Raymarine launches new HD Digital radomes

Radar target detection has undergone massive evolutionary changes in the last year, thanks to the introduction of HD Digital (High Definition Digital) technology. Now the benefits of these new systems are available to even more boaters, with the launch of Raymarine’s new HD Digital radomes.

Compact domes are the most popular radar transmitters for most power and sail boats throughout the world, and now these boat owners can benefit from the latest radar technology with Raymarine’s new 18” and 24” HD Digital radomes.

These high power 4kW transmitters are designed to provide superior target detection and resolution. Whereas other systems often merge rain and targets, the HD Digital radome system can distinguish targets even in heavy rain clutter. HD Digital radomes also come with “bird mode” to help fishermen detect fish shoals by tracking sea bird movements, and high speed radar scanning (automatic 48rpm mode) for optimal tracking of fast moving targets at short ranges.

HD Digital radomes can be safely mounted in most locations on board a vessel, bearing in mind that all radar works on line of sight principles. The pulse modulated HD Digital radar uses its inherent power to “punch through” clutter such as heavy rain, spray and snowy weather, to ensure that a powerful signal hits the target to return clearly identifiable images such as boats, moorings and jetties.

The radomes use a state-of–the-art eight pulse width transmitter. This technology optimizes the radar’s ability to detect targets at very close proximity to the vessel or at very long ranges to see distant vessels, land features, or even weather fronts.

Using true “front end” digital technology, the radomes produce target clarity that is unprecedented in traditional radome radars. The technology is also much easier to use and understand.

Other features include the following:

* Raymarine’s unique HD Digital 8-bit dual scanner. Long and short range spokes on each scan effectively give users two separate and independently controlled radars in one unit.

* No need for users to manually adjust the radar for the best picture. This function is processed automatically by the digital signal. The sharp, clear and lifelike images shown on the screen are comprehensible to even inexperienced boaters.

* Five multi-level colour target display facility. This means that targets with different echo return strengths – such as a vessel in front of a rocky island, rain over vessels, or navigational buoys – are shown on the display in different colours.

* Full SeaTalk network compatibility.

Call (02) 9479 4800 or visit www.raymarine.com.au for more information.