Chartplotters again

dave_b

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Jan 2003
Messages
95
Location
South Wales
Visit site
I know this has been covered again and again but intend getting the Standard Horizon CP300 and was hoping someone could tell me what the difference is in the 300i or the 300e apart from the obvious - if the one works with an internal antenna why bother with an external one ?? or am I missing something !!/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Agreed, but if you can easily accommodate it I would go for the external antenna which can be sited in an "ideal" position. The internal one is however better if you are mounting on say a wheel pedestal where it is well clear of everything and it's a pain running a cable to say, the transom rail. It also makes it easier to take it inside and lock it away when not on the boat as it's only the power cable that needs to be unplugged.
 
I've just fitted a CP300(e) as a replacement for my Garmin 128. It's a steel boat so the (i)nternal aerial probably wouldn't get a signal. Not tried it out in open water yet but am impressed with the operating instructions and especially the various wiring diagrams--I linked up the nmea wiring to the VHF and it worked first time.

The screen size is fine for my use and it's sited at the chart table out of harms way.

If you're thinking of buying one, shop around as some are offering good prices on the charts.

dansar
 
I think the cp300i cannot be flush-mounted due to the protrusion of its antenna; I don't know if this makes it impossible to mount on a wheel pedestal? Someone out there may have been successful?
 
Jon Brooks gave some excellent advice on here the other day ...

"if you get a good signal with a handheld in the desired position then you can go for the internal, otherwise the external would be better ..." (not a direct quote)

Not sure what an "ideal" position is ... you don't want the antenna up a mast where the pitch and roll will give you funny results, then just about anywhere at deck level will be fine ... as long as it gets a good signal ...
 
Thanks to all.
Just ordered the CP300e - very good deal on CP and chart from Marinescene Penarth.
No connection just always found them good value and always helpful
Dave
 
[ QUOTE ]
What can I say except "Sorry Dan" /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

You could say "Dan, here's a billion pounds please don't feel the need to ever work again." But I'm guessing you're not going to! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
You're right I'm not going to !!!
But if I DID have a Billion pounds would I be worrying about Chartplotters I wonder /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
My rule of thumb works well and is tried and tested /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I would not recomend you flush mount the internal version, for the reasons stated.
The external version comes with the flush mount kit included.

The internal and external units are as sensitive as each other both use the same GPS engine.
The GPS just needs to see sky, clearly.

All the best
 
Er: no criticism intended Dan but it looks a bit like an advert for Navionics. Lots of us prefer C-Map Max! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Top