B&G 3G radar/MF display packages

[RobG]

B&G has put together some pretty affordable (comparatively) radar/multi-function display packages like this one.
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|2028689|2028736&id=2702185

Anyone using the Zeus T12 and Insight charts? How do you like either of them?
Very low pwr draw on each which is good for me. In reviewing the specs I don't think I need to spend extra on 4G looking to my uses.

 

[Joe]

It all looks good... I like the Lowrance systems too...

 

[Gunni]

I have the Simrad 12" NSE version from the same Navico family of navigation equipment. That 3G radar unit is a great, power-efficient (check out that 2 amp draw) easy to use radar. Insight charts is the built in charting (adequate), you can add (excellent) Navionics chart chips for your cruising grounds . I am not a fan of touch screens in the marine setting, but you may find them acceptable. This is serious IT equipment, make sure you have good power and connection installations or the stuff will leave you frustrated and staring at a dark screen.

 

[knot smart]

Last year I scrapped the the old RM st50 system and installed the BG T7 and Triton T41 with standard preloaded charts.. I love it. It's user friendly, plug and play and I see they are currently running the same special they did last year.. buy a MFD and get a T41 free.. I bought 2.. But full disclosure, I have no experience with anything else, the RM system didn't work.

 

[RobG]

Hummm...size does make a difference

Thanks for the replies gang. There just happened to be a laid up mast at the marina this weekend with a 3G (dome) on it. Wow. It's pretty big. I planned to stern mount it on a pole. With my not so big 28 footer and that kinda big honkin' (dome) on it...not only might it look silly but 17lbs on an 8' leaver hanging off of the back of my not so big boat...would it possibly cause extra hobby horsing or something like that? Too big for the front of the mast IMHO and I want the simplicity of the pole mount.
Also a 12" display on the ped guard in my cockpit...same size concern. Would radar overlaid on charts on an 8' display be readable/useful?
Thanks again...

 

[Gunni]

Ha! You ever seen or weighed one of the old 2KW or 4KW domes? I have mine on a stern pole no problemo. Guy it out if you have a concern. On a small boat with limited house batteries I would be much more concerned by the power consumption of a traditional magnetron radar. And I wouldn't put one at my six, just above my head.

 

[chuckwayne]

We've also got ours on a stern mast with no issues. The dome is higher - but not heavier - than the magnetron type domes because the receive array is separate from the transmit array and mounted on top of the Tx. Unlike a conventional radar, the broadband radar listens continuously and doesn't have to switch from Tx to Rx - so no dead zone around the boat. Also, the power output is so low that the FCC has rated the unit as minimum safe distance of zero" - huggable.