I70 versus I50

[CampDavid]

I am the throws on setting up a new Raymarine stng backbone and replacing a number of instruments.

The question in my mind is which display is best for my sailing.

The i70 offers a number of features and displays. The i50 tridata is a proven display.

The price is not much different however the display and data is far different.

Any suggestions on moving toward the i70 versus the i50 and i60 displays.

Also has anybody used st 60 and I series together. If so any thoughts

Fletch

[jibstay]

I upgraded from ST60 to i70 displays 18 months ago. I've been very happy with the i70 displays. Sharp and crisp, viewable in any light, flexibility in what and how things are displayed.

No experience with the i50 or i60, sorry.

[danstanford]

Currently the i70 seems to be cheaper than the i50 Tri-data, does that make sense? I am thinking about a very similar upgrade but having a hard time understanding the implications of the choices. I have an St40 Bidata and a ST40 wind instrument with that Rotovecta head on it. I am going to upgrade the wind instrument but do not have room on the binnacle for more than 2 displays (besides the C80 and the Autopilot) so I cannot use the i50 & i60 value pack. I am now wondering if I shouldn't buy 2 i70's and the 3 transducers covering all my needs. It looks cheaper and far more flexible than the 160 wind and the i50 tridata.

Am I thinking right?

Hoping you have already done this and can tell me what you have learned.

Dan

[Snore]

Originally Posted by danstanford

Currently the i70 seems to be cheaper than the i50 Tri-data, does that make sense? I am thinking about a very similar upgrade but having a hard time understanding the implications of the choices. I have an St40 Bidata and a ST40 wind instrument with that Rotovecta head on it. I am going to upgrade the wind instrument but do not have room on the binnacle for more than 2 displays (besides the C80 and the Autopilot) so I cannot use the i50 & i60 value pack. I am now wondering if I shouldn't buy 2 i70's and the 3 transducers covering all my needs. It looks cheaper and far more flexible than the 160 wind and the i50 tridata.

Am I thinking right?

Hoping you have already done this and can tell me what you have learned.

Dan

I am in a similar spot for my boat. The i50 will up convert the ST-1 depth and speed transducers to STng. The i70 appears to require STng depth and speed transducers.

[CampDavid]

I may stand to be corrected however my understanding is that with an I50 and I60 wind you can use analog transducers. To use an I70 for either depth speed or wind they require a itc5 or separate wind speed and depth pods.

One can install a A22111 smart triducer for speed temp and depth to connect to a stng backbone however you still Need a wind pod for a I70 to give you wind.
Lots of ways to go.

[danstanford]

Is there any merit to the idea that moving past the analog i50/60 up to the digital i70 will give us better upgrade paths and features in the future?


Not trying to talk myself into this but rather wanting a more objectivity than my innate tendency with electronics to move to the newest technology.
Dan

[CampDavid]

It is not a simple answer. I50 allows the instruments to accept an analog or a stng signal . I 70 is stng only.

If one wants a dedicated single use screen I50 is the answer. I70 allows multi level information .

I70 requires a ict5 or a speed wind etc pods or an A22111 smart transducer. I70 needs a wind pod unless you have a I60.

I70 system is feed with stng network only.

Do you want single instruments or multi?

I70 allows AiS read out.

No real simple answer. Each to their own. I am guessing the cost in the end is all pretty much the same

[Red Sky]

Originally Posted by CampDavid

I70 allows AiS read out.

This is what swayed me towards the i70. Being able to shut-down the power hungry MFD and still have the ability to monitor AIS in the cockpit. That and being able to have different information set-ups for different types of sailing.

[KeelMe]

I70 requires a ict5 or a speed wind etc pods or an A22111 smart transducer. I70 needs a wind pod unless you have a I60.

Raymarine no longer sells pods. iTC-5 is the only option if you want to stay Raymarine. However, B&G sells NMEA 2000 wind sensors like the 508.