Radar upgrade question

[Riptide Charters]

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Hey Guys,

I'm looknig for an opinion on a radar upgrade. I have a 4KW Raymaine dome on an E120 on the new Contender. I use the unit for hunting birds out to 2-3 miles max. Thats about what I got from my Furuno 4KW dome. I have a oportunity for around $2,000 to change over to a 10KW 4' Open Array. Now on a big tall sporty or sailboat clealy this would give me more of everything. But on a CC with the radar being only T top high how much is there to gain?

Beamwidth is allot narrower so separation will be better, but I have no issues with my current setup distinguishing between targets at my normal operating range of 1.5-3 miles. What I'd be looking for is extending my bird finding out to say 5 miles or so. I used an online calculator to see what the radar horizon is and I show about 4.5 miles to a water level target and around 8-9 to a target 5' high (birds tight to the water) Is this a reality to "see" birds at this kind of distance from a CC with only a T top regardless of how much power I push?

The only down sides other than wasting $2000, is the Array setup is about 50# heavier on my T top and it will suck a TON of juice compared to the dome. But to double my bird finding range I'd be willing to deal with that.

Opinions? Anyone made this upgrade?

[perfectscore]

Originally Posted by Riptide Charters

Hey Guys,

I'm looknig for an opinion on a radar upgrade. I have a 4KW Raymaine dome on an E120 on the new Contender. I use the unit for hunting birds out to 2-3 miles max. Thats about what I got from my Furuno 4KW dome. I have a oportunity for around $2,000 to change over to a 10KW 4' Open Array. Now on a big tall sporty or sailboat clealy this would give me more of everything. But on a CC with the radar being only T top high how much is there to gain?

Beamwidth is allot narrower so separation will be better, but I have no issues with my current setup distinguishing between targets at my normal operating range of 1.5-3 miles. What I'd be looking for is extending my bird finding out to say 5 miles or so. I used an online calculator to see what the radar horizon is and I show about 4.5 miles to a water level target and around 8-9 to a target 5' high (birds tight to the water) Is this a reality to "see" birds at this kind of distance from a CC with only a T top regardless of how much power I push?

The only down sides other than wasting $2000, is the Array setup is about 50# heavier on my T top and it will suck a TON of juice compared to the dome. But to double my bird finding range I'd be willing to deal with that.

Opinions? Anyone made this upgrade?

now u wanna kill birds- christ you're a real killer lol, i dont think it is worth it, your not getting that much for 2k, unless the bird finding is the difference between winning a tourney and not if that is what u do. otherwise, u say the current set up is working fine, why fix that which isn't broken ???(i hate cliches too)

[yachtjim]

A 4kW dome is typically not considered useful for really finding birds. I think if you moved up to this new array it would open your eyes to really finding birds. I say go for it. Remember that new radar is 24V so you may need a 12-24 converter.

[000's]

Buy furnuo I have the same system half the problem is gaymarine I mean raymarine

[Riptide Charters]

Originally Posted by yachtjim

A 4kW dome is typically not considered useful for really finding birds. I think if you moved up to this new array it would open your eyes to really finding birds. I say go for it. Remember that new radar is 24V so you may need a 12-24 converter.

Jim any recomendations on a 12/24 converter?

[yachtjim]

The simrad vtc 305 will do the trick. Its about $500.

[000's]

Best prices on inverters on the web http://www.donrowe.com/