Raymarine C80 to Axiom9 chartplotter conversion

[BigEasy]

For those of you who have upgraded from a Raymarine classic chartplotter to a newer axiom plotter, was the upgrade worth it? Not really having a problem with my present C80; however it is getting up in age. I have an opportunity to obtain an Axiom 9+ and seriously thinking about taking the plunge. Plan to keep my ST60 instruments & use a converter to adapt to the Axiom unit if I upgrade. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[LakeOntario270]

Do it! It's like going from a flip phone to the latest phone model

 

[CrispyCringle]

I recently upgraded from a C120W to an Axiom 2. I love it. It took some work getting the right converters and stuff. But like mentioned above, its a huge step up. My only caveat is you need to look at the autopilot integration. If its not the newest generation of autopilot, Raymarine has chosen to software block it from being directly controlled from the Axiom, even tho its perfectly capable of working. But there is a workaround which works great. See this from RM: SPX Autopilot series compatibility with AXIOM / AXIOM2 LH4 Series MFDs And this is the workaround: How to get Axiom to work with old Raymarine autopilots

 

[BigEasy]

I recently upgraded from a C120W to an Axiom2. My only caveat is you need to look at the autopilot integration. If its not the newest generation of autopilot, Raymarine has chosen to software block it from being directly controlled from the Axiom, even tho its perfectly capable of working.

Thanks, good to hear that you are pleased with your axiom plotter! I installed an evolution 100 wheel pilot a few years ago & use it in a “stand alone“ mode. I may continue to use the auto pilot without integrating with the new plotter. Mainly need to integrate with ST 60 wind/speed/depth instruments. Already have a ST to STng converter in my present set up. I do not plan on replacing instruments or transducers at this time. Only other consideration is connecting to my DSC radio; presently use the 0183 out on my chartplotter for that feed. Look forward to getting the new axiom; not looking forward to installation. Maybe it’s me; however, Raymarine never makes it easy to install!

 

[CrispyCringle]

If your wind and water instruments already go through a STNG converter you should be good to go. I have the problem you have with the radio. I believe an ITC-5 device is what is needed to connect it to a STNG backbone. But for the cost of an ITC-5 device, Id just as soon buy a new NMEA2k compatible radio. Or just live with a basic radio. And if your autopilot controls are easy to reach from the wheel, leaving it in standalone may not be bad. Although I love having it on the screen. I have two chart plotters and it allows me to make steering adjustments from inside, if need be.

 

[jaysweet]

I swapped out a non-functioning C80 for an Axiom 9 in 2021 (Between chart plotters), after wasting way too much money sending the C80 out for repairs to some place in Florida. All I hooked up was the power, using the old power cable from the C80. The new Axiom has worked great for almost 5 years now.


I do sort of wish I'd gotten the 12", but couldn't stomach the price difference and I was thinking it might not fit in the Navpod, depth-wise. In 2021, the 9" was only $863 ($1421 now!). It's around $800 more for the 12". I haven't done anything to hook the old SeaTalk network up to the Axiom: I bought the converter, but have been too lazy to hook it up yet. Too many other boat projects have had higher priority.

 

[BigEasy]

I swapped out a non-functioning C80 for an Axiom 9 in 2021

Good to hear that installation was uncomplicated. West Marine had an awesome holiday sale on the Axiom 9+ including Lighthouse charts that was too tempting! I couldn't fit anything larger on my helm pedestal.

 

[jssailem]

You will be a happy sailor with the new Axiom 9.
Christmas in July.

 

[jaysweet]

Good to hear that installation was uncomplicated. West Marine had an awesome holiday sale on the Axiom 9+ including Lighthouse charts that was too tempting! I couldn't fit anything larger on my helm pedestal.

Sounds like you already bought one! You'll like it. As I recall, the hole in the Navpod from the C80 was larger than what the Axiom 9 needed, so I bought a thin piece of starboard from some company that rounds over the corners for you, and did the cutout in that myself. I think the result looks pretty close to original (picture above). I guess the alternative is to buy a new front panel from Navpod, and then it would be perfect.

 

[BigEasy]

Sounds like you already bought one! You'll like it..

Yes, with all the positive responses from you guys, I ordered the plotter & C80 to Axiom 9 adapter plate. Look forward to getting everything operational! Thanks for all the input; much appreciated.