Best bird radar for older NavNet Vx2 RDP-149?

[DemersalAngler]

New to the forum. And I'm looking to find out what would be a good radar for finding birds at about 4 miles distance?
I've got an older NAVNET Vx2 RDP-149 MFD. I'm looking to pair it with a Furuno radar system. The boat is a 28' center console, and mounting would be on the T top. Approximately 7-8 feet above water line. Im not sure if the 6k will have adequate power, and if the size, weight consideration of the 12k would be over kill. Also not certain at this time how much room I have for antenna size. Looks like a 4' will be no problem, but 6 sounds to big.

Anyway I'm looking to tap you're experience, and expertise on the subject.
Thanks.

 

[FishTech]

I was a dealer when these systems were being installed as new. We would always stick with the 12kW and a 6' array and the starting point for birds.
The newer digital radar systems are a bit better and the smaller units can outperform the older analog systems.

 

[DemersalAngler]

Good deal that's the type of information I'm looking for. Do you think the 12k is a viable option, or should I save the money, and add it to the pot for purchase of a newer digital system?
Also what's you opinion on the weight, of the older 12k like the 0072?

 

[FishTech]

The 12k is viable but you'll have to find one along with a PSU5 on the used market, then hope that your Vx2 displays continue to last as well. That being said there are still TONS of the Vx2 units out there working just fine. 4k, 12k, and 25k pedestals are about the same weight. This is one of the hardest decisions for anyone, go used or buy new. I suppose it would also come down to how close in the budget you are to being able to do a complete upgrade. We've seen surprising bird returns with the DRS4DNXT so I would think the DRS6ANXT would do well for you in a new situation. Fit the largest array that you can, within reason. The new pedestals are a little lighter than the old pedestals.

 

[DemersalAngler]

After surveying the cost of a new system VS a newer used Digital system, then referencing the older system cost. The used digital system would be about double the old Mag radar cost, and still about half of a new purchase. Sounds like a newer used digital system maybe the best purchase.

 

[Frogman]

After surveying the cost of a new system VS a newer used Digital system, then referencing the older system cost. The used digital system would be about double the old Mag radar cost, and still about half of a new purchase. Sounds like a newer used digital system maybe the best purchase.

I have a 6kw 4’ open array I would sell for 350.00 if you’re interested where are you located?

 

[Quitsa]

Although it was many years ago, I had a VX2 with a 6kW 4' open array on a center console. It was actually quite good at showing returns from birds out 3-5 miles. The key was learning to tune it manually and to be able to read the returns since the gain had to be set relatively high and the sea state filter turned down, which left more noise on the screen. Assuming you can find one that is fully operational, it might be a nice inexpensive bridge to a newer system down the road. Back then, I would also frequently use the 25kW 6' array system on a friend's boat. Certainly it did a better job showing birds, especially at longer ranges. However, in real life, that may not be terribly important in your area.

Now I have the "latest and greatest" DRS25A-NXT solid state radar with a 6' array. It has no trouble showing a flock of diving shearwaters at 6+ miles and for many people, the auto "bird mode" will do a better job than they can do tuning manually so it is easier to use. That old 6kW magnetron radar wasn't as good for birds, but it was still pretty good especially compared to the radars from some other companies.

 

[Frogman]

I agree I had a 10kw with a 6’ open array and I could tune it to see birds at 6 miles also. It was awesome for finding yellowfin’s.