We've already mentioned several Raymarine hardware devices – in particular the C- and E-Series displays – that are designed to optimize the power of your PC running RayTech software. We will mention one more here: Raymarine's proprietary specialized keyboard (see photo).

RAYMARINEThe optional Raymarine keyboard removes many RNS buttons and toolbars from your PC screen, recovering more space for the chart display.As we pointed out earlier, because of the layout of its buttons and toolbars, RayTech RNS has only moderate viewable chart real estate. One solution is to use the PC in "RNS mode" with Raymarine's handheld keyboard device. This $500 accessory clears the screen of many of the data entry buttons, reclaiming valuable chart viewing area.

Like many other marine software vendors, Raymarine also offers subscription services. Two fishing data features, sea surface temperature and ocean plankton data overlays, are available by subscription through Raymarine's website.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Raymarine's customer support for RayTech RNS focuses on two resources: a User's Guide and a detailed "solutions database" available on the company website.

The packaged set includes a 208-page spiral-bound User's Guide. Unfortunately, although the manual looks meaty, it's thin on software features and functionality, and heavy on connections and wiring. In addition, much of the manual is dedicated to networked features (such as radar and sonar) that come with their own documentation. Additionally, the manual could use an index; it was often difficult to locate topics using only an expanded table of contents.

For detailed information on troubleshooting, system specifications, chart compatibility and network hook-up, Raymarine maintains one of the best FAQs we've seen (see link below). Their 37-page "solutions database" lets you search by product, category, phrase or search text. An impressive 54 topics were listed for RayTech RNS version 6.0. Even better, you can click a button to be emailed automatically when that topic is updated.

Although their website drives you to the extensive knowledge base, you also can send email requests or call technical support at the number provided in the User's Guide. The online protocol is to register a "Raymarine Insider Account," which gives you access to "Raymarine Insider Only" features and benefits. You then log in to contact the customer support team.

ASSESMENT

As we have mentioned, RayTech RNS is a bit different than the other PC applications we've reviewed so far. It functions less as a free-standing PC application that connects to external devices, and more as an additional portable node in an existing, extensible network of Raymarine devices. This creates important distinctions in both its user interface and how it is intended to be used.

In its intended configuration, your PC is not the center of a marine network, but is an additional mobile or mirrored display. It allows your PC to be another display down below or at the helm, as well as a convenient and mobile way to do waypoint and route planning at home.

Because of this, RayTech RNS is best suited as part of a Raymarine networked package – ideally including a powerful E-Series display. If you want a fully integrated system, or have recently purchased a new Raymarine chartplotter, RayTech is a logical addition. The added display and flexibility to your system is a small relative cost and gives you all the convenience of PC charting and navigation with an incredibly easy Ethernet or CompactFlash connection.