Matsutec HP528A as a plotter

[bobtooke]

I'm looking at getting an AIS device and it strikes me that the Matsutec HP528A would serve well as a back up plotter device too. I know a few of you have these gadgets so wondered if you could advise if there is a memory slot and ability to use 3rd party maps? I was thinking something such as C-Map or Navionics?
My thinking is that if my Lowrance plotter goes kaput, I can swap the card to the AIS and use that instead.
Yes, I know I should just use compass and chart etc etc and I could...but I don't live in the 19th century.

 

[Jamie Dundee]

I’m pretty sure this doesn’t have a plotter capability. It’s an AIS transponder coupled with a gps, no mapping facility.

 

[superheat6k]

I’m pretty sure this doesn’t have a plotter capability. It’s an AIS transponder coupled with a gps, no mapping facility.

My HP-1228A is a full plotter as was the HP-628A I had before that. I assume the HP-528A is also a full plotter.

Yes they do use C-Map SD style cards.

I have been using mine as main plotter for ~ 4 years now, and for the money it is superb.

The Onwa range is identical although the free charts Onwa provide are not compatible so I guess they use different firmware.

 

[Jamie Dundee]

This would suggest not.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Matsutec...023864?hash=item5b61741e78:g:JCYAAOSwPDlcQTCh

 

[bobtooke]

From further investigations, I think that's right, the 528A doesn't come with an SDCard slot. The 628A units upwards do but not the weeny one.
Oh well, maybe I'll just use a "black box" AIS device connected to my Lowrance plotter. I can always use the navi apps on my phone to navigate in an emergency situation.
Thanks all.

 

[Mr Googler]

If your plotter has nmea2000......I bought this. Works great

https://www.quark-elec.com/product/qk-a028-n2k-nmea-2000-ais-receiver-gps/

 

[bobtooke]

If your plotter has nmea2000......I bought this. Works great

https://www.quark-elec.com/product/qk-a028-n2k-nmea-2000-ais-receiver-gps/

Thanks for that, it looks a good little unit but it's just a receiver and I ideally wanted a Class B device to transmit my position. I want to let the big boys know I'm there!
I'll probably go for something like a Matsutec HA102. Looks like a proper Class B for less than £250. No display but will still hook up to my plotter via NMEA0183.

 

[superheat6k]

From further investigations, I think that's right, the 528A doesn't come with an SDCard slot. The 628A units upwards do but not the weeny one.
Oh well, maybe I'll just use a "black box" AIS device connected to my Lowrance plotter. I can always use the navi apps on my phone to navigate in an emergency situation.
Thanks all.

Thanks - I had not looked at the detail of the 528A and had assumed it was simply a smaller screen version. Apologies if my comments mislead in anyway, but I would certainly recommend the HP-628A/828A or 1228A.

Huayang Electronics will supply direct.