DRS12ANXT Radar Mount

[sails&tales]

Hi - can anybody suggest a radar mount for the DR12ANXT open array? I'm looking for a mount around 4"-6" tall. I'm dealing with a bit of an issue with my heading sensor (SCX20) and am hoping to raise the radar a bit to clear the heading sensor.

The issue stems from losing Heading Direction occassionally. I haven't really seen a pattern as to why it happens at times and not others but I'm thinking that it I can raise the radar it should help minimize the loss of heading info.

 

[Quitsa]

Before you move the radar, check the voltage on your NMEA 2000 network to ensure that the SCX-20 is getting sufficient and stable power. I find that it is a bit sensitive to fluctuating voltage and can drop out briefly. Generally there is a pretty long drop to the SCX-20 because of the need to mount it in a high, clear location. Mine is up on top of the tower sunshade and the device farthest away from the power tee at the helm that supplies the NMEA 2000 network and used to have this problem until I created an isolated power supply for it that was closer.

 

[sails&tales]

Quitsa, thanks for your feedback. It's interesting that you mention that. What I've seen is that I only lose heading sensor data when the open array is running. I was under the impression that the array is blocking the signal for the SCX20 and therefore that's why I lose heading info. Except that if that's the case it will also likely block it when it's stationary and it never seems to happen when the open array is off.

I wonder if the voltage draw when array is on is causing a dip in voltage to the NMEA 2000 network. I will look into the voltage issue. Thanks again!

 

[sails&tales]

Well... I finally got around to re-work the voltage supply for the NMEA2K network. Installed a dedicated Ancor power tap and relocated the SCX20 cable to right next to the power tap. Might've improved matters a bit but still lose heading sensor at times. Only when radar is running. If radar is off and presumably "partially physically blocking" the heading antenna I have no issues with heading data and heading sensor works flawlessly.

So I'm still looking for a radar pedestal to get a bit more physical separation between the two and hopefully isolate the radio waves a bit better.

Any suggestions?