High Def radar

Raymarine launch 4kW array that rivals conventional 25kW devices

Raymarine is launching its new HD Digital radar at the Collins Stewart London Boat Show on stand S010A. The company is being bullish about the new unit saying that it "makes a massive technological leap, Raymarine’s true digital radar technology delivers high quality performance and target display in a 4kW package that rivals the performance of significantly larger and powerful 25 kW radars."

This evolutionary breakthrough say Raymarine has been achieved by the company’s development and unique handling of Digital Signal Processing. Using true ‘front end’ digital technology, Raymarine has significantly improved target detection by eliminating virtually all unwanted noise and thereby enhancing the detection of small targets.

The end result is a unit that provides leisure boaters with the type of radar images and detailed accuracy only previously available on commercial vessels with options to use 256 colours on graded target returns.

The new HD Digital open array radars are available in two sizes – 48” and 72” – and both offer a maximum range of 72 nautical miles, while weighing less than 29 kg. A key benefit of HD Digital radar is its ability to work in dual range mode. This enables boaters to see and control both long range and short-range displays at the same time.

Another feature for users available from HD Digital is the multi-level colour target display. This means that targets with different echo return strengths - such as a vessel in front of a rocky island, or rain on vessels or navigational buoys – is shown on the display in a different colour. There is also a choice of auto modes – for use in coastal, harbour, and offshore areas as well as a setting specifically for buoy detection.



Operating using 10.3 to 32V DC power, the system comes complete with an external voltage converter. The 4kW power consumption is around 25 per cent less than the power required to achieve similar quality images from a much larger, commercial vessel quality radar.

Raymarine’s new HD Digital open array radars will retail at £2965 (€4269) ex VAT and £3440 (€4953) ex VAT for the 48” and 72” respectively.