How to identify commercial radar model?

[THESHIP->BEHINDYOU]

Hello Furuno experts, I am here with one simple question that has been burdening me for years. I am a Second Mate on some of the biggest ships in international trade across oceans. Frequently, I join ships with unsatisfactory records and, despite substantial familiarity with Furuno radars (FAR 2187, 2238NXT-BB, and every model in-between) I have never found a way to properly identify exactly what model radar I am looking at. I can find the name plate on the RPU and that narrows it down; equally I can climb the masts and (if legible) get the antenna model and further narrow it down, I can even work out the CPA's of the TT Simulation and compare them to multiple operators manuals, to further narrow it down. But I have never found a method for positively identifying that this radar I'm standing on the bridge looking at is definitely a FAR2xx8. Is there a solution to my plight? I will be forever grateful for any guidance.

 

[TheReaper]

The methods that you mentioned are the best way. The processor is the main component that can tell you the most; the serial number of the processor is what can be looked up to see what radar system it was sold with. The processor plus the radar type (on the gearbox tag) combined is what really determines the radar model number since some processors are used with multiple gearboxes. Another way is to look at the splash screen when it boots up because it'll sometimes tell you at least the series of radar that's being worked with or the actual radar model. To be honest, the easiest way is to get the serial number off of the processor and call tech support to get the model number

 

[THESHIP->BEHINDYOU]

Thank you very much for your response. While I was hoping for a catch all solution, it's nice to know I was on the right track. I'll add Furuno tech support to my speed dial for the future. Thanks again for putting this to bed for me.