Volvo Penta’s new Glass Cockpit System links the driveline and navigation in a unique way
2013-08-01
Volvo Penta
The driver environment in cars is similar regardless of the car brand. The driver starts the engine, electrical systems and instruments with a simple press of a button and doesn’t have to think much about how it all works. In the boating world, it has not been quite as easy – until now. Volvo Penta is now launching the Glass Cockpit System which changes the design of the boat's driver environment from scratch.
The new Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit System is an all-integrated control and monitoring system that gathers all driver information – including warnings and alarms – and displays it on a fixed point in the boat; on one or more, high-tech displays. It enables a common, ergonomic design – and interface – for the whole dashboard, with push-buttons on the controls and touch-buttons on the screens.
The result is obvious; greatly enhanced overview and control of both navigation and engine – all in one place. It also provides a cleaner dashboard, which makes it easier for the driver to concentrate on what’s important at the moment.
Flexible displays The displays are easy and intuitive to handle, with touch and pinch-to-zoom functionality. The driver decides what functions should be displayed on the screens and how they should be distributed. Depending on boat type and size, one or more displays can be mounted on the dashboard. The screens are available in different sizes from 8 to 19”.
Fully integrated with the EVC The Glass Cockpit system is fully integrated with the Electronic Vessel Control (EVC), Volvo Penta’s unique electronic platform. That means that all Volvo Penta’s Easy Boating options such as Dynamic Positioning System, Interceptors and Autopilot can be monitored and controlled through the displays.
It also means that when the boat is powered up, all screens lit up simultaneously, in a car-like manner. All settings that are made, including instrument dimming, are carried out concurrently at the helm and the flybridge.
Auto Guidance The unique Auto Guidance is one example of the many extremely useful features in the Glass Cockpit System. By searching through all relevant nautical charts, it creates a route that guides the driver to avoid shallow water, buoys and other obstacles. Coupled with the Volvo Penta Autopilot, the Auto Guidance will not only show the way, it will actually take the boat there!
New possibilities for boat builders In addition to the benefits for the boaters, the Glass Cockpit System opens up a new world of possibilities for creative and exciting – but also logical, safe and ergonomic – dashboard designs. And the boat owners will be able to drive the boat in a relaxed but safe manner and enjoy the ride – which is why they bought a boat in the first place. This has been made possible thanks to Volvo Penta’s boating knowledge and the Volvo Group’s knowledge of driver environment designs.
A cooperation with Garmin For Volvo Penta, the Glass Cockpit System is a result of a cooperation with Garmin. By combining the two companies’ expertise, Volvo Penta software and the new Garmin 8000 display series, Volvo Penta is proud to introduce this revolution in driver environment design.
Glass Cockpit - High resolution image 1
Glass Cockpit - High resolution image 2
For further information, please contact Ann-Charlotte Emegård, phone: +46 31 323 42 19, E-mail: ann-charlotte.emegard@volvo.com
