Radar Help Needed!!

[fraidknot]

Alright, I am looking at getting Lowrance radar for my HDS 8. I have looked at the Lowrance website and they have the “broadband radar” and the “HD radar”. It seems that they are promoting the Broadband radar much more and possibly phasing out the HD radar. Cost wise I would like to get the HD Radome LRA-1800 HD as it about $700 less than the broadband. However I would like to get the best value. Does anyone know if the HD radar has low enough emissions to be mounted anywhere? Additionally, do you need to purchase a separate electronic direction sensor for radar/chart overlay (cost?)? Any information would be great at this time as I have yet to fine anyone that can answer all of my questions.

Thanks!!!!

[pioneer]

I don't have a Lowrance unit but if Lowrance is stoping production on any piece of equipment then don't get it, tech support for it will soon follow and be gone. Basic rule of thumb on radar is keep it up and away from you, its just better to get it high anyway. Where ever it is make sure to figure in bow rise and go by what the book tells you. Also check location of other sensors, the beam can effect some electronics. The only guy that had a lowrance unit at quarterdeck tossed his in the garbage when I talked to him. Hope all go's well.

[remedy]

HD and Broadband (FMCW) radar are two different technologies...HD is a traditional "single pulse" style radar that happens in High Definition - the broadband uses an increasing wave frequency - so basically they're just different technologies.

The Broadband will show less clutter - be easier to use out of the box - doesn't require any adjusting as there's not really any sea clutter adjustments and things like that. It's a newer technology being made by a couple of folks - Navico being one of them - it was designed to use as a secondary radar for LARGE radar sytem vessels as it has better short-range imaging than a conventional radar - short range being much longer than what you'd use as a primary radar system on a fishing boat.

As to the chart overlay - that is a function of the capability of the head unit itself and unrelated to HD V. Broadband technology...so that will depend on what you pair the scanner with.

The Broadband is supposed to have substantially less microwaves coming out of but i don't know if anyone says they can mount it at head level or not...I would personally put it up in the air to keep it out of the way, and have a better vision angle to the water and be safe.

Lastly - I have never used a Lowrance radar and don't know anything about their specific units so can't help you with that - just trying to help with HD V. Broadband in a general sense.

I run a conventional, color, JRC single-pulse radar and it works exactly like i need it to. I personally would not be too excited to change technologies just to have a little more definition to it...

[mojorisin]

Thanks for the edification there remedy. That is a very informative post that I learned something from.

Fraidknot, I'm a JRC user too and I can't help you out either. Best of luck with whatever you choose. You might want to see what the masses on GLA think as there are probably some Lowrance radar users over there.

[ChampionShip]

Anyone on GLA caught using Lowrance is lynched to death by the masses

[mojorisin]

I have 2 Lowrance units on my boat and the previous 3 were Lowrance too. I have to side with the GLA masses when it comes to Lowrance's customer service which has to be the worst in the industry. I've had some nightmarish personal experiences there but my Lowrance units are functioning well still (knock on teak). I will cringe the first time one has an issue. There are some pretty dedicated Lowarance users on GLA that might be able to assist though (while taking a beating from the masses).

[fraidknot]

Thanks for the help. I can only say that Lowrance has been good to me. I have dealt with their customer service and it was not bad. Sure the wait was long but if you call at the right time of the week it only takes a few seconds to get through. Yes on Monday when everyone gets off the water that weekend with a problem it can be a long wait.

I do know that the other technologies are as good as or better than Lowrance. In my opinion…and I do have a right to my own opinion…garmin has great products but is lacking in the sonar area. Humminbird is great but there is no radar available with them. The rest of them I just do not know much about (Raymarine, ect) however I am sure they are good products.

As for GLA, I did post over there but it seems that the site is now having issues. Frank and the guys at calumet marine had a few thoughts for me; all of them helpful. I will continue my research and hopefully have something soon.

[fatcat]

Friends don't let friends buy Lowrance. Cumbersome menu system, horsehockey customer service.

[ChampionShip]

He's already got 3 lorance units- guessing the radar would be an add-on to his HDS-8