New plotter problems!!

[nimrod1230]

Plotter over £1k. First one returned as showing signs of rust. Second returned as ex demo and damaged. Third runs embedded software but as soon as is loaded with a well known aftermarket chart corrupts the menus and loses fuctions. Manufacturer blames chart, Chart manufactures blames plotter. Has been ongoing for some months with promises of fixes but still none available. Retailer prepared to take unit back for full refund. What to do? The unit has built in gps receiver and is able to upgrade with radar etc. Most other setups will involve more wiring, more money and not accept my current chart card so costs could spiral. At present the unit is in a cradle mount at the helm. The idea being to build it into a pod over the winter and add inputs as and when. Do I start again with more expense or wait and hope for the promised software updates. One other puzzle, I seem to be the only complainant of a well known plotter manufacturer and equally well known chart software?? according to both parties???

 

[rivonia]

Plotter over £1k. First one returned as showing signs of rust. Second returned as ex demo and damaged. Third runs embedded software but as soon as is loaded with a well known aftermarket chart corrupts the menus and loses fuctions. Manufacturer blames chart, Chart manufactures blames plotter. Has been ongoing for some months with promises of fixes but still none available. Retailer prepared to take unit back for full refund. What to do? The unit has built in gps receiver and is able to upgrade with radar etc. Most other setups will involve more wiring, more money and not accept my current chart card so costs could spiral. At present the unit is in a cradle mount at the helm. The idea being to build it into a pod over the winter and add inputs as and when. Do I start again with more expense or wait and hope for the promised software updates. One other puzzle, I seem to be the only complainant of a well known plotter manufacturer and equally well known chart software?? according to both parties???

Who is the manufacturer, then we can advise.

Peter

 

[fireball]

Return to retailler as not fit for purpose ...

Garmin, Raymarine and Standard Horizon all do units that are radar upgradable ... you should find something else that fits your requirements

 

[Refueler]

Return to retailler as not fit for purpose ...

Garmin, Raymarine and Standard Horizon all do units that are radar upgradable ... you should find something else that fits your requirements

And many others such as Lowrance ...

Note that pending is the amalgamation of two names above ... RM + Garmin - so that should be interesting to see what rubbish they keep !!

 

[DogWatch]

And many others such as Lowrance ...

Note that pending is the amalgamation of two names above ... RM + Garmin - so that should be interesting to see what rubbish they keep !!

I was sceptical when Garmin started producing yacht instruments, even though their GPS units are so popular. But their gear does seem excellent and having dealt with them over a no questions swap out of a GPS12, they are now on my shortlist for a new windex. I have also not seen many complaints from end users of garmin gear. Similar with RM. I don't think either company makes rubbish.

I was unhappy with RM moving ops to eastern Europe and decided to boycott them after I read this, a shame as the RM gear I have I am very happy with.

I do actually think if Garmin pick up RM, it may actually be good for us in the long run, garmin have some fresh ideas and RM do IMO make the best small boat radar and plotters.

 

[Twister_Ken]

"Note that pending is the amalgamation of two names above ... RM + Garmin - so that should be interesting to see what rubbish they keep !!"

Either Garmin has taken a good look and walked away (what I hear) or G is being very canny and forcing the price down to peanut level. But if you look at G's range, I think they're getting there without RM and may well regard RM's troubles as a competitive advantage.

 

[photodog]

Retailer prepared to take unit back for full refund.

What to do?

I think the answer is right in front of you.

Dont reward a s h i t manufacturer by keeping this pile of t u r d. It doesnt work. Move on to something else.

 

[nimrod1230]

So far everyone seems to think returning the unit is the best course of action but will probably mean spending another £500 for an equivalent. By the way, it is one of the units suggested in an earlier reply. Hasn't rattled any cages with any other complaints so maybe I am the only user suffering problems! Thanks for your replies, Terry.

 

[wotayottie]

Do you think the £500 saving could be related to the poor quality?

get rid even though the signs* are that electronics prices are going to soar thanks to the £


* little giveaways like MES suddenly sprouting welcome signs in French and Spanish. Do you think the French retailers and the Spanish oines will allow that situation to continue?