Furuno DRS12AX X-Class, Installation Manual

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1. INSTALLATION AND WIRING
1.1 Mounting Considerations
Select a mounting location, keeping in mind the following points:
• Install the antenna unit on the hardtop, radar arch or on a mast on an appropriate
platform.
• Locate the antenna where there is a good all-round view. Where possible, there
should be no obstructions to the scanning beam such as superstructure or rigging.
Obstructions cause shadow sectors and decrease the overall performance of the
radar. The loss of performance can cause false echoes and reduce the quality of
the observed images. A mast for instance, with a diameter considerably less than
the horizontal beam width of the radiator, will cause only a small shadow sector.
However, a horizontal spreader, or cross trees in the same horizontal plane as the
antenna unit, would be a much more serious obstruction. You would need to place
the antenna unit well above or below it. Be sure there are no metallic objects near
the antenna.
• It is rarely possible to place the antenna unit where a completely clear view in all
directions is available. After fitting the antenna, determining any shadow sectors,
their angle and bearing, and their influence on the radar is recommended.
NOTICE
Do not apply paint, anti-corrosive sealant or contact
spray to coating or plastic parts of the equipment.
Those items contain organic solvents that can damage
coating and plastic parts, especially plastic connectors.
(a) Common mast (b) Radar mast
Vertical beam angle = 22°