Stand alone or integrated radar

[maxi77]

There are obvious benefits from integrated displays but there are also the dangers of over cluttered displays and the problem that there are different lateness in the various inputs. Split screens can overcome this but you need a decent sized screen ( I once saw some one try doing split screen on a small display and the result was mesmerising, not enlightening). If funds allow two screens is the answer allowing clarity and managed integration. After all when the chips are down you really need clarity.

 

[johnalison]

There are obvious benefits from integrated displays but there are also the dangers of over cluttered displays and the problem that there are different lateness in the various inputs. Split screens can overcome this but you need a decent sized screen ( I once saw some one try doing split screen on a small display and the result was mesmerising, not enlightening). If funds allow two screens is the answer allowing clarity and managed integration. After all when the chips are down you really need clarity.

A large screen would be nice, but I don't find it essential. I would have to wear glasses whatever the screen size, so my e7 with my +3 glasses is perfectly adequate. After all, the kids all seem to be happy watching films on their mobiles. I have not had any need to look around different makes, but I imagine that the screen definition in pretty well all of them is good these days. As with all these things, sooner or later you have to make a choice and after that it is just a matter of getting used to what you've got.

 

[ashtead]

I have integrated on our boat. This is first time on our boat but have used a stand alone Furonu with 60 mile range in past as model I learnt on under a hard top by wheel . I think our use is limited e.g.crossing channel at night on basis use AIS normally but the main thing is to find a version which can pair with an iPad or other tab device as then you can have as large a screen almost as you wish depending on your pad size . It also means you can watch the screen where you want to be eg below or under the screen or hidden/ dodger hard top etc and both AIS and radar will overlay . Clearly all this depends on budget and what you have currently but I would be looking to have any radar able to be on the pad or tab screen and not worry so much about primary device size.

 

[maxi77]

A large screen would be nice, but I don't find it essential. I would have to wear glasses whatever the screen size, so my e7 with my +3 glasses is perfectly adequate. After all, the kids all seem to be happy watching films on their mobiles. I have not had any need to look around different makes, but I imagine that the screen definition in pretty well all of them is good these days. As with all these things, sooner or later you have to make a choice and after that it is just a matter of getting used to what you've got.

No a big screen is not essential my first GPS plotter was a handheld device with a 3.5 inch screen and compared to nothing it was great, but changing to a 7 inch screen was so much better and easier to use especially when I added AIS. If big was not better merchant ships would not bother with multi big screen bridge systems.