Installing 12v Radar on 2005 340 sundancer

I am installing a radar on the arch. I will fish the wires with extra lines for later. Question is where is the easiest access to power? Figure asking will save an hour of work.

Not sure without all of the details but normally power for the radar comes from behind the helm, using a power adapter/converter box of some kind.

Scotthpclv said:

I am installing a radar on the arch. I will fish the wires with extra lines for later. Question is where is the easiest access to power? Figure asking will save an hour of work.

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yes behind the dash is where you will find it and where you will need it

Older/traditional/classic radar arrays got their power from the main cable that ran to the controlling display. However with the advent of wireless radar arrays like Raymarine’s Quantum, physical wiring is downsized to basically a power cable that can go anywhere.

Henry Boyd said:

Older/traditional/classic radar arrays got their power from the main cable that ran to the controlling display. However with the advent of wireless radar arrays like Raymarine’s Quantum, physical wiring is downsized to basically a power cable that can go anywhere.

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I've heard from multiple owners, however, of problems with the WiFi part of the Raymarine radar. Basically the signal is not stable and causes dropouts.

Newer solid state radars also reduce the power requirements, and the thickness of the cable. They only require a couple of watts to operate. They also have advanced features like doppler and spin up in a couple seconds. My Garmin Fantom 24 goes from cold to transmitting in about 3 seconds or less.

b_arrington said:

I've heard from multiple owners, however, of problems with the WiFi part of the Raymarine radar. Basically the signal is not stable and causes dropouts.

Newer solid state radars also reduce the power requirements, and the thickness of the cable. They only require a couple of watts to operate. They also have advanced features like doppler and spin up in a couple seconds. My Garmin Fantom 24 goes from cold to transmitting in about 3 seconds or less.

Click to expand...

I’ve read the same thing about the WiFi. But that said, I’ve got a friend who upgraded to a Quantum unit last year and loves it.

Our Furuno Doppler uses traditional 12vdc power wiring and a Cat5 for comms simple power at the helm.

Henry Boyd said:

I’ve read the same thing about the WiFi. But that said, I’ve got a friend who upgraded to a Quantum unit last year and loves it.

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If it works then that’s fantastic. I’m really liking my Fantom radar but I didn’t have to install it.

Thanks. Installing a Funuro Wi-Fi
Will route the 12v gown to the helm

Scotthpclv said:

I am installing a radar on the arch. I will fish the wires with extra lines for later. Question is where is the easiest access to power? Figure asking will save an hour of work.

Click to expand...

Power is going to be in the blues seas block under the helm. You can get to it via the access panel under the steering wheel.

Remove the plastic cubby next to the helm seat to access the space between the helm and the arch. That's where I installed my Ethernet switch.

Getting up the arch is a little tricky but easy. Behind the rear facing seat there is an access pane below the arch plate. You will probably need to remove seat back.

Above the arch plate remove the padded cover held in place with Christmas tree clips and remove speaker.

Up top on the arch there is a 6inch center access plate and the arch lights can also be removed. I would suggest upgrading the lights when out to full LED and color changing. I will have a new post after my upgrade next week.

I can post pictures tomorrow as I have them on my PC at office. Feel free to ask questions.

My install was a dual raymarine axiom 9 setup with quantum radar up top. All hard wired via a RayNet net work with an HS5 switch. We also made custom panels and changed out from wood to all black for a more modern look (pending my switch pad conversion).

-Kevin