Si-Tex Explorer Plus

[rustypirate]

I have been reading some of the threads about chartplotters as I will eventually need to make a decision regarding this equipment sometime.

I am old school enough to keep paper charts with position updates every couple of hours, however I really like the flexability of using a chartplotter for both plotting waypoints for the GPS, and for keeping track of position in poor visibility situations.

I am not so much concerned with something for the cockpit, but rather the Nav Station, and the larger the better, only the prices for these uints are outrageous. $2,000+ for a unit with less than 10" of screen? Are they nuts?

In my research online I came upon the Si-Tex Explorer Plus. It is a C-Map based system that uses any external VGA monitor combined with the unit that has the buttons and scroll controller. This system would let me use a 19" computer monitor for under $100 plus the controller for under $700.

Is there anyone here that has used this system, or has any first hand experience with it? Can I get some feedback on whether or not they liked it, and why?

Si-Tex Explorer Plus Plus With Gpk-10-6 Gps

[cat man do]

I asked the same question here

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post364386

I have used one before, (see pic) I believe it was the same brand and loved the concept of having that sized screen.

I will be having an internal helm for passagemaking, night time and inclement weather, I will also be having a 22'" monitor near the helm, so why not use it?]\

Even if I dont have it joined with radar sounder etc, still a good thing IMHO

[rustypirate]

My understanding of these units is that they cannot handle widescreen resolutions, and need a standard aspect ratio screen, which is why I was leaning towards a 19" monitor.

Does your experience suggest that the widescreen aspect ratio is accepted?

[cat man do]

Originally Posted by rustypirate

My understanding of these units is that they cannot handle widescreen resolutions, and need a standard aspect ratio screen, which is why I was leaning towards a 19" monitor.

Does your experience suggest that the widescreen aspect ratio is accepted?

apparently not

Seiwa Marine – Navigating the Seas of Tomorrow

Technical specifications: • Microprocessor: ARM9 S3C2410 400 MHz • Resolution: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 • Power consumption: 400mA @ 12V DC • Supply Voltage: 10-35 Volt DC • Cartridge: 2 x C-Card • Weight: 950 g Functions: • BBFF compatible: yes • RADAR compatible: yes • AIS / DSC: yes • WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS compatible: yes • Video Camera: no • Worldwide Background Cartography: yes • Sunlight viewable Display: no • Fast Processor 200 MHz (Explorer3 400 MHz): yes • C-Cards Slots: 2 • GOTO key: yes • MOB (Man Over Board): yes • Time to Destination: yes • Distance to Destination: yes • Selectable track color: yes • Fuel Consumption: yes • Compass Calibration: yes • Tide Info: yes • Port Info: yes • Navigation Info: yes • Find Tide Station: yes • Find Port: yes • Find Wrecks: yes •

Oh well, 19 " screens are cheap as chips