When we commissioned our 460 I ordered the Raytheon RL72 radar/chartplotter. Never having had radar before, I ordered the 2KW antenna instead of the 4KW.(I guess penny wise and dollar foolish)I have been told that I would be able to "see" much more detail using closer ranges with the 4KW than with the 2KW. Is this true? I seldom use the radar over 3 mile range. Any input would be appreciated. Mark Johnson
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No with a qualification
The amount of detail that you see with RADAR is determined by the pulse width not the power of the beam. The pulse width also determines the minimum range that an object is detectable at. Having said that, it is also true that more power (energy) in the pulse will allow you to detect objects that are poorer reflectors of the beam's energy at a greater distance but at the range you mention I would be surprised if you would notice any difference in the scope's display between the 2kw and 4kw units.
The amount of detail that you see with RADAR is determined by the pulse width not the power of the beam. The pulse width also determines the minimum range that an object is detectable at. Having said that, it is also true that more power (energy) in the pulse will allow you to detect objects that are poorer reflectors of the beam's energy at a greater distance but at the range you mention I would be surprised if you would notice any difference in the scope's display between the 2kw and 4kw units.
Swap if you can
If it (the 2kw) is not installed - see if you can swap it for a 4 kw and pay the difference. If it is installed - your too late. The cable also needs to be changed. The beam width of the 4 kw is not as wide as the 2 kw, therfore alowing more distingstion between two targets side by side and will enhance all targets.
If it (the 2kw) is not installed - see if you can swap it for a 4 kw and pay the difference. If it is installed - your too late. The cable also needs to be changed. The beam width of the 4 kw is not as wide as the 2 kw, therfore alowing more distingstion between two targets side by side and will enhance all targets.
beam width
You can take a look at the brief specifications for the 2KW and the 4KW on the raytheon web site (www.raytheon.com). The 2KW is 18" with a 5.2 degree beamwidth whereas the 4KW is 24" with a 3.9 degree beamwidth. You should get better target resolution with the 4KW unit because of the smaller beamwidth, but that might be more resolution than you really need, unless you are planning to use it to target individual PWC's. I have a 2KW with no plans to change to a 4KW.
You can take a look at the brief specifications for the 2KW and the 4KW on the raytheon web site (www.raytheon.com). The 2KW is 18" with a 5.2 degree beamwidth whereas the 4KW is 24" with a 3.9 degree beamwidth. You should get better target resolution with the 4KW unit because of the smaller beamwidth, but that might be more resolution than you really need, unless you are planning to use it to target individual PWC's. I have a 2KW with no plans to change to a 4KW.
Penetrating thick fog
My understanding after talking to several technicians, is that the range with the 2kw is greatly reduced in heavy fog. With the 4kw there is no difference between heavy fog or a clear day. Iam now looking at the 4kw.
My understanding after talking to several technicians, is that the range with the 2kw is greatly reduced in heavy fog. With the 4kw there is no difference between heavy fog or a clear day. Iam now looking at the 4kw.
Beam Radiation
When the radar is mounted it may be a good idea to have it high enough so that people will not be inside the beam band. On my radar the band is plus or minus 15 degrees (it's been 10 years since I read the specs). The worst cases I've seen is where power boaters mount their radar transmitter right in front of the bridge.
When the radar is mounted it may be a good idea to have it high enough so that people will not be inside the beam band. On my radar the band is plus or minus 15 degrees (it's been 10 years since I read the specs). The worst cases I've seen is where power boaters mount their radar transmitter right in front of the bridge.
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