Places to put radar domes

[SteveB_Sigma33]

I'd like to be able to set up radar on my boat but I don't particularly want to stick the radar dome on the mast. Ideally I want it to be something I can take on and off the boat depending on what type of sailing I'm doing etc. Therefore I'm guessing the only option would be to have some post attached to the pushpit.

What sort of height should I be looking at for the post?
what other things should I take into consideration?

Has anyone else knocked up a similar arrangement?

 

[alan]

Consider that typical vertical beamwidth of small (e.g. Raymarine 2KW) radar antenna is 20 degrees, then it is fairly easy to calculate the height needed for the antenna in order to have the beam pass over the head of someone standing at the bow. You might want to consider that you will only have the radar on when all persons are in the cockpit, in which case you could lower the antenna a bit. The power density of the radar signal decreases by the inverse square of the distance (if I remember correctly) but in any case I should play safe; I personally would not like 2KW on the back of my head for 3 or 4 hours (even if the radar is pulsed and rotates).

Scanstrut do poles suitable for deck or transom mounting.

 

[Talulah]

There are also gimballed mounts for the backstay. This has the advantage of the beam always pointing towards the horizon, not sea/air when heeled.

 

[pvb]

[ QUOTE ]
Ideally I want it to be something I can take on and off the boat depending on what type of sailing I'm doing etc.

[/ QUOTE ]
Radomes are quite cumbersome things, which really don't lend themselves to being put on and taken off at will. There's also the very real problem of the wiring to consider.

I've just fitted a Raymarine radome on a Scanstrut modular pole at the stern. Very good pole system - sturdy and looks good. For less money, custom stainless poles are an option, but many of them look a bit home-made and the pole is often quite thin (although no doubt strong enough).

 

[Swagman]

Just had a custom made pole for transom mounting but this was not demountable, it's firmly fixed in place.

Our cost was circa £650 in 60mm stainless tube - but also with a derrick attachment to haul gear out of lazarette and down to boarding platform.

Pictures here - http://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=273&PN=1

Cheers
JOHN

 

[pvb]

Looks neat...

And I like the integral adjustable socket for the passerelle.

 

[snowleopard]

a good compromise on mounting post material is aluminium scaffold pole. it's available in 20 ft lengths and is a lot stronger than an equivalent weight of stainless tube.