Raytheon R41XX

The latest "head units" use Ethernet protocol and wiring to connect with the radar.

The new (or new two years ago) HD Radar from Raymarine is a big step up in performance by several measures, the most noticeable of which is the color display but the most valued is its sensitivity to detecting vessels that are missed by the older technology radars.

Do you know if I could use it with the Pahfinder series? Im really looking for a smaller head unit that would allow me to keep using the antenna.

Thanks

My classic e-series accepts analog radar. Have you looked into the possibility that would be compatible with your radar?

My classic e-series accepts analog radar. Have you looked into the possibility that would be compatible with your radar?

I would love to use something like the classic series. I have spoke with Raymarine, and they said it wouldn't work. They didn't give a reason why, just that it wouldn't work.

I wondering why? Obviously they won't just plug and play, but will they once we put a new connector on the end? Is there different signals the newer head units are looking for? Or, is it the same signal just a different harness?

Clunan1 posted :

    I have a Raytheon R41XX radar and head unit that works fine.
    Everybody that I spoke with says the open array antenna will
    only work with this model head unit? Is this true?

Yes. They are an integrated proprietary system, unto themselves. The ONLY interchangeability is that the same control/display unit can be used with either the R41XX 4-foot open array antenna (such as you have) or the R40XX 2-foot enclosed Radome antenna.

    I want to use the antenna on a newer head unit...raymarine
    C or E series. I understand that I would have to splice h new
    connector/plug on, but other than that, why wouldn't it work?

Because they're apples and oranges. The R4xXX systems are analog RADARs. As such, all (or at least "most) of the "guts" (save for the Magnetron tube) are in the control/display unit; hence, the antenna is just that, a dumb antenna.

All modern marine RADARs (well, at least in the consumer market; military RADARs are another matter entirely) are digital devices, with most/all of the "intelligence" built into the radome (or base of an open-array unit). They communicate with the display units via Ethernet of one stripe or another (Raymarine calls it "SeaTalk hs"; but fundamentally, it's plain ol' Ethernet).

    Aren't they looking for the same signal?

Not even close.

    I hate to sell a good working antenna. Any thoughts????

If you want a new RADAR, buy a new RADAR -- a *whole* new RADAR. The performance of even an el-cheapo entry-level model will be orders of magnitude better than your current two-decade-old system. And for that same reason, the residual value of that now-horridly-obsolete system -- even if it's complete down to the last minor accessory item AND working perfectly -- is next to nil anyway. The value of only *part* of that system simply isn't worth worrying about. If you want to recoup perhaps $100-200 from it, post it on Craigslist after you finish the install of the replacement system. Be sure to save the interconnecting cable; a replacement from Raymarine would be expen$ive, even if still available.

Excellent reply. Sounds like you wrote to Clunan1 that (i) over 2 decades the division of labor between the radar and head unit have shifted, with more functionality moving into the radar component (ii) the R41XX radar dosn't have enough guts in it to transmit information expected of a modern head unit / display like a c or e series. (iii) Hence, it's hopeless to pursue reusing it, it's not the wiring that is holding him back in reusing the radar.

Hadn't thought of that, great analysis / reply.