Raymarine Quantum or HD Digital?

[wizzer]

In a quandary; I have a Raymarine c95 MFD, to which I am going to interface a new radar. Can’t decide between Quantum, connected by cable, or HD colour (RD418HD). Whilst I appreciate that the Quantum is the latest tech, I wonder if it is better than the magnetron tried & tested system in the HD digital colour?

 

[john_q]

I have an SL72+ Pathfinder and an 18” 24 mile radar dome that I am looking to replace

RayMarine USA sent me this information, hope it helps

HD digital radomes
The current color HD digital radomes do still have a traditional magnetron and microwave front end so they are not solid state.

In comparison to what you are replacing the 4kw 18” is both going to be better target resolution and be better performing at all ranges do to the digital processing and increase in transmit power. The 18 inch /4kw also doubles your range out to 48nm. (but is uses more power compared to my current unit)

This scanner would drop onto your existing mast bracket without any modification.

The Quantum/Quantum2

The Quantum/Quantum2 would have better close target resolution/separation, but would not be as good as the 18”/4kw at the medium and higher ranges (probably start seeing a difference at the 12-18 mile range then from there on up).

 

[Barbican]

Just been through the same decision. Chose Quantum2 because of the weight, power consumption, fast time to working and because most of the use on my previous HD colour set was for short/medium range, rather than longer. I guess if I spent more time crossing oceans, or offshore I would be less certain of that choice because of the HD's "better" weather/squall tracking. Good luck with the choice!

 

[wizzer]

Mmmmm, still not convinced. As a long time user of radar, anything outside 6M is probably irrelevant if you know your stuff.
I’m leaning towards the HD digital at the moment
Cheers for the input

 

[johnalison]

I chose the HD on the basis of price. It certainly gives a very clear display for my purposes, which are basically to supplement AIS at ranges of 1-10 miles. I don't tend to use it for navigation, but this might be different if I sailed mainly in rocky areas. Nor do I expect to use it for very close stuff such as within harbours, so it suffices for me. It would be nice to have instant switch-on and low consumption, but my radar is almost only ever used while under power anyway.

 

[matthewriches]

Hope you're well and you had a good trip the other week. I'd go with the HD digital for your vessel. We have tested both and in a rough sea, the "traditional" type still gives a better image. I know you like it rough so that should answer it lol

 

[wizzer]

Nice one Matt
I am certainly leaning towards the HD digital colour at this time
Not that “I like it rough”, particularly, but I can’t see anything lacking in the RD418HD
I’m always up for the latest tech, but I have been brought up on magnetron
And yes, the latest trip was fantastic, I did put a video on here somewhere, if you can’t find it, try YouTube & search Whistonmarine
Cheers Cocker

 

[wizzer]

RD418HD is now on order