Max Transmit Time with Radar?

B

Bernie

Guest
Maybe a silly question, but I have a 4kw radar from 2011 on my "new" sailboat. Radar works great with NavNet 3D. When booting up the radar goes into standby. By pushing the xmit button I can transmit. The question I have is: Is there a maximum amount of time I should keep the radar in Transmit? If I'm offshore I like to have a constant lookout, but was concerned about leaving the radar on for extended periods?

Any help appreciated.

Bernie
 
Bernie,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The answer to the question is both yes and no. While it does not damage the hardware of the radar to have it transmitting for long periods of time, there are certain internal components (like the magnetron) that should be replaced over time &/or transmit hours. If you begin to notice that the targets seem "weak" and are getting weaker that is usually the initial tell tail sign that the magnetron should be evaluated. The other issue relates to power. When utilizing 12vdc the NN3D MFD display and the 4kw dome radar in transmit draw approximately 7.33amp to 8.25am (depending on the size of the display). Over time under sail and when you are not re-charging the batteries this could cause power related issues. Instead you may look into utilizing the WATCHMAN mode of the radar to reduce power consumption. This automatically cycles the radar into & out of transmit of customizable cycles to conserve power. You'll find the explanation of this feature in section 6.13 of your NN3D owners/operators manual.
 
Flatline -

Thanks so much for your detailed response and providing an alternative solution for power consumption concerns. How do you know I have the NN3D system? Is that manual downloadable from Furuni? I can search, but not sure I have the right manual??

Bernie
 
I think you gave it away with your second sentence.
....Radar works great with NavNet 3D.
Click to expand...

The NN3D has three sizes/units

MFD12 = 12"
MFD8 = 8"
MFDBB = Connect your own monitor

You can find manuals under the product number on our website under "View Support/Tech Info"
 
Johnny:

I'm sorry but I'm somewhat new at this - spent the lat 45 minutes looking for the users manual for what I believe is my radar (DRS4D) - from 2011 4kw. I am only locating the installation manual and not a users/operators manual. Is it possible for you to help point me to this on the furuno site? I'm wanting to learn more about the WATCHMAN mode and basic operation as referenced by Flatline above.

Thanks in advance,

Bernie
 
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