Raymarine eS78 DownVision LightHouse Vector Charts

The eS78 is one of the Raymarine multifunction displays with LightHouse II OS. This is actually the Raymarine part number E70265-LNC, the unit that includes the US LightHouse Vector charts. Although it offers many more features for navigation than sonar features, it does have built-in 2D and DownVision sonar. A transducer is not included with this particular unit, though.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel resolution, WVGA color, LED backlight, LightHouse II OS
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP & DownVision
• Transducer: Not included
• Frequency & Coverage: Depends on the transducer
• Operating Voltage: 12 / 24 V DC (10.8 V DC to 31.2 V DC)
• GPS: Internal, 10 Hz, 72-channels
• Maps: US LightHouse Vector Charts
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 150; 3,000; 15 (10,000 pts / track)

Sonar features

The Raymarine eS78 multifunction display features two types of sonar, traditional 2D CHIRP, and CHIRP DownVision. It’s also capable of SideVision if paired with an external CHIRP SideVision sonar (not included).

As we’ve mentioned above, the eS78 does not come with a transducer. The recommended transducer for this unit is the CPT-100 or the CPT-100 DVS model. These are urethane transducers, equipped with temperature sensors and transom mounts. They’re capable of both 2D traditional sonar and DownVision. However, the unit it’s also compatible with other transducers, such as the CPT-S, CPT-120, or CPT-110. The system’s depth capabilities and coverage depend on the selected transducers. As a general idea, with the CPT-100 transducer, it should be able to scan depths up to 900 ft (2D) and up to 600 ft (DV).

In terms of other sonar-related aspects, the unit offers several useful functions. A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Target Depth ID, Depth Lines, Range Lines, White Line, as well as Sonar Scroll Back are some of them.

Navigation features

The Raymarine eS78 MFD is equipped with a 72-channel 10 Hz internal GPS. This means that it provides position updates 10 times per second, while the movement of the boat is shown in real-time, without jumping from a point to another. If connected to a GNSS receiver, the unit can also use the GLONASS satellites for position fixes.

Needless to say, the unit’s GPS shows coordinates (latitude, longitude) for any point and your location. It can also calculate the speed of your boat.

As we’ve mentioned above, this is the Raymarine eS78 E70265-LNC, the one that includes the LightHouse USA Vector charts. These charts are derived from the government-issued (NOAA) and offer a simple solution for navigating coastal waters. They’re computer-generated, made of a series of points and lines. The chart objects and overlays on them can be switched on and off and chart objects can be selected to provide further information.

Ranging in and out of vector charts will make geographical features appear larger or smaller on the screen, however, text and chart objects will remain the same size regardless of range. When changing the chart application’s orientation geographical features will rotate but text and chart objects will remain in the correct orientation for the display. As vector charts are generated rather than a scanned image the file size is normally smaller when compared to the raster equivalent.

Apart from the built-in charts, the unit is also compatible with charts from Navionics and C-MAP by Jeppesen.

The unit offers the possibility to create waypoints, routes and record trails. It can save up to 3,000 waypoints and up to 200 waypoint group. It can save up to 150 routes with up to 250 waypoints per route. It can also record up to 15 tracks, with up to 10,000 points per track.

Radar, AIS, and external GPS integration is available. The unit’s LightHouse II OS has applications that can work directly with various types of peripherals of this sort. It supports SiriusXM (USA only) radio. It also offers autopilot integration via Evolution autopilot systems and offers engine integration providing data with regards to generators, batteries and more.

Control unit features

The first aspect to mention here is that the Raymarine eS78 has HybridTouch™ technology. This means you can navigate through its functions and directly operate it from the side keypad and rotary dial, but it also has touchscreen technology and can be operated as a tablet. Plus, it’s compatible with the RayRemote controls RMK-10 & RCU-3.

As we’ve mentioned above, this unit has the LightHouse II operating system. This type of OS offers a very intuitive, easy-to-use interface, similar in many ways with Windows or Android. It allows you to customize your home screen with the apps that you want for quick access, it offers various split-screen options, it’s pretty fast and highly responsive. It’s also possible to upgrade the unit’s OS to LightHouse 3 OS.

The unit is equipped with a 7-inch, color display, optically bonded, with LED backlight, offering an excellent visibility from angles up to 70° on each side, 60° top, and 70° bottom. Its pixel resolution is 800H x 480V which means that the images are quite sharp. It’s also IPX7 waterproof, so it can withstand incidental water exposure with no problem.

For mounting, a trunnion bracket and a surface mounting template are included. This model also includes sun cover, trim kit, and keypad cover.

In terms of networking, the unit offers Ethernet connectivity (1 RayNet port). It has NMEA 0183 input/output and also supports NMEA 2000. It has Bluetooth technology for remote and MP3 control. It has a built-in Wi-Fi element which allows you to sync it with your smartphone or tablet in order to stream data to Raymarine mobile apps. It also gives you the possibility to control the unit from anywhere on board.

For data storage, the eS78 features two microSD card slots which can hold up to 32 GB each.

Last but not least, this Raymarine multifunction display offers video camera and thermal camera support. It can support up to 10 IP cameras and one analog camera, allowing the view of up to 4 cameras simultaneously. Camera feed recording and snapshot features are available.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D and DownVision sonar;
• SideVision sonar capable;
• Multiple sonar functions available such as Target Depth ID, Scroll Back, Bottom Lock, White Line, A-Scope, etc.
• Fast and accurate, 72-channel, 10 Hz internal GPS / GLONASS receiver;
• US LightHouse Vector charts for coastal navigation;
• Compatible with Navionics and C-MAP charts;
• Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions;
• Autopilot feature included;
• AIS and Radar capable;
• 800 x 480 resolution, optically bonded LCD, multitouch display, with LED backlight;
• LightHouse II OS, which offers a highly customizable, easy-to-use interface;
• Ethernet (RayNet) port;
• NMEA 0183 input/output;
• NMEA 2000 support;
• Wi-Fi connectivity;
• Bluetooth connectivity and remote control support;
• Engine data integration support;
• Thermal and IP camera support;
• Dual microSD card reader (32 GB per slot);
• IPX6 & IPX7 waterproof;
• Trunnion and flush mounts included;
• Sun cover included;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• A transducer is not included.

Summary

The Raymarine eS78 is a 7″ multifunction display offering a fast GPS, US coastal LightHouse vector charts, 2D & DownVision sonar, and a wide array of integration possibilities. It has built-in Wi-Fi, supports both NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000, offers support for Radar, AIS, IP camera, thermal camera, EVO autopilot units and engine data sensors. It has a dual microSD card reader for charts and data storage. It’s powered by the LightHouse II OS which provides a highly-intuitive interface. In all, it’s an extremely versatile unit, great for all kinds of motorboats, off-shore navigation and fishing.