Anyone have a Furuno 1623 or 1715 radar with speed & heading input ?

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homa

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I really like the Furuno 1623 and particularly the slightly higher spec 1715.

But what I can't determine from the manufacturers brochure/web site is whether only moving or all targets can show a trail.
All it talks about is an "Echo Trail" function - can anyone enlighten me ?

It also talks about an optional input from a GPS for L/L and waypoint navigation, but no mention of a heading sensor.

I'm sure the Furuno must have a similar spec to other manufacturers, as they generally compete on spec and price on like for like equipment.

e.g. The JRC web site is more specific, it mentions the "trail function" for observing the Relative Course of Moving Targets........ and this is for their smallest radar (1000MkII). This is precisely the function I'm looking for on the Furuno.

Tx
Homa
 
Take a look at...

Take a look at the Furuno 1715 manual, and on page 10 you'll see a representation of echo trails, showing that land masses will leave trails too. This is because these budget radars don't have a true motion feature. When I researched the available units before buying mine, the C-series was the best-value option, with true motion, high-def colour screen and combined plotter capability.
 
The 1623 does have a trail facility so that any target leaves a trail on the screen so that you can determine the relative track of that target to yourself. That target could be another vessel or a moored buoy. From the screen menu you can set the time of the trail and also the brilliance. The length of the trail indicates the relative speed.

I have found it a great piece of equipment and can be set so sensitive that even seagulls can be tracked. ( can be a bit worying in the fog when they are on a direct collision course and doing about 20 kts! )
 
Re: Take a look at...

OK tx for that.
I've been trawling the online brochures, hadn't thought to check the online manual.
Looks like it's the JRC for me then. Such a shame as I like the Furuno.
 
Re: Take a look at...

I also looked at the JRC before buying the Furuno.

From what I could establish the JRC does not have the Furuno programable watchman facility which wakes up at 5, 10 or 20 minute periods does a scan for a minute then goes back on standby if no target in alarm zone. This does save a lot of battery power. The quality of Furuno seemed much better also, but my opinion only.
 
Re: Take a look at...

Yes I know,
But if I'm going to be using it in in fog then I'll probably have the engine running so power sonsumption should not be a real problem.
Don't like the idea of relying on a radar guard zone either.
I use radars every day at work and never use guard zones or alarms.

As I said, I like the Furuno, Looks like I'll have to lower my expectations if I get one though.

tx
homa
 
Just to clarify...

Just to clarify, the JRC sets work in the same way as the Furuno sets you've mentioned - in other words, none of them have true motion capability.
 
Re: finally....

Thanks pvb

I was never looking for true motion.

I can input a heading sensor such as a NASA compass for £80 and this should give me compass stabilised display on any JRC set.

Having talked to a very helpful man at Selex comm's, all the small boat radars have the same spec (i.e. minimum standard) and thus are competing on price and to a smaller extent ergonomics rather than adding extra functions.
He did recommend I have a look at the Simrad if I wanted big boat features.

Whatever I go for the final choice will be down to ergonomics and the "feel" of the set so I predict a trip to the SIBS coming up.

Thanks to all who have replied so far.
Homa
 
Now I\'m confused....

Sorry, but I think you've confused me with your mention of a "compass stabilised display". What is it? As far as I'm aware, all the budget radars (JRC1000/1500, Furuno 1623/1715) can only operate in Head-Up mode. You can certainly feed heading data into them, but that will only allow you to get a Mag or True bearing from the EBL - it won't change the display into a North-Up display.
 
Re: Now I\'m confused....

You are right of course, but the relevent manufacturers brochure blurb was not specific enough to determine this, hence I think a trip to SIBS or LIBS is required.
 
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