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 | | Posted: 10/10/06 |
| 'SIMPLE FORM OF VIEW-ONLY RADAR ON A BUDGET' | | Strengths:
Easy to install (just a 12v and VHF connection with optional NMEA connection to GPS). User friendly screen that illuminates. Excellent for the Dover Straits showing the cargo ships and ferries. Can also work at home with a PC (AIS run engine required). | | Weaknesses:
It is a view only device since AIS transponders are only fitted to ships and not all of these have AIS so beware!! Small vessels such as leisure craft are not shown and neither are military. Needed an adapter for the VHF as its a bayonet mount, not screw. | | Overall:
This is radar on a budget and even if not used onboard, it is interesting to see whats floating out there. Ensure of a good quality VHF coaxial for a good range. Prices do vary for this unit so shop around, I got mine on a deal with a VHF ariel from Seateach Marine. |
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| | | Performance | | 60% | | Reliability | | 60% | | Value | | 80% |
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| | Posted: 19/04/06 |
| 'CHEAP & EASILY USED GIVING CLEAR DATA ON SHIPPING. ' | | Strengths:
Clear display of traffic carrying AIS transmitters.
Low enough power consumption to use on sailing yacht without running the engine all night. Traffic lanes now feel much safer with so many vessels properly identified. | | Weaknesses:
Does not show yachts, fishing boats or the navy.
Occasional screen update stoppage reported to NASA who promptly sent a revised chip.
Our chartplotter only has 3 nmea output signals. With this, the GPS repeater and the DSC radio, no signal is left for the laptop with our german charts on. | | Overall:
This was bought last year for a trip from Cumbria to Baltic. In the North Channel, high speed ferries made us turn the refresh rate right up, as they were not followed quickly enough.
Hove-to overnight among the oil rigs between Inverness and Stavanger the clear positions of the rigs and support vessels circling them, was a great comfort. Flares look very close at night.
Round Skagen, the northern tip of Denmark, the continuous procession of vessels, with their course and speed, was clearly shown, allowing us to select our gap.
The clear information, easy use and low power consumption, for us makes it better than radar. When I have used small radar sets, too often detail has been lost just when needed.
AIS does not show yachts or fishing boats, but they stop, start, tack or circle at any time, so can only be watched carefully.
The fast ferries and container ships that I fear most are clearly shown. |
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| | | Performance | | 60% | | Reliability | | 60% | | Value | | 80% |
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Average Rating: 3 out of 5
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