Radar Introduction

Radar is an acronym meaning RAdio Detecting And Ranging. It is a device which measures not only the time it takes for a pulsed signal to be reflected back from an object but also its bearing relative to your position. Radar mainly functions as an anti-collision aid. It also provides information about the whereabouts of neighboring vessels, coastal outlines, etc.

The Radar Scanner (or antenna) rotates 360 degrees on its vertical axis, using a special gear that allows the radar to know at any time in which direction it is pointing at with extreme accuracy. Radio pulses are emitted from the scanner in a certain direction. When the pulse strikes an object such as a ship or island some of the energy returns to the scanner ("radar echo"). The direction in which the scanner is pointing when the reflection is received is the direction of the target causing the reflection. Since radio waves travel at a near-constant speed, the time required for the reflected echo to return to the scanner is a measure of the range (distance) to the target.

TimeZero is compatible with two types of Furuno radar:

• Furuno NavNet DRS Series Radar: TimeZero can be connected to a Furuno "DRS" (Digital Radar Sensor) through an Ethernet connection.

• Furuno FAR Series Radar: TimeZero is compatible with most of the Furuno FAR commercial series radars that have an Ethernet interface: FAR2xx7, FAR15x3/15x8, FAR 2xx8 and FAR3xxx.

To interpret the radar picture, an operator should be familiar with the radar video presentation caused by the wanted and unwanted effects. For instance, radar images (radar echo) produced by bridges, sand beaches, waves and even a boat’s wake may all be represented differently than expected based on their visual appearance. For correct interpretation of the radar picture, it is highly recommended that you practice using the radar in good weather conditions.