There are two basic types of radar: analog and digital. A marine radar consists of three basic components:
- A scanner. It can be either an open array or a dome type
- Cables that carry signals, power, and display
- A processor that processes images and displays with optional external power supplies
A magnetron is a radar transceiver that sends out a signal that is reflected and received by the transceiver for processing. Yacht owners can overlay radar with other marine data, such as AIS, chartplotter, and GPS.
For installation of the radar, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It must have at least 18” of vertical separation. The installation height ranges from 8 to 30 feet. Radars should be clear of other radars, personnel, and other devices such as GPS and satellite compasses.
After installation, tuning and adjustment are required. Common adjustments are target bearing adjustment, sweep timing, and main bang suppression. After the adjustment is complete, verify the input and output data for accuracy.