Re: Radar
The short answer is yes, you can see inclement weather on marine radar. You can also see the wind blown spray come off the tops of swells. Some structures, like steel bridges can appear as walls caving in on you. Other things, like small wooden boats may not appear at all. Ive been told an entrance into San Diego harbor is lined up perfectly on the airports take off runway. Its supposed to be very entertaining for marine radar with collision anticipation.
Like snapperbait said, there is a learning curve, but its not that hard, just time consuming. Good news: you can learn on the water! It is easier to learn on a clear day where you can compare the radar return to what you see visually. What you are looking for is what does not show up. Youll get it.<br /><br />Stauter99 - here are some of my ramblings about marine radar:<br /><br />Radomes are usually parabolic type antenna and thus have wider beam and less resolution and are typically lower wattage than an open array scanner (bar). They are ideal for sailboats because the dome protects the spinning goody inside from the lines hanging off the mast. They are lower power because sailboats dont need to see as far because they aint getting anywhere quickly, anyway.
Power=Distance. They go on any boat. Simrads 24 radome utilizes a slotted array antenna like the bars.<br /><br />JRC (Japan Radio Co) is a strange beast. Their consumer radar models are considered by many to be low-end, if there is such a thing for marine radar, while their commercial products are top-notch. When I was looking for radar it took me about 1-minute to decide to pass on JRC. I didnt like the look or feel. Both Raymarine (formerly Raytheon) and Furuno have quality stuff. I think Furuno is better quality, but support really sucks for those folks. Raymarine puts much more effort into supporting their product. Popping out on top of either of those two is Simrad. A bit more difficult to get your hands on, but Johnny-on-the-spot technical support! All three manufactures product spec out so similar that they are virtually indistinguishable from one another on paper. Repair/parts for Simrad are the most difficult to come by. I am told Ray service is the easiest to get if you are out of the country. Ergonomics will dictate which you like better, Ray or Furuno. I dont have a clue what Ray was thinking when they made their display vertical?!?!? Furuno is big on the one-button, touch-and-get-result thing and they have the ability to track targets, but Ray will add that if they havent already. Furuno promotes the ability to overlay chart and radar on a single screen. Dont care
not for me!!! Ill take the split screen any day...except on Raymarines vertical display. They all display split, but important for me was the overall display quality. None of them come close to Simrads display quality. Simrads radar tracks targets too, when married to an auto-pilot brain (I think it wants to see the flux-gate compass output), but does not/will not overlay chart and radar functions, if that is important to you. Ironically, Simrads auto-pilot brain (j300x) was initially designed to interface with Furuno radar?!?!?<br /><br />Radar is basically a spinning 8-12GHz microwave oven without the glass door to let you watch the food cook. It is very directional and it needs to be mounted high enough that it is well clear of any occupants heads. The higher it mounts, the further it sees up to a point
and the more it is subjected to the pitch/roll of the boat. Mount it too high and you wont get a return for near targets, like a buoy you are on course with.<br /><br />Adding radar means adding another screen. I didnt want the clutter. I like it clean, simple, easy to use/read and dependable. We went with a GPS/Chart/Sounding/Radar in a single LCD screen on the bridge. If you are adding radar to your existing electronics, and you have the space, dont overlook the monochromatic CRTs. They have the best display resolution but are big (compared to LCD) and draw more amps. But they are a lot less expensive, too. Radar does not have to interface with other electronics, but manufacturers would like you to believe it does.<br /><br />Unfortunately, you are not going to get to see radar work at most marine electronic retailers. Most of the manufactures (JRC?) have video product available
for a price! You might ask to borrow a video from a retailer. To get the quick skinny on marine radar, you can call any of the manufacturers and tell them you have radar questions. Try Simrad; in WA state, general (425) 778-8821 or product support (800) 426-5565. Id go for the 800 number. Support has been excellent and they took the time to explain what I needed to know.
