Anybody use LORAN

[AGENT 37]

Does any one here still use LORAN for navigation? Just curious.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Anybody use LORAN

I think LORAN is still common for aviation. I heard somewhere that it is going to be fazed out for maritime use.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Anybody use LORAN

Loran C is the same for aircraft and for marine.
I still use my Loran C for 90 percent of my navigation. It will someday be shutdown but everytime I hear something it turn out to not be true. I have been told several times that it no longer works but it does.

I also have 2 GPS units on board and am storing all my Loran C points any time I go to a location on the GPS units.

Reason I still use the Loran C is just like the way it displays information better.
In repeatabilty seem just a good as GPS but if ploting a course to a new location first time GPS is much better. Or useing a position someone gave you the GPS is better.

One thing I was supprised to see is 2 of the Boats in the World's Deadly Catch in the Bearing SEA are useing the same Loran C that I have, A Furuno LC90.

 

[tommays]

Re: Anybody use LORAN

I have not used it in a LONG time BUT when we did use it on long sailboat races i can see no differance between it and GPS

 

[joed]

Re: Anybody use LORAN

I still use it along with a hand held GPS unit. My Eagle 9500 has it built in so I use it.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Anybody use LORAN

I still use mine as well as a Garmin handheld. The Loran was a good Ratheon 7730 model that has plotter, water temp, speedo paddle wheel, fish finder, etc. Still functions very well.

 

[AGENT 37]

Re: Anybody use LORAN

I bought a boat with an impulse fish finder/LORAN unit on and I don't know how well or if it even still works, but I intend to familiarize myself with it.
It also came with a monochrome Eagle Intellimap GPS. In addition, I have my Garmin GPS MAP 76 hand held that has been a great little unit.... I really like the fact that it is waterproof and floats. I also have an excellent working compass that I push myself to use more than anything else. My new-to-me boat also has an APELCO 16 mile radar. I don't know how much I will be using all of these extras; if you get all wrapped up into fiddling with gadgets when are you going to have time to fish, right?
They are all good tools to have.... plus you can really make people think you are smart by reaching up to push buttons and turn knobs from time to time while you are running around!

 

[bhammer]

Re: Anybody use LORAN

Loran-C has all but been phased out in avaition, except military. Most modern aircraft do not have the systems as there are cheaper alternitives with the sme or better accuracy. Most domestic aircraft use GPS and for Long rang Nav, they use INS / IRS systems.

You will still find a unit in an old aircraft but it is not common. For boats, I have heard that they are still used frequently. Both the British and US governments are discussing plans to keep the system around. My guess is that they will keep it so that there is a backup for military use, therefore, a public use as well. Here's a good link from the USCG. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/loran/Default.htm

Check out Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 4, docket number 24685. This is the document that discusses decommision, leave as is or upgrade. An FAA buddy of mine says that the DHS wants to keep it and that is what will probably happen.