ONWA Marine Electronics FAQ

What is a Chartplotter ?

A chartplotter is a marine navigation device that integrates GNSS data with a marine electronic chart.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) refers to any satellite constellation that provides global positioning navigation, nowadays several GNSS are currently available:

  • Galileo(EU)
  • GPS (USA)
  • GLONASS (Russia)
  • BeiDou (China)

Using signals from space, each of these systems transmits ranging and timing data to GNSS receivers onboard a vessel to determine the location of the vessel.

Full series of Onwa chartplotter supports 4 electronic charting system, which are Navionics+, C-Map MAX, K-Chart2.0 and K-Chart3.0

–  KP-25 and KP-27 series support NMEA0183 and NMEA2000

–  KM-8 and KM-12 series support NMEA0183, NMEA2000 and ONENET

ONWA KM-series chartplotters come with high-resolution touchscreens, integrated GPS, and advanced mapping features. They provide real-time updates, detailed charts, and user-friendly interfaces for precise navigation.

The waterproof standard of Onwa chartplotters is IPX6.

You can update the maps on your ONWA chartplotter by downloading the latest updates from K-Chart website and transferring them to your device via an SD card or USB drive. You can also purchase the appropriate C-MAP Max or Navionics+ Chart through their website.

Yes, ONWA chartplotters are designed to be compatible with various marine electronics, including radar, AIS, and fishfinders, allowing for integrated navigation and data sharing.

Absolutely, ONWA chartplotters offer comprehensive route planning features, including waypoint management, route creation, and automatic route optimization to ensure safe and efficient navigation.

What is AIS transponder?

Automatic identification systems (AIS) transponders are designed to be capable of providing position, identification and other information about the ship to other ships and to coastal authorities automatically.

Class B AIS Transponders are mainly used by recreational vessels and smaller commercial vessels. Information transmitted by Class B transponders can be “seen” by all AIS receiving equipment. Class B transponders also receive all Class A and Class B AIS transmissions.

Class B+, a new standard, utilizes SOTDMA format transmissions which offer a 5W power output (2.5x more powerful than a regular Class B), a guaranteed time slot for transmission in busy traffic areas and faster update rates depending upon the speed of the vessel.

AIS transmits and receives vessel information, such as position, speed, and heading, helping to prevent collisions by providing real-time data on nearby ships.

ONWA offers Class A and Class B AIS transponders, receivers, and accessories to suit various maritime applications, from commercial shipping to recreational boating.

Installation typically involves mounting the transponder, connecting it to power and the antenna, and integrating it with other navigation systems as per the manual.

 

Yes, ONWA AIS products can display data on compatible chartplotters, showing the positions and movements of nearby vessels directly on the navigation screen.

The range of AIS transponders is generally line-of-sight, typically up to 20 nautical miles, depending on the height of the antennas and environmental conditions.

Yes, either Onwa AIS transponder black box or AIS/chartplotter can stop the AIS transmission.

Besides standard Class B+ AIS transponder functions, Onwa AIS transponder can also support the below functions :

  • exactTrax satellite tracking
  • text messaging between Onwa AIS transponders
  • AIS track recording function
What is Autopilot system ?

An autopilot system is to steer a boat in a set course.

Onwa autopilot system includes the below standard items :

– A control and display unit

– A heading sensor

– A rudder feedback unit

Yes

Onwa autopilot accepts NMEA0183 APA or APB or XTE+BOD

Onwa autopilot system supports hydraulic steering system with solenoid valve installed.

Yes, please consult Onwa distributors for details.

It needs to add a Gyro to NMEA converter (KGN-200) to convert the stepper or synchro interfaces signal to NMEA0183.

What is a marine radar ?

A marine radar is used to detect other ships and land obstacles for collision avoidance.

Longer the antenna array, better target resolution and discrimination. Therefore the target resolution and discrimination of open array antenna is better than radome antenna.

Onwa marine radar antennas support Ethernet connection. All Onwa marine radar antennas can use with Onwa MFD or PC software provided by Onwa.

Marine radar can detect obstacles, other vessels, and landmasses in poor visibility conditions such as fog, rain, or darkness, ensuring safe navigation.

The range of ONWA marine radar systems varies by model, but they typically offer detection ranges from several nautical miles up to 72 nautical miles.

Yes, ONWA KM-series radar systems can be integrated with chartplotters, AIS, and other navigation systems to provide a comprehensive view of your surroundings.

Regular maintenance includes checking the radome for damage, ensuring connections are secure, and updating software as necessary to maintain optimal performance.

What is fishfinder ?

Fishfinder allow anglers to see graphically what is happening below the boat so they can identify fish.

CHIRP is the abbreviation of “COMPRESSED HIGH-INTENSITY RADIATED PULSE TECHNOLOGY”. Instead of sending a single frequency at a time as traditional fishfinder, CHIRP fishfinder sends a sweep frequencies.

CHIRP fishfinder can deliver much better target resolution than traditional fishfinder system, improved target resolution enables you to have more clear picture of underwater structure.