Dual Radar Setup

This chapter only applies to TZ Coastal Monitoring Dual Radar license (when the two radars are connected locally to the computer).

TZ Coastal Monitoring Dual Radar product allows you to connect two Furuno Radars (two DRS or two FAR) directly to the computer. The two Radars connected to the software can be displayed and controlled independently and merged on the chart for seamless integration.

Note: The two Radars and the PC need to be on the same local area network (same broadcast domain). Please note that each radar requires a bandwidth of 15Mbps. The two radars connected to TZ CM Dual Radar need to be of the same product range and have the same capabilities. For example, it is not possible to mix a DRS radar with a FAR radar. It is also not possible to mix a DRS-NXT radar with a DRS-XCLASS radar because they do not have the same capabilities. Also note that both radars need to be always turned ON: it is not possible to operate one radar without the other.

Configuration

IMPORTANT: Please refer to NavNet DRS Connection, FAR 2xx7 Connection, FAR2xx8 Connection or FAR 3xx0 Connection to setup the network configuration of the computer and the radars before proceeding with this chapter.

Before adjusting the two radars in TimeZero, you should know which radar is installed where (identified by their IP or Hostname). For example, in the case of FAR3000, the Hostname of the Radar will be "RAS001" when the IP address of the antenna is set to 192.168.31.101 (default) and "RAS002" when it is set to 192.168.31.102. In case of an oil platform, you should know which antenna is installed at which corner, and write down its corresponding position:

Select "First Radar Configuration" in front of the "Radar Initial Setup". TimeZero will automatically select one radar host (in the example below "RAS002"). Enter the corresponding nickname for that radar (that will appear in the user interface), then enter the radar position and orientation:

Once the first radar has been configured, select "Second Radar". TimeZero will automatically pick the second Radar Host available on the network. Repeat the same configuration steps by entering the position and orientation of that second radar:

Note that you can re-adjust the initial settings of the two radars at anytime (for example if you need to change the orientation at a later time). Just make sure to select which radar you want to adjust: "First Radar" or "Second Radar".

With DRS radars, all the initial settings (such as blanking sectors) can be setup directly inside TimeZero. HOWEVER, in case of FAR2xx7, FAR2xx8, or FAR3xx0 radar, you have to adjust the initial settings from the Radar processor display (not inside TimeZero).

Oil Platform Merged Mode

Two Radars can be connected to TimeZero to provide a 360 degrees coverage around an oil platform:

IMPORTANT: The Radar Merging always happens inside TimeZero. Do NOT use the "Merge Mode" of the FAR radar. Leave the FAR radar in "normal" mode. Only the blind sectors need to be setup on the FAR2xx7 / FAR2xx8 / FAR3xx0 directly.

How to adjust blind sectors:

Blind Sectors are always adjusted relative to the antenna heading (the direction where the radar antenna has been installed). The start angle must be provided, and then, the blind sector angle (how wide the blind sector needs to be).

Below is an example, where the antennas are faced outward aligned with the diagonal of the platform. In this case, the blind sector settings would be the same on both radars:

Below is an example, where the two antennas are pointing in the same direction (to the top of the platform). In this case, the blind sector settings would be different on both radars:

Once the blind sectors have been adjusted on both radars, proceed to the Radar Orientation adjustment inside TimeZero (from the Radar Options). The easiest is to use the Radar Overlay and/or AIS target to align each radar echo on the chart.

IMPORTANT: Even if you connect a GPS and Heading to the FAR radar, you will have to manually adjust the Radar Orientation in TimeZero unless you use the dynamic positioning (refer to Fixed & Dynamic Position). The FAR radar only sends a "Head Up" picture to TimeZero in fixed positioning mode.