New 18HDx radar

[nzfisher]

Yesterday I replaced the 18" radar unit on my R25SC with the new 18HDx radar. Some things others might want to know from my experience. The new radar is larger than the old contradicting the notion that electronics always get smaller. Hence the radar would not fit on the mast and needed a new plate with bolt holes that move the position of the unit forward so it clears the mast column. Secondly, the power cord is not the same as old. The new power cord is a threaded fitting where as the old was a twist lock. Luckily after calling Garmin there is a fitting that updates the power cord. I found this out after a semi hysterical rant about "Why did you change the cord?" The upshot is that the mast alteration is a substantial amount of work and now heavier. You must be able to work with stainless if you want to DIY-( Drill press, grinders and good tooling). Radar up and working!

 

[dialtone]

How does the radar picture look now with HD vision?

 

[nzfisher]

Boat still in shop finishing several upgrades, AIS, Garmin 7612sxv, new chirp transducer (and pulling cables for future transducers), second monitor in port side window etc. No great loss as the ocean has been extremely bumpy so far this year. I have been out on boats with new radar and I thought the ability to separate and distinguish targets was much better. I plan to be going out at night in Tuna season so I wanted the best eyes I could find. I hope to have it out in the water next week so I will let you know how it works on my boat.

 

[dialtone]

Would love to see a pic of your radar screen 🙂