Upgrading E120’s

Great Lakes

Great Lakes

Well-Known Member
Oct 11, 2016
1,446
Lake St. Clair - Michigan (MacRay Harbor)
Boat Info
2008 - Formula 400ss
Engines
Volvo Penta D6-350
I’m sure this info is on here somewhere but I can’t find it when I search. Please post link where it’s covered. Thx

I want to upgrade my e120’s. Are the axiom’s plug and play? Will they sync with my auto pilot and open array?
 
If your electronics are original the open array will most likely not work, the link above talks about the slightly newer dome radar that is compatible, but the 2000 ish to 2008 ish era open arrays are not compatible. You can confirm with Raymarine, they will need the exact model number, it is stamped at the back of the pedestal. The Axiom only support digital radars.

The quantum is a nice looking upgrade and cheaper than the open array, the open array is now called Magnum and very nice.

The autopilot can be interfaced with the Seatalkng to Seatalk1 converter kit. http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=400&collectionid=197&col=1597

Your transducer should work as well, you will need to get the correct converter cable, and there are a bunch so you need to know what you had and what model you are buying to get the correct converter cable.
 
My '08 48DA had an e120, and when I upgraded last year went with 2 of the Axiom's I had to also upgrade to a digital HD open array. I don't remember the dome being an option then, but it might have been. I do know that my original auto pilot was able to be used, but it required a converter as swaterhouse said. I chose to upgrade my transducer so that I had sonar, but the original could have been used.

-Tom
 
Thanks for the info fellas. Little twist, what if I upgrade to the eS series instead of the axiom. Would the open array need to be changed as well? I have no issues changing out the radar but I want to know all my options.
 
From what I understand even if you go with an eS series you will still need a Raymarine Digital, HD Color or Super HD Color radar antenna to be able to display radar images.
 
I replaced my two E120’s with eS127’s and had to replace the radar with an HD Digital open array. I also had a new transducer and fairing block installed but reused the ST6001+ Autopilot. The Axiom’s were not yet available when I did the upgrade in 2016.
 
Back a few years ago when mine were updated I had to change to HD open array ...kept auto pilot... This stuff changes so quickly you should really ask Raymarine what your options are... I just bought another middle size display can't remember the model. I am trying to get rid of the analog 4 way Gage's ...so bought one so I can have starboard and port engines on separate displays

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Great Lakes said:
Blue, what are the small ones? I plan on changing to HD open array and use axiom 12”. I would really like to be able to see engine info too
Click to expand...
The smallest one is for the autopilot... But it can display depth and engine data.. Just not chart or radar... It's useless except for depth. The display beside it to the left can do everything. I just bought a duplicate of it and will use those two for engine data.... Get rid of the 4 way analogs keep the rpm and hours... Put the engine sync above the fire suppression on the right. Put small display where eng sync was and move things around a bit.
 
Great Lakes said:
Yea I like that idea. Will those two replace the smartcraft?
Once I get the main MFD changed then I can hopefully piece things together like others have.
Click to expand...
I am all mechanical. So no smartcraft ...you have it way easier. I have a converter changing all the analog to digital and feeding Nmea to the displays
 
Blueone said:
I am all mechanical. So no smartcraft ...you have it way easier. I have a converter changing all the analog to digital and feeding Nmea to the displays
Click to expand...
Didn’t dawn on me that you’re mechanical.

Is this a DIY job? I’m fairly mechanically inclined and can usually dig around until I figure issues out. What I don’t want is to get in so deep in the weeds where I’ll need help getting out.

Thanks for all the input boys
 
I've been looking at a similar renewal of Raymarine components (second time) having two Classic "E" screens and already upgraded the radar to a HD Digital open array. I spoke once again with Raymarine at our winter boat show and in going to Axiom screens there is a lot more capability but.... I would have to change my autopilot to an Evolution series to gain full function. The cruncher for me is that I would have to get rid of my SR100 Sirius XM weather module. This is my most trusted instrument and even the old eS series needs it upgraded to the now obsolete SR150. The new Axiom screens now require a SR200 module but it wasn't yet available in the winter. Finally it is, it appears. http://www.raymarine.com/uploadedFi...eather/SiriusXM/SiriusXM-RebateOffer-2019.pdf So I might now go ahead with the renewal upgrade. I was told that the DSM300 package could be re-used but that appears contrary to the advice above from Chuck the Raymarine guru.
I am interested to see what others are doing. Because of the digital radar already in place I would stay with Raymarine and not switch brands. Similar to Blueone, everything on my boat is old school mechanical and I'm happy with that.
 
Forgot to mention that I purchased all my gear last year from BOE marine, the hosts of this site. I also used them for my previous boat. If you have any questions just call or email you will get a correct prompt response from them!

I did both boats DIY, its not hard just read the manual's (all of them!) and take notes. Its all spelled out in the manuals.

Take one "system" at a time and map it out on piece of paper:

12 volt power and grounding
high speed network (SeatalkHS in Raymarine speak)
NMEA2000
SeaTalk1 and/or NMEA0183

If you get stuck either call BOE or ask on the forum or call in a pro to help!
 
Blueone said:
I am all mechanical. So no smartcraft ...you have it way easier. I have a converter changing all the analog to digital and feeding Nmea to the displays
Click to expand...

What did you use to convert the mechanical engine data to digital?
 
Larry said:
What did you use to convert the mechanical engine data to digital?
Click to expand...
a nightmare... I am using an AlbaCombi converter. I have a few things converted....still working on the rest. If your not a computer expert or have access to one prepare to be frustrated.. http://www.albacombi.com/
I had a strange problem where I couldn't connect to the unit thru my laptop...that took a few months to sort out. The support is in Italy and for some reason they want to help by phone in poor english.. it takes days to weeks to sync a phone call because they want your laptop plugged into the unit on the boat in order to problem solve. I am pretty comfortable now but it has taken some time.... and NO I do not want to help someone else.... please don't make me do it :) ..I am making one last big push to get everything completed...that will be in a couple of weeks ....maybe then I will feel better about the unit.
 
Wow!!! Seems like yesterday the e-series was the state of the art tech must have! Amazing how far we have come in just 10 years. Imagine what the next 10 years will bring.
 
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