- ryanporter84
Upgrade means upgrade
An example being you upgrade from a traditional PABX telephone system to a networked IP phone. The desktop phone usually consists of an A5 sized phone with some quick buttons and other features and a wired handsets. With this upgrade we usually don’t really see or feel the difference apart from it being shiny and new, and that is it. The end user won't tend to notice a dramatic effect from upgrading. These desktop IP do serve a purpose; however, let's add a bit of glam to the system such as adding some IP wireless phones into the mix. Let's add a bit of a change to the system if we are going to rip the old out and put new in making it feel like an “upgrade”.
Example 2: Icom radios being changed for the latest icom radios because “that’s what we had already.” We should see all of the options that are available to us in 2019. There are a vast amount of radios out there on the market so be sure to get the right advice before swapping out. Caution should be taken if you have repeaters and work within a fleet. Check everyone is on the same page before you decide what is right for your Yacht and fleet.
Example 3: The boss requested a new AV upgrade. You do some homework to find the correct systems and integrator and put your master plan into action. When it is finally signed off, you end up with new hardware in the racks (which the boss doesn’t see), New 4K TV and a new iPad to control the system. That could be it. The boss has now invested a fortune into a new system to now only see and feel a new TV and iPad. Depending on the yacht and because some owners like to stick to their traditional ways, interacting with their AV system try and convince them to upgrade to a better GUI to feel the experience even more. AV interaction has come a long way since your past upgrade or original install. How about adding a new remote type with the small LCD screen. Have you considered a projector option? If you are going to use the existing cabling make sure it is fit for the job. (See one of our articles on Cabling to make sure it is suitable for the job).
The above points are to give you a bit of light on when we upgrade, it should feel like an upgrade. As crew or management, it is your job to make sure it’s what you want, not what the integrator wants. Be sure to have an open mind and look at numerous options, and you will not go far wrong at all.