USA: Garmin Presents quatix™, Designed for Avid Mariners

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced quatix™, its first GPS watch designed for avid mariners, both power and sail. Quatix combines the most pivotal marine features and provides both comprehensive navigation and sailing capabilities while integrating Garmin’s industry-leading GPS technology and user-friendly interface.

Quatix allows mariners the freedom to enjoy the open waters while having the most important boating information on their wrist.

“Quatix incorporates the most fundamental and critical marine data with multiple features never before seen in one individual boating watch,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “In addition to Garmin’s easy-to-use interface and wireless integration with pre-existing Garmin marine devices, quatix is a great aide for mariners of any type.”

Unlike other marine watches, quatix is the only watch available to encompass the most desirable marine features into one integrated device. Mariners can rely on quatix for multiple sets of marine datum such as tidal information, COG (course over ground), SOG (speed over ground), and VMG (velocity made good), along with alerts for speed and anchor drag. Quatix is also equipped with ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer and compass), providing mariners with real-time information regarding their environment. The built-in barometer can be used to predict weather changes, ensuring that the approaching storm conditions can be avoided. Finally, the 3-axis electronic compass provides the user’s bearing, whether in motion or not.

The quatix watch combines advanced sail racing tools for unparalleled awareness and a competitive edge during a racing competition. Quatix can easily set up a virtual starting line between two GPS waypoints. It then combines the starting line with the built-in countdown timer to calculate both distance to the line as well as desired speed and burn time available, which enables the vessel to cross the line at maximum speed at the exact starting time. Once the race has begun, the watch then switches to “tack-assist” mode and indicates whether the vessel is getting headed or lifted based on the optimal tack angle provided and makes for a more efficient and controlled sailing experience.

In addition to providing pivotal marine data, quatix helps keep the user safe as well. With the integrated MOB feature, the watch can automatically trigger a MOB alarm on a Garmin chartplotter. This allows the captain to see when someone wearing the quatix has fallen overboard. If the vessel is equipped with a Garmin Autopilot, the chartplotter can then engage the autopilot and navigate back to the last known position.

Designed to take on the fiercest conditions, quatix combines a high-strength housing with a mineral glass lens to help resist scratching. This lightweight watch boasts a large LCD display with LED backlight and polyurethane wristbands, maximizing flexibility and durability. Quatix is waterproof up to 50 meters and has a long battery life, up to 6 weeks in watch mode and 16 hours in GPS mode. Basic watch functions include alarms, chimes, various vibration alerts, timer, stopwatch and world clock with the ability to display several time zones.

Quatix also provides wireless connectivity and integration to both BlueChart® Mobile and HomePort™ by allowing the user to transfer waypoints, routes and tracks via ANT™. Also, quatix provides the ability to wirelessly steer the boat. If the vessel is equipped with a Garmin Autopilot system, the quatix connects wirelessly directly to the GHC-10 in the helm and provides autopilot control.

The quatix is scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2013.

Garmin’s marine business segment is a leading provider of navigation and communication equipment to retail and OEM customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes the industry’s most sophisticated array of chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar, high-definition radar, autopilot offerings and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, January 17, 2013; Image: Garmin