jwargyll
New Member
Posts: 9 
Country: Scotland
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Post by jwargyll on Apr 15, 2014 20:33:22 GMT
I'm currently using a Raymarine A50D chartplotter/fishfinder on my 725 but find the data page fonts a bit too small to read easily, therefore depth and speed checks need a change of glasses! I'm thinking of buying either an st60+ tridata or an i50 tridata so that I can clearly see the important numbers! Does anyone know if these units would connect directly to the A50d and act as a slave or whether I'd need to fit a separate transducer for them. It'd be good if the Tridata unit would just plug directly into the A50D. Any advice out there?
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Post by sitara on Apr 15, 2014 21:40:22 GMT
The A50D multifunction display has a Seatalk ng connection as does the i50 tridata - it should just be a case of connecting them together with a Seatalk ng cable but it would be best to check with a Raymarine dealer. Another option is to download the installation manuals for them both so that you can check the wiring options on your boat and how they hang together. The existing transducers should also be connected to the network.
I have the i70 instruments on my boat and am very happy with them.
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Post by rene460 on Apr 16, 2014 9:50:30 GMT
Hi jwargyll,
I would also suggest downloading and reading the manuals and include the i70 in your consideration. I have the ST70 and it would exceed your expectations in adding to your display options but is now superseded. It is far superior to the ST60 tri data which I had on my previous boat because of the range of user selected page configurations. I believe the i70 may be the current model.
I believe you will find adaptor cables are available to connect the extra instrument to your current system, and all your instruments will then use the same transducers. I find the exact cable adaptor selection all a bit confusing, but a good dealer who actually does installations, not just sells, should be able to help you sort it out.
rene460
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jwargyll
New Member
Posts: 9
Country: Scotland
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Post by jwargyll on Apr 17, 2014 10:03:07 GMT
Looks like it's good news on the connectivity front, just need to decide now which display to go for. Bearing in mind I'm just looking for a large, clear display of speed, depth and log, would you advise the cheaper ST60 or spend a bit more for the i50, or even i70? Any recommendation?
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Post by rene460 on Apr 19, 2014 8:47:41 GMT
Hi jwargyll,
The final choice really is dependent on the other instruments you have. Most of us are sailors and would not like to be without wind, but I assume that for a motor boat you have, or are considering, some form of engine management system, fuel tanks, trim control etc. and this may also benefit from additional display options.
If so, and if it also is made to connect with your Raymarine instruments, the i70 will give you display options for fuel computer output, tank levels, battery voltages and so on as well as GPS information such as course to waypoint and so on. (I downloaded the manual to compare with my ST70, how can I justify the change up?). The ST60 Tridata will give you speed and depth in a good large font, plus log, trip and temperature in a smaller but adequate font and solve your glasses problem (which I share), but nothing more, so more display requirements means extra instruments. ST60 only has one speed calibration point so calibration is a compromise, my ST70 calibrates to a 6 point curve as is much better. Of course my experience is only to around 10 knots, I don't know how important this is at your speed range.
You can see I would lean to the i70, but I don't know what else you have. In this world where everything is a computer, it never seems wise to buy already superseded technology.
rene460
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