The German navigation system manufacturer Raytheon Anschütz has announced the launch of a new generation navigation radar. It is distinguished[ds_preview] mainly by two innovations on the transceiver: Network technology replaces analog data transmission, and a pedestal which is newly constructed electrically and mechanically reduces cost of ownership and simplifies service.
The new NautoScan NX radar transceivers are based on modern hardware and software infrastructure to achieve highest reliability on a high performance level. With the transceivers, network technology replaces analog data transmission through expensive and complex special cables. Radar status and raw video is generated in the transceiver, shared through a digital interface and distributed through Dual Gigabit LAN. The advantages are that the new radar can provide high-quality raw data and at the same time, applications on the bridge are given great flexibility in processing the radar signals. All workstations can access and use the radar video, if needed, which supersedes the current »slave« type of configuration. For a workstation to become master it has to communicate with the transceiver via a secured channel that protects the radar setup from unwanted interference or changes in configuration – the former »master mode« reloaded. Correspondingly the range of applications and requirements is wide – from a single navigation radar on a small vessel to large bridge systems, and from a simple »point-to-point«connection setup to a dual-redundant radar distribution network. There are more improvements, such as a better signal processing, a built-in-test for easy service diagnosis, an integrated and automated performance monitoring or an innovative »Sleep Mode«to save Magnetron lifetime when radar is on standby.
Additionally, a pedestal which is newly constructed electrically and mechanically will simplify service and reduce cost. The maintenance-free gearbox further reduces service costs. NautoScan NX will become an essential component of the new generation Synapsis Radar.
