Raymarine axiom 9 mfds

Robin

Robin

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My inherited touchscreen a series MFD has gone tits up and suggested replacement is a Raymarine axiom 9 either touchscreen only or hybrid A9 'pro' version with some manual controls.

Since it was the touchscreen thst failed on existing display would a 'pro' with extras buttons be a safer bet?

We currently display charts/plotter, radar and AIS on a flybridge display and stream this by wifi to an android notebook at lower helm and do route planning waypoint entry etc from there in the warm and dry.

I was always wary of all eggs in one basket arrangements but inherited it and now the display has failed have no working plotter or radar, fears substantiated. I have opencpn running on a backup laptop but it is not sunlight viewable and does not display radar.
 
Robin, we recently installed a Element 9s to avoid this problem as its buttons only. It will do AIS, radar etc and has wifi which I used to update other software on the network, just not sure if it will transmit to a tablet. Worth a look perhaps and a chat with Hudson Marine in Mercury Marina.

Pete
 
You can buy the button panel separately - Raymarine part. RMK-10. The cost of an Axiom 9 plus RMK-10 is much less than an Axiom 9 Pro. The Pro does have a slightly higher res screen, but otherwise software is the same. The Element has more limited software without the sail layline abilities, if that would matter to you. I can second talking to Dave at Hudson Marine, also keep a lookout on the Raymarine refurbished site, but do not go by the prices shown, you have to actually put items into your "basket" to get real prices - sometimes a nice surprise.


Edit - since reading your post again it might be possible to add the button pad to your existing display for now. Unless your existing radar has wireless it will not be compatible with the Element displays.
 
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Thanks all, the add on button remote seems a good option. the old display froze on start up at the 'accept all limitations and liabilities screen' could not get past this with remote wifi app on phone/notebook or on touch screen direct even after a power on factory reset. local dealer said he could send it off for repair but cost better put towards a new one. I will buy through our excellent local dealer (CME in Cowes) as he will do the install and also add a better ev1 compass sensor into the network and link in the autopilot. we only have course up option at present and not head up.
 
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We went through the same thoughts and went for the Axiom 9 Pro for the following reasons:
1. The screen is a better resolution.
2. The Unit has the buttons integrated and therefore looks neater (in my opinion).
3. And this is a bog one, the Pro version has the twin micro SD card slots on the front of the display, so you can access them if required (SW updates, charts etc YES I KNOW YOU CAN DO THESE VIA WIFI BUT THIS CAN BE INTERMITTENT) easily. The non Pro version has the micro SD slot in the rear of the unit (although you can purchase an external card port from Raymarine).

For us, by the time we added the keypad and the external micro SD clot there was not much price difference.
 
davethedog said:
We went through the same thoughts and went for the Axiom 9 Pro for the following reasons:
1. The screen is a better resolution.
2. The Unit has the buttons integrated and therefore looks neater (in my opinion).
3. And this is a bog one, the Pro version has the twin micro SD card slots on the front of the display, so you can access them if required (SW updates, charts etc YES I KNOW YOU CAN DO THESE VIA WIFI BUT THIS CAN BE INTERMITTENT) easily. The non Pro version has the micro SD slot in the rear of the unit (although you can purchase an external card port from Raymarine).

For us, by the time we added the keypad and the external micro SD clot there was not much price difference.
Click to expand...

thanx, decisions decisions!
 
Not sure how noticeable thescreen resolution woulde be unless compared side by side. In our case having a keyboard mounted more accessibly than on the display could actually be an advantage as the wheel often gets in the way from the helm seat necessitating standing up for best access and finger poking through spokes.

I can see a coin flip coming (or a decree from memsahib relating to expense:eek:)
 
Pete7 said:
Robin, we recently installed a Element 9s to avoid this problem as its buttons only. It will do AIS, radar etc and has wifi which I used to update other software on the network, just not sure if it will transmit to a tablet. Worth a look perhaps and a chat with Hudson Marine in Mercury Marina. Pete
Click to expand...

+1 for having a look at the 'Elements'. The differences between Element and Axiom, apart from 'button' and 'touch' are subtle and the choice would come down to personal requirements. According to the Raymarine website, they use different versions of firmware (Lighthouse) which seems to be the cause of the differences.
E.g. The Element displays a full set of AIS messages - Axiom omits PGN129798; Axiom allows duplicate MFDs to share one chart card, Element requires one chart card per unit; As mentioned earlier, Element has its chart card at the front but Axiom flush mounts will need dismounting to change the card.

(I've tried to use raymarine support - once by phone and once on their forum - to chase down two separate questions but, on both occasions, been met with promises followed by silence, so my points are based solely on reading published documents).

I'd take Pete's advice and visit Hudson - their chap was the best one on the Raymarine stand at SIBS. He said he could live demo combinations of kit.

The other thing to take into account is Black Friday - prices on this kit are changing rapidly this week.

Good luck with your decision
 
Bobc said:
Have you spoken to Raymarine about the cost of repair?
Click to expand...

I was advised It has to go to specialist repair shop who charge a fortune just to take a look see and quote, I'm happy enough to upgrade and integrate other improvements, just looking for informed comments from those using the axiom range already. I cou;ld drop to a 7 inch screen to save a few pennies but heck it is only money.
 
Robin said:
I was advised It has to go to specialist repair shop who charge a fortune just to take a look see and quote, I'm happy enough to upgrade and integrate other improvements, just looking for informed comments from those using the axiom range already. I cou;ld drop to a 7 inch screen to save a few pennies but heck it is only money.
Click to expand...

The touch screen Axiom is OK, apart from the pain the arse SD slot in the back of the plotter, so if it's in a pod outside, you have to take the damn thing out to remove the card. Shouldn't happen too many times, as you can update the card by wifi. The pro model has dual slots in the front and a few buttons. The buttons don't perform all functions, so you will be using the touch screen most of the time. The Pro also has two Raynet ports (the radar is Raynet) so if you wanted to fit a second plotter downstairs you could connect it to the second port.

Both run the same firmware/software and have pretty much the same features. You'll need good eyes to tell the difference in resolution.

I'd find it really hard to justify the extra £900 ish for the Pro.
 
PaulRainbow said:
The touch screen Axiom is OK, apart from the pain the arse SD slot in the back of the plotter, so if it's in a pod outside, you have to take the damn thing out to remove the card. Shouldn't happen too many times, as you can update the card by wifi. The pro model has dual slots in the front and a few buttons. The buttons don't perform all functions, so you will be using the touch screen most of the time. The Pro also has two Raynet ports (the radar is Raynet) so if you wanted to fit a second plotter downstairs you could connect it to the second port.

Both run the same firmware/software and have pretty much the same features. You'll need good eyes to tell the difference in resolution.

I'd find it really hard to justify the extra £900 ish for the Pro.
Click to expand...

Thanks Paul, it went wrong first first 12 months ago and talking with you frightened it back into working so perhaps I'll try one l last time before ditching it !

The existing mount is on a bracket on the FB so a card slot at the back is not a real problem. We have good wifi at our home base and a wifi extender on board so connection to it should be easy enough or even via my phone hotspot. We displayed everything, charts and radar, at below decks helm via the Raymarine app on an android notebook on busted display so should work with an axiom too. My hesitation over touchscreen only axiom was partly because that had 'frozen' on existing display at the accept all liabilities button stage. The mount position is awkward to reach from sitting and partly masked by the wheel so a wired remote RMK mounted on a side moulding by my seat might be very useful and significantly cheaper than the axiom pro upgrade and could be even left off initially for later addition if I really really feel the need to splash money about.

I Just re-read everything and probably wrongly thought the axiom could itself connect direct to update, but taking a card out and 'down' to my laptop which has a card slot would be no hassle.

Do you see any potential 'don't bother' screwups with trying to connect the existing ancient Raymarine pilot nmea183/seatalk 6000 ) and/or indeed a better heading sensor for radar overlay or head up use?
 
Robin said:
I cou;ld drop to a 7 inch screen to save a few pennies but heck it is only money.
Click to expand...

Please don't. The team at Hudson Marine showed me what radar looks like on a 7" screen and then the 9" screen, huge difference. The circle on a 7" screen has the top and bottom cut off if it is to be readable. Whilst on the 9" you can have a complete circle and read the screen. That alone was enough to select the larger 9" screen.

Pete
 
Robin said:
Do you see any potential 'don't bother' screwups with trying to connect the existing ancient Raymarine pilot nmea183/seatalk 6000 ) and/or indeed a better heading sensor for radar overlay or head up use?
Click to expand...

The Axiom doesn't have any 0183 ports (could still connect using an 0183 to N2K converter), but the Pro does. If you fit a better heading sensor, fit N2K or Seatalk Ng.
 
PaulRainbow said:
The Axiom doesn't have any 0183 ports (could still connect using an 0183 to N2K converter), but the Pro does. If you fit a better heading sensor, fit N2K or Seatalk Ng.
Click to expand...

once again thanks. So to tell pilot to follow track would need a 0183/N2k converter, would this allow a N2k heading sensor to feed the pilot as well as the Axiom for plotter /radar display?

Sorry to be a PITA but it seems my every idea has consequences
 
Robin said:
once again thanks. So to tell pilot to follow track would need a 0183/N2k converter,
Click to expand...

Yes, plus a small N2K to STNG cable (no big deal)

would this allow a N2k heading sensor to feed the pilot as well as the Axiom for plotter /radar display?
Click to expand...

The sensor would make heading data available on the network, i'm not sure if it would be passed to the AP. Definitely does on the later autopilots. Exactly which AP do you have, i'll see if the manual gives a clue.

Sorry to be a PITA but it seems my every idea has consequences
Click to expand...

Not at all, a common issue for me when i'm upgrading equipment for customers who want to keep some older kit. All part of the fun of boat ownership :)
 
PaulRainbow said:
Yes, plus a small N2K to STNG cable (no big deal)



The sensor would make heading data available on the network, i'm not sure if it would be passed to the AP. Definitely does on the later autopilots. Exactly which AP do you have, i'll see if the manual gives a clue.



Not at all, a common issue for me when i'm upgrading equipment for customers who want to keep some older kit. All part of the fun of boat ownership :)
Click to expand...

The pilot control head is a 6000 one I think, up top by the MFD, another head isbelow at lower helm, pilot powers ram(s) on rudders with rudder reference feedback and display but no idea what course computer it has or where it or the compass sensor even is hidden. The inherited system is basic, boat dates from 1986, but works. Previous owner confuses nmea 0183 and 2000 so no real help.

Edited to add being able to instruct 'follow track' from a new Axiom would be good enough maybe and having a faster N2K heading sensor feeding the radar/Axiom display for better overlay and 'ships head up' and MARPA certainly appeals.

I'm an old school navigator can do well enough without the latest bells and whistles, but I do enjoy having them but knowing how to do like the old days significantly aids understanding the overall picture too.
 
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Robin said:
The pilot control head is a 6000 one I think, up top by the MFD, another head isbelow at lower helm, pilot powers ram(s) on rudders with rudder reference feedback and display but no idea what course computer it has or where it or the compass sensor even is hidden. The inherited system is basic, boat dates from 1986, but works. Previous owner confuses nmea 0183 and 2000 so no real help.

Edited to add being able to instruct 'follow track' from a new Axiom would be good enough maybe and having a faster N2K heading sensor feeding the radar/Axiom display for better overlay and 'ships head up' and MARPA certainly appeals.

I'm an old school navigator can do well enough without the latest bells and whistles, but I do enjoy having them but knowing how to do like the old days significantly aids understanding the overall picture too.
Click to expand...

If it's a 6000 control head, it's likely a 100/300 course computor. If you follow the connections from the hydraulic pump they should lead you to the computor, which will lead you to the heading sensor. (if you can be bothered to crawl around tight spaces :)).

Looking at the manual suggests the computor will listen for heading data coming from the 0183 port, so something like an Actisense 0183 to N2K convertor should work. I think i'd look at it this way (your edit suggests you already are) ;

The convertor will allow the AP to follow a route or steer to a waypoint (the Seatalk connection should allow steer to wind, if you have wind, maybe not on a mobo).

A N2K or STNG heading sensor is likely to be an improvement for the MFD/radar.

If the heading sensor data is received by the AP and it works better, it's a bonus.
 
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