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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Standard Horizon Chartplotters

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/02/2009 : 14:52:51

Does anyone here have a SH Chartplotter? I am keeping an eye out for deals, and thought there might be an advantage in matching a chartplotter to my radio. The most obvious advanctage is in wiring together the DSC function.

Anyone have thoughts on these? How much does one brand differ from the next? Since I am going to be buying a low end model (I don't need a huge screen in my cockpit) I don't expect any of them to make me coffee in th emorning(2 sugars, no cream), but I do want easy navigation, an easy to trigger MOB function that doesn't false alarm all the time (which my handheld has a chronic problem with), and a sunlight viewable screen.

Your input is much appreciated!

"Iris"
1984 FK/SR #4040
http://frosthaus.blogspot.com/

Take a minute to register your boat with the association!!
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/owner_questionnaire.htm

Edited by - Prospector on 04/02/2009 14:54:21

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/02/2009 : 15:05:42

The [url="http://www.standardhorizon.com/"]Standard Horizon[/url] web site has the user manuals online so you could go check and see if the wiring would be easier if both the VHF and GPS came from the same manufacturer. We have an iCom VHF and a Garmin GPS and they hooked up just fine and work together well.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/02/2009 : 15:34:48

Thanks Nauti - Right now I have the SH Radio wired to a Lowrance handheld. I don't have complaints about either piece of equipment - well, OK I do, but those fall outside this post, but the connection is at best clunky, and I don't want to depend on it too much. This is after paying $50 for the *right* patch cable from LEI accessories, and soldering the patch cable (bare ends) and radio wires (bare ends) to DB-9 serial connector.

I guess that since I am goin gto buy a chartplotter anyway, I figure I might as well get the matching suite. Then the handheld falls to a new role as backup.

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2009 : 12:27:09

I have used Standard Horizon equipment on my boat for many years and find it to be very reliable. When I did have a problem, as the result of a lightning strike, I was given very favorable pricing to replace electronics that couldnot be repaired. Good company,good product, great customer service. My only regret is that they have quit supplying replacment covers for my depth and speed log.

Edited by - aeckhart on 04/03/2009 12:33:05

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2009 : 12:55:40

Thanks Al. The local Chandlery swears by them, but I noticed that some of the bigger chains don't carry them. I wasn't sure if it was because of distribution, demand, quality, or pricing/markup.

FWIW, I'm considering this model: http://ca.binnacle.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=219&products_id=6810 it looks adequate for a boat the size of ours.

Edited by - Prospector on 04/03/2009 15:55:53

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5376 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2009 : 17:13:48

I was looking for a chart plotter to provide me with GPS coordinates to connect to my VHF for the VSC function. But when I looked at the price for a new one, I just could not justify it. Yes, it provides you with instant situational awareness, helps you avoid hazards and lets you instantly calculate your position, speed, leeway, time to go and other piloting functions. But it was just not to be, for me.

I went to my favorite WM store just after the holidays in Jan, and the owner Jack told me they had an older B&W unit that was still fresh in the carton, was new, had all the manuals and software, and continued to be supported. The chartplotter model itself, however, was discontinued, but the series goes on. And all this for about $299.00. I realize that's an awesome price for the capabilities.

I decided that it was just not for me. Instead, I got a mapping GPS from Garmin, the GPS 72. It has all the nautical waypoints I'd ever need, and if I needed some more, I could add them. I've got another handheld with basic charts.

I got the Garmin data cable on sale for $12 instead of $28 (on the closeout table, it had a lot of dust on it and was intended for an older unit, but it fits like a glove) and downloaded the NMEA communication protocol. I have not tried to write a C++ program to update my own personal waypoints, but I still might.

Instead, I will manually enter them from my charts wherever necessary.

I hooked it up one day and it's fine, I can see my Lat & Lon on the radio display, and I can watch the waypoints go by. I never go out without a compass and hard copy charts, so I have a belt, another belt and suspenders.

I hope this will do it for me, except for FOG. That's a hazard you can't buy electronics to combat, but you do really need good common sense for that.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2009 : 12:18:05

Chris, I wouldn't be concerned about the manufacturer for interfacing between a GPS and a VHF... If the GPS has a "data cable", you can connect to the DSC radio's cable. The communication is via NMEA standards.

Of more importance to me is the interface to a PC, such that I can view the same charts and manage my waypoints and routes on my PC, and then download them to the GPS. From things I've read on that, Garmin's newer models don't appear to match up to what I can do with my 276-C, which is disappointing. I'm happy with the 276, but I've thought about something with a somewhat larger display--sometime after Humpty Dumpty puts my nest-egg back together again.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.