In the News
Showboats International Jan 2011 Feature
The introduction of the iPad was not just a boon to techies thanks to its portability, Apple's feature-rich, intuitive, lightweight (1.5 pounds), touch screen; high-definition tablet is showing up in marine applications. From controlling all onboard systems to monitoring the yacht remotely, iPad and—apps for the iPhone—are making the yachtsman's life easier than ever.
The co-winners of the Most Innovative Product Award at Amsterdam's 2010 Marine Equipment Trade Show, Palladium Technologies and Navionics owe thanks to the iPad. Palladium's new SiMON2 ship alarm monitoring application and Navionics' high-definition mobile chart application, "utilized the iPad in ways never before seen," said the Awards Jury report. "Both products made control and navigation of any yacht significantly easier...." The iPad is becoming part of remote yacht security and, with many systems, can be used without any special software applications. Via a wi-fl signal, the Palladium alarm monitoring software delivers all pertinent information relating to the vessel and its systems to the iPad.
Smart Yacht's remote security system also uses the Internet to automatically notify an owner if his boat needs attention. Intelisea's Remote Connectivity Systems, Ria, uses the iPad as a remote monitor and control display for its on board installations. Intelisea focuses on alarm monitoring and vessel situation awareness. The iPad's large screen allows customization of monitoring and the ability to change views quickly and easily.
Beyond monitoring, the iPad is being used to control yachts. The communications specialists at Van Berge Henegouwen. (VBH) set up the iPad to control AV systems, heating and air conditioning, and other similar systems on superyachts. VBH also developed iPad applications to control what has been billed the world's largest TV, a 152in Panasonic. Just how easy is the iPad to use for those who did not cut their teeth on computers? When put to the test at Navionics booth during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, within 10 minutes I was easily able to move around on the high-definition charts, switch to other charts, and zoom in and out on landmarks quickly and easily. The fingertip control and the intuitive nature of the operating system made it very easy to manipulate charts, establish routes and waypoints, and move from screen to screen. The device need not be connected to the Internet to use the charts, but it does if any of the Web-based overlays, such as Google Earth, are to be used.
In the case of Navionics, partnering with iPad has dramatically reduced the chart costs. Navionics charts for the entire U.S. East or West coasts are $24.95 each. The Caribbean and Central America chart package costs $34.99 and British Columbia charts sell for $29.95. The charts may be purchased from Apple's iTunes store and then downloaded directly onto an iPad or to a computer for later transfer to an iPad. When Navionics updates charts, they are sent to Apple who automatically notifies a chart owner there is an update available. The owner can then update directly to the iPad.
There are two series of iPads, those with 3G capability and those without. The 3G-enabled device can access the Internet using cellular phone technology, but, even more important for marine application, the 3G units includes a GPS chip that can position the iPad using GPS satellites. The portability of the iPad means that, whatever marine application is being used, the boater can have the information at his or her fingertips at any time.
Schneider Electric Case Study of Palladium Technologies
Mega Yachts Sail the Ocean Blue Buoyed by Innovative Monitoring and Control Systems
A 300 ft. mega yacht sails through the quiet calm of the Caribbean Sea. The captain, who has temporarily stepped away from the control room, receives an alarm notification on his Apple° iPad - from the ship's monitoring and control system, SiMON , that one of the generators is experiencing a fault. He quickly contacts a crew member to investigate the potential problem.
Today's mega yachts, typically defined as yachts larger than 100 ft., boast luxury features such as multiple swimming pools, Jacuzzis, a beauty salon, massage room and library. The largest of the mega yachts even incorporate helicopter landing pads. And with owners who have titles like Sheik, Sultan, King and Crown Prince, not to mention the unknown multibillionaires, it's only fitting that the ships' monitoring and control system be connected to what is becoming a technology staple — the iPad.
Mega yachts are a case study in modernity. They are equipped with the very latest technology and extravagance.
Palladium Technologies (Fort Lauderdale, FL) is the maker of the SiMON system. According to the company president, Mike Blake, Palladium has been on the "bleeding edge" of hardware and software technologies to meet the complex monitoring and control requirements of mega yachts since 1 991 — a requirement of the industry.
"Palladium is a technology innovator," Blake said. 'We provide total technology solutions for the marine industry, and we place great importance on integration. We want our integrated yacht management systems to be universally recognized as the benchmark by which other systems are measured."
Blake, who has more than 42 years of experience in software development, brought his expertise to the marine industry after retiring early and sailing the world for 12 years. He developed the SiMON system for his own yacht out of boredom. To say he's a techie is an understatement.
.
Palladium's "SIMON Says Spin for the Kids!"
On July 16, 2010 once again Palladium Technologies proudly joined 26 other teams from 1-6 p.m.at the Zoo gym for a “Spin-a-thon” with the Marine Industry’s Ride for Kids charity event. This fun event benefited the "Kids in Distress" organization with over $60,000 raised for this worthy cause with Palladium raising approximately $1500. Palladium gathered it's “SiMON Says Spin” team with six members riding at least one hour each! Special thanks to our friends in the industry for all of their incredible support.
Kids In Distress, founded in 1979, is a nationally accredited agency dedicated to the prevention of child abuse, preservation of the family and the care and treatment of abused and neglected children. For 30 years KID has provided a safe and often permanent place for children in the community when they have had nowhere to turn. They are providing a better future for children who need hope restored in their lives. KID’s efforts over the years have truly impacted many of South Florida’s children and families and the marine industry is proud to raise awareness and support for such a commendable charity. For more information or to help go to http://www.kidsindistress.org/.
“The Industry View” of “The Bridge”
The Yacht Report’s Issue 101 February 2009
Asked for “The Industry View” of “The Bridge”
Mike Blake, President of Palladium Technologies, contributed to the conversation.
Which recent regulatory changes are directly applicable to the bridge?
IMO, MCA and SOLAS all have generic recommendations for the new digital bridge (IBS). I see these as more generic guidelines that still require interpretation by the bridge designer.
What’s in R&D now that you consider will be important in five years time?
One area is the evolution of the representation of data via displays. We have progressed from the old bulky CRTs to LCDs and are now moving onto OLED displays (an Organic Light Emitting Diode). (OLEDs are LEDs whose emissive electroluminescent layer is composed of a film of organic compounds - Ed). These OLED displays will have one of the greatest impacts on the representation of data, and layout of the bridge. OLEDs will allow the designer to “wallpaper" an area for this data display rather than be constricted by 15', 17", 20”, etc LCD displays. This will then open up many new ways for us to represent the digital information in a much more cohesive manner.
Is the general standard of bridge ergonomics and data presentation improving?
There are a few companies like ours that focus strongly on these two key factors of bridge ergonomics and data presentation. The results have been successful in setting the next level of standards and it is as we learn from each other's implementations and while listening to our customers that we become better. This is how we can drive these standards forward for the benefit of the yacht.
Is the move toward an integrated bridge making it overcomplicated?
In general, no the integrated bridge is not making it more complicated. Our yachts today are on many levels more complex than the yachts of yesterday. A proper implementation of the integrated bridge brings together all of this information into one common format in a layout that is both ergonomically pleasing and functional. There are some that wish for the old days of the sextant and a simplistic bridge, but this is not the reality that we deal with today. It is the job of we the designers, to blend this complexity and present the information in a non-complicated fashion.
Technology Pioneer in Integrated Monitoring and Controls for Megayachts
"Profile of an Industry Leader" (Appeared in the "Superyacht Industry Magazine" January 2008 Issue- Volume 3 Number 1)
In recent years, the evolution of the megayacht has intensified focus on integrated shipboard monitoring and alarm networks to improve efficiency, safety and performance. A pioneering innovator in this movement is Fort Lauderdale-based Palladium Technologies. In 2000, Palladium Technologies introduced their flagship product, SiMON. To learn more about the company and its unique position in the marketplace, Superyacht Industries talked with Mike Blake, president and founder of Palladium Technologies. We started by asking about how their technology was accepted in its early years.
“At a time when electronics publications were cautioning readers about the potential problems associated with installing computers on yachts, Palladium defied the naysayers,” said Blake. “Looking forward, we correctly anticipated that advances in computer technology would quickly improve, progressing to the point that vessels of the future could not function without them.”
Today, Palladium’s integrated megayacht solutions leverage the latest advances to offer unique technologies which provide a wide range of fully integrated capabilities encompassing all aspects of megayacht management and control. With SiMON as the brains of each system, the Palladium product lines provide a mix of software and hardware solutions including broadband Internet access, monitoring and alarm systems, custom security and fire systems, glass bridge design, custom helm/MiMIC panel design, cabin control systems, entertainment systems and concierge services.
A proven provider of innovative, customer-driven products, Palladium’s superior support and exemplary service have established the company as an industry benchmark, unsurpassed in quality, value and performance with over 250 mega and superyacht projects to its credit and many more in the pipeline.
“First-rate customer support and service is the hallmark of our business,” said Blake. “During the sale and installation process, excellent support is the key to retaining clients as repeat customers and exemplary service after the sale is the key to keeping the clients of the dealers and boat builders purchasing future products. Ultimately, these clients end up becoming Palladium’s best sales team – happy customers are our most enthusiastic advocates.”
Blake realizes that problems do not occur at the dock, but in the middle of the night on raging seas. Although SiMON helps to alleviate much of the disastrous domino effect that a major equipment failure might cause, Palladium’s customers take comfort in the fact that the company’s knowledgeable support staff is available to answer their questions at any time. This service separates Palladium from their competition, according to Blake. “Our success in customer satisfaction is manifest in our astonishing 90 percent rate for repeat business,” he said.
“At Palladium, our first goal is to provide solutions rather than build products,” said Blake. “Customers contact Palladium because they have unfulfilled needs. Whether it is a monitoring or camera system, a completely new glass bridge, an entertainment and cabin climate control system, or all of these and more, Palladium can integrate its branded solutions along with other third-party systems and equipment to achieve the highest levels of seamless integration.”
Although firmly established in the North American megayacht market with customers such as Trinity Yachts, Burger Boats and Broward, Palladium is rapidly achieving broad recognition and business around the globe. Intense international promotional efforts and a desire to reach out to emerging markets have propelled the company into the European industry and beyond. As a result, Palladium is developing diverse projects from Brazil to Turkey and points in between. Palladium plans to open a new office in Rotterdam this year to improve service and support to its growing customer base in Holland and the rest of Europe.
We asked Blake to give us a brief rundown of the company’s product lines.
SiMON
SiMON stands for Ships Information Monitoring system. Designed for mega and superyachts, SiMON extends the capability of the engineers and captains by relieving them from constant oversight required to operate the complex operational systems on today’s yachts. Sensors collect constant readings from the ship's various systems which is gathered at the controllers and sent to the ship's communication network. Ethernet technology carries all of the data allowing for unlimited expandability. SiMON essentially becomes an extra pair of hands and eyes, allowing the crew to concentrate on navigation and trusting SiMON to notify them of any developing situation that might require their attention.
The SiMON system provides the umbrella for a family of fully integrated complementary systems, including the SiMON C DVR camera security system, SiMON Anywhere, LUCI, SiMON Pitch and Roll, SiMON Anchor Monitoring System and Sherman Tanks.
SiMON C
A vessel is always at risk, whether the threat is piracy, onboard theft, vandalism or fire. SiMON C, a PC-based digital video recorder (DVR), is a vigilant 24-hour security force monitoring all of the vessel's vulnerable areas.
The SiMON C system records crystal-clear 30 frames per second images from strategically configured camera locations throughout the vessel. The resulting real-time broadcast-quality imaging provides full-feature recognition playback of any person whose activities are captured by the onboard cameras.
With easy installation, the SiMON C system is also fully compatible with the PCs onboard. This plug-in capability offers the advantage of being able to monitor and control all cameras, including displaying the video in real-time or from archives.
As a supplement to the security benefits of SiMON C, Palladium also offers full design and installation of fire safety systems from reputable providers such as Honeywell and Consilium.
SiMON Anywhere
As if having a system to act as an extra set of watchful eyes wasn’t enough, Palladium has augmented SiMON’s capabilities to offer remote Web access to a vessel’s location, live weather conditions, alarm history, passage history and a summary of sensor readings in an easy-to-read format. This allows an owner, fleet manager or captain to access information without being physically present aboard the vessel.
Palladium Integrated Bridge
Based on industry demand and a growing client interest, Palladium has expanded the company’s complete solution package to offer custom-designed, fully integrated glass bridges. These modern instrument panels not only support the functionality required by the captain, but also provide an extension of the elegance and luxury of the modern-day yacht with contemporary styling.
Using marinized LCDs, Palladium’s design team incorporates functional ergonomics with LCDs that can manage extreme lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to red dimming capability for nighttime navigation.
Palladium renders glass bridges using 3D modeling software for presentation and modification, involving the client throughout the planning and development process for a personalized design. The final custom product is one that incorporates the highest technology and instrumentation with visual aesthetics and intuitive functionality.
MiMIC Panels
Understanding there will always be a need for “MiMIC” panels on today’s yachts Palladium is committed to provide ergonomic hard panels designed with blue backlighting. These “MiMIC” panels include features such as navigation and deck light control with monitoring and alarm capabilities as well as bilge and fire panels using plan and profile views of the yacht. The custom helm panels interface directly with the SiMON system so that the data from sensors on the engine, generator, emergency pump, glass bridge video switching, etc. may be replicated throughout the yacht at each SiMON station.
IT Networking Support
Building an IT infrastructure that supports the latest in marine technology is one of the more demanding challenges on today’s yachts, but Palladium’s engineers are unrivaled experts at designing, implementing and supporting these high-end solutions. Palladium’s open architecture allows for the rapid implementation of new technologies, including broadband Internet via systems such as VSAT, VOIP, email servers, remote video, Ethernet-driven entertainment systems, and extensive Ethernet-based monitoring systems.
Custom Engineering
Palladium expertise in software and electrical engineering has been primarily applied to the research and development of Palladium’s new and existing products. However, today, Palladium also provides their empirical knowledge of electronic and software engineering on a case-by-case basis to assist other marine industry partners in the advancement of their own products.
Some examples of Palladium’s implementations include Quantum Marine’s latest hydraulic control systems which encompass their circuit board designs and software engineering. Palladium has also assisted in the development of new graphic user interface systems for the Quantum Marine Stabilizer line.
Entertainment
Palladium offers complete entertainment, media and cabin control packages through multiple entertainment systems including, Lantic Yacht system. Many of these products combine onboard information, control and entertainment systems into one easy-to-use management interface. Accessing and controlling the system is simple with user-friendly screens, remote controls or small touch screen panels.
Electrical Systems and Switchboard Panels
The active pursuit and incorporation of customer feedback lead to the birth of Palladium’s newly formed electrical engineering division. This division designs and builds reliable switchboards, integrating the automation that has made their other products so successful. Employing some of the top marine electrical engineers, they have combined their industry knowledge with exacting customer requirements to produce the next generation of electrical switchboards and yacht electrical engineering.
Palladium has recently been selected by a major Holland yacht builder to be the exclusive supplier of both their electrical switchboards and their full electrical engineering design package.
In closing, we asked Blake what differentiates Palladium Technologies from other suppliers of monitoring and alarm products. “The secret to our success is listening to our customers. Truly understanding the needs/requirements of the user must be the first major step in the design of a successful system. If, as engineers, we continue to design in our ‘ivory tower’ we will ‘miss the boat’ literally in providing an AMS that works for the crew onboard. Our own SiMON systems are the result of continuing to listen each day to the captains, officers and engineers onboard. Each sea trial brings back to our offices many solid ideas that become implemented in the next releases. It is this wealth of user knowledge that helps build a great system.”
For more information about Palladium Technologies, please contact a company representative at info@palladiumtech.com or +1 954-653-0630.
From the Bridge - a "Case Study of a Redesigned Integrated Bridge"
Written by Michael E. Blake and published by The Yacht Report: Issue 91, February 2008
In March of 2006 the Captain of M/Y Ronin contacted Palladium Technologies, Inc. requesting that they design a modern bridge that would reflect the contemporary feel of the refitted Lurssen interior, as the current helm was the original, circa 1993. Since M/Y Ronin’s owner was the CEO of one of the most successful software companies in the world, the selection of Palladium Technologies to implement this upgrade to the helm would seem a logical request. The Palladium design team flew to Acapulco, Mexico for a site survey and to investigate the full scope of the work involved.
Once back in Florida they went to work creating an ergonomic and highly functional glass bridge for future installation in San Diego. 3-D digital renderings were supplied for review, followed by a complete mock up of the actual bridge design that was built at their production facility and presented to the client for approvals. Considerable design time was directed by Palladium in the creation of the integrated instrument helm panels. These panels contained all of the functionality of the old system, but in a more elegant flat panel which provided the clean look that the owner and Captain required. The focus for layout of the soft switches involved considerable dialog with the Captain, allowing for the exact positioning, and provided a panel design that grouped the most critical and high usage switch functions closest to the center of the helm.
Once Palladium’s designs were accepted, the team went into production creating aluminum substructures for the custom soft switch panels with full dimming and backlighting capabilities. These specialized panels supplied over 180 switching points for such items as the ship’s horn, emergency engine telegraphing, engine controls, wiper controls, B&G switching, video switching, a SiMON controller to emulate the functions of the Kahlenberg horn controller, nine custom cutouts for existing navigation hardware and a Simon 50mm Trackball with multicolor notification and dimming control.
The true challenge was to integrate the old technology that was not being replaced, into the new helm. This was done by removing all existing components and carefully labeling hundreds of respective cables for installation of the new panels, LCD’s, matrix video switch, etc.. Once the European contractors finished the cabinetry, the new 64” x 23” helm control panel which consisted of three pieces were fitted together and prepared for wiring. Seven 21” Nauticomp Sunlight viewable displays were placed “glass bridge style” across the upper viewing plane. From the custom helm panels, the Captain could simply select any of the radars, ECDIS, cameras, engine monitoring, etc., to view on one or all of the LCD displays. To finish this high tech bridge both a NavLight Panel and Deck Light Panel (MIMIC’s) were placed port and starboard respectively, flanking the main helm. Each of these panels provide the full monitoring of these lights, along with control via the soft-switches at a glance.
This project also integrated a custom SiMON system which included a custom designed monitoring screen for the MTU engines, a SiMON anchor system, and a SiMON Pitch and Roll system. SiMON Smart Star Controllers were interfaced to critical systems onboard providing a simple gateway for all of this electronic data.
During the middle of this project with hundreds of wires all hanging loose, all of a critical nature for safe operation of the vessel, a bystander could not help but comment, “how on earth are the Palladium Engineers ever going to get this up and running again”? Success of a project like this can be attributed to a number of key factors and they are;
• Project planning, which carefully constructs the plan of action
• A customer whom is involved, but respects the talents of the vendor
• Engineering and design that is invested heavily on the front end of the project
• A talented team, with a “Can Do” attitude.
Upon completion, the Captain was truly amazed not only with Palladium’s quality of the workmanship, but with the fact that the project was done on schedule and that all of the old equipment worked effectively once the maze of wires were reinstalled with their respective components. This success was attributed to all parties whom were involved in this major bridge refit.
Today, M/Y Ronin has a “State of the Art”, ergonomically pleasing, and highly functional bridge.
Alarm Monitoring System Human Machine Interface Must Be Based on Real-World Experience from Captains and Crew
Written by Michael E. Blake and published by The Yacht Report: Issue 81, February 2007
In recent years, we have seen explosive growth in the complexity of onboard systems for modern Megayachts. These powerful systems can provide a wealth of data for the captain and crew, but manning has not increased proportionally. This can result in data overload – a potentially dangerous condition on a vessel at sea.
- Screen layouts
- Screens navigation