Radar antenna

The radar, a safety device

Clear weather and sunshine are not always present when sailing. When the fog sets in, when night falls or when visibility decreases, keeping the course and avoiding obstacles becomes less obvious. The radar system is essential for safe navigation. Other boats, obstacles or objects become easier to avoid. This nautical equipment is essential if you are navigating near other boats. Among the many components of the radar, the antenna is an essential element in sending and receiving the waves. Choose it carefully!

What is the role of the radar antenna?

Radar technology uses the echoes of emitted electromagnetic waves to determine the distances and positions of nearby objects. These short waves are emitted by the antenna on the boat. The antenna is one of the most important parts of a radar.

When they encounter an obstacle, the pulses are reflected and sent back to the receiver (often located in the same place as the transmitter). The electronics then calculate the distance and displacement vector of the target to give the speed and heading. Thanks to the radar antenna, which rotates and operates continuously, the detection of obstacles such as buoys, ships, icebergs, piers, etc. is done over the entire horizon and you have a 360 degree view for maximum safety. The antenna, as a component of the electronic system that constitutes the whole radar, allows to know the speed and the distance of the objects.

How to optimize the operation of a radar antenna?

To optimize the range, the radar antenna is placed as high as possible on board, on the upper part of the boat. On a sailboat, radome antennas are mounted on a bracket on the front of the mast. Steerable mounts are often preferred since they maintain the performance of the antenna more by keeping it horizontal. Since it rotates on itself, the radar antenna offers a wide and complete spectrum.

A radar antenna can be connected to the plotter via an interface or via an ethernet cable. Some models work with a separate power cable and others work via WiFi (wireless radar antenna). 

If you choose an antenna as a stand-alone component, be careful about its compatibility with the rest of your equipment. Also consider the location of the antenna to avoid blind spots as much as possible, choose the most open area. The positioning of the antenna allows to adjust its range.

To you, safe sea trips with the radar system equipped with its antenna!