A multifunction display (MFD) combines the chartplotter with the screens for the sonar, radar, autopilot and engine data. In this video I finish installing a Raymarine Axiom Pro, which gives GPS navigation using Navionics charts and side-scan sonar.
The MFD connects to the rest of the boat's electronics over the NMEA 2000 network. A smaller boat may only need a simpler combined GPS and sounder, and a computer running free charting software is another option.
A combined GPS chartplotter and fish finder showing position, depth and water temperature. I wire it through a 5 amp fuse, seal a through- hull transducer in an aluminium hull and fit an external GPS aerial.
Free OpenCPN chartplotter software turns an ordinary computer into a chart display. I show powering the wheelhouse computer through a small inverter, installing Australian vector charts and setting up a USB GPS for a live position.
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