[travlin-easy]

I wonder if anyone here has ever constructed their own mast mount for a Radome transmitter? I look at the prices, which are outrageous, then look at the construction, which appears to be minimal at best, and wonder why they charge so much for something that looks fairly easy to construct from aluminum that could be purchased at Home Depot.

I just ordered a Lowrance 3G Broadband Radar system and the antenna only weighs 16 pounds, which is pretty darned light. I think I could make the mount for about $25 in aluminum and hardware and avoid paying $475 for a manufactured mount.

If anyone has already done this, I would love to hear your replies. If not, I'll be sure to post some photos and details here.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

I have a Lowrance HDS7 GPS/Plotter the radar system will connect with, and I have considered using my stern mount TV Antenna Pole for both the radar and TV. However, after reading the instruction manual, that is not advisable. I would have to add another stern mount pole, which would not be too expensive if I have the local welding shop construct it for me. They have done work for me in the past and it has all been top notch.

thanks,

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

Here's what I came up with. Total parts cost was just $20. However, because of my work schedule, which is really heavy, and some shot to Hell body parts, mainly my back, I had a local welding shop fabricate it for me. $80 labor. Total, $100, but that's dirt cheap in comparison to the stuff I saw online at the marine supply shops. Most of those ranged $350 to $750, and no one had a bracket that mounted directly to the top of a post. Almost all were mast mounts and cabin top mounts, which I really didn't want or need. Everything I read said 12 to 16 feet above the water is where this system should be mounted for optimum results.

I have to work tomorrow, but I should be able to get most everything installed by Friday afternoon. I'm really looking forward to using this system, and when I do the shakedown, I'll be sure to post the results so others can take advantage of the information I garner.

All the best,

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

Yep, the stern post seemed like the most logical way to go. And, no, I'm not gonna rely on friction. That bolt will go all the way into the post in a hole that I drill and tap.

Cheers,

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

Captainmeme, the self leveling brackets are very, very expensive, some costing more than the Radar unit itself, and unless you heel quite a bit, which I never do, there is no real advantage. If you Google search radar brackets, you'll be hard pressed to find any that fit atop a pole. The vast majority will be cabin top mounts, followed by mast mounts, all of which are ridiculously overpriced.

All the best,

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

I'll shoot some vids tomorrow during the installation.

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

Here's the video of the Radome after installation. Really sturdy.

One thing I discovered, though. While I was led to believe that all I needed to connect to the HDS7 was in the kit, if you want the radar to overlay the charts you have to install a couple more devices, which means a lot more money. I can view both the chart and the radar on split screen, which is OK, but I would rather have the overlay images instead.

From what I'm now reading, I'll have to purchase an R10 interface box and a heading sensor to get the overlay display.

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

From what I've found out so far, this is true for all of them.

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

I just ordered the parts I need for the overlay after talking with Lowrance factory service. The parts, which consists of an external GPS antenna and a networking connection cost me $285. Not a lot in the grand scheme of things when it comes to a boat. But, still a PITA.

Side scanning sonar has been out for quite a while, and if I recall correctly, Hummingbird was the first to come out with it. However, in order to utilize side scanning sonar you must use a thru-hull or stern mounted transducer. You cannot shoot through the hull with this feature. It is primarily for recreational anglers in that it allows them to see underwater structure in 3D, which is really neat.

All the best,

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

My HDS7 is one of the first ones that came out and I've had it for nearly 4 years. The new versions all have many new, built-in features. Mine is not touch screen and relies on several button push menus. I would call Lowrance at 1-800-324-1356 and talk with their customer service rep to determine if the radar interface features are built into your unit.

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

Well, I took the boat out for a trial run using the Lowrance 3G Radar system - WOW!

The very first thing I noticed was that when a powerboat was approaching I could actually see the wake behind the boat, something I never anticipated. The buoys and unlit daymarkers were not as prominent as I thought they should be, but I believe that I can correct this by changing the sensitivity a bit. I saw crab pot buoys, and even part of a tree that was floating about 200 yards away.

Overall, from a guy that cut his teeth on traditional radar systems, this 3G and 4G radar technology is just what the doctor ordered - it's really incredible. I can barely wait till I get the two final components hooked up so it will overly my plotter charts.

A big thumbs up for Lowrance for bringing this technology to the recreational boating market and making it affordable.

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

IT WORKS! I purchased the additional electronics to get the radar images to overlay the charts, and damned it sure makes life a lot easier. The overlay information is a tremendous feature, but you need a fluxgate compass and a coupler in order to make this happen. The next project is to build a flat box to hide and protect all those wires and connections.

Gary

 

[travlin-easy]

The kicker for me was when I saw the wakes of powerboats running down the channel a quarter mile away - NEAT!

Gary