Alarm Systems

[weephee]

I have purchased a Garmin 178C charplotter and depth-finder. For alarm functions this unit requires a 12v 100ma relay to feed a siren or some sort of audio notification. I was wondering what most sailors use for alarms. A siren would certainly be loud but might not be appropriate in some circumstances. Perhaps a chime?? Thanks

[pistonbully]

Can you give it what ever sound you like? I'd give it a sound that is pleasing yet is nothing like any other sound on the boat.. That's what I do with my phone.. PLeasing,, yet nothing like my surroundings so i always hear it.

If it was an anchor drag alarm i'd go with the most annoying racket making sound i could find lol..

[centaursailor]

If its a safty alarm then a siren type would proably be best.
I have gas, co2 and various engin alarms. The Garmin anchor drag, off course and depth alarm are all siren types that generaly sound alike. I have a fair idea whats on watch and were to start looking depending on the circumstances, ie if at anchor, using the engin, cooking etc.
Safe sailing

[weephee]

I was looking for something that is compatible with my 178C. Can you tell me Centaursailor what siren ie. make or model you use. Does it have a relay built into it or is that something you have mounted separately. My manual says the relay must be 12v 100ma. Thanks

[centaursailor]

The siren came with 2xAA battery window contact alarm for a caravan/outhouse bought at a DIY store about 6 years past. I used it on the washboards.
I eventually replaced the broken alarm contact sensor with a stand alone movement sensor and the siren was going spare so just patched in the output from the garmin to the additional sensor relay on the old alarm panel.
Siren gets power from old alarm panel battery and the Garmin is powered from the boats battery bank.
Safe sailing

[Minnewaska]

Something to think about. My bilge alarm failed and would sound intermittently, for no reason. Neighbors would not have been happy, if it had been later in the season.