New Helm setup on my 2008 310 :)

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kaz911

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Jan 24, 2011
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May I present ... :) my new dashboard / helm setup on my 310

Simrad NSS12 Evo2 x 2
Simrad IS40 x 2
VesselView 7

+ Simrad 4G Radar (from old install)
+ Structure scan (from old install)
+ M260 in hull transducer. (from old install)

Comments welcome.

Panels custom made at Technograpic - and are a perfect fit.

New310_Helm.jpg
 
Looks expensive, I like it.
 
Now that's a cockpit, um I mean helm


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Thanks all :) Yes - it is actually a genuine Simrad/Mercury full Glass cockpit as they call it :) - copying flying terms seems to be ok in that regards *G*

now I just need to finish configuring it all...

And I have a Simrad ForwardScan test unit on its way this week- plugs straight in plus another hole in the boat - then I can see in front of the boat - under water. But that has limited use for most - but where I am - where the maps are out of date a week after they are made - it is not a bad thing to have.

And for expensive.. hmm yes and no - The 2 12" displays would normally cost around $6000-$7000 total if you shop around :( but I got a good deal. The 9" models are nice as well. But when I found out I JUST could fit 2 x 12" I had to go that way :) But they have very bright and saturated colours.

The IS40 displays (surrounding the VesselView) I picked up very cheap on eBay - like 33% of retail... Main panel is "slightly" larger than standard 310/330 - extended down about 5mm over the steering wheel to "balance" the edges. If anyone wants to "copy" the setup - Technographic has the templates.
 
I like all, including the Vessel View upgrade...can you point out the advantages over the original, and how much it costs? Either way, makes your helm look brand new!
 
The VesselView 7 is a Simrad NSS7 with "extensions" and a few subtractions. :)

So VV7 is much faster - and more modern :) It interfaces with NMEA 2000 and Simrad/Lowrance Ethernet. It has Eco function as the MercMonitor does - and is IMHO a BIG upgrade over the old VesselView. So also both Touch and Button interface. It also does an engine scan on engine start-up - that is supposed to warn you before something goes really wrong. I have not verified that yet (thanks god)

When paired up with other Simrad NSS or NSS Evo 2 devices - they all start sharing and some VV7 features are unlocked.. So each of my displays can now act as VesselView - but it also means the VV7 can be chartplotter-, radar- sounder- or even autopilot-screen using all the Simrad devices installed. So all is integrated. Maps are only installed in one of the devices and shared via Ethernet. Configuration fly around from device to device - so if I change the default sounder source on one device - they all mirror the setting. Even the IS40 displays follow main setup settings.

And if I change screen brightness on one device - they ALL follow and all change screen brightness.

And with Axius - ... I should... be able to navigate routes automatically/hands free with parental supervision. But lets see - have not done sea trail yet. :)

VesselView 7 retails for $2000 but discounts are available - I have seen prices between $1400-$1600 as street prices.

As the harness is simpler as well - it is more elegant behind the scenes. I think I ended up pulling out about 10 lbs of old cables - and put in about 5 lbs :) I also added a roof mount Wi-Fi antenna from AntennaPlus - 4.5 dBi 3xMIMO for my CradlePoint MBR1400.

Everything is then hooked up to MY OWN Ethernet via the CradlePoint. CradlePoint handles ALL IP addresses as Simrad's Ethernet/Wi-Fi solution is open. So I can remote control all the VV7/Evo2 displays from iDevices or Android tablets. Nobody else currently have as "open" a network system as Simrad (And Lowrance & B&G - as software is almost the same)

On top of that I have a Simrad RS35 VHF with NMEA 2000 - and it has AIS receiver. Great VHF! and super AIS receiver for $300,- - nobody can beat that at all in price vs performance. It is equal or better than both Icom and Standard Horizon in sound quality - and AIS receiver is very sensitive - so I caught AIS targets 100 nm away even though I'm about 15 nm inland.

But it has taken a LOT of time to get there :) as I am a cheapskate - so most gear bought on eBay or THT forum. Some items bought broken and then repaired. Other items bought from people who gave up installing them....
 
Wow, very impressive! We really need a new GPS etc. Don't suppose you're visiting Florida any time soon, as I wouldn't know where to start:)


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BritLady said:
Wow, very impressive! We really need a new GPS etc. Don't suppose you're visiting Florida any time soon, as I wouldn't know where to start:)


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Click to expand...


Thanks :) I like it very much too. :) Anyway there are a couple of good guys in FL. For good prices AND installation - International Marine Service - Mike Reimer

http://www.internationalmarineservice.com

For DIY: Buy from Mike above - or SemperFiFishing on THT - or BOE. Both Mike and Semper does Simrad - and so does BOE.

BOE is ..reasonable as well - but due to site policies I will not comment on them.
 
Last edited:
kaz911 said:
Thanks :) I like it very much too. :) Anyway there are a couple of good guys in FL. For good prices AND installation - International Marine Service - Mike Reimer

http://www.internationalmarineservice.com

For DIY: Buy from Mike above - or SemperFiFishing on THT - or BOE. Both Mike and Semper does Simrad - and so does BOE.

BOE is ..reasonable as well - but due to site policies I will not comment on them.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, may be very useful if we ever get that far:)
 
kaz911 said:
And I have a Simrad ForwardScan test unit on its way this week- plugs straight in plus another hole in the boat - then I can see in front of the boat - under water. But that has limited use for most - but where I am - where the maps are out of date a week after they are made - it is not a bad thing to have.
Click to expand...

I heard about forwardscan but I assumed it was like humminbirds 360. After reading about it I discovered it is designed to be used as an additional layer of collision avoidance protection. To that end they state that it has a maximum forward looking distance of 8x the depth and a nominal distance of 4-5x the depth.

That doesn't sound like enough distance to offer any meaningful reaction time unless your at no wake speed.

I like the integration with the MFD and the heading line view with depth colors. We shall see how well it works.

Another nice feature is the 180 KHz operating frequency so as to not cause interference.

I was thinking it would be like a forward looking structure scan with a 3d image of the terrain. I've seen an lss1 mounted on the trolling motor of a bass boat and that was better and less expensive than the humminbird 360 in my opinion.
 
blaster said:
I heard about forwardscan but I assumed it was like humminbirds 360. After reading about it I discovered it is designed to be used as an additional layer of collision avoidance protection. To that end they state that it has a maximum forward looking distance of 8x the depth and a nominal distance of 4-5x the depth.

That doesn't sound like enough distance to offer any meaningful reaction time unless your at no wake speed.

I like the integration with the MFD and the heading line view with depth colors. We shall see how well it works.

Another nice feature is the 180 KHz operating frequency so as to not cause interference.

I was thinking it would be like a forward looking structure scan with a 3d image of the terrain. I've seen an lss1 mounted on the trolling motor of a bass boat and that was better and less expensive than the humminbird 360 in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Yes it is NOT for cruise speeds > 6 knots I would say. But I only go on the plane where I'm certain I have enough water. But when travelling the canals or unknown water it will be helpful. I already have StructureScan LSS2 transducers mounted on mine and the Evo2's handle them without an extra box. :)

And the great thing is it uses standard Airmar 617 mount - which is the same as post 2009 boats use (for the most part) for the engine attached depth sounder. You can't use the plastic version though but exchanging the plastic to SS is no problem. The 617 mount is also the standard for D/S/T transducers from Airmar - and also fits my CA500 camera. So I can quite easily swap things in / out when needed.
 
What is the item in the center of the top panel? Just what functions does it have?
 
Looks really cool kaz! Quite the setup!
 
Kaz,
Real nice job. I’m in the planning stages for a similar upgrade. I’m installing a single NSS12 EVO2, instead of doubles, with radar, sonar, and autopilot. I plan to add the VV7 as well and a new VHF radio to keep the look uniform. And words of wisdom while I’m planning this out?
 
BBT - the standard dashboard measurement for the helm is slightly too small. I made new ones - so when you order - use Tecnographic - and ask to get a copy of my layout as it is slightly deeper above the steering wheel. (But fits fine - and just get the cut-outs you need) Corey or Louis from Tecnographic are the ones to speak too. Just remind Corey NOT to make the VV7 cut-out as he did mine but use the real template *G* for VV7 and not std. VV.....

Your plan sound great :) btw. VHF - I would put in the Simrad RS90 if you are a big spender or RS35 if you want to save some money. They have same basic features. But I like the black box solution where I can detach the handset if needed. Just don't mount it under the compass as Sea Ray does.....

The Simrad auto-pilots are great btw.. Radar is almost perfect. Better than anything else in a dome.

Sonar - what are you planning to do? Fish? Structure? Which depths?

/k
 
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