Public Discussion Forum

Just because no one has mentioned a Simrad installation...

Kallisto came to me with outdated Simrad equipment (plotters and radar), so before making the trip to the Bahamas, I wanted to update everything. I looked at Time Zero and had actually planned to go that route, but they seem pretty tied into Furuno hardware and I was pretty happy with the Simrad interface. So, my system is:

Three Simrad 12" EVO 3S chart plotters

One NUC-like computer running two 19" Beetronics Displays

- Runs Open CPN which integrates nav, radar, GPS, and most NMEA data (2k and 183)

Tablet with Aquamaps

New 4' Simrad open array radar

Use original Simrad autopilot and Precision 9 compass

Simrad Class A AIS

I build routes in Aquamaps, transfer to both the Simrad and Open CPN, Monitor progress on both the Simrad and PC with AquaMaps for backup. I can display Navionics, CMAP, and/or Explorer maps based on the system.

Just back from a 191-day trip and managed not to lose too much paint off my keel, so overall happy with the system.

Steve

Kallisto 5369

I have a Furuno TZT2BB for sale if you’re interested…

You will likely get as many answers as there are members here. I think that a good NAV system is largely integrated, has some redundancy (particularly on important instruments, such as depth, GPS, radar, & VHF), and fits your available space and budget.

For me, I centered my navigation around Time Zero Pro with 3 19" monitors. Because I wanted radar integration, I added a Furuno TZT14, radar, and multisensor (to get depth & speed). However, I'm not a big fan of Furuno, so I added a Garmin package as well which included 2 GPSMAP 8616s, radar, multisensor, AIS transponder, 5 4" dedicated displays, 4 cameras, & autopilot. This gives me some degree of integrations and complete redundancy where I think it counts most.

For me, this setup works well. I wish I had more space on the flybridge for more displays.

What is still a challenge for me are the various electronic charts that are available (or not) on my systems. For instance, I've found that Navionics has more detail and accuracy than CMAP, but Navionics won't run on TZ; CMAP does. But the newest CMAP charts won't work on my TZ4 system, unless I upgrade to TZ5. Navionics runs on Garmin, so I get the detail in narrow channels on that system. It's always something.

To recap, I'd start with the functionality you want, pick a piece of gear that you prefer and build the rest of your NAV system around that.

I hope that was helpful to you.

Safe Adventuring,

Peter C. Adams

m/v Blue Redd 5726

We purchased Asante late last year and had a similar decision to make. Boat was Furuno equipped from new, but most of the equipment was at that point 19 years old and past its best!. Boat had been upgraded with an Open Array NXT radar and TZT2BB.

We looked at a couple of options including putting in generic displays and running off the TZT2BB or having a dedicated PC as back up to the Black Box. In the end we decided to upgrade the existing set up. Added an MU-245T screen, (this was a similar price to two generic sunlight readable 19” screens), badged Furuno but actually a Hatteland monitor. We added a TZTXL 13” to the Pilothouse and installed a TZTXL 16” to the Flybridge. We changed out the Simrad autopilot to a Furuno, fortunately we were able to use the existing Accusteer pumps. We also had a Garmin 10” MFD and several B&G 4” displays, Garmin is gone and 4” displays are now Furuno.

I like to plan on a PC so built a planning station mounted on the Port side of the Pilothouse, used a Beetronics 19” monitor and Dell Optiplex mini, running Windows 11, ($100 refurbished from Amazon), added an external GPS, so now have a planning station and back up Navigation system. TZ Cloud makes integration easy between all the various parts. Pleased with the outcome.

Where are you cruising, and what information are you looking for? In general - how do you like to navigate the boat? Do you want weather information incorporated as well?

- rob

Roadrunner

2007 Selene 49 deep hull 48-029

Primary consideration is your preference for operating your vessel. Do you appreciate the feature set offered by time zero pro and more importantly do you have hardware that is integrated into that application? For example, sounder, 3-D sounder, radar, etc.

You can pick up a fully qualified computer to run time zero pro for about $1000 or less. So it’s easy to get a pair and have one in reserve on literal standby as necessary in case there is a catastrophic failure.

Some folks that like the feature set of time zero, but want to move more toward an MFD that is similar in the user interface have begun migrating towards Furuno‘s TZ touch. It is similar, but not identical and certainly not as sophisticated as the feature set offered in time zero itself. The benefits here obviously are the connections to existing hardware and the elimination of managing the complexities of a Windows based PC.

Most folks starting a brand new build these days are generally opting for a Garmin installation. In this case though all of the peripheral hardware is new it thus compatible with the Garmin solution.

Switching to Garmin, which likely won’t work with existing hardware could be a very expensive proposition.

Keep in mind the latest version of time zero pro 5 is a 64 bit application and will not work with the older Nobeltec or KODEN TCPIP radars.

Finally, I’m not much of a fan of touchscreen on my boat because the screens are way too far from the pilot Position. Having to jump out of the seat and lean forward just to operate The screen is not my preferred interaction. Mostly systems offer alternatives using track balls, etc. But why pay for a touchscreen if you’re not going to use it.

Key is understanding your preferences, as well as your existing hardware and what you want to do long-term.

Carl

I’ve got an ancient version of TZ Pro running on a Costco special computer tower. I either need to spend a few thousand upgrading my computer and TZ version or invest in a new system. I know everyone has strong opinions on this so I’d love to hear them!

Ryan