Calling all techies! :o)

[Donner74]

That's actually something I am also confused by Quinn. From a personal tech standpoint N2K seems awesome, but every time I go to look at new nav systems for my boat I have some sales guy telling me that there are still a ton of manufacturers that don't want to be "fully compatible" with the standard. In the end though I guess it doesn't matter, as I am clearly now leaning toward one brand, so if it's SimNet or NavNet of InsertNameNet I know I'll be fine in the interim. Long term though it seems like not having N2K might be limiting. I thought I read/heard somewhere that Lowrance and Simrad are able to share some technology, so maybe that's a good sign!?

[QuickMick]

i was thinking in terms of 'longevity of use' as mentioned above... it would seem that even if people are reluctant to invest in a 'new standard' over time they wont have a choice, just was thinking that if you do some of your project now, and look to add components--and want the system to be viable for a decent amount of time--it may be prudent to go with what will be the 'standard' moving forward so you arent trying to tie in to an antiquated system in 4-6 yrs....

anyway, sounds like a fun project.

regards
Q

[Captain Chris]

Hey there-
I have been a radar/ electronics tech and maritime engineer for about two decades now...

IMO- you are correct to go with a single manufacturer, more for the relationship you will build with your chosen repair facility than anything else. I love anything Simrad has bought... they have Anritsu radar now, and anything else they think is the absolute best quality in the world- they buy. The only problem w/ Simrad is they did not design much of their equipment themselves, so there is no institutional attitude. Therefor, it is like having all different manufacturers anyhow...

After my equipment was really outdated, I saw the same opportunity you are looking at- simplify!

I chose to go all Furuno. They can't be beat for reliability and, basically, toughness, and the service network is top notch- or they loose the dealership. The only piece of electronics I have now that is not Furuno is my Alpha Spectra A/P. These are simply the best units ever made... other than that- I am a Furuno guy.