CR40
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/50 MKII Radar operation
Chapter 7
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7. Radar operation
The CRXX combines chart plotting with radar navigation. For first
time users of Radar, we have included a basic description of the radar
presentation with a basic understanding of how the controls affect the
radar’s operation and display.
The following paragraphs describe the control settings used for initial
display setup, turn-on procedure, inclement weather operation and
finally the turn off procedure. Radar controls are described in chapter
7.2.
7.1 Radar map
The radar picture appearing on the display is a map-like representation
of the area in which the radar is operating. Typically, the ship’s
position is at the center of the display. The operator may reposition or
offset the ship’s position up to 66% of the radius anywhere on the
screen. The ship’s dead ahead bearing is indicated by the heading line
flashing at the 0° relative bearing with every revolution of the sweep
trace (Head-Up mode).
Coastline contours and landmass are generally depicted in solid filled
yellow (DAY) or green (NIGHT) echo areas. Other surface vessels,
and channel buoys, are displayed as smaller single “pips” or echoes.
The radar picture or map can be viewed in many different sizes or
scales from own ship. These sizes are selected by the range scale
controls. Greater detail of radar echoes nearby own ship is shown when
the short or nearby range scales are selected. The best technique for
assessing the radar presentation characteristics is to start with using a
longer range scale and then switching to shorter ranges when nearby
targets appear, or as the ship approaches the coastline, harbor, or other
vessels in the area.
The long range scales (i.e. 3, 6, 12, 24nm) best show the overview of
the ship’s relationship to landmasses, weather fronts, and large ship
targets at or beyond view.
