pandos
Well-known member
Why are RTEs such as echoe max active X, so expensive...
Is there a diy version...
Is there a diy version...
I'll look for that thread..A) because they are complex RF electronics requiring precise dimensions and timing. They are also radio transmitters, and require type licensing, which is an expensive process.
B) There isn't a DIY version because they would be beyond the ability of most amateurs to assemble without a risk of them being out of specification.
This was thoroughly discussed on a previous thread - sorry, I don't have it bookmarked. But the people known for their electronic capabilities (some professional) all agreed that it wasn't a DIY job.
There used to be something called CARD that was just a radar signal detector. I am not sure there is much of a role for this in these days of AIS - I think a simple AIS receiver would be more useful.I'll look for that thread..
I accept that they are complex electronics etc but so do ais transponders, vhf radios, aitopilots etc... But RTEs seem to be extra expensive for what they are...
Probably sell more if they were cheaper and manufacturers would probably make more in the long run...
I wonder is there a diy version that only detects other radar signals.
There is a French gizmo , which alerts if a radar signal is detected and which indicates the quadrant that signal is received from.. (I saw this on a link somewhere but cannot find now )
It's called MerVeilleThere is a French gizmo , which alerts if a radar signal is detected and which indicates the quadrant that signal is received from.. (I saw this on a link somewhere but cannot find now )
I think it's mainly type approval that's the barrier. RTEs have a limited market; they're a purely marine device, unlike PLBs which have a much wider market for walkers and mountaineering. So the cost of an RTE has to amortize the considerable costs of type approval. And l, as I mentioned, they have to be extremely precisely made - a delay of a microsecond would offset the return by 300m, so you're looking at nanosecond timing accuracy.I'll look for that thread..
I accept that they are complex electronics etc but so do ais transponders, vhf radios, aitopilots etc... But RTEs seem to be extra expensive for what they are...
Probably sell more if they were cheaper and manufacturers would probably make more in the long run...
I wonder is there a diy version that only detects other radar signals.
There is a French gizmo , which alerts if a radar signal is detected and which indicates the quadrant that signal is received from.. (I saw this on a link somewhere but cannot find now )
yep.Collision Avoidance at Sea: AIS and CARD systems, very low power AIS watch and alarming | Nordkyn Design
That seems to be exactly what the CARD device was...
Are these devices not getting obsolete now with "broadband" radar as they don't detect the old fashioned radar deflectors etc.??!!Why are RTEs such as echoe max active X, so expensive...
Is there a diy version...
I see no reason an RTE shouldn't be designed to work with broadband. If anything it might be easier as the timing of the return might not be so critical. However I imagine the first generation of RTEs won't cover the correct frequenciesAre these devices not getting obsolete now with "broadband" radar as they don't detect the old fashioned radar deflectors etc.??!!
Is that based on any familiarity with RTE/SART schematics?I see no reason an RTE shouldn't be designed to work with broadband. If anything it might be easier as the timing of the return might not be so critical. However I imagine the first generation of RTEs won't cover the correct frequencies
I don't think that will be much of a problem in the future. AFAIK Navico is the only manufacturer to have produced commercial broadband radars and they seem to have abandoned the technology in their latest products. In any case commercial shipping is the main hazard away from the coast and they predominantly use conventional pulse radars.Are these devices not getting obsolete now with "broadband" radar as they don't detect the old fashioned radar deflectors etc.??!!