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Radar is an excellent navigation and safety aid which allows you to see at night and in fog and helps to avoid other vessels.
Do not attempt any installation, adjustment, or repair to any part of the RADAR systems :-
- Do not open the radar scanner or display unit.
- High Voltage exists within side the radar unit.
- Microwave energy can cook parts of the human body.
- Keep well clear of the radar antenna.
- Mount the antenna up high and away from people.
A typical yacht radar works by transmitting a very short radio pulse on a frequency of 9400MHz (3cms) and listening for an echo. By using a directional antenna, sometimes called a scanner, the radar can determines the direction of the target. By knowing the time between transmitting the pulse and hearing the echo the radar can calculate the distance to the target.
The bigger the antenna the better the resolution . Scanners come in 3 sizes :-
- 18 inch scanner will have a 6 degree beamwidth.
- 24 inch scanner will have a 4 degree beamwidth.
- 48 inch scanner will have a 3 degree beamwidth.
Small objects over the radars horizon may not been seen by radar, so use both short and long range when using the radar. If your radar scanner is 4 meters above sea level the radars range to the horizon is 4.4 miles.
When mounting the scanner, mount it well away from people. Two popular locations for mounting the radar scanner on a yacht are the mast or on a pole on the stern of the yacht. Both locations have their pros and cons.
The mast is a good location, well clear of people and forward of the main sail. The draw backs are the stability of the yacht, the halyard and foresail can be fouled, and the servicing of the unit.
If you need to know more about radar then attend a YachtCom one day RYA Radar Course
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