Raymarine C120 Radar / Plotter multiscreen settings

[superheat6k]

For a reason I do not understand when using my C120 today on split screen mode - Plotter & Radar, the AIS markers disappeared, but these were visible on both the Radar and the Plotter screen when not in split screen mode.

This meant I had to continually flip between Radar and Plotter mode as I crossed the main channel off Cowes, halfway up the Thorn channel and again past Calshot.

Quite a pea souper out there, and great to use the combination of Plotter, AIS and Radar. It would have been preferable to not have to keep changing the screen because most of my time was peering out of the window into the gloom all around me. It was reassuring to know I could see just beyond the first range ring of the radar, as this at least meant I could see anything coming too close.

Does any one know sufficiently about the C120 to advise if this is simply a settings issue ?

 

[pvb]

For a reason I do not understand when using my C120 today on split screen mode - Plotter & Radar, the AIS markers disappeared, but these were visible on both the Radar and the Plotter screen when not in split screen mode.

This meant I had to continually flip between Radar and Plotter mode as I crossed the main channel off Cowes, halfway up the Thorn channel and again past Calshot.

Quite a pea souper out there, and great to use the combination of Plotter, AIS and Radar. It would have been preferable to not have to keep changing the screen because most of my time was peering out of the window into the gloom all around me. It was reassuring to know I could see just beyond the first range ring of the radar, as this at least meant I could see anything coming too close.

Does any one know sufficiently about the C120 to advise if this is simply a settings issue ?

Did you consider using radar/chart overlay?

 

[prv]

I know they made a series of software updates late in the C-series life to improve AIS handling somewhat. Maybe worth checking you have the last version they put out?

Pete

 

[superheat6k]

I didn't try the radar overlay mode, indeed I am not sure it has that option, but I will check.

I will also check what software version it is running and see if I can get an update. I assume this loaded on a chip similar to the chart chip.

Thanks for your answers.

 

[RichardS]

I didn't try the radar overlay mode, indeed I am not sure it has that option, but I will check.

I will also check what software version it is running and see if I can get an update. I assume this loaded on a chip similar to the chart chip.

Thanks for your answers.

Depending upon the firmware version you are running currently (the latest is 5.16) you might need a very small capacity CF memory card. These are difficult to get hold off. If you have any problems PM me and I'll lend you the correct size Sandisk (the preferred make!) with 5.16 on it.

Richard

 

[prv]

I didn't try the radar overlay mode, indeed I am not sure it has that option, but I will check.

It certainly should do.

You run it in normal chart mode, then from the "Layers" menu select radar. You need to make sure the scanner is on, from the menu that comes up by pressing the power button briefly.

The radar returns are drawn in purple over the chart. This is the mode I always use in coastal waters, for an inexperienced radar operator (me) it helps tie up which returns are charted objects like buoys, and which are vessels I need to keep an eye on.

Pete

 

[superheat6k]

It certainly should do.

You run it in normal chart mode, then from the "Layers" menu select radar. You need to make sure the scanner is on, from the menu that comes up by pressing the power button briefly.

The radar returns are drawn in purple over the chart. This is the mode I always use in coastal waters, for an inexperienced radar operator (me) it helps tie up which returns are charted objects like buoys, and which are vessels I need to keep an eye on.

Pete

Thanks. I sussed out how to get the overlay to work today.

Another poster is sending me his update CF card so hopefully this will resolve the split screen issue.

 

[superheat6k]

RichardS has very kindly sent me the software update on a CF Card. Thanks.

The AIS markers now appear on the chart screen in split screen mode, so that has resolved that issue, but I cannot get the Radar overlay to work. I have set the radar to sync with the chart, but when I go to the Radar Layers the Radar Overlay button is shown greyed out, not allowing its selection.

I set about an hour or so trying different settings all over the thing but could not make it overlay.

Any ideas anyone ?

 

[pvb]

I seem to remember with my old C120 that you got the radar/chart overlay via Presentation > Chart Layers > Radar Overlay.