Radar Target Enhancer
Radar Target Enhancer
Active-X–Band
Active-X–Band
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The Echomax Active-X Radar Target Enhancer (RTE) is designed to respond to interrogating X band radar
(9.3 – 9.5GHz) by receiving a transmitted pulse and amplifying the pulse and re-transmitting the pulse
back to the radar at the same frequency with minimum delay, thereby improving the radar detection range
and visibility of small targets. It will not enhance significantly vessels with
large radar cross section.
The RTE is primarily intended for small vessels with no radar fitted and typically should enhance the
RCS (radar cross section) of vessels up to 25M in length. For small craft/rigid inflatables improvements
will start to be seen at around 1-2 miles extending to 8-10 miles or more depending on prevailing condi-
tions. The response of the RTE will vary according to range, RTE and radar height above sea level, radar
power and condition. Poor weather, sea state and precipitation will greatly reduce the response.
IMPORTANT
The fitting of the Echomax Active-X Band RTE does not
exclude you from exercising safe navigational judgement
for your vessel under the International Regulations for the
Prevention of Collisions at Sea and to keep a proper look
out at all times.
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Many countries and administrations require a ships radio
license or modification of your existing ships radio licence
before Active-X can be used for maritime use. Contact your
local administration for details.
ECHOMAX ACTIVE-X COMPONENTS,
CONSTRUCTION, use and installation
If you are not able to safely install the unit yourself you are
advised to seek the services of a competent person or
company to install the RTE.
COMPONENTS
Echomax Active-X mast head radome fitted with
25 meters of 2 core cable
Control Box
Operation Manual
RADOME FITTING
The antenna has provisions in the base for a 1 inch -14 NF
female thread mast fitting or deck mount bracket. Plastic
mounts should not be used. To ensure a permanent fixing
‘LOCTITE’ or PTFE or plumbers tape should be used and the
RTE must be screwed down tightly. Care must be taken to
ensure that as the RTE is tightened on the base the cable is
allowed to turn freely.
For mast fitting the radome should be fitted vertically at
masthead or as illustrated on the following page. The transmit
antennas are positioned 70mm from the base of the radome
and need a clear 360 degree azimuth. When fitted at mast head
keep as far away as possible from other fittings to reduce
shadowing using the Echomax mast bracket. The radome will
not interfere electrically with other mast head fittings. It should
not be fitted on a back stay or where its vision is obscured or is
close to any metal object otherwise performance could be
significantly impaired.
The radome unit must never be painted as this will seriously
impair performance. The radome must not be fitted in or close
to the vessels radar transmitting beam width of 28 degrees as
this may seriously damage the PCB. The RTE can be fitted
ECHOMAX CONTROL BOX for surface fitting
or flush mount fitting with optional flush
mount kit
The control box must be fitted internally as it is not waterproof
and can be wired from the base or back as required. A 12v
fused or circuit breaker supply of 3-5A
is required.
The control box has a triple alarm facility.
Once the red power switch is turned on the unit is in the
quiescent mode and will consume up to 15mA. When
interrogated by a radar the green LED light will flash every
2.4 seconds. If the flash lengthens then this indicates that
more than one radar is painting the antenna. If painted by a
high speed radar which rotates every 1.5 seconds then the
LED light will flash quicker. Turning on the green switch
will mobilize the internal buzzer, which is set to actuate for
approximately half a second intervals. The control box also
has facilities for a 8A external volt free alarm. THIS IS NOT A
POWER SOURCE and must be initialised as shown
in the wiring diagram.
The control box has an externally replaceable 0.5A fuse and
is surge and cross polarity protected.
NB – ISOLATE POWER SUPPLY during installation, alteration
or repair of wiring.
REMOVAL OF FUSE
Gently push fuse in and turn anti-clockwise and then remove.
Failure to do this will damage the aluminium connections.
below or preferably above the radar. It is possible to shorten
or extend the cable by a further 25 meters without affecting
the performance using extension cable rated at 3A at 300V.
