T
here are brands that you see on boats that you would probably assume are the product of some overseasbased conglomerate, but you may be very wrong. In fact, some of our most common brands are homegrown, and had it not been for a Kiwi's foresight and forward-thinking, they may never have happened. When it comes to dedicated marine electrical systems, they have been around for more than 100 years. The Titanic used radio waves to detect the underwater extent of icebergs, albeit not very successfully. From there, it was a small step to using the same technology to locate ships. Sonar, which uses sound waves rather than radio waves, can detect underwater objects other than icebergs and surface ships. It can be aimed straight down to measure depth and coincidentally "see" fish. Welcome the fishfinder and the MFD, a tool we use on everything from 4m tinnies to ocean liners. In 1935 we got radar, thanks to a Scottish physicist, and after WW2, when life started to get back to normal and leisure boating started to take off, marine electronics took on a whole new focus. It wasn't just about military and commercial use, it was developing something that would suit the recreational boatie. With the help of the space program and Silicon Valley, paper charts, astrolabes, sounding lines, and sextants have largely been traded for GPS, computer-integrated chartplotters, AIS, satellite television and autopilots. Distress beacons that can be picked up and transmitted by satellites in orbit can bring help more quickly and accurately than earlier methods. Plus, what we put in our boats these days has changed. When once, at best, it was a big bracket-mounted paper sounder, a distress radio, plus a transistor, today you have a lot more, and they are more compact. MFD (Multi-Function Displays) cover most of it by incorporating everything you need, such as radar, sonar, AIS and charting. The options are many, no matter what area of electronics you are looking for in your boat, and over recent years, it has grown incredibly. Looking for a VHF, radar or maybe an MFD, you are spoiled for choice, and often, the decision will be made on price, size and what your mates are using on their boat. New Zealand has always had access to international brands, but for some Kiwi electrical engineers, that wasn't enough. Like the mousetrap, someone always has an idea for a better one. We look at some of those innovative New Zealand companies that went down their own path and not only took on the big guns but, in some cases, became them. Others saw their product gain such success that they were purchased by established international companies, accelerating their exposure on the world stage.
BEP – BATTERY MANAGEMENT BEP produces digital switching, battery management, and circuit electrical solutions for the harsh marine and RV environments. The company was started in 1995 by Bruce Edward Pratt. BEP’s product line has expanded to include a broad range of circuit protection, batteries and battery management, power distribution panels, monitors, and digital switching technology. The engineers and product managers at BEP continue to develop the next generation of power management products. The company's products are designed to easily integrate into simple or comprehensive electrical systems. The two most recognised is the PRO INSTALLER Range which incorporates individual battery management switches, multi-switch panels and remote-operated VSR, and the Smart Battery Hub, an all-in-one battery management system with remotely activated switches. The company also offers power distribution panels, monitoring systems, circuit protection, connectors and insulators.
CONNEXWIRE – HARNESSING WIRE
Connexwire Limited started out as a niche manufacturer, designing panels and looms to suit the individual requirements of its customers. Originally named Aquatech Marine Limited, the company was re-branded to Connexwire Limited in 2011 to reflect the diversification to providing harnesses, looms and switch panels to the marine, automotive and OEM industries in New Zealand. Continuing to innovate is Connexwire's focus and they have developed further generations of switch panels. Because they recognise that space is increasingly at a premium due to larger screens on electronics, they now offer fused, backlit panels which take up less of the valuable dash real-estate than other major brands. Connexwire continues to grow and has expanded into Australia, and will continue to look for key opportunities globally while developing and maintaining their core business in New Zealand and Australia. Connexwire will be amongst close to 30 New Zealand companies attending METS 2023. Connex has an extensive range of switch panels, toggle switches, rocker switches and battery switches. The own unique 6 and 4 way fused, back-lit switch panels with fuse blown indicator are proudly designed and manufactured in New Zealand. They are able to fully customise the switch configurations to your needs including adding service-inoperation indicators.
