A Second Navigation System: A Smart Backup Solution that enhances safety for Inland Shipping and Recreational Boating

Navigation systems have become smarter and more advanced than ever, yet no skipper wants to find himself (or herself) unprepared if their main system fails. Whether you're navigating inland waterways, rivers, or open sea, an additional backup navigation system is not an option, it's a smart safety measure.

Many sailors and fishermen today are opting for PC-based navigation systems as a backup system. They are reliable, highly capable, and independent from your main setup, prepared to take over in critical situations or whenever needed. Moreover, this can be used as a primary setup for yachts as its features and capabilities give recreational sailors all they need to be safe on the water. 

In this article, we'll guide you through a powerful, proven range of products that together create an excellent and efficient backup navigation system, vital for safety. This system gives you full control, with precision and confidence, whether you’re navigating busy inland waters or exploring new coastal routes.

The Backup System That Puts You in Control

This is what sets this range apart:

TIMEZERO Navigator & TIMEZERO European Inland Mega-Wide Vector Chart

At the heart of this system is TIMEZERO Navigator, a highly regarded PC navigation software used by mariners worldwide.

It provides premium features such as route planning, AIS monitoring, radar overlay, weather forecasting, and more.

When paired with the TIMEZERO European Inland Mega-Wide Vector Chart, it becomes an essential tool for navigating European rivers and canals with outstanding detail.

Plan routes with ease, stay up to date on tides and currents, and overlay radar for maximum situational awareness.

TIMEZERO Radar Module

This optional module integrates radar data directly into TIMEZERO Navigator, turning your PC into a full radar workstation.

It enables:

• Real-time radar overlay on charts,
• Automatic target tracking and collision avoidance,
• Smart Radar Mode to indicate unknown or dangerous targets.

Navigate with total clarity, especially in low-visibility environments.

SCX-21 Satellite Compass (SCX-20 is also supported)

Precise heading data is the foundation of safe navigation, and the SCX-21 provides exceptional precision with four GNSS antennas.

It provides dependable heading, pitch, roll, and heave data that improves radar tracking, autopilot performance, and sonar stabilization.

The SCX-21 and radar antenna (like the Furuno DRS6A-NXT) are occasionally bought together for easy installation and fullest integration.

Furuno DRS6A-NXT Doppler Radar (DRS12A-NXT is also compatible)

This solid-state Doppler radar reaches far beyond traditional radar systems:

• Target Analyzer™ easily distinguishes between approaching and stationary targets with ease using color-coded echoes.
• Fast Target Tracking™ enables monitoring of up to 100 moving targets at once.
• RezBoost™ technology sharpens images for optimum clarity at all ranges.

Ideal for detecting obstacles, traffic, and weather conditions, especially in heavy or unknown waters.

How This System Works Together Seamlessly

With this combination, you gain a powerful, full-integrated navigation system that combines radar, heading and charting into an easy-to-use PC interface.

Here's the overall picture:

• The SCX-21 satellite compass keeps your heading precisely stable, so your navigation and radar data remain precise, particularly useful in tight waterways.
• The Furuno DRS6A-NXT radar displays surrounding vessels, buoys, and hazards in real time, with advanced Doppler functions highlighting moving targets.
• The TIMEZERO Radar Module overlays radar images directly onto your charts for a unified view of your surroundings.
• The TIMEZERO Navigator software ties everything together, with detailed inland charts and powerful route-planning features tailored for complex waterways.

In practical terms, this system lets you:

• Spot traffic early and monitor its movement,
• Keep a steady heading even in poor conditions,
• Plan your route safely and adjust as conditions change.

Why Choose This Setup?

This combination isn't just about redundancy, it's intelligent navigating.

Here are the key benefits:

• Peace of Mind: Always have a reliable backup ready to use.
• Increased Safety: combines radar and heading data for total situational awareness.
• Simplicity: Operates from a single PC, with simple-to-use software controls.
• Flexibility: Perfect for both professional and recreational use.

Whether you're navigating the difficult inland waterways, taking a coastal outing, or just want to have the reassurance of a secondary navigation system, this package has you covered.

Find the Products

These products (purchased in a package or separately) can be purchased in our web shop:

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Separately:

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Conclusion

Whether you are a professional in need of a backup system or a recreational sailor looking for a good primary system, investing in a backup navigation system is not just about preparing for emergencies, it's about ensuring every trip is safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.

With this trusted combination of radar, charting, heading and advanced navigation software, you can navigate with confidence, knowing you have all the features you require right at your fingertips.