Electronics question

[jmagel]

Looking to install new electronics over the winter -- I'm thinking simrad NSS12 and a 6kw open array, but can't decide what to do with my 1995 vintage Furuno radar (still working). The bridge on our 48MY has two electronics bays flanking the helm -- one is occupied by the current radar. Option 1 is keep the existing radar and mount the new array on a pedestal further aft. Option 2 is remove the old system and have the space to install 2 screens -- one on each side. Having redundant radars seems smart, but the way I use the boat I might get more use out of the 2 screens. Also, I don't see any boat under 80ft in our marina with 2 radars -- probably not necessary.

 

[caryboat]

Just installed a complete SIMRAD system. NSS12 on flybridge and and Nss7 and NSS8 in salon on a 53MY with the AP28 Auto pilot. Very happy. I used the 4G radome and super clarity on targets in the 8-16 mile range. Takes a bit getting use to from my Raymarine which was easier but change is good

Kevin

 

[luckydave215]

Having two radars IS smart.
Ignoring the advantages of redundancy, having two allows you to set them for different ranges.

 

[Boatnut]

I would not mind having 2 radars, as you mention, two displays appeal to you. I think I do some research and see if you can output the older Furuno to the new displays then put the Furuno a bit out of the way. The ability to have one radar set to watch in close to the boat and one set at a longer range seems like a great thing to have. If you do wind up using 2, consider mounting one higher than the other, that would most likely work best. You don't really want one unit transmitting directly into the other. The bottom line is all I think anyone can do is offer and opinion on this one.

 

[rsmith]

If I still lived in Yankeeland I would want a backup. Your up in Montauk? Need I say more? If you look at most dual radar set ups their mounted on a different elevation or plane. I'm not sure about the new units but in the old Decca 101 days if a close by radar "shot" into your radar it would fry the crystals. I was told by Larry Smith that it could happen even when off and to park the antenna facing away from other boats with scanners on the same plane.

 

[Boatsb]

2 radars is so cool looking and makes you look better than the other guys. Especially when you can get them synchronized.

Reality check guys.

If you have a solid well built system with current electronics and cruise the coast you probably wont need a backup ever. having 2 screens at different ranges is cool but not necessary. by the way you can do 2 different screens on many systems. I have had a 36 and a 2 mile displayed on 2 screens with a single radar.

 

[jmagel]

Thanks for all the responses. i know it's only opinions, but it's very helpful.

Just installed a complete SIMRAD system. NSS12 on flybridge and and Nss7 and NSS8 in salon on a 53MY with the AP28 Auto pilot. Very happy. I used the 4G radome and super clarity on targets in the 8-16 mile range. Takes a bit getting use to from my Raymarine which was easier but change is good

Kevin

Great to here! I heard the NSE is a little snappier on the refresh, but people seem to love the touch screen. I can wait a few milliseconds.

Having two radars IS smart.
Ignoring the advantages of redundancy, having two allows you to set them for different ranges.

If you have a solid well built system with current electronics and cruise the coast you probably wont need a backup ever. having 2 screens at different ranges is cool but not necessary. by the way you can do 2 different screens on many systems. I have had a 36 and a 2 mile displayed on 2 screens with a single radar.

OK - this is what I was wondering. So you don't need 2 radars to view 2 ranges simultaneously? I will confirm this with Simrad.

If I still lived in Yankeeland I would want a backup. Your up in Montauk? Need I say more? If you look at most dual radar set ups their mounted on a different elevation or plane. I'm not sure about the new units but in the old Decca 101 days if a close by radar "shot" into your radar it would fry the crystals. I was told by Larry Smith that it could happen even when off and to park the antenna facing away from other boats with scanners on the same plane.

Yes - I woud lean toward redundancy, but I am worried about complicating the install considering I will have to tier the 2 arrays as you described. I would also probably want the newer unit to be primary and mounted on the forward position on the hardtop. This means I have to move the old array back to the arch on a pedestal and rewire the old unit to the new position. I'm also looking to add a KVH sat, so that's now a 3rd tier.

Going to talk with electronics guy and get some cost implications of the 2 scenarios and report back.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Boatsb]

I dont know if simrad can do the 2 displays of different ranges.

 

[Boatnut]

2 radars is so cool looking and makes you look better than the other guys. Especially when you can get them synchronized.

Reality check guys.

If you have a solid well built system with current electronics and cruise the coast you probably wont need a backup ever. having 2 screens at different ranges is cool but not necessary. by the way you can do 2 different screens on many systems. I have had a 36 and a 2 mile displayed on 2 screens with a single radar.

That's a cool concept, who puts out a unit with the 2 ranges on one screen. Sounds quite expensive, at those 2 ranges the unit has to change frequency. The curiosity is getting me.

 

[Boatsb]

That's a cool concept, who puts out a unit with the 2 ranges on one screen. Sounds quite expensive, at those 2 ranges the unit has to change frequency. The curiosity is getting me.

2 displays can show 2 different ranges. One may be at the nav station and one at the helm.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I installed the NSE12 (2 displays) over the past two years, leaving my old Ray RL80RC system in place. I used an angled pedestal aft of the Ray open array for the new one. I did have to reinforce the hard top to make it more rigid. Redundancy is important. The backlight on my brand new NSE12 unit failed last year when it was just a few months old. At that point I had only installed one display (did the second one this year) and I was nearly 100 nm offshore when it happened. When I returned, Simrad replaced the unit with no problem, but it was my 10 yr old Ray that saved an expensive fishing trip.

If you are still considering models, the NSE has video out capability. What ever I have my display set to (fish finder, radar, chartplotter, etc) can be repeated on my TV in the salon. Great for tuna fishing at night. Fish under the boat are immediately apparent to the crew in the salon - much easier than sitting up in the FB watching the unit. Touch screen on the NSS is nice, but who needs bloody fingerprints all over the screen?

 

[thoward]

Garmin can display 2 ranges on the same MFD, Simrad may as well. I think the single radar array with dual MFDs is enough unless you are a long range traveler.

 

[jmagel]

More good (understandably conflicting) advice. We don't fish offshore -- just coastal cruising, but I would like to be more ambitious when the kids get older. So I need to plan long term (and for resale). Seems like either configuration has it's merits. No wrong answer here. I'll let you know which way we go after I meet with the tech.

 

[jmagel]

OK - one more question to throw out there. Simrad's 4G radar looks very compelling for close-range detail and is a few $$ cheaper than the open array. Maybe the magic combo is to set up the new system with 4G and keep the older Furuno to have both radar technologies available. Also, it looks like only the NSE series allow dual range on one display (as well as beam sharpening), so we'd have to pony up for the more expensive MFD to take advantage of all the 4G benefits

Any one here have experience with the 4G radar?