Radar Life
- Thread starter thaeni
- Start date
- Status
I asked that question of a Raytheon tech back in 2004 when I had to send my radome in for a drive motor replacement. The tech said he was surprised to see over 1000 hours on the magetron. He said that most recreational radars that he sees only have 100 hours or less. I explained that my radar is always on when underway, thus the reason for the 1000+ hours on a five year old radome.
I wish I could remember his exact answer to how many hours a magnetron should be expected to last, but I can't and I don't think I have any notes on the conversation. However, I do remember that his answer was in the many thousands of hours, and that I should not have any concern for just my 1000 hours.
I realize this is a vague answer but it 's the best I have.
I wish I could remember his exact answer to how many hours a magnetron should be expected to last, but I can't and I don't think I have any notes on the conversation. However, I do remember that his answer was in the many thousands of hours, and that I should not have any concern for just my 1000 hours.
I realize this is a vague answer but it 's the best I have.
Beats me, but I do know on my older Furuno, I had to adjust it after about a dozen years since the sensitivity had fallen way off. However, it was just fine after the tune. (Until the boat washer drenched the scanner underneath the lip seal shorting it beyond repair.)
Having only owned the smaller 2 to 4 kw units..., JRC, Furuno, Ray
The electronics in the displays/processors do not seem to last as long as the antenna arrays.
that being said, frequent use helps prolong the life of most electro mechanical devices. A radar powered off for 8 months is a long time. Warming it up and operatiing once a month is far better for the devices. Power cycling 12 times a year extra is not a significant shortening of component life, and the benefits are great.
The electronics in the displays/processors do not seem to last as long as the antenna arrays.
that being said, frequent use helps prolong the life of most electro mechanical devices. A radar powered off for 8 months is a long time. Warming it up and operatiing once a month is far better for the devices. Power cycling 12 times a year extra is not a significant shortening of component life, and the benefits are great.
- Status