OceanLED has launched an interface with which the lighting on board can be integrated into the NMEA 2000 network. OceanBridge is the connection between the lights and the plotter or smartphone. This allows up to ten lighting zones and light scenes to be programmed. The small grey box can control up to 64 lights simultaneously. With the additional use of special splitters, it should even be possible to control up to 150.
OceanBridge also has Wi-Fi, so the lighting can also be accessed via smartphones or tablets. With lights from the OceanLED product range, colour transitions, brightness changes and synchronisation with music are also possible. In addition, certain light modes can also be changed depending on the time of day. This is practical, for example, if position lights and red light are automatically switched on in the navigation system for night-time driving.
OceanBridge measures 210 x 91 x 65 millimetres and weighs 490 grams. The housing is waterproof to IP66 and suitable for 12 and 24 volts. According to the manufacturer, installation is quick and easy. Plotters from Garmin, Simrad, B&G, Lowrance, Raymarine and Furuno are compatible. The price is 800 euros.
Control Hub from Lopolight
Lopolight also presented its Control Hub for integrating lighting into the on-board network at Mets 2023 in Amsterdam. This allows position lights, deck and interior lighting and other consumers to be controlled and monitored from the plotter. The 15 x 15 centimetre unit offers 16 outputs, each with a switching capacity of two amps. The hub is currently compatible with multifunction displays from Raymarine and Garmin. Connection to the plotter is via Ethernet cable. Price: around 1,000 euros.
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Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
Michael Rinck war das Kind, das nach der Schule direkt aufs Wasser wollte – Segeltraining, Regatten, Hauptsache nass. Diese Vorliebe machte er zum Beruf: Erst als Segellehrer auf der Alster (während des Studiums), dann ab 2014 in der YACHT-Redaktion. Dort hat er im Bereich Test & Technik seine Berufung gefunden: Segelboote und Sicherheitsequipment testen. Was besonders bei Rettungswesten und MOB-Systemen bedeutet, dass er mehr Arbeitsstunden im Wasser treibend verbringt als die meisten Menschen im Büro sitzend. Höhepunkt: eine ganze Nacht in der Rettungsinsel auf der Ostsee. Seine Familie hat inzwischen durchgesetzt, dass Urlaubstörns auf der eigenen Fahrtenyacht deutlich trockener ablaufen.
