Discussion of the Day-- RADAR...

CMBobby · 04-16-2009, 09:01 AM

Hello THT! Another Daily discussion presented by Consumers Marine. If you want to join in just post some comments (or questions if you've got some). I'm going to bring up RADAR today. We've got a lot of new stuff happening this year like the new Broadband Radar from Navico. Si-tex just released their dual range digital Radar and so far it's looking like a winner-- the unit even has a video input built in! The multifunction units can do Radar overlay, which paints a Radar picture right onto your charts (you need a compass, of course), so that adds a whole new dimension of navigating your boat. These options have their pitfalls, though, because say for instance you have your multifunction unit go down in the middle of a voyage. Then you are missing Radar, GPS and perhaps even more. The idea of having separate stations is still very common, but people are moving towards the multifunction units more and more due to the extra features that come with having everything consolidated. So my questions to you guys are: What do you prefer? What do you use? Do you like having your Radar as a stand alone and why? What kind of boater are if you do like them separate? Thanks for all your feedback!

mscontender · 06-18-2009, 09:45 AM

THT rules! I prefer the all in one type for ease of use as well as chart overlay features. I use my radar for three functions, running into the harbor at night or low vis situation, running at night in open water and watching weather. Where the single unit really helps is in the harbor situation as it is easier to be looking at one display with both chart and radar with the same scale. I find it confusing if the scales or chart orientation (ie chart up, north up, course up) are not exactly the same it can be very confusing. With running at night in open water or looking for weather this is not very critical and having a second larger display would most likely be better. Another plus to same unit is I find them easier to learn and the formats and buttons are all the same.

MScontender

CMBobby · 06-23-2009, 04:11 PM

Thanks for your post MScontender.

You've highlighted some aspects that are very important when considering whether or not to go with a multi-function or multiple stand-alone units. I like that you pointed out it being easier, or in my opinion, sometimes safer, to just have one display to look at.

A primary reason for these plotters/radars is for safely navigating, and being able to consolidate all your data in one screen means less places to look around, which could potentially have you looking away from what's really important: what's right in front of you!

Now, this isn't as critical when you are in open water and you can see all around you on a clear day, but in certain conditions this can be a very important thing to consider-- how many machines do you have to turn your head to in order to navigate? One unit is ideal if it displays all your information logically on one page that way you don't have to re-focus your attention on anything else-- you can have your main screen right in front of you with your eyes peaking over the top or underneath your display so as to keep a constant eye on where you are heading.

The split screen can be somewhat effective at achieving this, but as MScontender notes, you can do a Radar overlay with a heading sensor attached via NMEA so you can have your Radar line up nicely with your chart virtually giving you fewer "screens" to look at. Because even in split screen mode you are essentially looking at two screens, they just happen to be on the same display. This, again, helps keep your focus on commanding the boat and reduces having to concentrate on a number of differing screens. Of course all of this assumes you know how to use your machine well enough to effectively utilize these features.

Thanks again for the comments, and anybody please feel free to post your ideas or questions.

surfcaster51 · 06-23-2009, 06:49 PM

I am in the market for a new radar and have been very impressed with the new broadband by navico.
All the Video's and info I have seen show the short range performance to be outstanding.
Even though one mile and less is where I will use it most of the time it is nice to have a look out a few miles to see what is there.
Any idea on the range of these radars and how they perform out to several miles or more?

Thanks......

Soldier Bouy · 06-27-2009, 03:25 AM

I have considered spending the money on an all-in-one because my boat does not have any electronics now, I can get everything in a neat package, less wires to run, less power consumption and the neatness of only one mounting bracket or one flush mount monitor in my cockpit. I see many boats that have 4 or 5 different systems strung across the top of their cockpit and wonder how they see the docks with all that stuff in the way. So that's my opinion. Now I am trying to learn what all the features are so I can make a smart and economical purchase.

CMBobby · 06-29-2009, 12:04 PM

Hey guys, thanks for your posts! I'm sorry to have taken so long to respond.

First to surfcaster:

The new broadband radar has a 24NM rating and so theoretically it could get way out there, but keep in mind that height is a key factor when determining how far a radar will go in your application. We have a chart in our catalog that helps determine what a radars range would be based on your mounting height-- this is all because of the curve of the earth. Here's a link to the chart:

Click Here

Maybe that'll help explain it's range in terms of height a bit better than I could write out for you.

To Soldier Buoy:

There are a number of choices out there when it comes to multi-function machines. If you give us a call we can help determine what would perhaps work best for your application. Let us know if you have any specific questions about it, and thanks again for your comments!