Does anyone have experience installing a FLIR camera on a Sea Ray L590?
Installing a FLIR Camera
My Bevy
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😂😂😂
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Lol
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Not on an L590. But, one piece of advice I would give for any installation would regards the ethernet cabling if that is used for an MFD connection. The camera's firmware could not be updated through my Garmin and I assume that's true for other brands. It needs to be connected via a PC internet connection. I also needed that to facilitate troubleshooting by a FLIR tech some time after installation. Luckily, I had installed an ethernet junction to extend the cable behind an access plate in the cockpit. Without that, I would have almost had to rip out the camera mount to get to the ethernet cable. Recommend your install include an easily accessible ethernet tap. Also, I would also connect the camera to power and a PC prior to final install so as to go through a firmware update if needed. The camera can be fully operated by a web browser which provides a means to check out the functions prior to placing it topside.
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Thom,
I would not recommend the FLIR but go with the Sionyx. Much better application for driving at night. One of my fellow cruisers has it on his Sunseeker and it is a Game changer.
I would not recommend the FLIR but go with the Sionyx. Much better application for driving at night. One of my fellow cruisers has it on his Sunseeker and it is a Game changer.
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Would love to see a screenshot
Thanks. Received a similar recommendation. Two questions: 1. Where did you install it? 2. I have Raymarine monitors and navigation. Does that change your recommendation?
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Best location is as high as possible with the least obstructions.
Regarding FLIR vs. Sionyx, I think it's a little more complicated than one screenshot vs. the other. Sionyx sells "low light" (LL) cameras, so at least some light is necessary to get a picture. The majority of FLIR cameras are Infrared (IR) and will get a return from any heat signature. IR is much more expensive than LL and probably overkill for our applications although some swear by it.
The better Sionyx/FLIR comparison would be between the same type of camera since FLIR also has LL versions. I have the M300C LL. It has equivalent resolution to Sionyx but also gyro stabilization, tilt/pan and zoom, auto target recognition and Garmin integration which lets me operate the camera's features from my MFD. Since FLIR used to be part of Raymarine. the integration looks even more compelling with Augmented Reality features which allow for showing contacts and chart features right over the camera image.
I understand the Sionyx can only be manually tilted and not panned or zoomed, which may be perfectly fine if that is all one wants. The reviews and testimony here says it has a great picture.
But, the FLIR LL camera is still much more expensive than a Sionyx Nightwave. I agree the Sionyx seems to be a fine camera so if price is the object, it will win every time. The Sionxx wasn't around when I chose my FLIR but I went for the operational features and integration over price in any event.
Installed a FLIR a few years ago and I don't regret it. I think the target tracking and the slew to queue features are great features. When you are operating in zero visibility at night its just one less thing to worry about. Would be nice to have the LL capability of the Sionix but like @alnav says that's another flir camera with a huge price point for how most of us boat. As for installation I installed on the highest point on my arch which gives me nearly 360 deg of visibility which is only blocked by my mast light bar.
Great advice! Thanks!
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Here is an article that my buddy sent me. He has one here in SoFlo and loves it. Changes the game for night driving around here on the ICW
rnmarine.com
Sionyx To Add IP Function to Popular Nightwave Camera — RN MARINE | Yacht Sales & Consulting
The Sionyx Nightwave is rumored to add IP-functionality very soon. What does that mean for you?
rnmarine.com
That's the brand I would use. But I have no real need for one with how I boat. Shoot, I'm about ready for bed and it's still daylight half the boating season.
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Have you seen any ghosts yet, lol
I wired mine directly to the breaker panel using a separate switch, so it’s easy to power off when not in use. For broader visibility, I also added an Insta360 on the radar arch—great for getting a full view at anchor or while docking. You’ll just need to make sure it’s weatherproofed well and has a solid mount to handle some chop.
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