Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in the On water experience and Demonstration training of the very latest Broadband Radar system from Navico. This system is available from Northstar, Lowrance and Simrad.
I have never had a radar before on my ribs as the height of the 2kW scanner was critical ect. With the broadband radar this does not apply as it emitts 1/10 less then a mobile phone and this is held close to ones head.
The on the water session was very interesting and an eye opener once we started recognising the targets and comparing to the actual objects. At a very close range and I mean very close the targets on the radar screen were very clear and easy to identify. see attached photos
if you have a traditional 2 or 4 kW scanner you will then probably more appreciate these photos
Photo 015 and 016 shows the old derlict pier West from Yarmouth. Just look at the shape of this pier on the radar screen. as if it was an ariel photo
Photo 028 and 029 shows poles marking the channel in Lymington. with a normal 2 or 4kW scanner there would be a long blob at such a close distance and not each target on its own. You could actually use the broadband radar to guide you say into a marina in the dark or if dense fog
this is a major breakthrough in radar technology and ideal for a small craft like a rib where the scanner height is critical and at close range important to identify targets.
How did it perform at normal radar ranges, ie 1/ 3 / 6 / 12 miles?
Cheers
Chris
Chris
No problem. we took my rib out past the Hurst and picked up the radio antenna which is past Christchurch a distance of about 12 Nm. I did not take any photos then as I was at the helm.
Out on the cat off Lymington we picked up the Spinanker Tower in Portsmouth.
