Matsutec HP-33A

[SiteSurfer]

I know this device has been well received on here, I'm in a position to purchase one and would like a very quick opinion on a couple points:

• If within the last 6 months - and bought direct - how did you pay?
• Is the HP-33A still a viable model?
• Any issues I need to be aware of?
• Purchasing mainly for 2 channel crossings, otherwise we are coastal hoppers (for now) - silly purchase?

 

[TSB240]

I know this device has been well received on here, I'm in a position to purchase one and would like a very quick opinion on a couple points:

• If within the last 6 months - and bought direct - how did you pay?

Not last 6 months but by credit card...

• Is the HP-33A still a viable model?

Yes...

• Any issues I need to be aware of?

If you plan on using the HP33 it will only output NMEA from one port at one baud rate so you need a multiplexer if you plan using it for GPS and AIS feed to a plotter.

• Purchasing mainly for 2 channel crossings, otherwise we are coastal hoppers (for now) - silly purchase?
• Most definitely not. It is another useful tool but take other/additional precautions in poor visibility as some large vessels may not either have or be transmitting AIS

I no longer use any other cockpit mounted plotter for navigation. Fantastic daylight screen Used in conjuction with Open CPN at nav station gives a much better display of ais targets and dangers and lets other AIS users know you are there for the price of a receiver only...

 

[SiteSurfer]

Not last 6 months but by credit card..

Hmmm, I'm only being given the option of bank transfer which is whats making me nervous.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Hmmm, I'm only being given the option of bank transfer which is whats making me nervous.

Are you buying from the makers, contact Susan? I paid with Paypal and it went very well. I like having the AIS and it's a superb standalone GPS.

 

[TSB240]

Hmmm, I'm only being given the option of bank transfer which is whats making me nervous.

No one has reported any issues when dealing direct.
Contact with Susan was good.
Someone is selling new E bay from in UK at the moment. £270 +15 postage

 

[SiteSurfer]

sales003@huayang-tech.com Susan, is what im using. only accept paypal under 100 dollars.

I'm negotiating at the moment about a sudden addition of $25 'fees'.

 

[nigelmercier]

Hmmm, I'm only being given the option of bank transfer which is whats making me nervous.

Why? Would you be nervous about sending a cheque?

 

[rogerthebodger]

sales003@huayang-tech.com Susan, is what im using. only accept paypal under 100 dollars.

I'm negotiating at the moment about a sudden addition of $25 'fees'.

Interesting

What kind of price are you guys getting buying direct.

I have been considering the HA-102 which is the same but without the display for $275.50 which shipping $1.15 this is via Aliexpress

The HP-33A is $ 379.05 with shipping $1.75.

 

[SiteSurfer]

Why? Would you be nervous about sending a cheque?

Because in earlier threads it was said that paypal was accepted, not taking credit cards or similar is quite unusal these days.

 

[SiteSurfer]

I have been quoted $340 plus the fees of $25 for 'banking'.

 

[nigelmercier]

Because in earlier threads it was said that paypal was accepted, not taking credit cards or similar is quite unusal these days.

They have to pay around 3% for these, which may be the reason.

 

[SiteSurfer]

I understand about card charges, however - the $25 fee took me by surprise - that's like 7.5%...

 

[BlueChip]

Interesting

What kind of price are you guys getting buying direct.

I have been considering the HA-102 which is the same but without the display for $275.50 which shipping $1.15 this is via Aliexpress

The HP-33A is $ 379.05 with shipping $1.75.

I don't use the screen on mine, its too small to be of any use other than a compass/position display and I already have those functions.
I output the NMEA feed to Seaclear and display the AIS targets on there superimposed on ARCS charts.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I don't use the screen on mine, its too small to be of any use other than a compass/position display and I already have those functions.
I output the NMEA feed to Seaclear and display the AIS targets on there superimposed on ARCS charts.

This is why I considered the one without the screen as I use OpenCPN which displays the AIS targets on the chart plotter screen. I also use NavMonPC that has the radar type display so no need for another screen

 

[superheat6k]

I paid using our AMEX system at the office, but no problems. Susan is very helpful. No reason not to use a bank transfer.

I got asked for the $25 payment fee, which I found bizarre but apparently they always request this, but they deducted it when I said I was thinking about importing them. The only reason I didn't follow it up is I am not sure they are compliant with the strict interpretation of rules for devices that transmit. Not much of an issue for an individual user, but could become difficult if selling them as a business venture.

But I would suggest you consider the HP-628A or HP-828A which are full chart plotter / tranceivers, just add an aerial and CMAP card.

I bought the HP-628A, but wish I had gone for the HP-828A (the suffix A indicate AIS transceiver).

If you do get a chart plotter version PM me and I will send you the extra notes on how to set the thing up that are omitted from the user manual !

 

[Boo2]

Anyone know where one could find an NMEA2K AIS transceiver at a similarly good price ?

Boo2

 

[Leon Jennings]

I no longer use any other cockpit mounted plotter for navigation. Fantastic daylight screen Used in conjuction with Open CPN at nav station gives a much better display of ais targets and dangers and lets other AIS users know you are there for the price of a receiver only...

did you work out how to access the SD card slot? If so please advise.

 

[Hoolie]

did you work out how to access the SD card slot? If so please advise.

Well, I don't know why you thought the HP-33A should have charts. According to the Matsutec web site only the HP-628, HP-828 and the HP-1228 series can take charts and the fish-finder versions don't have them supplied as standard.