Can you spot the monitor in this group of sonar/GPS units? The NBT Marine Electronics
is similar to a regular unit, but cost less and is a better option for many crappie anglers. (Photo: Brad Wiegmann)
Electronics: Wait Until You See This Screen
by Brad Wiegmann
Just when you thought your boat has all the electronic devices needed to go fishing an electronic company comes out with something new. This time it’s a MFD (Multi Functioning Display) sonar screen display. In a nutshell it allows anglers with certain models of marine electronic sonar/chartplotter unit’s main brain to be controlled and navigated by an additional larger display.
Before diving into NBT Marine Electronic let’s take a broader perspective view of how this could possibly change marine electronics. It’s seems logical that one sonar/chartplotter unit could serve as a main display while being able to see that display image on another. Even as I type this article, I’m using two monitors or in the sonar world called displays with just one computer.
Currently there are several marine electronics companies producing high quality, superior sonar/chartplotter units. Humminbird Apex 19 MEGA SI+ Chartplotter, Lowrance HDS PRO around $5,000 are top of the line sonar/chartplotters with features that are superior to other units, but are unable to pair with MBT Marine Electronics even at that price range.
It seems like it would be easy to connect to a sonar/chartplotter like those costly ones above to a monitor. For example, the Lowrance HDS PRO already has a NMEA 2000 1-port Micro-C connector, NMEA 0183 1-port via the power connector, 2 Sonar 2 ports, Analog video port through the power cable and adapter cable ports. Why not a port to connect a sonar/chartplotter to a monitor?
NBT Marine Electronics has the technology and products to process the main unit’s brain to other MFD units. Of course there is a catch to it. MBT Marine Electronics only currently work with Garmin 1243 or 1243SV (limitations), 8610 or 8610SV (limitations), 8612 or 8612XSV (best linked unit), 8616 or 8616XSV (best linked unit), 8700 Black Box, all 84XX series and the new 1643 and 1643XSV (best linked unit) sonar/chartplotters. Note some units are limited to what they can actually do or communicate and like other sonar marine companies the cost for the best linked unit can be over $6,000.
Features of the NBT Marine Electronics MFD’s include FHD (1920×1080) Resolution with optional Matte Anti-Glare for Garmin style display or Vivid HD Anti Reflective for Lowrance style Blue Display. NITS rated at 1,500 brightness equals vivid sunlight readability. These MFD’s come with HDMI Cable, DC power cable and USB cable.
Installation with the NBT Marine Electronics MFD’s is plug and play with compatible units. Each one comes with a gimbal mount and knobs. Most anglers will be purchasing a marine electronic mount to attach it to the boat.
These premium displays do offer an option for anglers wanting superior monitors. They currently are available in the 16-inch NBT Destroyer, 18-inch NBT Cruiser or 22-inch NBT Battleship displays. Similar to sonar/chartplotters the cost for each one goes up with larger screen sizes. For anglers wanting the biggest and the best, but at the lowest cost these displays are a good option.
From Springdale, Arkansas, Brad Wiegmann is a professional photographer, videographer and outdoor writer published in dozens of print and electronic media outlets all across the nation. Every month Wiegmann will be providing CrappieNOW readers with the latest and greatest information on the ever-changing world of fishing electronics. He is also a well-known guide, podcaster and social media influencer. Learn more about Wiegmann and his lengthy experience and expertise at BradWiegmann.com.
