Where's the best place to mount your Radar Antenna?

Where do you usually position your >Radar scanner? Depending on its position, this will directly affect the radar's ability to detect and locate targets.

 

The best place to position your scanner is high above the vessel's Keel Line where there is nothing to get in the Way. The higher, the better – as this will not only increase the >Radar ranging distance, but also increases the minimum Range around the vessel where targets can't be located. But don't install the scanner too high, as its weight will alter the stability of your vessel an degrade the >Radar picture over short ranges.

 

Here is a guide to determine scanner height in relation to a vessel's hard top overall width:

 

A higher installation position increases the <a href='https://chsmith.com.au/Wiki/Radar.html' title='RADAR is an acronym for Radio Detection And Ranging, coined by the U.S. Navy in 1940. It is the use of electromagnetic waves - specifically radio waves - to...' class='autolinks' <a href='https://chsmith.com.au/Wiki/Bamboo.html' title='Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the grass family Poaceae. It is known as one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth with reported growth rates of...' class='autolinks' ></a> >Radar</a> <a href='https://chsmith.com.au/Wiki/Bamboo.html' title='Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the grass family Poaceae. It is known as one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth with reported growth rates of...' class='autolinks' ></a> ranging distance.

 Typical <a href='https://chsmith.com.au/Wiki/Radar.html' title='RADAR is an acronym for Radio Detection And Ranging, coined by the U.S. Navy in 1940. It is the use of electromagnetic waves - specifically radio waves - to...' class='autolinks' <a href='https://chsmith.com.au/Wiki/Bamboo.html' title='Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the grass family Poaceae. It is known as one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth with reported growth rates of...' class='autolinks' ></a> >Radar</a> <a href='https://chsmith.com.au/Wiki/Bamboo.html' title='Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the grass family Poaceae. It is known as one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth with reported growth rates of...' class='autolinks' ></a> Target Ranges

 

 

 Some other things to keep in mind:

 

  • Usually you won't need a longer interconnection cable than the one supplied with your >Radar. A longer cable may actually reduce your radar's performance.

  • If the highest existing location on your vessel happens to be the roof of the wheelhouse, consider installing a >Radar Mast or pedestal to mount the scanner on.

  • If you mount the scanner on a pedestal or base, make sure that rain and sea spray can drain from it quickly.

  • Don't install the scanner inside of the recommended Compass safe distances of any Navigation instruments such as the magnetic Compass and chronometer.

 

For more information, contact us in-store or online at CH Smith Marine. We're always happy to help.

 

 

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