Radar - Radome antenna position

Just remember that the range is calculated as follows
2.23 * Sqrt of antenna height in metres above sea level
plus
2.23 * Sqrt of target height in metres above sea level
= the maximum normal range in nautical miles..
(Of course weather anomilies can change it but that's line of sight)
So the higher the better!!
Mine is just above the crosstrees/spreaders on the front of the mast..
Main problem is, when motoring out, the main halyard sometimes gets round the radome and the steaming light then it's a real pain to flick it free..... Only happens when it's inadventently left loose tho'..!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Good luck 'n Cheers Bob E...
 
It's a Beneteau Oceanis 361 with in mast furling main sail.
The mast is quite thick due to the furling mechanism, so I guess it has to be the front of the mast.
 
Definitely. It's a bit like 'Ask The Audience'. 90% of all other boats having their radome on the front of the mast can't all bew wrong.

To be honest, apart from the occasional halyard problem mentioned by Bob, one tends to forget that the dome is there.
 
Thanks for your confidence Nick!!
Interesting thing is that to actually use the full range (24nm) of my set with my dome at around 7 m max ( I've never bothered to measure it!) the target has to be SIXTY SIX metres high!!!
Just a thought for lower powered sets ???
Cheers Bob E....
 
[ QUOTE ]
Just remember that the range is calculated as follows
2.23 * Sqrt of antenna height in metres above sea level
plus
2.23 * Sqrt of target height in metres above sea level
= the maximum normal range in nautical miles..
(Of course weather anomilies can change it but that's line of sight)
So the higher the better!!

[/ QUOTE ]True, but in real terms a mast mount is only going to give about 2 miles more range than a stern pole.
 
As the mast itself will create a blind spot the best place is in front where most are mounted. Where are you interested in having the best signal? Forward and each side. There has been much said on here about the subject of mounting low down and on poles at the stern but I still think the best place is in front of the mast and have never had a sail snag on mine. I think weight (and windage) aloft is a small issue so perhaps not literally as high as possible, but calculate the range at the height you put it. If it is far enough for your sort of sailing go for it.
 
And one further consideration: siting the dome close above the first spreaders allows you to perch safely when opening the dome and servicing each year. Oh yes, a wipe round with a maths rag inside and out will ensure maximum sensitivity, that the rotating display mechanism is nicely lubricated, and allow you to check that the mounting bracket bolts are firmly in place.

If you put the dome so high that you rarely want to get up there and open the dome, you do yourself no favours.
Remember, the 6m range marker is the one you'll use most when at sea - this influences thinking about the need to go for maximum installation height.

PWG
 
anywhere you can put it really.
The distance of target resolvement is a pure misnomer.. without height, it dont work, expect 6 miles on a good day.. which is fine.

find a place and mount it.. front of the mast is good, so is on a pole...
 
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