My
Raymarine nav system (obsolescent RL80CRC+, RL70RC+, Pathfinder
radar, S3 course computer, 7000+ pilot) uses a plain old
fluxgate compass for heading data. I've had trouble with getting accurate heading data into the MFD's, but that's not today's question. I'm thinking that in any case it would be worthwhile to improve the quality of heading data in the
network. I would very much like to be able to use MARPA, for example.
I have a chance to buy a new old stock S3G course computer. That's the same one which I have (an S3) except it has the gyroscopic unit which improves the quality of the heading data from the
fluxgate compass.
What do you folks think -- better to go this
route?
Or should I instead replace the fluxgate compass with something like the Airmar H1283?
As far as I understand, the Airmar gives better quality data -- it seems to be the best heading
sensor in this
price range (
Panbo: The Marine Electronics Weblog: Airmar H2183 compass, best in class?)
But it is not native
Raymarine, and besides that, replacing the whole course computer will eliminate another source of my problems with heading data in my system.
On the other hand, I could use the Airmar in my next system whenever I upgrade (which I hope won't be too many years from now).
What do you guys think?