Broadband Radar Install

[Walz]

Finished installing Lowrance Broadband Radar to replace old Raytheon R10 CRT unit. Also installed electronic compass so I can overlay radar over chart on my HDS-7 display. Install of new unit was very easy as I was able to pull new wire to dome as I pulled out the old wire. Of course Sea Ray has the wire go down the port side of the arch and across the engine room and up the starboard side of cockpit to reach the helm! I also installed a NEMA 2000 backbone from helm to engine room. Connecting electronic rate compass to system with NEMA network was easy...more like plumbing than electronics! Didn't know where to mount compass so I have it on dash up forward under the windshield and using holes in dash from old radar display.

I have not had a chance to take boat out and play with broadband radar, but from what I have been able to see from the dock, should be great to use. Love the low power consumption, instant own, and no center bang.

 

[trit21]

I had a broadband radar when I owned my 320 and the thing I didn't like about it was it will not pick up weather very well at all. I was very disappointed in the performance for picking up weather clouds and distant objects as well. Just doesn't work well at all but in close, it is awesome. But then again, when something is 30' from my boat, I can pretty much see it out the window unless in thick fog. That is where that system will come in very handy, thick dense fog or rain.

 

[Presentation]

Thank you for posting your installation experience.

I am looking forward to reading your real world experience with boradband radar.


Did you study Pulse Compression radar?

 

[TheWolfTC]

Finished installing Lowrance Broadband Radar to replace old Raytheon R10 CRT unit. Also installed electronic compass so I can overlay radar over chart on my HDS-7 display. Install of new unit was very easy as I was able to pull new wire to dome as I pulled out the old wire. Of course Sea Ray has the wire go down the port side of the arch and across the engine room and up the starboard side of cockpit to reach the helm! I also installed a NEMA 2000 backbone from helm to engine room. Connecting electronic rate compass to system with NEMA network was easy...more like plumbing than electronics! Didn't know where to mount compass so I have it on dash up forward under the windshield and using holes in dash from old radar display.

I have not had a chance to take boat out and play with broadband radar, but from what I have been able to see from the dock, should be great to use. Love the low power consumption, instant own, and no center bang.

I just purchased the HDS 10 and will start working on the install this week in my 370 dancer. I am also removing the old Raytheon R10XX. My install plans are to order a custom wood grain faceplate from Flounder Pounder and cover the existing area...install the autopilot on the board next to the new head unit and connect it all together. SO in the past few days of research I have learned a lot about the NMEA 2000 and the "backbone" system. Was it easier to install the backbone near the helm or is it better in the engine room? I am thinking of adding the fuel tank gauges, engine temp senders as well as the trim tab modules. Trying to think of the BEST location for all of it. I am glad to hear it was easy!

So, did the NEW broadband radar dome match the existing holes for the old radar dome?? always hate drilling new holes in the arch. :smt001
Once I get going I can add pictures of the process.
Have a great day!