Garmin and the digital switching brand Empirbus have become one since the former bought the latter. To summarize digital switching, we could say that a programmable module replaces the electrical panel. All the consumers on board come back to this box which acts as circuit breakers and switches. This box receives its orders via the NMEA 2000 network. The on-board plotter, via its touch screen, becomes the keyboard to control all this.
EmpirBus - a complete system with infinitely variable parameters
All the interest of the system lies in the compactness of this box. By installing it, you free up space on board. The box is also completely waterproof and particularly reliable. Only, the installation requires to program this box. For example, you have to tell it that port number 12 corresponds to the main beam. This programming, even if it is not very complicated, is still difficult for the average boater. The system works with an interface that handles all the graphic part (WDU box) and allows a complete customization (button design, interactive plan of the boat), but that makes the system even more complex.
Boat Switch, a typical configuration
From this experience, Garmin realized that small boats (up to about 10 m) all have roughly the same needs. Whether it's a RIB or an open hull, the equipment is very similar. This is why the technical team decided to propose the Boat Switch. It is a sort of "light" version of the EmpirBus.
The Boat Switch takes the main module of the EmpirBus system (the Connect50), but delivers it already programmed. To facilitate connection, it comes with a cable harness that indicates where and what to connect: the purple one for the bilge pump for example. So, no need for specific tools, no need for a dedicated plug, the installation is within the reach of all boat owners. And above all, there is no need for programming, as the plotter already has a library (albeit simplified) with switches and gauge or data type fields. The activation is therefore simple.
A starting point to approach digital switching
There is not much missing in this Boat Switch to be equivalent to an EmpirBus system. Except that only one box can be installed (20 output circuits and 7 inputs) and that it is not possible to connect several of them to increase the number of ports. Moreover, the unit is controlled with the plotter, but it is not possible to program scenarios (for example, not being able to use the windlass if the engine is not started).
By targeting small boats that want to simplify their "electrical life", Garmin with the Boat Switch democratizes digital switching. It is available (box and wiring) at 1099 euros TTC.
