Digital Yacht TriNav GPS160: High-Performance GNSS Positioning for Boats

Digital Yacht’s TriNav GPS160 is a compact, high-performance positioning sensor designed for modern marine navigation. By combining signals from GPS, GLONASS and the newer Galileo satellite systems, the GPS160 delivers robust, redundant positioning with typical accuracy better than 1 metre. Its fast update capability — configurable up to 18Hz — smooths track display on chartplotters and improves dynamic position resolution for navigation and logging.

Flexible, Field-Programmable GNSS Operation

The GPS160 can be field programmed to suit a variety of installations and operational requirements. Users can select single-GNSS operation (for example, Galileo-only) or full multi-constellation tracking, and adjust output parameters such as update rate and NMEA sentence structure. This flexibility makes the GPS160 suitable for new installations or retrofits where integration requirements vary between systems and vessels.

For connectivity the GPS160 is offered with a NMEA 0183 output (programmable baud rates of 4800, 38400 and 115200) and also as a USB variant for easy connection to PCs, Macs and Linux systems. For boats running NMEA 2000 networks, Digital Yacht provides a bundle that includes the iKonvert NMEA 2000 gateway, simplifying installation by avoiding multiple drop cables and enabling straightforward network integration.

Safety Features: MOB Support and AIS SART Messaging

The GPS160 supports a simple external MOB (man-over-board) switch or compatible device. When activated, it generates a synthesized AIS SART-style MOB message on its NMEA output that many modern chartplotters can interpret. Plotters that support this feature display a clear MOB icon plus immediate bearing and distance information, allowing the crew to navigate efficiently back to the casualty.

Why Galileo Matters for Mariners

Galileo is the European global navigation satellite system (GNSS) developed to provide a reliable, high-precision positioning service in addition to existing GPS and GLONASS constellations. The project was designed to deliver free basic services to users worldwide and to offer meter-level horizontal and vertical positioning. By adding Galileo tracking, the GPS160 gains access to a third independent source of navigation signals, improving availability and resilience — particularly useful in challenging reception environments and at higher latitudes.

Installation, Compatibility and Use Cases

The GPS160 is suited to a broad range of marine uses: primary and backup navigation sensors, integration with chartplotters and multifunction displays, race boats requiring high-rate position updates for performance analysis, and leisure craft seeking improved position integrity. The unit’s programmable outputs and multiple interface options make it straightforward to add to existing electronics suites or to use as a dedicated, high-accuracy GPS for positioning and waypoint tracking.

Availability and Pricing

The TriNav GPS160 is available now and carries a list price of $189.95. Digital Yacht also offers wireless and SeaTalk variants for compatibility with older electronics. For full technical details and specification sheets consult the manufacturer’s information pack or the product pages provided by authorized resellers.

Buy the GPS160 now at Defender.com