A few years ago, so-called broadband low-power radar was released and it was a boon to ocean sailors for its low power requirements. Then with the widespread adoption of AIS, it seemed that perhaps radar had hit its high point and not much new development would take place in the category. But Simrad Yachting, manufacturer of marine navigation, autopilot, radar, communications and more, has an exciting new radar development. The company recently released its Halo pulse compression radar (more on pulse compression technology and why it adds intriguing capability to voyaging boat radar systems coming up in a future issue). In September, Simrad’s Halo radar product won the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award in the OEM Electronics category at the 2015 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX).
Simrad is saying that its Halo radar product is the world’s first high-performance solid-state, open-array radar system with pulse compression technology that is suitable for recreational and light marine markets. According to Simrad, its Halo product combines the advantages of broadband radar and traditional pulse radar systems. Halo reportedly can display targets as close as 20 feet away, something that traditional pulse radar’s couldn’t do and where once only broadband radar could operate — while also providing ranges up to 72 nm.
And Simrad says more capability will be added. The latest model, Halo-6 with a maximum range of up to 72 nautical miles, has begun to ship to dealers and consumers.
For more info see www.simrad-yachting.com.