Greg,
i am acyually about to put an Axiom 9" plotter with a Quantum 2 wireless radar. I have a Raymarine C80 wide screen pplotter, but i cannot get a radome here in AUstralia for it, so i am going for a new set up.
Paul
I am not a big fan of the AXIOM. Unless you purchase the AXIOM pro, the chart card is inserted in the rear of the unit. So, if you want to change your chart card, you'll need to access the rear of the AXIOM. I much prefer the a series. If your're stuck on Raymarine, then I'd suggest the eS series. Just my two cents worth.
The Raymarine AXIOM has been out for maybe about a year. It boasts the new Lighthouse 3 software. But, it lacks many of the features that the lighthouse 2 offers. If you want to upgrade your AXIOM software, it is imperative that you backup any waypoints, routes or tracks as a reset maybe needed for the new software. If the card reader is in the back, it's going to be a pain in the arse if you've flush mounted the AXIOM. If you sail into a new area that your current card doesn't cover and you need to insert a new chip for the new area and the AXIOM is flush mounted, guess what?
The current Lighthouse 3 does not offer any of the advanced sailing tools fincluding lay lines, start line management, race course builder, and more. Here is what Raymarine says about the AXIOM lighthouse three upgrade "Before upgrading from LightHouse II to LightHouse 3, be sure to thoroughly read the accompanying software release notes and feature list. We have provided a full listing of LightHouse 2 “gap features” that are not yet available in LightHouse 3. If any of the features on that list are critical to your type of boating, we suggest that you not update to LightHouse 3 yet."
With all do respect, Raymarine says they will be upgrading lighthouse 3 eventually to bring back all the features lost. Hasn't happened yet.
Put all new electronics in just after purchasing my '05 C36:
Axiom 9 w/ navionics charts and separate keypad
wifi quantum radar
Ais receiver radio (model 70 I think)
wind instrument (with itc-5 converter)
wheel autopilot
Overall I am very happy, but it has had a couple random reboots - I really wanted the advanced sailing features (someday I guess - they seem to concentrate more on the bread and butter side of the market - fishfinders and it's features). Still getting used the the various functions and how to use them all. For the price at defender's annual sale, rebates and additional show extras (free keypad) - none of the other manufacturers could come close. Raymarine is very popular in my area as well (northeast). I'd buy it again.
I recently installed an Axiom 9" with the full Navionix card and Quantom radar. The Axiom works great, very fast and easy to use. Installing the Ray 700 AIS next.
Roam: I’ve looked into them you get a lot of plotter for the money. I currently have a RM e7D still works ok so can’t see spending the $$ on a new one
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Greg,
i am acyually about to put an Axiom 9" plotter with a Quantum 2 wireless radar. I have a Raymarine C80 wide screen pplotter, but i cannot get a radome here in AUstralia for it, so i am going for a new set up.
Paul
Love my Evolution autopilot (bullet proof) but my e127 and periphals - not so much. same with c80 and peripherals.
Today, these expensive and very limited boxes are starting to make less sense. I use my iPad more than my plotter as I can use it wherever I want.
2000 C36 MKII 1825
Roam
I am not a big fan of the AXIOM. Unless you purchase the AXIOM pro, the chart card is inserted in the rear of the unit. So, if you want to change your chart card, you'll need to access the rear of the AXIOM. I much prefer the a series. If your're stuck on Raymarine, then I'd suggest the eS series. Just my two cents worth.
2003 Catalina 36
You really don’t need access to the mice as card. All updates can be made with you phone as a hotspot.
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
The Raymarine AXIOM has been out for maybe about a year. It boasts the new Lighthouse 3 software. But, it lacks many of the features that the lighthouse 2 offers. If you want to upgrade your AXIOM software, it is imperative that you backup any waypoints, routes or tracks as a reset maybe needed for the new software. If the card reader is in the back, it's going to be a pain in the arse if you've flush mounted the AXIOM. If you sail into a new area that your current card doesn't cover and you need to insert a new chip for the new area and the AXIOM is flush mounted, guess what?
The current Lighthouse 3 does not offer any of the advanced sailing tools fincluding lay lines, start line management, race course builder, and more. Here is what Raymarine says about the AXIOM lighthouse three upgrade "Before upgrading from LightHouse II to LightHouse 3, be sure to thoroughly read the accompanying software release notes and feature list. We have provided a full listing of LightHouse 2 “gap features” that are not yet available in LightHouse 3. If any of the features on that list are critical to your type of boating, we suggest that you not update to LightHouse 3 yet."
With all do respect, Raymarine says they will be upgrading lighthouse 3 eventually to bring back all the features lost. Hasn't happened yet.
2003 Catalina 36
Put all new electronics in just after purchasing my '05 C36:
Axiom 9 w/ navionics charts and separate keypad
wifi quantum radar
Ais receiver radio (model 70 I think)
wind instrument (with itc-5 converter)
wheel autopilot
Overall I am very happy, but it has had a couple random reboots - I really wanted the advanced sailing features (someday I guess - they seem to concentrate more on the bread and butter side of the market - fishfinders and it's features). Still getting used the the various functions and how to use them all. For the price at defender's annual sale, rebates and additional show extras (free keypad) - none of the other manufacturers could come close. Raymarine is very popular in my area as well (northeast). I'd buy it again.
I recently installed an Axiom 9" with the full Navionix card and Quantom radar. The Axiom works great, very fast and easy to use. Installing the Ray 700 AIS next.
Tom Zicko
2000 C36 MK II
Wine and Roses