RADAR Flashcards
What is RADAR
Radio Detection And Ranging
Principle of operation of radar?
Echo ranging principle ( SPEED x TIME) / 2
What shape is a radar and why
Rectangular, so that the leading edge of the transmitted and returned pulse is vertical
X band characteristics
3cm 9-10 GH/z
High resolution picture for precise Navigation
(Better definition of land)
More accurate bearings
S Band characteristics
10cm 3GH/z
Sacrifices High resolution for relative freedom from Sea and Rain clutter
Improved range
What does the transmitter do?
Produces short, high powered pulses of RF
Modern Transmitters are sited at or near the site of the scanner to minimise the waveguide length
Function of the Scanner/ Antenna
Propagates radio energy in a highly directional manner. Should be sited to avoid blind sectors
Function of the Receiver
Amplifies the weak pulses and produces them as video pulses for eventual display. Usually sited close to transmitter
What does the Display do?
Screen (plan view)
Should be sited with and near nav bridge equipment
Function of Time synchronised circuits
syncs transmission with the method of display and generation of timing marks on the display
Waveguides
Copper pipe for Radio energy.
Dimensions are critically related to wavelength in use
Long waveguide means high loss of energy
What determines the Pulse length
Determined by range scale in use
What determines the Pulse Repetition frequency?
Determined by range scale in use.
Can be fine tuned once at desired range, for need of function.
Short ranges have a high PFR
Long ranges have a low PFR
Principal of Range discrimination
Ability to detect discriminate between two targets on the same bearing and closely spaced in range
2 targets on the same bearing must be separated by half a pulse length
Bearing discrimination
Ability of the radar to discriminate between two targets at the same range but closely spaced in bearing
Narrow horizontal beam width is required for bearing discrimination
Greater the length of the scanner, the narrower will be the beam width
What is the Sea clutter function?
Suppresses the gain, applies this to the area near to the ship. Never extends the whole range
Also known as Sensitivity Time Constant (STC)
Only to be used if sea conditions require it
What is Side lobe error and at what range is it more likely?
Dick and balls
Side Lobes extending from the main beam catch targets close by, displaying them at the same range, extending out from the main target
Usually with large targets at close range
What is Radar interferance, and at what range is it more pronounced?
Near other radar instillations within the same frequency
Curved or spiralling dashed lines which change in shape and position with each revolution of the trace
Can be minimised by the interference rejection function. Slightly modulates the frequency. This should be changed back after use.
Most pronounced in Long ranges
Equations for range of targets on radar
Range = speed x Time/ 2
Range = speed x Time / ( 2 x 1852 )
Speed value for radar
Speed = 300m/Us1(Speed of light)
How do we check and correct heading misalignement
take visual bearings at different points on the compass, compare these with RELATIVE compass bearings. Any difference in radar bearings is the error.
Bearings vs ranges in accuracy
Ranges are more accurate, bearings suffer from half beam width error.
Half beam width error, due to the width of the pulse the painting of a target is not the centre line from which the bearing should be measured from.
What two inputs should you check when setting up a stabalised radar?
Heading input (Gyro)
Speed input (STW/SOG)
How do we set up Brilliance, Gain, Tuning
Brilliance: Increase to a level which allows the OOW to see the display clearly
Gain: adjust so that a lightly speckled background of clutter can be seen
Tuning: adjust for best response from a small target on the edge of the display