[C320-list] EV-100 install on early 320

[Jack Brennan]

One thing to keep in mind when you’re putting together an array of instruments is that each system should be able to operate independently.

The networked multi-function devices being sold by Raymarine and others are cool in that you can operate everything from one screen. But, if you do so, what happens when that screen or the network fails? Suddenly, you don’t have anything – depth, autopilot, wind or chart plotter.

I have separate displays and wiring for my depth sounder and autopilot. My wind instruments are invulnerable – pieces of yarn tied to the shrouds! My chart plotter is OpenCPN on a tablet with a waterproof case if needed. 

The tablet  is locked into a mount that clamps onto the helm and plugs into a USB port. It can continue working for six or eight hours even if the entire electrical system goes down.

Another plus for OpenCPN is that it never goes obsolete. All of us have had bad experiences with instruments going out of production and losing support, making that expensive chart plotter or whatever essentially useless. With OpenCPN, you just download the latest charts from NOAA for free.

Not particularly high tech or state of the art, but it works and greatly reduces the possibility of suddenly going electronically blind. 

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.


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