12
IMCA M 229
Figure 9 – Responder internal view
7.3.1
Responder Antenna
The responder has been uniquely developed in conjunction with the radar sensor to ensure
that the system as a whole is easy to set up and resilient to other microwave emissions in the
operating frequency band. The responder allocated channel frequency (identifiable by the
colour) allows the sensor signal processing software to effectively reject the background clutter
normally encountered by any traditional radar system. This includes the signature of nearby
structures, such as other vessels.
Although the antenna is designed to have a wide acceptance angle (see section 12) to facilitate
target detection in a wide range of DP operations, it is strongly recommended to follow the
installation procedure (see section 6.3) to optimise the signal quality and achieve the maximum
range specified.
7.3.2
Power Source
The system offers three different types of power sources for the responders:
rechargeable battery pack;
mains power;
non-rechargeable battery primary cell pack.
The responders feature one or more status LEDs offering a convenient indication of the state
and charge level. The battery powered responder will switch itself off when it reaches critical
battery level to avoid unreliable performance.
There is no indicator to advise nearby personnel that the responder is in DP operation and
being tracked by a sensor. It is therefore important for personnel not to alter the position of
the responder once installed and it is recommended that a notice to this effect is posted next
to the responder.
Summary of Contents for Mini RadaScan
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