Raytheon R20 radar, worth installing?

[DHV90]

Hi everyone

Gradually collecting gear to haul the boat out and make it ready to go further afield. Radar is something Id like to have as a back up, but can't afford much. Been offered a working R20 very cheap but is a unit this old going to be so temperamental/awkward to use/thirsty for power that it won't be worth having when we come to need it, or could something this archaic still be a valid fall back device when we come to need it?

I'd like to believe it could, but feel like it potentially won't. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[pvb]

It's very old. You don't say how cheap it is, but remember there's a lot of installation involved. If it works, fine, but when it breaks it most likely won't be worth repairing. If you already have a plotter, can you add a radome to it?

 

[johnalison]

If it's old, it may as well be cheap. I sold my old radar/plotter for £200 about 5yrs ago but I'm not sure that my purchaser got the better deal. Don't worry too much about the current draw; almost all the radar use I get is when under power in calm conditions. If it works, you should get a few years' use, and the chance to do some practice. If you play with it regularly, you will have built up some valuable experience.

 

[Len Ingalls]

In their day,they were a very good performing radar. A bit tricky to adjust because,at that time,most mfgrs went button crazy.
They replaced the "simple ,intuitive,adjust without looking at it,analogue knobs for everything-including gain & sea clutter.
This madness only lasted a couple of years as customers demanded that knobs be put back.
If it works,it would be better than no radar for sure,& as good a performer as any of the current entry level radars,but not worth spending any money on repairs.
Simple as any radar to install if the cable has not been cut-basically plug n play. Download a manual & follow instructions.
Link to operating video. Note: you have to push 2 buttons minimum for each adj.-that was the annoying feature of radars at that time,but with patience,it's usable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH3zCIiLmPE

Edit: around 4-5 amp 50-60watt draw IIRC when on Tx