[C320-list] Instrumentation

[Rick from Inflate Co]

I did the complete e7D MFD chartplotter with the digital radar, ST-4000+ (or
whatever the newest on is) as well as the weather / satellite radio module.
Also replaced all displays for speed, wind, depth, all from Raymarine, all
tied and talking to each other.  The standard horizon VHF I installed as
well as a remote mounted at the helm for full mast height 25 watt
communication from the helm also provides AIS inbound info so that I have
AIS tracking info on my chartplotter as well. I am sure I am overlooking
something, but the autopilot does have the flux compass built in, so that
saves you $900 alone.  I replaced my windvane, knotmeter also. They are all
from Raymarine, they all talk to each other and total investment in hardware
was around $6500 and $6000 labor. Best thing I ever did. It could
circumnavigate the planet if I wanted to or had the hull for it.  It's one
awesome set up and considering before then I didn't even have a windvane, (I
would spit on my cheek and sail off the wind on my face and a cassette tape
tassle off the backstay), It has been a dream. Do make sure you have good
batteries though. I just added 2 4D gels for $3000 and a magnum
invertor/charger for another $1500 installed.  This was all money super well
spent and it's a completely different vessel with this set up. It's fun,
high tech. It requies software updates every few months and they are a bit
of a pain to install at first, but each release improves the options and
power. I can control my stereo satellite music channels and volume right off
my display and there is now some kind of new interface that will allow full
stereo controls from helm too. Has a remove on the wheel that also let's me
bluetooth my iPod and you can multiplex the display when not at the helm on
an iPad , iPhone or Android phone or tablet, even remotely control the main
disply from them.  Super worth it, super high tech, would never rely on it
alone, but fun and nice to have and makes sailing even more fun (if that was
even possible)  :)

Rick
NEMO
DANA POINT
#235

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Sean Kaldor
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 4:13 PM
To: C320 Mailing List
Subject: [C320-list] Instrumentation

I'd like to upgrade the instrumentation on my humble '98 C320 and am seeking
some advise...


I currently have:
A) Raymarine C80 chartplotter in the salon connected to a Raystar 125 GPS
receiver, not connected to anything else.
B) Raymarine ST4000+ autohelm control head at the helm, with the wheel
controller and fluxgate compass, also not connected to anything else.

C) Raymarine ST60 Speed and Depth at the helm, with their transducers below,
also not connected to anything else.

I'd like to add wind, maybe AIS, get the chartplotter to the helm, and get
everything talking to each other.

My questions for anyone out there, based upon your experience with the
C320...

1) Does anyone have experience (good/bad) with wireless wind transducers and
TackTick (now Raymarine Wireless)

2) Do I need to drop the mast to wire a masthead wind transducer?
3) Do you have thoughts about using one big multi-function display vs.
normal individual instruments? Experience good or bad?
     -Is there one multi-function display that can control all those
components and give me charts - a single piece solution?

4) Has anyone had success with anything new/innovative, such as iPad based
or something other than RayMarine?

If you had to do it all again, what would be your preferred setup?

I prefer simple and reliable, but I'm not sure if that it wireless (less
cabling to go wrong), multi-function (fewer components), or stand-alone
instruments (tried & true with isolated components).

I'm wishing the prior owner got the deluxe instrument package and I wouldn't
have to solve this riddle :)

Any thoughts would be appreciated. 


Sean