Any Axiom users here?

[ZZ13]

I’m looking to finally replace my old RL80C. I have standalone radar and fish finder so I really just need chart plotter only. I found places that have the original Axiom still. So I’m looking at that to keep cost down. They sell three versions of the 12” that I am looking at:

1. Chart plotter only, no sounder/fish finder capability

2. Something called RealVision capability

3. RealVision with Lighthouse North America chart.

So my questions: If I want to add a sounder to do depth do I need to buy 2 or 3? What charts, if any come with 1 and 2? What is RealVision? How do you add Navionics charts after the fact?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ocgrant]

Ok so what model fish finder do you have now? Real Vision is just their latest technology. Depending on what you have now might just plug into the network and work just fine on any Axiom screen. All their units will work with an external "fish finder" as they all are "network ready".

Charts, I go with Navioncs, Lighthouse is just their version they sell. I prefer the Navionics as I can use my phone app and sync it. They don't come with charts, you have to buy a chart chip of your choice.

 

[ZZ13]

Ok so what model fish finder do you have now? Real Vision is just their latest technology. Depending on what you have now might just plug into the network and work just fine on any Axiom screen. All their units will work with an external "fish finder" as they all are "network ready".

Charts, I go with Navioncs, Lighthouse is just their version they sell. I prefer the Navionics as I can use my phone app and sync it. They don't come with charts, you have to buy a chart chip of your choice.

Ancient fish finder. L760. Same era device as the RL80C. Their “network” is the old hsb point to point cable. Like I said, I’m not looking to integrate anything into the Axiom. But I may want to add a transducer in the future if my trusty ST60 ever quits working.

 

[ocgrant]

oh then you are fine. I think I have a something 300 fish finder with a transducer for it that plugs into the network and allows "fish finding". I don't fish so don't even use it. But it is my back up for my depth sounder if it were to fail. You can pick any Axiom package you want. 12" are dime a dozen around here for sale used. They will all work for you. Now do you have Radar? That you have to have a newer version to make work on an Axiom.

 

[ZZ13]

oh then you are fine. I think I have a something 300 fish finder with a transducer for it that plugs into the network and allows "fish finding". I don't fish so don't even use it. But it is my back up for my depth sounder if it were to fail. You can pick any Axiom package you want. 12" are dime a dozen around here for sale used. They will all work for you. Now do you have Radar? That you have to have a newer version to make work on an Axiom.

Yes, I have standalone Furuno radar. Don’t need radar capability. Just chartplotting with optional future transducer addition. Sounds like I need #3, or #2 and separately purchase the Navionics+ North America card.

 

[ocgrant]

Like I said all of them have network so not sure why you say #1 is out?

Yes navionics card, I prefer it. Cmap is also pretty good at least for me in the Bahamas. I have Cmap and Navionics both. I use Navionics more

 

[dtfeld]

I have standalone radar and fish finder

All of them a have a 600 basic fishfinder, and if you have a compatible transducer, it's easily connected with a pig tail. You can connect up you DSTXXX (depth, speed, temp transducer) if installed (very likely) as well.

What radar unit do you have? Are you wanting to integrate? From you initial post, sounds like no, but that's going to be the biggest issue because the Axioms only support the new digital radars. If you want fully integrated (maybe even down the raod), the Doppler unts are the way to go and from a safety standpoint I'm a big fan...they find things in my blind spots all the time.

Also what about autopilot? Axioms do support the older AP's albeit without full functionality.

I ask because this is opening up Pandora's Upgrade Box. I'd recommend you think about what else might need upgrading in the next couple years and plan for that (even if you don't end up doing it). Give you options down the road.

 

[dtfeld]

To answer you basic question.

I’m looking to finally replace my old RL80C. I have standalone radar and fish finder so I really just need chart plotter only. I found places that have the original Axiom still. So I’m looking at that to keep cost down. They sell three versions of the 12” that I am looking at:

1. Chart plotter only, no sounder/fish finder capability

2. Something called RealVision capability

3. RealVision with Lighthouse North America chart.

So my questions: If I want to add a sounder to do depth do I need to buy 2 or 3? What charts, if any come with 1 and 2? What is RealVision? How do you add Navionics charts after the fact?

Thanks in advance.

1. Basic Chart Plotter only is a good option as you can add on sonar modules later, and unless you are a fisherman, the Real Vision isn't necessary, and requires additional RV transducers that are $500-$2000 plus install.

2. I second @ocgrant that the Navionics charts are far superior, with 1 exception. Having the Lighthouse charts onboard might be useful as a backup chart.

If no backup chart necessary, go with #1, if you want the lighthouse as a backup, go with #3.

The only other thing to consider is a Axiom12 vs the Axiom12+. The screens on the 12+ are a little nicer, and the response is noticeable snappier (I have both a Axiom 12RV and an Axiom 9+).

One other side note. Plan of adding the RS150 Active GPS module. The onboard GPS sucks once mounted in the normal Sea Ray locations.

Additionally, buy the Remote SD card reader as the onboard mSD slot is on the back to these units and not easily assessable. I have the RCR-2 Dual Card reader. The top slot is where I keep the Navionics Card, the bottom is for data/backups/upgrades.

 

[ZZ13]

To answer you basic question.


1. Basic Chart Plotter only is a good option as you can add on sonar modules later, and unless you are a fisherman, the Real Vision isn't necessary, and requires additional RV transducers that are $500-$2000 plus install.

2. I second @ocgrant that the Navionics charts are far superior, with 1 exception. Having the Lighthouse charts onboard might be useful as a backup chart.

If no backup chart necessary, go with #1, if you want the lighthouse as a backup, go with #3.

The only other thing to consider is a Axiom12 vs the Axiom12+. The screens on the 12+ are a little nicer, and the response is noticeable snappier (I have both a Axiom 12RV and an Axiom 9+).

One other side note. Plan of adding the RS150 Active GPS module. The onboard GPS sucks once mounted in the normal Sea Ray locations.

Additionally, buy the Remote SD card reader as the onboard mSD slot is on the back to these units and not easily assessable. I have the RCR-2 Dual Card reader. The top slot is where I keep the Navionics Card, the bottom is for data/backups/upgrades.

I read Raymarines description of #1 that it does not have sonar capability. Are you saying you can add a module for that later? Is that a physical thing that attaches to the unit?

 

[dtfeld]

I read Raymarines description of #1 that it does not have sonar capability. Are you saying you can add a module for that later? Is that a physical thing that attaches to the unit?

You know I think you may be correct on that (I have the 12RV and I use the internal FF, and googled a comparison since its been a while), but if you have an existing transducer like a B60 that was used with your L760, you could get a basic 600W fishfinder and skip the external module. This does not prevent you from installing and using the RV function, or adding more powerful external FF modules in the future.

Im unable to find a manual for that L760 FF, so I don't know if that can be integrated easily. I know my boat came with a DSM300 that could be integrated through RayNet (ethernet). That FF used a B60 transducer.

What transducer is the L760 connected to?

 

[ZZ13]

You know I think you may be correct on that (I have the 12RV and I use the internal FF, and googled a comparison since its been a while), but if you have an existing transducer like a B60 that was used with your L760, you could get a basic 600W fishfinder and skip the external module. This does not prevent you from installing and using the RV function, or adding more powerful external FF modules in the future.

Im unable to find a manual for that L760 FF, so I don't know if that can be integrated easily. I know my boat came with a DSM300 that could be integrated through RayNet (ethernet). That FF used a B60 transducer.

What transducer is the L760 connected to?

I’m not sure. But I’m good now. I was simply looking for the basic axiom path to sonar and you all helped me figure it out.

 

[ZZ13]

To answer you basic question.


1. Basic Chart Plotter only is a good option as you can add on sonar modules later, and unless you are a fisherman, the Real Vision isn't necessary, and requires additional RV transducers that are $500-$2000 plus install.

2. I second @ocgrant that the Navionics charts are far superior, with 1 exception. Having the Lighthouse charts onboard might be useful as a backup chart.

If no backup chart necessary, go with #1, if you want the lighthouse as a backup, go with #3.

The only other thing to consider is a Axiom12 vs the Axiom12+. The screens on the 12+ are a little nicer, and the response is noticeable snappier (I have both a Axiom 12RV and an Axiom 9+).

One other side note. Plan of adding the RS150 Active GPS module. The onboard GPS sucks once mounted in the normal Sea Ray locations.

Additionally, buy the Remote SD card reader as the onboard mSD slot is on the back to these units and not easily assessable. I have the RCR-2 Dual Card reader. The top slot is where I keep the Navionics Card, the bottom is for data/backups/upgrades.

A couple questions on the sucky internal antenna (seems to have a lot of complaints). Did you consider the cheaper GA150 internal antenna extender rather than the RS150. Also I have the old Raystar 125 NMEA0183 antenna and a VHF that has GPS. Could I could just adapt either one of those to input into the Axiom via NMEA2000 (since the Axiom doesn’t have NMEA0183) or SeatalkNG?

 

[ocgrant]

Axiom is Nema2000 through sea talkNG. Not sure about your radio antenna if it will work. You would have to get a Nema2000 adaptor cable to plug it into the network and try. Otherwise a RS130 or RS150 is a must.

 

[ocgrant]

Axiom is Nema2000 through sea talkNG. Not sure about your radio antenna if it will work. You would have to get a Nema2000 adaptor cable to plug it into the network and try. Otherwise a RS130 or RS150 is a must.

 

[ZZ13]

Axiom is Nema2000 through sea talkNG. Not sure about your radio antenna if it will work. You would have to get a Nema2000 adaptor cable to plug it into the network and try. Otherwise a RS130 or RS150 is a must.

Sorry. I typoed my post. I meant Axiom has NMEA2000 and not NMEA0183. I guess I would just give it a try and see what happens.

 

[dtfeld]

A couple questions on the sucky internal antenna (seems to have a lot of complaints). Did you consider the cheaper GA150 internal antenna extender rather than the RS150. Also I have the old Raystar 125 NMEA0183 antenna and a VHF that has GPS. Could I could just adapt either one of those to input into the Axiom via NMEA2000 (since the Axiom doesn’t have NMEA0183) or SeatalkNG?

I went with the RA150 as the Axiom doesn't have a passive antenna connection. I struggled with the internal for a year. When moving into this era of electronics, its really all about networked gear, and by networked I mean SeaTalkNG/NEMA2000.

I did consider the RS125/130, but its older tech and slower satellite acquisition/update times and at the time was more expensive than the RS150. You would also have to have a NEMA0183 --> SeaTalkNg converter in the system dedicated to the RS125 that adds significantly to the cost. These converters are a weak link in the system. I have one dedicated to my VHF and it craps out anytime I start and engine/generator. Worthless...I'm going to swap out the VHF and remove the converter this year.

One other option is to use the AR200 which technically is part of the ClearCruise Augmented Reality system. The AR200 is a RS150 GPS with a heading sensor (your boat with show facing in the correct orientation on the Axiom). If you don't have, or don't intend to upgrade an Autopilot, this is the way to go. You don't need to add the camera, but if a camera is in your future, this is a nice system.

Welcome to the New Electronics rabbit hole!! I joke, but I am very glad I did the upgrades as the equipment is just sooo much easier to use and maintain. But it is worthwhile to consider where you might go upfront to save $$ in the long run.

Here's a discussion of the how/why the various options.

[TG11] Axiom Pro External GPS Antenna

forum.raymarine.com

 

[dtfeld]

Axiom is Nema2000 through sea talkNG. Not sure about your radio antenna if it will work. You would have to get a Nema2000 adaptor cable to plug it into the network and try. Otherwise a RS130 or RS150 is a must.

They are basically the same thing with the difference being the cordset/connectors, but you can intermingle both together, but need some adapters/pigtails.

 

[Jaws]

I added the AR200 with a CAM210 for the Clear Cruise and really like it for two situations: Identification of vessels moving in a crowded harbor and then, sometimes on a long passage in open water, I put the upper screen on camera, Clear Cruise. That way I can sit and still keep an eye on things more comfortably. Commercial traffic is identified from far away when tied into AIS.

It was mentioned earlier about the sonar. I chose the Axiom Pro 12S which does not have the built-in transducer feature. Instead I added an RVX1000 black box and installed large transducers for 3D vision.

I don't use the sonar technology to the extent that I thought I would but I sure like the Clear Cruise augmented reality.

 

[Escapade]

We run two 12RV's w/ Lighthouse charts and a CP370 for our depth module. I'm on Lake Michigan and have zero issue w/internal antenna. Previously used Navionics ( Prior Boat ) and see no difference in map detail or resolution. A must is to add the remote card reader. I am blown away by the speed of these screens. +1 for the Axiom

 

[dtfeld]

Bill

I think the L7XX fishfinders used an Airmar B44V or B744 transducer. These are 600W transducers with a temp and speed thru water paddle wheel. If this is what you have, you can connect this to the Axiom with a A80489 pigtail. Then you can display depth temp and STW directly on the Axiom, but would require the RV model.

That pigtail is about $60. And it is plug and play. This is what I did, but I had a different transducer.