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4.1 Choose the scanner location
The radar's ability to detect targets depends greatly on the position of its scanner. The ideal
location for the scanner is high above the vessel's keel line where there aren't any obstacles.
The higher the installation position, the longer the radar ranging distance, but the minimum range
that the radar can detect targets increases the higher that the radar is mounted.
Also see the sections on installing the scanner on a power boat or yacht.
When you're deciding on the location, consider the following:
• the length of the interconnection cable supplied with your radar is usually sufficient. If you
think you'll need a longer cable, consult your Northstar dealer before installation, because a
longer cable may reduce the performance of the radar.
• if the roof of the wheelhouse is the highest existing location, consider installing a radar mast or
a pedestal on which you can mount the scanner. You may also need to construct a working
platform for your own safety during installation and servicing work.
• if you mount the scanner on a pedestal or base, ensure that rain and sea spray can drain away
from it rapidly.
• if you locate the scanner on the mast, position it on the forward side so that there is a clear
view to the front of the vessel.
• the scanner is usually installed parallel to line of the keel
• ensure that the location site provides the scanner with a clear view of the front of the vessel.
DON'T DO THIS!
• DON'T install the scanner too high up, where its weight will alter the stability of the vessel and
cause degradation of the radar picture over short ranges (see "How to find the optimum height
for the scanner").
• DON'T install the scanner close to lamps or exhaust outlets. The heat emissions may cause
the equipment to breakdown and soot and smoke will degrade the performance of the radar.
• DON'T install the scanner close to the antennas of other equipment such as direction finders,
VHF antennas, GPS equipment and so on, because it may cause interference.
• DON'T install the scanner where a large obstruction (such as an exhaust stack) is at the same
level as the beam, because the obstruction is likely to generate false echoes and/or shadow
zones.
• DON'T install the scanner where it will be subjected to strong vibrations (such as a derrick
post) because these vibrations will degrade the performance of the radar.
• DON'T install an open array close to halyards or flags because the wind could wrap these
around the scanner and jam it.
DON'T install the scanner inside of the recommended compass safe distances of any
navigation instruments such as the magnetic compass and the chronometer. The
compass safe distances are as follows:
2 kW radar STD 2.3 ft (0.7 m) / STEER 1.6 ft (0.5 m)
4 kW radar STD 6.5 ft (2.0 m) / STEER 5 ft (1.5 m)
6 kW radar STD 7.5 ft (2.3 m) / STEER 5.7 ft (1.75 m)
10 kW radar STD 7.9 ft (2.4 m) / STEER 6 ft (1.8 m)
25 kW radar STD 7.9 ft (2.4 m) / STEER 6 ft (1.8 m)