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January 2006 31 New Vessel Control Unit from HamiltonJet HamiltonJet introduced the MouseBoat controller for its new blue ARROW electronic control system. The MouseBoat is an intuitive low speed control device for single or twin waterjet-powered boats, which together with blue ARROW is designed to make maneuvering in even the tightest situa- tions simple and safe. The MouseBoat is a miniature boat hand piece that moves and acts much like a computer mouse. Whereas a stan- dard mouse moves a cursor up, down and sideways across a computer moni- tor, movement of the MouseBoat results in the same movement of the vessel, be it ahead, astern, or sideways. The MouseBoat also adds a third axis, allow- ing rotation of the device to control ves- sel heading whether traveling ahead or astern, or in the "zero speed" mode. It is designed to allow operators with little or no experience of waterjet propulsion to easily harness the full maneuvering capabilities twin waterjet units provide. For this reason the MouseBoat is ideal in situations where there is a high operator turnover, when time given to instruction and training is limited, or where operators are required to be multi-functional on a range of ves- sels, such as in military and quasi-mili- tary applications. The device makes low speed and docking control intuitive, so the opera- tor is able to react instinctively to chang- ing situations without having to think about what combination of wheel, reverse lever and throttle is required to perform a particular maneuver. The blue ARROW system translates commands from the MouseBoat into steering control and differential move- ment of the waterjet's Astern Deflectors to provide sideways tracking. Along with steering and ahead/astern control, the MouseBoat also manages low speed engine throttle. This is either done by moving or rotating the device further in the desired direction to increase boat speed or rate of turn, or by using buttons on the top of the MouseBoat to increase or decrease engine rpm independently both in the devices centralized position and the degree of span. Spring-center action returns the MouseBoat to the central "zero speed"/straight-ahead mode when released. Circle 23 on Reader Service Card Siemens: Trend Towards Electric Ship Propulsion Intensifies In merchant and navy shipbuilding the trend towards electrical propulsion units has intensified, reports the Industrial Solutions and Services Group (I&S), which is responsible for the shipbuild- ing sector at Siemens. "In their service profile, electrical propulsion units com- pared to conventional solutions are www.jets.no JETS VACUUM AS P.O. Box 14, N-6069 Hareid, Norway Tel. + 47 70 03 91 00 Fax + 47 70 03 91 01 E-mail: post@jets.no Sanitary Systems – made to please Circle 222 on Reader Service Card Circle 231 on Reader Service Card Circle 215 on Reader Service Card Circle 220 on Reader Service Card Don’t Get Burned. Firesafe & Watertight Cable and Pipe Penetration Seals Piping • Valves • Fittings • Valve Automation • Metrics • Metals RISE doesn’t just stop fire cold, it also cuts installation time dramatically so you won’t get burned financially. The RISE cable and pipe penetration sealing system is virtually impenetrable to fire, smoke, gas and water. For a copy of the groundbreaking booklet “Everything You Should Know About Cable and Pipe Transits to Ensure a Safe Vessel” or for more information, contact W&O Supply. Approved by ABS, USCG, Lloyd’s Register, DNV, TC and NAVSEA. 1-800-962-9696 www.wosupply.com Propulsion Technology (Continued on page 33) MR JANUARY2006 #4 (25-32).qxd 1/5/2006 11:51 AM Page 31
