchMate XB-8000
July 2017
smartAIS now on your smartwatch – deckWatch
deckWatch from Vesper Marine is a free smart watch app that gives you instant information about potential collisions, anchor drag or man overboard directly on your smart watch. It uses an Android Wear 2 smart watch to connect directly to the WiFi of your WatchMate XB-8000. With the latest firmware, get smartAIS directly on your smart watch. READ MORE
Intelligent filtering - now on your XB-8000
One of the most sought after features of Vesper Marine transponders is intelligent filtering. Now available for XB-8000 using the WatchMate App on mobile phones and tablets. Filtered vessels fade out and become smaller when they don’t create a collision threat. This means low threat vessels still remain visible without causing screen clutter or creating a distraction. When they move from low risk state to warning state, they become more prominent and standard size. See default filter settings
Viewing AtoNs and managing them
View AtoNs and differentiate them easily on your mobile screen whether physical or virtual, off position or not displaying, wreck site or racon. The firmware comes with a new smartAIS functionality to navigate around AtoNs by tracking potential collisions with these marks and alerting you. AtoN representations on smartAIS displays have also been updated as per the International Maritime Organization for better comprehension. See AtoN symbol guide
Troubleshooting antenna problems - simplified
Your WatchMate XB-8000 has a built-in VSWR meter (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) to monitor whether your antenna is performing optimally in transmitting AIS. The VSWR meter has been simplified for users to detect antenna problems easily: VSWR High (>3:1) means needs attention, VSWR OK (<3:1) is optimum performance, VSWR Good (<2:1).
Other under the hood changes
Improved power cycle management, improved AIS acknowledgements, alarm if WiFi restarts unexpectedly, better NMEA 2000 connectivity, simulations available over NMEA 2000, simulation "Off" as default, other minor fixes and improvements. In the WatchMate App for Android, Anchor Watch is viewable as a tab in the main menu, there's distinctive new symbols for targets with speed indicators., other minor fixes and improvements.
Firmware update right from your mobile device.
The most convenient way to update your smartAIS transponder is by using your smart phone or tablet. Update your WatchMate App and it will notify you of the new XB-8000 firmware update. When you go on-board and your mobile device is linked to your transponder, you can automatically update your XB-8000 with the latest firmware. You can also update your firmware using your PC or laptop.