Garmin Grid 20 users?

[ttmott]

Anyone have the Garmin Grid 20 remote?
I'm thinking about it but there is very little information out there on how it performs.
Experiences / Comments?

Thanks!

 

[bobeast]

I have one. I wouldn't be without it. I was a little nervous about getting a touch only MFD, but didn't want to give up the screen real-estate needed for physical controls. The Grid solves that problem nicely and is particularly useful when the water gets angry. It also helps with handedness. My MFD is to the left of my helm, and I am right handed. Putting the Grid to the right of the helm improves the ergonomics.

 

[rlynch03]

Tom
I installed the GRID remote in my last two boats and love it. I mounted the GRID in the armrest of both. The newest GRID version is better than the last generation. They now make it in a vertical or horizontal version. A few great features are the short cut keys 1-4 to your favorite pages, also the focus button that moves the cursor to the next task on the current page. Also the unit can communicate wireless with batteries, wired for power with wireless communication and Nema 2k (power and comm) which is how I have it wired to insure no loss of communication or power.

Regal 3760:

 

[ttmott]

Thanks guys - I ordered a vertical one. I'm going to have to figure out a NMEA 2000 cable route that will be out of the way and not get tangled up.
I think I'm going to fabricate a pod to mount it in which will attach to the existing armrest fasteners on the Stidd seats in my boat.

 

[alnav]

Tom, I've got one but have not been able to get to my boat to install it. I'm planning to use mine as a hand-held on batteries using the ANT connection method vice NMEA 2000. I think that will work better for me plus no wiring hassle.

 

[rlynch03]

I fished mine through the inside of the seat and out of the bottom. Strapped it to the Seat Pole and then under the carpet.

 

[rlynch03]

Thanks guys - I ordered a vertical one. I'm going to have to figure out a NMEA 2000 cable route that will be out of the way and not get tangled up.
I think I'm going to fabricate a pod to mount it in which will attach to the existing armrest fasteners on the Stidd seats in my boat.

I had planned on building an armrest (POD) for the 52DB but my concern was the lack of space between the two helm seats. It would be further reduced by adding an armrest sticking out into the path. My 15yr old daughter pressed me to cut it into the the armrest of the seats. She is my best helper on the boat. As you might have noticed in the pictures there is just barely enough space for the GRID but it did fit.

I know you have a different chair now but with the OE there was a void all the way to the base of the seat allowing me to fish the wire that far down. Have not come up with a completely clean way to travel down the seat post and then under the carpet but to be honest we do not really see it... I may use some small wire loom in the future. I thought about emailing Sea Ray to see if there are any voids in the floor that would allow for the wire to be fished. I just ran the cable under the carpet and drilled a clam shell into the base of the dash. Goes unnoticed so far.

Let us know how you do...

 

[ttmott]

I'll probably run the cable under the carpet also and to a NMEA 2000 bulkhead under the helm.
I made a mount that will attach under the armrest and extend forward of the armrest. It can fold down out of the way and allow the seat cover to go over. Pics...

 

[ttmott]

Tom, I've got one but have not been able to get to my boat to install it. I'm planning to use mine as a hand-held on batteries using the ANT connection method vice NMEA 2000. I think that will work better for me plus no wiring hassle.

After reading the installation directions I found out that control of the Autopilot is only allowed if connected to a NMEA 2000 network. The wireless feature will not allow an interface with the autopilot.....

 

[alnav]

After reading the installation directions I found out that control of the Autopilot is only allowed if connected to a NMEA 2000 network. The wireless feature will not allow an interface with the autopilot.....

Tom, thanks, I didn't know this. I do already have an Autopilot Remote but not sure I want to juggle two remotes. I will take a look at doing the wiring.

 

[rlynch03]

That reminds me... for you folks with Autopilot and the newer Garmin 7600 or 8600 MFD does the Autopilot require you to accept each new waypoint for a built track or auto guidance that the Garmin created?

it can be annoying if there are tons of waypoints like the Auto-guidance creates with Garmin MFD’s...

 

[ttmott]

That reminds me... for you folks with Autopilot and the newer Garmin 7600 or 8600 MFD does the Autopilot require you to accept each new waypoint for a built track or auto guidance that the Garmin created?

it can be annoying if there are tons of waypoints like the Auto-guidance creates with Garmin MFD’s...

Previous Raymarine equipment - each waypoint needed to be acknowledged before the system makes a heading change; Garmin makes the heading adjustment and continues the route; no acknowledgement required.

 

[ttmott]

Grid 20 installed, up and running; impressive addition.