The Zeus chart plotters were convincing due to their concept tailored to sailing, but operation via touchscreen was not for everyone and was not possible without any problems under all weather conditions. With the new generation Zeus 3, this shortcoming is now to be remedied. The key role here is played by the newly developed display with so-called Solarmax HD technology and an extremely large viewing angle. It is available in four sizes from 7 to 16 inches and is intended to enable unrestricted use of the navigation functions under all circumstances.
The display of the Zeus 3 chart plotter should be particularly easy to read and the touchscreen should also work when it is wet
The all-weather touchscreen should still work when it's wet. In addition, all functions of the Zeus 3 can also be called up with a rotary control and a keypad, so that the plotter can be operated even in very harsh weather conditions. Both options can be used at the same time, but the touchscreen can also be locked.
Of course, the Zeus 3 also offers the proven Sailsteer display, which summarizes the most important wind and course data
The processor performance of the plotter has also been improved, which means that the maps can be rebuilt at lightning speed while driving or zooming. The core of the Zeus 3 is the B&G software, which comes up with the practical Sailsteer display. Laylines, i.e. the lay lines, are displayed directly on the map, and the sailing time function also calculates the time still to be sailed at the cross. In addition, the Race Panel offers a number of functions that have been tried and tested in regattas that were previously reserved for Grand Prix racing yachts, including the integration of B&G H5000 systems.
Thanks to the built-in WiFi Internet hotspots can be used to load additional sea charts, weather data or software updates directly onto the plotter. In addition, the Zeus display can be mirrored on smartphones, and the plotter can also be controlled remotely using a tablet. The predictive echo sounder forward scan is supported as well as broadband radar and AIS solutions. In addition, the autopilot control is integrated and the plotter works with the nautical chart formats of Navionics, C-Map and raster charts.
The Zeus 3 chart plotter should be available from March 2017. Depending on the display size, prices range between 1784 euros for the 7-inch model and 6544 euros for the 16-inch version.
More information at www.bandg.eu