Raymarine Axiom running Lighthouse 4

[Baggywrinkle]

The problems occur as the HW performance improves with new models, and the latest software makes use of that performance. The manufacturers make backwards compatible versions for older hardware, but this usually comes with a performance hit.

It's a problem with any software for consumer devices where the business model includes needing to track ongoing changes in the periphery of the device (WiFi, Bluetooth, Web content, Map formats and size etc.) or to roll out new features on older devices. At some point the hardware can't keep up, or there is a change made that is not backwards compatible. Then the support stops.

The TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) combined with a requirement for secure boot in the bios prevents many PCs from upgrading to Win11, Android apps specify the version of Android they need to run and won't install on older devices. Unfortunately it's the way of the world today - obsolescence comes to everything eventually, and the path to obsolescence includes the user experiencing decreased performance.

My old Raymarine kit from 2008 could not cope with the map detail in current map releases, so became unusable. Very slow to zoom, update map views, with occasional hangs and resets.

 

[geem]

Some comments on Practical Sailor about the possible weakening of GPS signals from Bimini mounted solar panels. No idea if you experienced the same before or after your new hard top and solar panels. Could be bullshit.

ttps://www.practical-sailor.com/safety-seamanship/ps-advisor-gps-accuracy-and-signal-strength

There maybe something in that. My Axiom is mounted well forward in the hardtop such that it's under the the sloping front. It may miss some of the satellites due to the solar. Everytime I have checked the satellite coverage, it seems to have plenty to go out. I will monitor that. If it's causing a problem, I will look at adding an independent GPS. Thanks
If it was only the loss of the GPS that was the problem, I would be delighted