Garmin 740 RADAR Question

erps · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010

I've been eyeballing the Garmin GPS 740. It's their cheap Chart Plotter multi-function device. I'd like to add a Garmin RADAR to it later and it says that it has a port for that but I'm a little confused that they say this device isn't networkable.

I'd eventually like to add a second screen down below at the nav station for RADAR. The Garmin Radars are networkable. Can a person have two RADAR displays off the same RADAR if one of the displays is the GPS-740? I'm starting to think if I go with the 740 that I'll be stuck with only one RADAR screen.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=37721

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010

Ray—

From the installation instructions:

Quote:

NotE: The GPSMAP 700 series chartplotter is compatible with a Garmin marine radar, but it is not compatible with the Garmin marine network. Do not connect other Garmin marine network devices to the radar port on the GPSMAP 700 series chartplotter.

Basically, it means that the unit can't understand any of the other Garmin Network hardware. You might be able to use this with a second screen, but you'd have to ask Garmin to know for sure. My guess would be that the limitation would be that you couldn't use any other GARMIN NETWORK hardware, other than the second screen.

erps · #3 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010

Thanks Daniel,

The device is still kind of new. I don't like being the one to work out the bugs. Maybe I'll wait a little longer.

Maine Sail · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010

740 also does not do radar overlay and has a STRONG magnet for the chart door which requires it to be about 3 feet from the nearest compass (read REALLY, REALLY DUMB).

I think you'd be much better off with an older 3206 as they are still available on the net for about HALF the cost of the 740, networkable and they have the great old Garmin user interface...

I just had to replace my plotter about four weeks ago and considered the 740 until I began researching.. Doh'!! Went with another 3200 series..

erps · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010

Doh, I didn't think about magnetic interference. I would have wanted to install it right above the compass too. Thanks for that heads up. I'll go look at the 3206 next.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010

Second the 320x series of chartplotters...just installed a 3205 on my boat.

erps · #7 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010

I already have a small HDTV down at the Nav Station. It looks like the 3206 has video output that might hook up to the T.V. with the computer VGA type connector. Looks like that would allow me to have a second screen for viewing RADAR downstairs if my assumption is correct. Does that sound right?

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 09-10-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by erps

I already have a small HDTV down at the Nav Station. It looks like the 3206 has video output that might hook up to the T.V. with the computer VGA type connector. Looks like that would allow me to have a second screen for viewing RADAR downstairs if my assumption is correct. Does that sound right?

iirc you got that backwards. that is a video INPUT.