Laptop / Radar interface

BRAZO · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject: Laptop / Radar interface

Is anyone using a Radar that interfaces with your laptop? We have a new CD 22 on order and are looking into electronics. We are coming from a 32' boat that we used the laptop with, but had a separate radar. We would like to integrate all into the laptop using Coastal Explorer.

If you are, what brand/model # of radar are you using? How do you like it? Any other info that would be helpful.

Thanks,
Robert

tpbrady · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:31 pm Post subject:

I have version 1 of Coastal Explorer and it doesn't support radar that I am aware of. Version 2 in beta does and Rosepoint is supposed to offer the radar sensor as an option.

thataway · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:02 pm Post subject:

To my knowlege Nobeltec (owned by Jeppesen) is the most popular PC program which will interface with radar. The 2 KW scanner is about $1800, the program is from $400 to $900, plus a rugged PC (on a C Dory I would not want the hard drive to crash when I went over a wave in critical conditions).

I have seen this in action, and it appears to be a good unit. (not sure how much is being pushed after the Jeppesen acquisition. The units I have seen is on larger boats.

Considering the costs, I prefer to go with a Furuno Radar, with a separate chart plotter (or two). I don't want to get water on my laptop--the dedicated radars and chart plotters are at the very least splash proof. Plus the dedicated units are much easier to use. Try using a keyboard or mouse when underway in heavy weather (I have, but in a 42 foot trawler I owned--and I found it far more difficult than a dedicated chart plotter and radar) Using the laptop/radar in a 22 foot C Dory would be more difficult than on a more stable platform.

Plus I like having the information is right in front of my eyes, so I can keep my eyes on the water, and just glance up or down to see the chart plotter or Radar.

mailbox101 · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure on the software, but I would take a good look at a Panasonic Toughbook for the laptop. They are designed for construction sites and the like and are more resistant to an occasional splash or bouncing along with the boat, as well as vibration from the motors. Here's a link:

www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/rugged_reliable.asp

David B.