Remote boat monitoring via mobile phone

The Mastervolt module incorporates the GPRS module into its MasterBus system, which connects all the electrical devices into a single network. This replaces the need for multiple analogue connections to every piece of equipment, with simple plug and play connections linking the MasterBus directly to the GPRS module. This makes installation remarkably straightforward, and keeps down the costs.

The operation of the messaging has also been made as simple as possible. For example, if you text a single question mark (‘?’) to the boat, this becomes a general enquiry, so the module will reply with a main systems check. A typical response could be ‘Shore connection: On. Charger: Charging. Battery: 89%. Fuse box: OK. Inverter: Standby. Watertank: 82%. Fueltank: 59%.’

If more detailed information is needed, such as the state of the 12V domestic system, then the operator would text ‘Battery?’ to the module. A typical text back could read ‘Battery. State of charge: 89%. Voltage: 13.24V. Current. -2.9A. Time remaining: 2 days 2 hours.’ If the enquiry is spelled wrong, such as ‘Batery?’ the module is programmed to be fault tolerant, so should know what is meant. If the keys are completely fumbled, it will say ‘Message not understood.’

To speed up interrogations, the owner can set a series of easy to remember shortcuts into the phone, such as ‘Cold beer’ to control the fridge, or ‘Turn off’ to close the boat down. Another very useful example of a shortcut is ‘Show up.’ This will trigger all the deck lights, so if the operator is rowing out to a darkened anchorage after a good night ashore, the boat will show you where you left it.

Mastervolt’s increased functionality means an owner is far better equipped to deal with alarms, which contain detailed information, and can solve the most common problems from the keypad. The GPRS can also be programmed to send alarms to other phones, but can be blocked when the owner is aboard. To avoid complete strangers dialling up your boat, the module can be configured to only respond to ‘safe’ numbers, although ‘Boat Show Mode’ will allow boat builders to demonstrate the system to potential clients.

To make the system widely accessible, the module is equipped with no less than 10 European languages. It has also been programmed to recognise American terminology.

The Mastervolt GPRS Module comes as a complete kit, including a GPRS antenna, MasterBus cable, MasterBus terminating device and a comprehensive user’s manual. It carries the usual Mastervolt two year worldwide guarantee, which can be extended to five years for complete systems.