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Understanding
Your Radar
Radar,
The "Mandatory" Option.
With all of the advances made in small boat radars, it has gradually
become a "mandatory" option when outfitting a new boat. Affordable prices
and user-friendly systems have also caused owners looking to re-outfit
their "experienced" hulls to consider adding radar to their electronics
arsenal. The biggest challenge facing many first-time radar users is
to select the appropriate unit for their particular application from
a long list of options that includes CRT or LCD screens, monochrome
or color format, supported by either an enclosed radome or open array
antenna.
The
LCD Revolution.
The introduction of high-resolution, small footprint LCD screens has
enabled many pleasure boat operators to experience the benefits of radar
previously enjoyed by only larger boats. LCD Radars, like the Furuno
1621MK2 and the M800 series, offer pleasure boat operators the best
combination of features that will not only hold up to the elements with
a totally waterproof case and keyboard, but also offer a backlit, high-resolution
LCD screen that is easy to see in almost any ambient lighting condition.
For
those boaters who have more room at the helm and a dedicated area to
mount their electronics arsenal out of the weather, Furuno's M1701 CRT
radar series offers the sharp, crisp depth and detail that only a high-definition
monochrome screen can produce. Although historically, boaters were only
offered a monochrome format when choosing a radar screen, all that has
changed with Furuno's exciting new FRS1000 series of four-in-one integrated
navigation systems, which produce vivid pictures, on a bright 10.4"
TFT LCD color screen.
Choose
Your Antenna.
Most Furuno radars offer a variety of antenna choices. The enclosed
radome type is very popular with both sailors and anglers, since it
keeps all moving parts away from outrigger halyards, working lines,
rigging and anything else that might work its way near the antenna.
In addition, the fiberglass dome keeps moisture and salt out and away
from critical components. The open array antenna typically is larger
than the radome types and requires mounting on top of a larger vessel
with a flybridge or tower, but offers increased range and enhanced target
detail in return.
The
bottom line is that no matter what type of Radar you need, Furuno has
an affordable unit that will enhance the safety for all those aboard
Typical
Radar Screen with "Lollipop" Indicator
A
Range of radar display.
B
Land Mass.
C
"Lollipop" indication of selected waypoint.
D
Position of boat in a head-up display.
E
Auto anti-clutter is activated.
F
Heading of boat.
G
Heading line shows direction of boats path.
H
Selectable fixed range rings.
I
Waypoint bearing.
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