Radar Questions

[Ted and Relinda]

We are about to install our new Garmin radar to go along with the Garmin 3210 we got a couple months ago. Questions-- has anybody used the training DVD's from either Bennetts or Starpath?? Did they really help in learning how to use/read it? They run from $25 to $125. Does anyone have a copy they would want to part with.? I know I would like to go to an actual class on it, but nobody in our area has one.

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Ted and Relinda Broom
S/V Ten-Ten Irwin 37CC
Punta Gorda, Fl.
Ted & Relinda's Life Adventures |

[Talbot]

I cannot comment on that training aid, but running an AIS display alongside will help you to understand what you are seeing, and will enable you to make much better use of the radar. I personally prefer the software from ShipPlotter and displayed on a laptop, primarily because of the ability to display CPA data, and the audio warning of contacts on a dangerously close CPA.

These are not an either/or tool, but rather a complementary pairing, and using the AIS to identify what it is you are seeing, will help to speed the development of these skills.

[funsailthekeys]

I have the same system and love it. The auto tune works best when you are new to it. Later when you have more experience you can adjust the gain, sea state and rain clutter to fit your needs. the AIS works well on radar alone but if you put it on overlay the screen is so full of information you can't see anything. I use the black back ground for the best contrast. When in the Keys trying to cross over the gulf stream it's like playing Frogger with me being the frog.