C80 Radar Overlay, Upgraded Firmware

[Andrew93]

I recently sent my Raymarine C80 our for third party repair. I know it’s an older system, but the repair was a lot cheaper then going new. In the process the firmware was updated. With that update I am no longer able to use the radar overlay feature, it seems I need a “smart heading system”. I see some SHS 2’s on eBay, is this something simple to add?

I was out yesterday and with some patchy fog I wish I had the overlay working. Another option is to add a second screen so I am not forced to split the screen into 2 or 3 and have one screen dedicated to radar in inclement weather, which I might want to do anyways. Will any C series simply plug into the system?

Although the system is older I am content with it and am in no rush to upgrade something I am otherwise happy with.

Thanks

Andrew

 

[Fishtales]

Hi. I have the E-series (80 and 120). It is my understanding that the heading gyro was always required for accurate overlay. I had the heading gyro from day1. I'm guessing here, but maybe the newer firmware versions were changed to require it? Did you notice an accuracy issue in the past? You could contact Raymarine and ask them to make earlier FW available to you. I use to download it to a CF card and then install on the unit when the firmware was upgraded. Obviously, they have stopped doing that.

 

[Andrew93]

Hi. I have the E-series (80 and 120). It is my understanding that the heading gyro was always required for accurate overlay. I had the heading gyro from day1. I'm guessing here, but maybe the newer firmware versions were changed to require it? Did you notice an accuracy issue in the past? You could contact Raymarine and ask them to make earlier FW available to you. I use to download it to a CF card and then install on the unit when the firmware was upgraded. Obviously, they have stopped doing that.

You are correct with the firmware requiring the gyro. I did not notice an accuracy issue before, but also did not know that was a concern. The SMS 2 with Gyro seems reasonable used on eBay, but don't know how difficult it is to install. It looks to require some "hard wiring" on the terminals on the sides, but not sure. Wondering if anyone has experience on installing it and its difficulty level.

 

[Fishtales]

Hi,
I think this is the gyro. http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=282
I remember a small number of wires coming out of the gyro. I can check next time I'm on the boat. I think it wires directly into the NEAM interface.

 

[Fishtales]

I think the above statement is incorrect. This is what you need.
https://www.ebay.com/p/Raymarine-Gyroplus-2-SHS-Smart-Heading-System-E12102/1323361830

 

[Fishtales]

manual
ftp://62.38.192.171:222/FTP_Access/Raymarine/Manuals/Radar/Plus_Smart_Heading_Sensor_81198/SHS_81198_2.pdf

 

[Fishtales]

Found this on the web:
"The Raymarine E12102 Pathfinder smart heading sensor is a gyro stabilized fluxgate compass system, specifically designed for use with the Raymarine multifunction displays equipped with radar. It provides accurate data over NMEA 0183 and improves stability of radar/chart. The E12102 improves performance of MARPA and target acquition, retension and calculation of target tracking data, specially when condition is not appropriate. The sensor is easy to calibrate with the use of soft keys and menu on the multifunction display and compass alignment to COG. E12102 Features: Pathfinder Smart Heading Sensor Part Number: E12102 Fast, Stable & Accurate Heading Data Improves Stability of Radar/Chart Overlay Enhanced Performance of MARPA Improves Target Acquisition Retention & Calculation of Tracking Target Data Easy to Install & Calibrate Easy Compass Alignment to COG."

I'm guessing (you could read the release notes for every version of C/E Series Classic MFD firmware, but I'm guessing they did not include a note) that Raymarine at some point updated the FW to require the heading sensor. It could have been for legal protection as it does improve performance. The only way to know for sure is to go back to the FW revision you had in the past.

I had issues with my sounder at one point. Raymarine had a bad batch (solder issue) of the DSM module. All kinds of weird problems, power cycles, loosing bottom, general poor performance etc. They provided a new one free of charge and the issues were history. I upgraded the FW over the years for some display improvements (compass on the top of the display is the one I remember). I never noticed any FW issues, but thought why not upgrade.

 

[Fishtales]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Raymarine-...m4b390e2260:g:La0AAOSwvktahzXY&frcectupt=true

used, but the price is right.