RayMarine a78 install

[StreamFixer]

I just finished installing my new a78.  I flush mounted it this time.  The dash had two 3.5" holes and two 2"+ holes -- Speedometer, tach, fuel gauge and tilt indicator. 

The speedometer is fine for higher speeds but useless when trolling.  The GPS will tell me how fast I am going on higher speeds so the speedo is now gone.  I have never gotten the fuel gauge hooked up (wiring still there) so I did not mount it either.  However, I did leave room for it in the new dash configuration.

I used 1/4" black starboard  to cover the holes in the dash.  I knew there was one angle in the dash but discovered there are actually 2.  Heat-gun made quick work of the angles.

I think it came out pretty good.  Son-in-law went looking for the unit last night and could not find it...  "Where's the mounting bracket?"



As you can see, the horizontal area where the old bracket sat is a mess.  Several screw holes, a 1" chord hole, etc.  I am patching that with a piece of the black 1/4" starboard too.  Will be beveling the edges for appearance and use purposes.  I am stopping short of the cupholder.  Picture will come when it is in.

I replaced my old Airmar P58 triducer with the RayMarine c-100 to enable the CHIRP system.  Now I do not have a 'through the water' speed indicator.  I think I can live with that.  The Airmar is listed on e-bay for anyone interested.

During the install I discovered the old power chord will not plug into the new unit.  Minor PITA.

After hooking stuff up, I decided to put the chart chip in.  It is a SD/MicroSD.  The slot was about half the width of the SD chip.  Hmmmm..   

For future reference, Navionics has apparently been using the SD/MicroSD system since 2010.  The SD card is just the sleeve with the microSD chip (carrying the data) in it. 

I would admit to feeling foolish about it, but I remember being in awe over a 5 meg Winchester hard drive memory that sat on the floor, 18"x 18"x 14" and cost a couple of thousand $$...  besides, who would ever need more than 5 meg memory???   :nono: The MicroSD in hand has 4 GB and the newer ones are around 32 GB.

So, let's not hear about anyone not being able to insert their SD/MicroSD in a slot that is too small...  I have the T-shirt   

StreamFixer

[Threeweight]

Looks awesome, Russ.  Now you'll have some dash space to put your sandwich when the rods go off 

[AlAdams]

I'll take one of those t-shirts in white, xl tall.  Might as well be prepared. 

Nice job on the install.  I like the flush mount.  Doesn't Defiance sell the black matting? Once you get all the holes filled wouldn't it just be a simple matter of putting down a new piece of matting over the repaired area?

[StreamFixer]

To fill the holes, you would need to install some kind of backing.  It would need to be stout enough to withstand drilling holes that might, or might not span into the patch.  I just figured it would be easier to put a whole piece across the whole area.  Then the previous mess would not matter.

Besides, getting that to patch nicely would be a real bear....   :nono:

StreamFixer

[Diablo]

  Cover it don't patch it. That's what I did.

[rusty scuppers]

Does the fact that the chip port door is magnetic, won't that effect your compass? I noticed its pretty close.

[Threeweight]

I think Russ shielded his compass... the wiper motor also outs off a big electrical field.

Russ, re: patching... if you are not worried about the patch under the black mat matching the gel coat exactly (I wasn't), a batch of Marine Tex will fill those holes quickly and easily.  It will be plenty to strong to hold future screws/bolts, and you can conceal it under the black dash sticky mat.

I used some cheap Home Depot textured contact paper to re-cover my dash last winter.  Has held up well.  I am pretty sure I have some extra laying around if you need it.

[AP]

That flush mount looks really nice! 

[Flying Arima]

 Very nice and clean looking install!!!

[StreamFixer]

Thank you for the offer Steve, but I am done....  I patched with starboard as stated.  I am happy with it and, as you noted, have a place to put my sandwich during fish strikes   :biggrin:

Here's the picture of the finished product.  Need to get the wiring back into hiding under the gunnels, trimmings and dust vacuumed up and all put back together as I am going fishing Friday and need to prepare a paper to be given at a stream restoration conference next week.

StreamFixer

[GregE]

Picture interuptus??

[croaker stroker]

Postus incompletus.


lackapää picellefteå

[Hydro-Therapy]

 Russ are you going to be able to install the sea talk to your motor for all the other info??

H-T

[StreamFixer]

Postus Finiti   



This version of the RayMarine a78 runs SeaTALKng.  I had to purchase a converter ($75 +/- w/ shipping) to be able to talk with my radio DCS (NMEA 0183).  This only allows one way communication for DCS.  The alternative would have involved getting a newer radio (NMEA 2000 compliant) (around a couple of hundred $ and allows 2 way DCS) and a different SeaTALKng backbone system (about same cost) that would have allowed several different elements to be added. 

Right now all I have to add to the system is the radio so I am done for a while.  My financial advisor has advised me of this in a meaningful manner  :hoboy: Someday, when my lottery numbers get drawn (where is Woody when you need him   :whistle:) I'll look into adding a radar.  In the mean time ----

As far a hooking up my motor, Yamaha dealer tells me the 2003 is not NMEA compliant so no need to try to hook all that up.  I would love to have the electronic gauges....  Oh Well   

Compass:  Yes, the unit is close to the compass, however, it is apparently far enough away as the compass heading sitting in the shop does no change when I energize the unit.  I was prepared to put a patch there too and move the compass, but it does not seem to be necessary.  I will be watching closely to see if that changes on the water.

StreamFixer

[Wyrguy]

Looks nice and clean Russ...! I would've liked to flush mount my Raymarine E120w, but the dash layout is completely different for the SL vs the others. Having to pay 'extra' ($49 US) for the surface mount bracket and two thumb screws kinda 'hurt' on top of already paying for the FF/Chartplotter, P66, and external GPS mushroom.



Is that the cup holder location I've heard so many complain about letting 'liquids' drip/drain onto the helm electrical panel?
As far as lottery tickets and collecting 'winnings' I'm in that same line-up...

Rick


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[StreamFixer]

I won $10 on a $2 ticket in the 1987 BC lottery.  Still have the $10 around here somewhere...

I am about to junk the free-standing bracket and thumb screws unless somebody wants it???

StreamFixer

[AlAdams]

I have that same cup holder.  Only mine doesn't drain into the electrical compartment in the cuddly anymore.  I taped up the holes in the bottom of the cup.  Now I just need to remember to pull the cup to empty it after I wash the boat. 

[croaker stroker]

It is a beautiful thing to behold.  I think I need one of those "sandwich bars" on my boat.  :bowdown:

[StreamFixer]

Croaker

You can use mine any time you wish ...  BUT... 

A. none of your 'special' fish lifting techniques before you handle the sandwich  :hoboy: and

B. you have to provide the sandwiches   

StreamFixer

[croaker stroker]

I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a sandwich today.

[pedeboy]

 :arms: streamfixer
you are SOOOOO awesome....just joined the forum this evening and there I found your post. Just put the transducer on my new (to me) 19' sea ranger  this afternoonand planned on figuring out where to mount my new raymarine 78A  fish finder tomorrow...... never would have thought of flush mounting it till I saw your post.thanks so much. off to a good start on the forum.

[StreamFixer]

Pedeboy

I sure like having the screen out of the way...

Remember the rules on here---  no pictures, IT DID NOT HAPPEN (we should not be that way, however, once you get to know some of the these nefarious characters you will understand why we are   :whistle:)...

Picture posting process can be found here

http://www.arimaowners.com/index.php?topic=130.0

Take your time getting the hole right, and remember, no matter how many times you cut off 'just a little bit' the board will still be too short   

Looking forward to seeing steps and the end result.

[croaker stroker]

Streamfixer......XYZ


(You forgot something)

[StreamFixer]

Croaker

And what might that be???  I just checked my post and it looks complete to me   

StreamFixer