Raymarine gave electronics writers a preview on Monday of its newest Axiom Pro multifunction displays along with several LightHouse 3.1 software upgrades for all Axiom units, one day prior to the opening of the 2017 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, ICAST, in Orlando, Florida.
Axiom Pro builds on the Axiom platform, which rolled out this past February. The Pro versions add in-plane switching technology to the display screens, which makes them even more clearly visible from all angles, even through polarized eye-protection devices.
Pro versions feature HybridTouch controls — multitouch touchscreens plus a rotary knob and a few buttons, whereas original Axioms provide full-touchscreen control. Both models offer RealVision 3D technology, which is enhanced by an AHRS — attitude and heading reference system — sensor and new software capabilities in LightHouse 3.1 (due out by late July).
Using RealVision 3D and a new GPS trails function, anglers can build a more complete picture of a piece of structure by circling that area. The quad-core processing computer in the units stores up to 10 minutes of data.
Axiom Pros also come with two ports on the back of the unit for running two distinct transducers. They’re available in 9-, 12- and 16-inch versions with 1 kW of power, while the Axioms come in 7-, 9- and 12-inch sizes and operate at 600 watts.
Axioms range in price from $649.99 to $3,349.99; Pros start at $2,549.99 and will be available starting in late August.
