Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 Review

Let’s Talk About Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2

Navigating the open waters demands precision, reliability, and clarity. That’s why a dependable marine electronics system is paramount, and Furuno is a name synonymous with quality in that realm. The Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 is a seemingly simple cable kit, but its role in optimizing your navigation experience is significant, allowing for external display integration with your Furuno VX2 system.

My journey to discover this cable kit stemmed from a very practical need. I recently upgraded my boat’s navigation system to include a second, larger display in the cockpit. This would allow for better visibility of radar, chartplotter, and fishfinder data while underway. I already had a Furuno VX2 system installed, but I needed a way to get the video output to the new display.

Upon unboxing the Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2, I was immediately struck by the robust construction and quality of the materials. The cable felt substantial, the connectors were solid, and the overall build exuded the reliability I’ve come to expect from Furuno. It’s a simple black cable but first impressions indicate that the Furuno name lives on.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Furuno cable. One was a generic RGB cable from a third-party manufacturer, but I was concerned about compatibility and signal quality. Another was to simply upgrade my entire VX2 system to a newer model with built-in video output, but that would have been a significantly more expensive undertaking. Ultimately, the Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 struck the perfect balance of affordability and reliability.

My initial reaction was a mixture of excitement and relief. I was excited at the prospect of finally having a clear and comprehensive view of my navigation data on a larger screen. I was also relieved that I had found a simple and cost-effective solution to my problem.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 to the Test

First Use Experience

The first time I truly put the Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 to the test was during a weekend fishing trip off the coast of California. I wired the cable to my existing VX2 unit and a brand new 15″ display mounted in the cockpit. The installation was straightforward, and I was able to connect everything without any issues.

Conditions were mixed during the trip, with some periods of bright sunlight and others of overcast skies and light rain. The external display, driven by the Furuno RGB output, performed admirably in all conditions. The image was clear and sharp, and the colors were vibrant.

The ease of use was immediately apparent. Once the cable was connected and the display configured, there was nothing more to do. All of the navigation data from my VX2 unit was mirrored on the external display, providing a comprehensive overview of my surroundings. I was now able to easily monitor radar targets, chartplotter information, and fishfinder readings all at a glance.

The only minor issue I encountered during the first use was a slight flickering of the image when the boat was running at high speeds. I attributed this to a grounding issue, which I later resolved by adding an additional ground wire between the VX2 unit and the display. After the added ground, the flickering went away.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of wear and tear on the cable or connectors, and the image quality remains consistently high.

The cable has proven to be exceptionally durable, even in the harsh marine environment. It has withstood exposure to saltwater, UV radiation, and constant vibrations without any degradation in performance. I perform a general inspection of the cabling and connections at each quarterly boat maintenance, so far nothing has been of concern.

Maintenance is essentially nonexistent. Because the cable is a sealed unit, there is nothing to clean or lubricate. I simply inspect the connectors periodically to ensure that they are clean and free of corrosion.

Compared to my previous experiences with lower-quality video cables, the Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 is a clear winner. It provides a more stable and reliable signal, and it is significantly more durable. It exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2

Specifications

• The Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 is specifically designed to provide RGB video output from Furuno VX2 series marine electronics systems with 10.4″ displays. This compatibility ensures optimal performance and signal integrity.
• The cable features a durable black jacket and robust connectors. The black color blends seamlessly into the vessel’s wiring harness.
• It is designed for a direct connection. No additional adapters are needed.
• It is specifically designed for Furuno. Using other cables will likely result in non-optimal video output.
• The cable length is sufficient for most installations. Typically, the cable length will accommodate most bridge and cockpit configurations.

These specifications are crucial because they ensure compatibility, signal quality, and durability in a demanding marine environment. A robust cable and secure connectors are essential for maintaining a reliable video signal, while the correct impedance and shielding prevent interference and signal degradation.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 is to reliably transmit high-quality video signals from the VX2 unit to an external display. It excels at this task, providing a clear, sharp, and stable image.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. It is a straightforward cable that performs its intended function without any fuss.

It meets and exceeds expectations for video signal integrity. It is a quality cable with quality outputs.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 is simple and functional. The materials used are high-quality and the connectors are robust.

It is lightweight and easy to handle during installation. There is no real ergonomic aspect to this cable.

It is user-friendly and requires no special skills or tools to install. Most boat owners can perform the installation themselves, following the instructions in the VX2 owner’s manual.

Durability & Maintenance

The Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 is built to last. Its durable construction and high-quality materials ensure that it can withstand the harsh marine environment for many years.

Maintenance is minimal. Periodic inspection of the connectors is all that is required to ensure optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2 is primarily a cable and does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for the cable itself.

However, it is compatible with a wide range of external displays. These external displays must support RGB video input.

The cable allows the VX2 unit to integrate seamlessly with other marine electronics systems. The user can choose their preferred brand and model of external display.

Pros and Cons of Furuno 008-526-360 RGB Output for 10.4″ VX2