Garmin Modular System

M

Mr Proach

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 Sep 2014
Messages
145
Location
Home = Brisbane, Boat = Denia
Visit site
I have a Cranchi A40 that I'm looking to upgrade the navionics on. I'm tempted by a Garmin system, essentially a pair of chart plotters, a large one on the helm with a second on the Flybridge. I would also like to upgrade with the Garmin radar and possibly the autopilot integration, but I've never heard of anyone upgrading to Garmin on this scale?

Any experience, good, bad or indifferent would be most welcome.
 
Vortex said:
I have a Cranchi A40 that I'm looking to upgrade the navionics on. I'm tempted by a Garmin system, essentially a pair of chart plotters, a large one on the helm with a second on the Flybridge. I would also like to upgrade with the Garmin radar and possibly the autopilot integration, but I've never heard of anyone upgrading to Garmin on this scale?

Any experience, good, bad or indifferent would be most welcome.
Click to expand...
I didn't think Garmin will take Navionics? They only use their own charting?
 
I've done new install to that scale and beyond, and love Garmin. The only annoyance is absence of reset-XTE; one day in a software update they will cure that. The radars are all new this year, with variable frequency transmission (Garmin are calling them "Fantom"). The autopilot integrates very nicely; you can use it/control it from the little dedicated controller, from the large plotter screens, from iPad/phone, or via a Garmin GRID which allows steer by joystick
 
jfm said:
I've done new install to that scale and beyond, and love Garmin. The only annoyance is absence of reset-XTE; one day in a software update they will cure that. The radars are all new this year, with variable frequency transmission (Garmin are calling them "Fantom"). The autopilot integrates very nicely; you can use it/control it from the little dedicated controller, from the large plotter screens, from iPad/phone, or via a Garmin GRID which allows steer by joystick
Click to expand...

Is the autopilot interface complicated to fit? I'm assuming that the existing drivers would also need replacing as they probably won't be compatible with the turn signals from Garmin?
 
Vortex said:
Is the autopilot interface complicated to fit? I'm assuming that the existing drivers would also need replacing as they probably won't be compatible with the turn signals from Garmin?
Click to expand...
No. The existing autopilot rudder drive gear, if it is solenoid valve or direct DC reversible motor, can usually be wired to a Garmin a/pilot. You'd need the retrofit version which comes without a hydraulic pump of its own - https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-...al-retrofit-solenoid-corepack/prod501325.html

Install instructions here http://static.garmin.com/pumac/GHP_Reactor_Mechanical_Install_EN-US.pdf
 
I have the Garmin 820xs chartplotter, with a remote transponder for depth that reads out on the screen, Garmin 200i Radio, 10i remote handset, and AIS 600 transceiver; It is a very nice, well integrated package that works very well, and Garmin's after sales service is great too.
 
Yep, I have had 2 boats with the Garmin AIS 600, which is the transmit as well as receive model. It's pricey (£600 ish) but all transmitting AIS units seem to be. I like it very much and would buy it again, but "worth the expense" is a difficult concept to apply to most of my boat or any boat to be honest!

When comparing prices, remember (1) the garmin /ais600 includes an integrated splitter allowing you to use a single aerial for both AIS and VHF; many units require you to buy an additional splitter (I use 2 separate aerials actually, but this is relevant if you don't) (2) it is nicely programmable via PC; that has all been done well and reliably; (3) unlike many of the smaller ones, it is in a sturdy cast aluminium sealed housing with heat sinking etc and it will transmit for a little but longer than some others if your boat goes down; (4) it talks to your plotter over nmea2000 not 0183, which is a bit better and certainly neater to install, and involves no buying of a multiplexer which some 0183 units will need

That said, it is quite big so if your under-dash space is VERY tight you might prefer to buy a smaller AIS
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top