Lowrance chartplotter/radar question

[Kayak fisherman]

Can anyone help me? I have a Lowrance 112c chartplotter and an LRA-2000 radome. I finally have it working (see previous posts) but I'm having trouble "Overlaying" the radar image on the map. I know it's possible. I am able to find the option "Enable Radar Overlay" on the computer screen, but it's shaded out (not selectable). Any ideas?

[1987-cobb]

You will need one. There are several types that communicate with nmea 2000
or nmea 0183. It will not work with out one.
Here is the type overlay you can expect
http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo71/boygeorgelastsummer/overlay.jpg

This is the one I use. KVH Autocomp 1000 (nmea 0183).......about $350.00
http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo71/boygeorgelastsummer/autoocomp_1000.jpg

It works really well

[Kayak fisherman]

Huh?

I never knew I needed something like that. I thought the GPS would serve as the heading sensor. Where to I install/mount one?

[1987-cobb]

GPS updates to slowly to be used for chart overlay.

The KVH I use is small and only weights a few pounds. It can be mounted most
anywhere that is out of the way. It connects to the head unit Com port with a nmea 0183
cable(wire splicing). Once it is hooked up it is all automatic. Just forget it's even there.

Go to the KVH website and download the instructions for the KVH Autocomp 1000.
It will explain it all. A very easy addition to add and a "must have" for chart overlay.
The only way Lowrance radar/chart overlay will work.

If you decide to get one let me know and I can give you some more detailed instructions.


You can also use a nmea 2000 heading sensor, but the price is about double that of
the KVH and they do the same thing.

[Kayak fisherman]

Thanks 1987-cobb. While you're giving advice on Lowrance radars, how 'bout this one.

I'm getting used to my radar and I'm learning to "tweak" (if you want to call it that) my Trigger Dely, Main Bang Suppression, and Gain. How close is your radar to the recommended settings? Do you find that your settings fall wayyy outside the recommended percentage settings?

[1987-cobb]

Thanks 1987-cobb. While you're giving advice on Lowrance radars, how 'bout this one.

I'm getting used to my radar and I'm learning to "tweak" (if you want to call it that) my Trigger Dely, Main Bang Suppression, and Gain. How close is your radar to the recommended settings? Do you find that your settings fall wayyy outside the recommended percentage settings?


Not even close to the recommended settings. I used much higher numbers.
I think (without checking) that main bang is between 20 & 30 and TD is in the
upper sixties. This is what worked for me. Gain is set to what ever works best
for you, but the numbers are still high (between 20 and 60 more or less).

What I did was adjusted the numbers until nothing, or just a little dot, was in the
center. Right or wrong, this is what works for me. That's the was all other radars
I have used looked.

I just installed an LRA 5000 on a friends boat Saturday (5/16/2009) Plugged in the
setting from my radar and it worked perfect. Will have to get it out on the water
for some "fine tuning" but it should not take much. Sure is nice when things go right.
Can't believe people pay up to $1000 to have radars installed.