Hi Rich (that IS your first name, no?),

In foul weather and when nothing comes on the screen I run the radar
with intervals of 15 minutes (range 25 sm) to reduce power
consumption. In good weather I just have it on standby at nights.
Doesn't use much (dunno how much eaxactly this minute) and it saves me
2 full minutes warming up time when I need it fast. My radar is not
that modern but it's a big mother, Simrad-Anritsu. Doesn't put out
nmea of any kind, doesn't have marpa or all that. So you see why I'm
happy with the addition AIS gives me.

I take it you go singlehanded? We (the admiral and me) run watches of
3 hours. To be sure we use the old eggtimer for the next lookout and
screen-study... Never felt the need for an auditive alarm other than
my anchor alarm... But there surely will be nav software around
that get's you awake when it calculates (a risk of) collision course
from the AIS data... I can ask my dutch sailing computer club if you
like...

Len
S/v Present


On 18 Oct 2005 13:21:27 -0700, "~^ beancounter ~^"
wrote:

Len....do you run a radar system w/a alarm, as well?
if so, how reliable is it? can one set up audible alarms
w/the AIS systems?

thanx...




"I "only" installed an AIS receiver where the AIS transponder is
getting cheaper and almost reasonable. I bought the nasamarine
engine thats connevted to a serial port of my pc. Together with
SeaClear nav software the system is complete and functions well.
I see my map, my own position, others together with the info I
want presented"