Packaging
The Mariner's Edge comes in a secure and attractive packaging, with
effective illustration of the unit's features. The package includes:
· 2 Batteries [CR 2032]
· 1 Screwdriver (to access the battery well and install the batteries)
· 1 Soft carrying case
· 1 User's Manual and 1 Port Booklet (organized by State, LAT/LONG,
and Time Zones)
· 1 belt clip
High marks to those who thought to include the appropriate screwdriver
needed to open the battery well.
Ergonomics & Design
The overall ergonomics of the Mariner's Edge unit are excellent. The
design is modern, effective and pleasant, very appealing yellow color
and better than normal quality finishing. The unit has a simple rugged
look about it. The outer edge is buffered by a strip of softer rubber
which will absorb outdoor abuses. All controls and settings are accomplished
via 4 controls. One large function + and - control, one Set and Backlight
control, a Mode and a Time button. Your thumb finds the buttons easily
and in a short time anybody can master the controls.
Setup
The Owner's manual is very clearly written and setting up is truly a
simple operation as long as you follow the instructions. They provide
necessary information about all the setting and they go the extra mile,
by giving table of Time Zones, information on the source of LAT and
LONG. IN all an excellent support. If you loose patience during set
up, just give it to your kids, they know how to did it fast. [Metric
or english scales can be chosen during the set up.]
Funcionalities & Features
The Mariner's Edge is packed with several functions and it packs it
all in a 3.6 oz little box. The large display screen - 1 5/8 x 1 ¾
is backlit for low light condition and the graphics are sharp and easy
to read. These are the Mariner's Edge features:
· Tidal Information for over 500 locations on the US coast
(including Gulf of Mexico) - high tide and low tide height and
time are clearly displayed and they are provided through the year
2099.
· Barometric pressure with 24 hr. history bar graph
- you must know your present barometric pressure when you first set
up the unit. If you don't have a barometer in the house, use one of
many weather website in your area.
· Audio storm alarm (which works even when unit is turned
off)
· Sunrise / Sunset Times - no secret here, just it is
nice to know when the sun is coming up and setting. Are your navigation
light in good working order?
· Moon Phase and Position
· Fish Feeding Forecast (with 4 hr. of future forecast)
- this is a very unique and distinctive feature of the Mariner's Edge
based on sun/moon and barometric information. Speedtech Instruments
presents this unit this way: "The unique feature of Mariner's
Edge is the fish feeding prediction. The graph on the right side of
the LCD displays the present feeding activity level on the scale form
1(low) to 10 (high). In the present mode, this is for the current
time; in the future mode is the the set time and date".
MEASURES: 4.5" x 2.5" x 7.5:
WEIGHS: 3.6 oz with batteries
How did it work for us?
After a brief set up session, I started scrolling through the various
features of this unit. The unit is well designed, simple to set up and
navigate and true to the manufacturer claims. I particularly liked the
High/Low tide HEIGHT and TIME display. It is also easy to change port
location or to enter new information about LAT and LONG. Sunrise and
sunset times will tell you when to head back to port while the tide
information along with the fish feeding predictor should giving you
a good edge for your next big catch.
Manufacturer Information
Speedtech Instruments specializes in portable and wireless electronic
instruments. Many of their products are made exclusively for this company.
Others are marketed in accordance with exclusive distribution agreements.
In their line of products you will find handheld wind meters, portable
depth sounders, knotmeters, weather stations, recording barometers,
compasses, NOAA weather radios, and fish and elk activity prediction
instruments.
FINAL COMMENT
I have been sailing for 35 years in different waters of the world. We
know how tides and currents are sometimes crucial to a safe trip or
to a successful fishing outing. When I am sailing in the American continent,
I always try to have and update edition of Reed's Nautical Almanac aboard,
which provides, among other things, great tide tables. Well, once again
technology is changing a time tested traditions. Now I can have these
tide table for the next 75 years in this little unit. Impressive. Not
only that but the Mariner's Edge is going to give me a good barometric
reading, sunrise and sunset information, moon phases and a "scientific
good guess" on fish feeding cycles. I will certainly take aboard
with me next time. One feature that I would have loved to see built
in the next model is a thermometer. After all we need to know when we
are ... suffering too much out there.
Have fun in the outdoors!
Maurice Valerio, President & Founder
Top Rated Adventures
We appreciate the support of Speedtech
Instruments and we invite you to check out the
tremendous deals that Speedtech is offering to all the Top Rated
Professionals out there.
