Onwa AIS/plotter

[pandos]

Has anyone actual experience of these I am thinking of a kp39a. Available at a good price and class B+.

I don't have a modern plotter which I can wire in a blackbox ais to so this looks like a good idea.

 

[superheat6k]

Onwa and Matsutec are generics of the same thing, although there are differences in the firmware. I first had the Matsutec HP-628A then upgraded to the HP-1228A - I think they are great, but many see them as cheap Chinese rubbish. The HP-528A is quite a recent model, but not sure what equivalent models are.

 

[Rappey]

The kp39a is certainly good value for money.
The next model up is the kp708a which has a brighter display, more power and runs the built in K charts a lot quicker .
If I remember rightly the latest version K3 can be a struggle for the 39a but K2 runs fine.
I have the 708 and it has both K2 and 3 charts, but will also take navionics and c-map
The K charts are the same as admiralty but the best bit is they are free for nearly the whole world. You just download from the onwa website the region you want.
It may be possible to connect a dsc radio via nmea to these as it has the call lists for ais built in for direct calling. I've yet to try it but wonder if I did whether I would see which ais target on the screen has sent a pan pan or mayday.
If I lost mine I would buy another as a full plotter with charts and ais tranceiver for the price of a branded chart plotter Or ais tranceiver.

 

[Rappey]

This website is the official uk based onwa dealer
Onwa KP-708A with AIS - Aves Marine

 

[pandos]

The kp39a is certainly good value for money.
The next model up is the kp708a which has a brighter display, more power and runs the built in K charts a lot quicker .
If I remember rightly the latest version K3 can be a struggle for the 39a but K2 runs fine.
I have the 708 and it has both K2 and 3 charts, but will also take navionics and c-map
The K charts are the same as admiralty but the best bit is they are free for nearly the whole world. You just download from the onwa website the region you want.
It may be possible to connect a dsc radio via nmea to these as it has the call lists for ais built in for direct calling. I've yet to try it but wonder if I did whether I would see which ais target on the screen has sent a pan pan or mayday.
If I lost mine I would buy another as a full plotter with charts and ais tranceiver for the price of a branded chart plotter Or ais tranceiver.

Thanks for that .

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I purchased the Onwa KP708A eight months ago from China via Alibaba. It's easy to install and it's a combination of chartplotter and AIS transponder. It works fine but the quality is very poor in comparison to my other two old chartplotters (Lowrance and Standard Horizon) both of which are over 13 years old. The resolution and clarity is below average, especially against the Standard Horizon. I installed the Onwa under the spray hood away from water, despite this, the instrument got condensation inside, behind the glass screen, which made it impossible to view the charts.
I contacted Aves Marine to find out whether is a common problem with these instruments, they were extremely helpful and they suggested that I ask the supplier/Onwa to provide me with a replacement screen cover as some batches have faulty covers. I have received a replacement cover, but, no new seal and the Chinese customer service was rubbish. I have now replaced the cover but in my opinion the problem is the poor design of the seal. If the fault persist, I will return the instrument. Let's hope that others have better luck with their KP708A. If you buy an Onwa, I strongly suggest that you get it from Aves Marine who are able to provide good customer service.

 

[pandos]

I purchased the Onwa KP708A eight months ago from China via Alibaba. It's easy to install and it's a combination of chartplotter and AIS transponder. It works fine but the quality is very poor in comparison to my other two old chartplotters (Lowrance and Standard Horizon) both of which are over 13 years old. The resolution and clarity is below average, especially against the Standard Horizon. I installed the Onwa under the spray hood away from water, despite this, the instrument got condensation inside, behind the glass screen, which made it impossible to view the charts.
I contacted Aves Marine to find out whether is a common problem with these instruments, they were extremely helpful and they suggested that I ask the supplier/Onwa to provide me with a replacement screen cover as some batches have faulty covers. I have received a replacement cover, but, no new seal and the Chinese customer service was rubbish. I have now replaced the cover but in my opinion the problem is the poor design of the seal. If the fault persist, I will return the instrument. Let's hope that others have better luck with their KP708A. If you buy an Onwa, I strongly suggest that you get it from Aves Marine who are able to provide good customer service.

I like the idea of being cheap,..especially if it feels cheap. Have no experience of buying on Alibaba. The price difference is probably in excess of 250 euros.

How does the ais work. Is the range any better on b+ do you think?

 

[Kelpie]

I'm in the market for both an AIS transceiver and also a way of expanding my plotter coverage to different parts of the world (bluewater ambitions), so one of these Onwa ais plotters could really work well for me- if they work!
I tried to find the chart downloads on the Onwa website but failed- any pointers?

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I like the idea of being cheap,..especially if it feels cheap. Have no experience of buying on Alibaba. The price difference is probably in excess of 250 euros.

How does the ais work. Is the range any better on b+ do you think?

The AIS works well and it is superimposed on the charts, so you can view ships on the chartplotter; it has all the alarms, bells and whistles. You will not save much money by buying directly from China because they add tax/vat/shipping; especially now with the brexit issue it may cost you more than buying from here; I suggest that you get a price from Aves Marine.
The b+ is supposed to be better but I have no means of comparing it.

 

[pandos]

I'm in the market for both an AIS transceiver and also a way of expanding my plotter coverage to different parts of the world (bluewater ambitions), so one of these Onwa ais plotters could really work well for me- if they work!
I tried to find the chart downloads on the Onwa website but failed- any pointers?

I have opted for the icom ais on cactus as it is robust and essentially stand alone and they seem to have sorted delivery/vat etc...

Price seems good albeit that it is not B+...

I already have an android radio to fit which will run Navionics and NV charts (they supply paper and electronic charts) at what seem reasonable prices. I have never seen them and will not order till March /April so I have the most up to date version, but they were recommended on here.

I also have an ais receiver which can put the other ships on the android plotter if I wish.

NV Charts App - marine navigation and charts

My existing plotters already have a basic map showing all the way to Azores and Spain Gib etc. So I think I am sorted with primary and backups.

 

[andsarkit]

+1 for Alan at Aves Marine who is very helpful and will sort out charts and set up the MMSI for you.
I have the KP39A which suits the available space in my small boat. I haven't had much chance to use it as I never got launched last year but initial impressions are good and it does everything I need for a reasonable price.
It is not rated for exposed mounting and so I am mounting it by the chart table with a secondary mount in the cockpit for fine weather.
I think Aves has just moved up north but should still be contactable via their website.

 

[pandos]

Thanks for the replies, I went with an Icom in the end...

Aves Marine and Alan are very helpful but in the cold light of day Cactus have their site set up for ordering from Ireland and I know that it works on both ends. I was ordering something else which Aves Marine do not sell so job done.