Which Radar..

After getting caught in thick pea soup today, i have decided for the safety of my family to install a Radar set up. There were alot of idiots out there racing around at 30+knots.
I have a Raymarine c80 and wondered if i should just set a dome to this or weather to have a second dispaly( maybe a different make?) and dome. I think it would be a lot easier to have two displays?
What do you think???:]

I think it would be a lot easier to have two displays?
What do you think???:] Without a doubt. Much better than faffin about moving through pages.

The big advantage of having one display is the way you can overlay the radar over the chart etc. On a RIB I would stick with just the 1.

Older dedicated sets are great though - none of this digital automatic crap - good old analogue knobs to twiddle with for gain/clutter etc - much easier!!!

The big advantage of having one display is the way you can overlay the radar over the chart etc. On a RIB I would stick with just the 1.Is this advice based on personal experience on the water Codders?

Is this advice based on personal experience on the water Codders?

Yup!!!

The big advantage of having one display is the way you can overlay the radar over the chart etc. On a RIB I would stick with just the 1.

Older dedicated sets are great though - none of this digital automatic crap - good old analogue knobs to twiddle with for gain/clutter etc - much easier!!!

I'd agree with that, i much prefer using the older sets on tugs as opposed to newer ones..

One of the shops over here is doing a deal on a GArmain 3010 and a Garmin 18 dome for £1750.00..It seems quite well priced what do you think?

I have a JRC radar and like it a lot. One thing about NOT integrating to one screen is that you gain redundancy. If the GPS/Chartplotter fails for some reason, you may still have a radar.

No experience base with this, but looking at the combined unit demo displays they are too "clean". Radar that is adjusted properly should show some wave top returns. The combined units may be filtering information so the display looks good with the chart readable underneath the radar overlay.

I run the display on the GPS "course up" so both it and the radar have the same orientation. I just glance from one to the other, it is easy to identify comon geographic features on both units once you learn how to read a radar screen.

I bought a couple of "how to" radar books, there was a lot of information about how to use radar than is in the manual. They were good investments.

One of the shops over here is doing a deal on a GArmain 3010 and a Garmin 18 dome for £1750.00..It seems quite well priced what do you think?

That's a lot more than a radome for your Raymarine!!!

The Garmin is also a chartplotter - thought you wanted dedicated? Other than redundency it just doesn't make sense.

Remember the bigger the radome the better - it makes a hell of a difference but may cause problems on a RIB - then again there isn't that much difference in weight between the 18 and 22" - only 1kg - you get more power and a better resolution with the bigger dome.

I didnt need a dedicated radar but i wanted a seperate display for gps and for radar ( i think)
Also the Garmin has a Video in which might be fun..
The Raymarine dome is about £800.. i think, so it would be more viable

After getting caught in thick pea soup today, i have decided for the safety of my family to install a Radar set up. There were alot of idiots out there racing around at 30+knots.
I have a Raymarine c80 and wondered if i should just set a dome to this or weather to have a second dispaly( maybe a different make?) and dome. I think it would be a lot easier to have two displays?
What do you think???:]

Likewise, we were down to 20m viz. Had issues with a tanker which was underway albeit very slowly, we couldn't see his nav or deck lights at all. He let go with his fog horn and we nearly dumped our pants! We passed a lighthouse at less than 0.5m and couldn't see the light. We had to check and double check with Fal coastguard re. shipping at anchor in the bay and Carrick Roads to avoid running into any of it. Dropping our speed had run us late into the night. It was the worst viz I'd ever experienced. Yep, Radar for me also.:rolleyes:

Likewise, we were down to 20m viz. Had issues with a tanker which was underway albeit very slowly, we couldn't see his nav or deck lights at all. He let go with his fog horn and we nearly dumped our pants! We passed a lighthouse at less than 0.5m and couldn't see the light. We had to check and double check with Fal coastguard re. shipping at anchor in the bay and Carrick Roads to avoid running into any of it. Dropping our speed had run us late into the night. It was the worst viz I'd ever experienced. Yep, Radar for me also.:rolleyes:

It can be very scary the way thing suddenly loom out of the fog at you. One trick is to go into shallow water - no chance of meeting a big ship then. Chart plotters have made things much easier though.

Scariest place has to be Worms Head - there is a blow hole that makes an awful sighing moaing sort of noise - very scary indeed but at least it must be one of the few headlands with it's own inbuilt foghorn!!!

I didnt need a dedicated radar but i wanted a seperate display for gps and for radar ( i think)
Also the Garmin has a Video in which might be fun..
The Raymarine dome is about £800.. i think, so it would be more viable

Looks like it makes sense to go for the Raymarine radome and see how you get on. If you want another display at a later date you can just get another Raymarine display.

IIRC the latest Raymarine E series kit can accept a video input.

One of the shops over here is doing a deal on a GArmain 3010 and a Garmin 18 dome for £1750.00..It seems quite well priced what do you think?

So have you got one yet ?

So have you got one yet ?

Nope..
Still looking around
Advice from a furuno dealer was very good but confused me a bit and it meant spending over £3000 :eek:
So what i need is to see one in action on a rib!! (hint hint):)

Tony, stick with Raymarine. Simply because your sytem will be much more versatile having units which can fully communicate with each other. Searider's suggestion of buying a Raymarine raydome and seeing how you get on is a good one because you will be able to display split screen chart and radar. It'll be a bit small but you may find it satisfactory. It's only a matter of connecting a cable to the back of your present unit so it can easily be moved to another display if required in the future.

Tony, stick with Raymarine. Simply because your sytem will be much more versatile having units which can fully communicate with each other. Searider's suggestion of buying a Raymarine raydome and seeing how you get on is a good one because you will be able to display split screen chart and radar. It'll be a bit small but you may find it satisfactory. It's only a matter of connecting a cable to the back of your present unit so it can easily be moved to another display if required in the future.


Err that's what I though I said when you argued against it???

Tony remember to get the bigger dome if you think it will fit - the weight isn't much different but the resolution will be.

Err that's what I though I said when you argued against it??? Err, no. You said use one display so that radar overlay can be used. I said use one display to see how he gets on. I still think two displays is the way to go. Versatile.

For me, the problem with radar overlay is that both the chart and the radar need to be at the same zoom setting so, while occasionally useful, I not convinced that it's a good reason to stick with just one display. I frequently adjust my chart zoom but normally work on a 2 mile radar screen and change it only occasionally.

I would expect the radar info to be able to be passed between two Raymarine units, is this not the case?

Err, no. You said use one display so that radar overlay can be used. I said use one display to see how he gets on. I still think two displays is the way to go. Versatile.

For me, the problem with radar overlay is that both the chart and the radar need to be at the same zoom setting so, while occasionally useful, I not convinced that it's a good reason to stick with just one display. I frequently adjust my chart zoom but normally work on a 2 mile radar screen and change it only occasionally.

I would expect the radar info to be able to be passed between two Raymarine units, is this not the case?

Must be - I am sure you can have dual stations.

so if you have no radar just a Garmin 178c, so starting from scratch what would you spec?

so if you have no radar just a Garmin 178c, so starting from scratch what would you spec?

Depends how much you want to spend and how much you will use it.

Something like the Furuno 1623

http://www.boatbitz.co.uk/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=29&products_id=25275&osCsid=44db66ea5b34b8edf947cd983a3ba1fa

Shop around though and you may get it for less but don't go near Cactus/MES.

so if you have no radar just a Garmin 178c, so starting from scratch what would you spec?

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=151&pID=225

Neat as a pin, plugs straight in.

I've found them in the States on Ebay for $999.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=151&pID=225

Neat as a pin, plugs straight in.

I've found them in the States on Ebay for $999.

Won't work with a Garmin 178C though. That plotter isn't Garmin Network Compatible. :(

:thumbs: Guys,

My 7.8m has a C80 / DSM 300 Sounder with transome mopunt / Wifi Lifetag system, 2kw RADAR, (AIS is been fitted this week) and interfaced with NMEA to Suzuki 300 and to Raymarine 240E DSC VHF. I also have a Gecko intercom system PTT integrated.

My back up is Garmin Handheld on bike mount / Simrad RD 68

Backup for this handbearing compas and handheld

Anyway to the point - the Rig is awsome and not over the top as I do x channel, Belgium, holland etc if anyone would like to come have a look at the installation poke around ask questions fiddle with the knobs buttons your more than welcome. Also happy to try and answer any tech questions on the Raymarine stuff.

Cheers

Greg

Won't work with a Garmin 178C though. That plotter isn't Garmin Network Compatible. :(

Eh?! What a load of junk!!!!:D

I'll probably be accused of being biased, but I like the plug and play nature of my Raymarine gear.

My C120 display is connected up to the external GPS Ariel, a DSM300 Digital Fishfinder module, and transom mount 600W Transducer. Plus Navionics chart of course.

If I needed Radar, all would have to do is mount the dome, connect it to a power supply, and plug it in the back of the C120.

However, I do think that the C80 is a little small screen size wise to split 3 ways.

Nasher

Nasher

Probably agree with you the 3 way spit is a little tight, but the flexibillity to customise the screen splits helps. Don't use the RADAR that often so not really a problem. Looking forward to getting the AIS module as this will be overlaid on the Chart, just plugs in between the vhf and plotter. P&P
Quite a few ribs have twin display set ups so keeping the functionality, and packaging it smaller and thus having redundancy is useful.

cheers

gm

www.2012marine.com

Eh?! What a load of junk!!!!:D

Yep - you have to get into the higher end Garmin kit (3000+ series) to have Network Compatibility. It would run the bill up a bit as the list price of the 3005C (5" screen) plotter is pushing £900 and no sounder included. :eek:

Yep - you have to get into the higher end Garmin kit (3000+ series) to have Network Compatibility. It would run the bill up a bit as the list price of the 3005C (5" screen) plotter is pushing £900 and no sounder included. :eek:

It would appear which ever Radar road one should go down it ain't cheap.:rolleyes:

Signed up for the Datmouth bash yet Dai?

Signed up for the Datmouth bash yet Dai?

Yes - just need to put a couple more patches on my Flatacraft and change the plug on my Seagull. :D

Nasher

Probably agree with you the 3 way spit is a little tight, but the flexibillity to customise the screen splits helps. Don't use the RADAR that often so not really a problem. Looking forward to getting the AIS module as this will be overlaid on the Chart, just plugs in between the vhf and plotter. P&P
Quite a few ribs have twin display set ups so keeping the functionality, and packaging it smaller and thus having redundancy is useful.

cheers

gm

www.2012marine.com

What AIS module have you gone for? I have basically the same set up but went for the 4Kw Radome instead of the 2.
We have both Furuno and Raymarine stuff on the boats and the Raymarine stuff is by far easier to work and IMHO every bit as good as Furuno.
cheers
Andy

What AIS module have you gone for? I have basically the same set up but went for the 4Kw Radome instead of the 2.
We have both Furuno and Raymarine stuff on the boats and the Raymarine stuff is by far easier to work and IMHO every bit as good as Furuno.
cheers
Andy


Andy

I believe Greg has gone for the (very) new Raymarine AIS module.

Nasher.

On the money,

The AIS250 is a switched dual channel, multiplexed system, which means a single receiver uses complex software to monitor AIS Class A and Class B transmissions over both standard VHF frequencies. For ease of fitting, the AIS250 uses a splitter circuit to utilise the existing VHF antenna and cabling, and links to the existing VHF radio on board.

Raymarine’s E and C Series multifunction displays have been upgraded to show AIS symbols and information directly on to both the chartplotter and radar screens.

GM

am i right in thinking th AIS thingy will only pick up other boats with AIS?
So in theory it is better at detecting other boats in poor conditions?
thanks
you have all been very helpful
Tony

am i right in thinking th AIS thingy will only pick up other boats with AIS?
So in theory it is better at detecting other boats in poor conditions?
thanks
you have all been very helpful
Tony

AIS data is transmitted by vessels - if they are not transmitting or sending out the wrong data then you are none the wiser. It tends to be commercial vessels that transmit the info so it's great if a fast ferry is heading for you but won't show up a Sunseeker at 40kts!!!


I think there is a move to class b transmitters for private boats but things may get a bit cluttered in some areas!!!

Does the radar do any damage to your head on a RIB, I am think the scaner is on the A fram sending a singnal through your head. And how does it effect the GPS which is going to be close on a A frame?

Would you stand in front of a microwave with the door open?

Would you stand in front of a microwave with the door open?

yeh,

With silver foil wrapped round my head. He He :@ :@

Depends how much you want to spend and how much you will use it.

Something like the Furuno 1623

http://www.boatbitz.co.uk/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=29&products_id=25275&osCsid=44db66ea5b34b8edf947cd983a3ba1fa

Shop around though and you may get it for less but don't go near Cactus/MES.

We got all our Raymarine stuff from Catus and it was fine, However when i looked closer i could have got it just as cheep from Marine Superstore at Portsolent

I'm starting from scratch so not really in the same boat, but I am going for the Garmin 3010c & GMR18 radar.

I started of seeing a friends Garmin 4008 on his boat and wanting one. After looking at specs in detail I found the 3010c package deal which seems to good to turn down. Maybe I am wrong but the Garmin radar (4kw, 36nm) seems to outperform the Raymarine counterpart whilst the 3010c itself offers video input and much more, almost in fact the same as the Raymarine E series.

I intend to part with my money tomorrow afternoon so if anyone thinks I am making a bad decision please let me know asap. I can't honestly see what though.

Is this the £1999.00 deal, if it had been around when we wanted one i would have jumped at it

Just got back from the Bladerun 500nm in 4 days, and Amsterdam - Ramsgate in one go on Sunday.

Arrived in Rotterdam at midnight friday in less than ideal sea conditions with 3 other vessels, having left Ramsgate at 2pm and via Blankenberg to refuel. The transit from the harbour enterance to the Veerhaven was 11nm. No speed limit on the river!!

I ran the E80 3D Platinum mapping with AIS overlay (Showing speed and projected track of vessels) and RADAR trimmed down to .5nm, Absolutely perfect situational awarenes. Even got a bowl of soup from the Dutch pilot vessel....Fab.

The Raymarine kit is worth every penny.:thumbs:

I'm starting from scratch so not really in the same boat, but I am going for the Garmin 3010c & GMR18 radar.

I started of seeing a friends Garmin 4008 on his boat and wanting one. After looking at specs in detail I found the 3010c package deal which seems to good to turn down. Maybe I am wrong but the Garmin radar (4kw, 36nm) seems to outperform the Raymarine counterpart whilst the 3010c itself offers video input and much more, almost in fact the same as the Raymarine E series.

I intend to part with my money tomorrow afternoon so if anyone thinks I am making a bad decision please let me know asap. I can't honestly see what though.

The performance of RADAR is entirely down to the scanner. The size of the scanner and it's height above sea level are what counts. You are NOT going to get 36nm on a RIB!!!

The bigger the scanner the better. Weight is the key thing but the Raymarine 24" 4kw is only 1kg more than the 18" - that's not much!!!

I can't see you going wrong with Garmin - I like their stuff but they are much newer to radar than Raymarine.

And talking of RADAR I don't think I will bother - for the same price I may be able to get FLIR!!!

well i went for the Garmin. I took your point on the weight, the garmin was lighter than Raymarine. As for size they both state 18" however the garmin looks neater. I even managed to install it myself! pos and neg power, then an internet type cable, simple as!!!!