Raymarine radar cable question

[DowneastSeaRay]

I should title this "RM radar cable "dumb" question", but I can't seem to find a clear answer online. Likely because it's too obvious - but here it goes. I've been having intermittent radar problems and found that the radar cable was damaged during an over-land haul of the boat where. I'm going to replace the whole cable, however, I can't seem to figure out which cable connectors I need on the replacement. I'm assuming that the cables have evolved over the years as things progressed from analog to digital and so on. I'll include pictures of what I have below, but I can't seem to find a match online. Most of the cables I've come across have an extra set of what looks like power (red/black/ground) on one end of the cable. I haven't opened the radar base, maybe the power comes up through the base instead of through the connector on the back?

Any help would be appreciated.

Details:
1998 450 Sundancer
E120
RM HD Digital open array

 

[Skybolt]

Your radar is an analog radar and making up cables yourself is not recommended. Some units are calibrated to cable length and changing that could affect the imagery of the radar. If your still going to make your own, speak with RM first and verify also they may still have cables to buy already made up.

And buy the way, that is not a stupid question. Your finding an answer because people don't replace the cable themselves.

 

[DowneastSeaRay]

Thanks for the quick reply. It says "HD Digital" on the open array. Is that referring to something else? I'm definitely not looking to make my own cable, however I've seen replacement cables sold online in 5 meter increments. But, some have split ends on one end. So, unless the split end (looks like power?) comes up through the base of the radar pedestal or goes off somewhere else on my boat, I think I have just two cannon plug connectors. Does this help? Or is the answer still the same.

Thanks again.
Joe

 

[Skybolt]

Thanks for the quick reply. It says "HD Digital" on the open array. Is that referring to something else? I'm definitely not looking to make my own cable, however I've seen replacement cables sold online in 5 meter increments. But, some have split ends on one end. So, unless the split end (looks like power?) comes up through the base of the radar pedestal or goes off somewhere else on my boat, I think I have just two cannon plug connectors. Does this help? Or is the answer still the same.

Thanks again.
Joe

Nope was guessing from the E120. Digital is fine. I would still call RM on this. I am not a RM expert, but have converted many over to Garmin. Perhaps @dtfeld Dave could answer this better, he just converted his RM.

 

[Shaps]

I should title this "RM radar cable "dumb" question", but I can't seem to find a clear answer online. Likely because it's too obvious - but here it goes. I've been having intermittent radar problems and found that the radar cable was damaged during an over-land haul of the boat where. I'm going to replace the whole cable, however, I can't seem to figure out which cable connectors I need on the replacement. I'm assuming that the cables have evolved over the years as things progressed from analog to digital and so on. I'll include pictures of what I have below, but I can't seem to find a match online. Most of the cables I've come across have an extra set of what looks like power (red/black/ground) on one end of the cable. I haven't opened the radar base, maybe the power comes up through the base instead of through the connector on the back?

Any help would be appreciated.

Details:
1998 450 Sundancer
E120
RM HD Digital open array

My boat originally had E120s and i still have the HD Digital Open Array.
My base is model e52069e and I did have the cable from the VCM100 to the base replaced when I bought the boat.
i can try to check later today for the part number, however looking at the manual, it shows a data connection as well as 3 wires for power(red & black) & drain.
The manual shows parts numbers:
5m A55076
10m A55077
15m A55078 https://www.anchorexpress.com/Raymarine-Digital-Radar-Cable--15m--A55078D_p_81123.html

Edit:
A quick message to raymarine cust service should confim what exact number you need

 

[DowneastSeaRay]

Thank you for following up. This raises another question, if you have another minute. It's high time for some upgraded electronics. The E120 backlighting just gave up the ghost two days ago. Rather than spend the time locating the backlight (or LED upgrade) I'm planning on updating the MFD. The plan was to stick with Raymarine because the boat was all RM. I'm hoping to utilize the existing autopilot, cabling and whatever else is in there so I don't have to do it all at once. Some local captains tell me I'm nuts not to go with Garmin, others say the same about RM. Is this Ford vs Chevy? Any insight?

 

[Skybolt]

Thank you for following up. This raises another question, if you have another minute. It's high time for some upgraded electronics. The E120 backlighting just gave up the ghost two days ago. Rather than spend the time locating the backlight (or LED upgrade) I'm planning on updating the MFD. The plan was to stick with Raymarine because the boat was all RM. I'm hoping to utilize the existing autopilot, cabling and whatever else is in there so I don't have to do it all at once. Some local captains tell me I'm nuts not to go with Garmin, others say the same about RM. Is this Ford vs Chevy? Any insight?

Garmin is much more user friendly IMO. But to convert to all Garmin, would be lie buying another boat.

I would upgrade to an Axiom, that way the radar doesn't need to be replaced. Then slowly replace/upgrade the rest of the devices keeping the AutoPilot the same and possibly last to change. The AutoPilot is working is fine for your vintage and will work with the new Axiom as well (vis NMEA 0183).

 

[Shaps]

Sure, unless you want a full new system, can you keep your open array and upgrade from anything to the next generation from you E120s (the E125/e127) all the way to the latest axioms.

I went with an E127/E125 pair i found on ebay and it was a MASSIVE improvement

 

[Skybolt]

My boat originally had E120s and i still have the HD Digital Open Array. ...

Yep, to quick to respond. The eyes saw E120 and brain said C ...

 

[DowneastSeaRay]

Thank you both - you have been immensely helpful.

The data plate on the back of my base is weathered away - but it looks the same as the number you've mentioned. One more question just to make sure I understand the cabling (having one cable with three ends is where I need clarification): If you are starting at the radar array base, the single-end of the cable plugs into the back of the unit, travels down the arch and then the cable splits (or "Y's") where the 3 power wires goes to the VCM100 and the cannon plug goes to the MFD? Do you by chance remember the length? 10m? 15m?

 

[Shaps]

Thank you both - you have been immensely helpful.

The data plate on the back of my base is weathered away - but it looks the same as the number you've mentioned. One more question just to make sure I understand the cabling (having one cable with three ends is where I need clarification): If you are starting at the radar array base, the single-end of the cable plugs into the back of the unit, travels down the arch and then the cable splits (or "Y's") where the 3 power wires goes to the VCM100 and the cannon plug goes to the MFD? Do you by chance remember the length? 10m? 15m?

I'll have to check. I had it done.

 

[dtfeld]

With the HD Radar you should be able to upgrade to an Axiom/Axiom+, albeit with some possible limitations (and I'm not completely sure what those might be since there are different levels of support depending on the firmware revisions of all the components in your system). However, you are going to have to get the specific part numbers nailed down to really nail it down.

There is some details in the old Raymarine forums to help out.

https://forum.raymarine.com/showthread.php?tid=421

https://forum.raymarine.com/showthread.php?tid=8706

One other possibility is to sell what you have (that radar is worth a pretty good amount) to offset the cost of upgrading the the MFD AND the radar. I'd suggest going with the Quantum 2, because as a cruising boat, the Chirp and Doppler radars are just so far superior for what were going to use the radar for. A new Quantum 2 Doppler radar is $2500, maybe less if you can catch a rebate.

You can keep all the other Raymarine, and or replace as you see fit, but there is an upgrade path.

This is what I have done, and I am very happy with the Raymarine.

 

[Steve S]

And you can get an upgrade kit for the autopilot with the EV-1 sensor, And Actuator Unit and controller for about $1500. Uses all the same pumps...

 

[DowneastSeaRay]

This is all exactly the info I was hoping for. Thanks. This path of slow, systematic evolution will be a much easier sell to my wife.

One more question - My current configuration is an E120 and a C80. Would the C80 share information with the new Axiom? Not sure what I'd want to see on it with the new Axiom directly above it. Likely back-up charts or something. And, it looks cool.

 

[Shaps]

First pass i'd look to replace both MFDs at the same time.

 

[The Bill Collector]

This is all exactly the info I was hoping for. Thanks. This path of slow, systematic evolution will be a much easier sell to my wife.

One more question - My current configuration is an E120 and a C80. Would the C80 share information with the new Axiom? Not sure what I'd want to see on it with the new Axiom directly above it. Likely back-up charts or something. And, it looks cool.

*
Axiom is digital and C80 is analog...

 

[DowneastSeaRay]

Well this is a little embarrassing. The cut cable was the old analog cable that is still partially in place. Good news: I don’t have to locate and run a new cable. Bad news: that isn’t the problem. I’m still going to upgrade my MFD’s and go from there. Thanks again for the help

 

[dtfeld]

You could do this but it depends on what else is in the boat and adds a layer of complexity. Again, your going to have to start nailing down what you have in the boat and what is connected to what, because the E120 and C80 are 3-4 generations old and the networks are just as old. All of the various networks have to be accounted for and integrated. Likely you have some version of SeaTalk1 that connects your MFD's, Tridata, autopilot and possibly a NEMA0183 connection to pass time/date/position to a VHF radio.

I agree with @Shaps that you might want to just swap both out at once. The C80 is a 8.4" so the equivalent would be the Axiom 9 at about $750, but you might be able to get away with an Axiom 7 which are about $500. If you want to upgrade to the Axiom+ (which have better screens, its about 2X the price of the plain Axiom). On the smaller units, the resolution and brightness is much better. I would also recommend that you add a RS150 GPS as the basic GPS in these units sucks. Here is a a basic description of what you'll likely need.

 

[DowneastSeaRay]

I've been working with (paying) a local reputable marine electrician and didn't get anywhere near this level of support and understanding. Thanks again. Now I show this to him and say, "see - what he said".

 

[Skybolt]

This is all exactly the info I was hoping for. Thanks. This path of slow, systematic evolution will be a much easier sell to my wife.

One more question - My current configuration is an E120 and a C80. Would the C80 share information with the new Axiom? Not sure what I'd want to see on it with the new Axiom directly above it. Likely back-up charts or something. And, it looks cool.

So I have a question for you? You now mention a C80 and also the E120? Do you have both of those MFD's? And if so which one of the MFD's is the radar connected to?