Raymarine’s new doppler radar
Raymarine claims that the Quantum 2 is its most advanced solid-state marine radar and it is designed for integrate with Raymarine’s Axiom multifunction displays reports Dag Pike. The new radar is claimed to enhance the user’s situational awareness by intelligently identifying moving and static targets at both long and short ranges.
Using advanced doppler processing, the Quantum 2 is tuned specifically to detect the radar signal frequency shift of returning signals that allows stationary and moving targets to be identified. The radar then uniquely color codes the moving targets to indicate whether they are getting closer (red) or moving away (green). In addition, Quantum 2 brings a new Safety Sector feature that highlights and color codes any potentially dangerous static targets within 200 meters in front of the vessel, making it easier for the user to recognise immediate hazards to navigation.
By colour coding moving targets in this way it is possible to immediately identify the radar targets that the user should be concentrating on without having to wait for the radar plot to do this. Designed specifically for use on fast craft this feature allows the user to focus on those moving targets that might cause concern
In addition to this advanced doppler feature the Quantum 2 incorporates a 25 target mini-automatic radar plotting aid (MARPA). Developed originally for the United States Coast Guard and other fast response craft, Quantum 2’s MARPA feature is doppler-assisted, meaning inbound contacts can be acquired automatically by the radar display. This eliminates the need to manually acquire targets or define guard zones, thus reducing the workload on the user and simplifies navigating in congested waterways.
Quantum 2 also features Chirp pulse compression technology which uses compressed radar pulses to display targets such as like boats, landmarks, rocks, and weather cells with excellent resolution and separation quality.
Weighing in at just 5.6 kg the Quantum 2 is claimed to weigh up to 50% less than traditional magnetron radars which is another bonus for faster craft. Quantum 2’s flexible design allows for Wi-Fi networking to Raymarine’s multifunction displays or via traditional hard-wired connections configuration, making installation much easier and eliminating the need for additional radar cabling or interface boxes.
Raymarine is a leading manufacturer of marine electronics and claims to have the most comprehensive range of electronic equipment for the commercial operators.
Visit Raymarine at Seawork International 2018 on stand Q32.
