I am interested in Simrad NSE or B&G Zeus MFD or Lowrange because they offer
Navico broadband radar BR24, 3G, 4G (in Simrad, Lowrange or B&G versions) which is lighter (16 lbs), far more energy efficient (18 watts and 2 watts standby) than either
Furuno or Raymarine Digital HD RD418D 4KW Radar E92130 (20.5" x 9.7", 21 lbs, 4 kw, 48nm, 40 watts (20watts standby). The
Navico Broadband radar has instant on, low and safe RF
transmission and excellent target discrimination, including close in, eliminating the dead zone in pulse radars.
The unit is a little thicker (or higher) than the Furuno and Raymarine Radars and almost as the same diameter. I don't understand why Navico doesn't have a 16 mile to 12 mile version that is smaller, just as useful for avoiding fast ferries and
boats, etc, and would be very suitable for small sailboat backstay mounts and smaller console powerboats? This unit would probably draw even less and have less windage and cost less.
I also don't understand why Raymarine does not
purchase or arrange to use the Simrad, B&G or Lowrange Broadband Radar technology (there is a development kit available and the radar has basically an ethernet connection with power) because the new series of Raymarine e series widescreen displays offer some very nice features! - The answer is, I guess, that they can't swallow their pride and create the best system.
When I talk to the pulse radar guys, I hear things like you need more
power to blast through the
fog, etc. - I am not so sure about that now with broadband radar available! The Furuno guys seem to get very frustrated and dismissive when I ask about broadband and the differences. - Any experience or thoughts about that? (-Lets discuss this thoughtfully, without passion!)
I am not going to
purchase a new MFD + Radar until something suitable is available. Our 18 year old
Raytheon Autohelm RL9 Radar draws less than current available radars, is lighter (16lbs) and smaller, and still has 16nm range. I am looking for Broadband radar with 16-12nm, 16" dia x 7" high approx,
low power use and the other features of Navico broadband. It would be nice to have the Raymarine series display work with that, but I would settle for Simrad I think. Also if a
low power, fast on, smaller pulse radar was available I might go for that, but I am very hesitant to spend so much
money on radar and MFD.
I am intrigued by the functions in Zeus but wonder if they are as fully featured as Maxsea's software for example.
By the way, I am very impressed with the features in
OpenCPN and finding it to be a very useful tool. It may even have connection to radar soon.