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Touch Screen Plotter/ Sounder verses Push Button.


Leicester Fisheagle
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I am looking at fitting a new Plotter/Sounder in May and recently tried a 10" push button Lowrance HD which Niggle fitted recently on Wishing Too. Certainly very impressive. While at the Boat Show, I tried the slightly more recent Touch Screen version of the above and those of several other Companies. Given the fact that while wearing my Varifocals, the Touch Screen version was much easier to use, I am leaning in that direction. Has anyone experience of touch sceens on a boat while fishing (wet/fishy fingers etc)? 

Allan.

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Because of the way I use my current sets, by stabalising my hand on the side and pushing buttons with my thumb that is what I recomend.

 

Although teh touch screens looked great at the show , using them at sea may be a bit hit and miss

 

Just my opinion , I have never used one

 

Charlie

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Inbought an anti glare protective film cover for the screen on my HD10. As well as giving peace of mind and protection from damage it helps viewing from any angle in sunlight. well worth it and would save any concerns re touch screens. Think it was about£7

Peter

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Allan

I have the garmin 12 inch touch screen. I think it's the best thing since sliced bread. Very easy to use you can miss what your aiming at when its a bit lumpy but I would think any screen would be the same

 

Kev

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Thanks everyone. Interested in knowing more about Screen protectors/ anti glare covers and where they can be obtained. Did Google it last night but seem to be different qualities/levels of anti glare. Can you give me some more information?

Thanks.

Allan.

Allan I think mine came from the states try googling low range has 10 screen protector ..... I will also see if I can find where I got them

Peter

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Thanks Peter

I Googled Lowrance Screen Protector and managed to find some in the States at around 16 - 20 Dollars that cover most Lowrance (some very recent Touch Screen Models not covered) HDS Models and some Garmins. They are also on ebay. It was simply a matter of asking for the right combination of words and it worked.The size I want is not available. So, I may need to cut down a larger one or contact them directly. For the money involved, I think it is worth considering. Certainly, when I caught up a bit with new technology just before Christmas and bought a Samsung Touch Screen Phone every one said I needed to buy a Screen Protector which I didn't even know existed. I recently asked at Fource Four and Piplers to see if they knew of a source of Plotter/Sounder Screen Protectors in this Country but, they were as much in the dark as me. I will also see if MES on the Nuffield Estate in Poole can help before sending off to the States.

Allan.

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Hi Nigel

I may have to wait till the boat comes. Did a quick measure on the one I looked at and Tom has asked for certain intrumentation associated with the engine etc. not to be mounted at the factory to give us more options. I was originally looking at a 10" push button like yourself which would certainly flush mount but would only be clearly visible to anyone behind the wheel. The only thing against the 10" set is that I believe it will only show eiither a full or a split screen.Tending to favour a set that is more visible to those in the Cabin and which can be detatched like yours so that items can be imputed at home/away from the boat but this is less secure. Screen wise, it is likely to be what Lowrance call 9" or 12" with screen options for 1 to 4 screens or any number in between. I have looked through the online Download Manuals to try and get an accurate screen size but, figures given seem to relate more to templates for mounting. The other option was MES but, they do not stock them nor do any other local Stores. Not a major problem, I am sure it can all be overcome. Incidently, what size is an Ipad screen protector?  Your idea has also got me looking for ordinary computer screen protection  screen film.

Allan.

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Thanks Nigel

Have just found plenty of screen protectors up to 12 plus inches, but some of these are for computer screens and LCD tV's. As you say, if it is touch screen it needs to conduct electricity. Amazing what people get up to when they are suffering from Land Sickness. Now I just need to be able to source a three way roller similar to the one Charlie had made up for his anchor retrieval system. Told that a Company in Portland makes them comercially in SS.but who are they?

Allan.

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  • 1 month later...

Hi Allan,

When I upgraded, I went for the Raymarine e7D, its both touch screen and has a rotary control at the side.

 

I dont think it makes alot of difference when it gets bumpy in my boat, its just as hard to operate the screen in either mode and look where you are going, so I dont find the touch screen at all a disadvantage.

 

Also, would you use any plotter without at least wiping your hands quickly on a towel ??

i suppose if it were an open boat and you had gloves on, then you'd use the rotary control more.

 

Lastly, the screen is a massive improvement in the angle of view and brightness from my last 10 year old plotter, so a swivel mount just isnt necessary anymore.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Paul

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Hi Allan

 

you do not need to take the set home for any inputing/saving of info, just the SD card.

 

That said it is sensible to take time when considering where you put these things and what size to buy,

you need to get a good view of them while still being able to adjust and operate them when under way.

[Oh and of course you need to see past them to where you are going.]

 

I would far rather be able to adjust settings than just have everything running in auto mode

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