Does any know how to line up the radar with the chart?

[rheimb1]

When I run the radar, it shows a reflection of the land off to the left. That is, as I look at the plotter from the helm. And the chart and GPS seem to line up perfectly. I say that because when I’m at a fixed object like the dock, I’m spot on. My plotter is a 7212 and the radar is whatever they put on R25 2015 model.

Last week while crossing Rosario a fog bank came in and it became a little unnerving, I know where fix objects are and I just know where I should be, but a boat on the radar is a everchanging thing to consider.

 

[SJI Sailor]

I don't quite understand. Are you asking about changing the radar orientation, such as by a few degrees so it matches the charts? Or are you asking about doing a radar overlay on the chart? (Or something else?)

The full Garmin 7212 manual https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?partNumber=010-00749-03&tab=manuals has a whole chapter on radar including the various options for alignment and overlay modes.

 

[Red Raven]

Hi Rod,

I was in the same fog on the same crossing. Pretty unnerving to get within several hundred feet of Deception Pass and still not the bridge or the rock walls on either side! I’ve been through the pass more times than I can count but never like that. The admiral was pretty scared.

Not exactly sure what issue you are talking about though. If your radar image is not lining up with the chart then you need to run the Sea Trial wizard in your auto pilot setup. To get to it you have to get it into dealer mode with a key sequence on start up. I am not at the boat and don’t have the key right now but you should be able to find it in your manual or on-line. Another Tugnut may be able to chime in with the key sequence.

If your radar and charts line up fine and you are just concerned about how to judge distances and direction of moving objects that are not on the chart (e.g, a boat) I suggest the following: Select the moving object and then select “Aquire Target”. Once acquired it will be assigned a MARPA number. Select the MARPA object and it will bring up information about that object including distance form your boat, speed, direction of travel, and nearest approach based on current courses of you and the object.

I hope this helps. Sorry we did not have a chance to get together!

Curt

 

[bob daily]

I think you will find that the radar and chart plotter should be aligned when tied to the dock or a fixed structure, as noted the instructions for alignment are in the manual, but also in the menu for radar on the GPS. Once properly aligned I would trust the radar over the chart plotter! It's worth noting that you should run the radar regularly on clear days so you can see the targets and overlays and get a feel for confident operations when you really need it. Bob

 

[rheimb1]

In regard to SJI Sailor…I am referring to the radar overlay, when the radar is running, it is showing red just left of land masses on the chart. And I would assume the same would be true for other boats.

And to Bob yes I run radar a lot on clear days, indeed it is smart to practice setting targets. When you’re in the thick of it (no pun intended) it’s not the best time to be reading! So, when I get back to the boat I’ll take a look on those menus. And I will look in the manual. If there is an adjustment, then great, otherwise I may have to do as Curt suggested and run the sea trail.

And Curt, I got a spot at Skyline for the summer so we may just meet up. I’ll be back over for crabbing on the 19th. Will you be in the islands then?

I’ll do what the manual says in a couple weeks and see if I can get that corrected. I like things perfect; I don’t like doing any extra calculations on the go.

 

[Maggie Anne]

I've found that when the radar and the chart are misaligned it can be corrected (as mentioned by Red Raven) by running the Sea Trial Wizard. The procedure is as follows, with the boat underway in calm conditions and plenty of maneuvering room:

Select Home
Select SETTINGS (Center Button)
Select MY VESSEL from options on right hand side of screen
Select AUTOPILOT INSTALLATION SETUP from options on right hand side of screen
Select WIZARDS from options on right hand side of screen
The wizards are then available as choices. Select SEA TRIAL WIZARD

You will then be given instructions to drive the boat to calibrate the electronic compass.

Also, here is a link to a YouTube Video that explains how the Sea Trial Wizard works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZbUvr2i2rE