NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

College of Maritime Education

Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

SIMPLE RESEARCH ON PARTS

OF RADAR AND DISPLAY
ORIENTATION

In Fulfillment of the Requirements for the subject in:

Operational Use of RADAR/ARPA Lec.

HAZEL ANN C. CADIZ

BS Marine Transportation 2-A

Mr. Pius Estavillio

Instructor

October 2023
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

INTRODUCTION

Radar stands for "Radio Detection and Ranging." It is a technology that

uses radio waves to detect and locate objects in its vicinity. Radar systems emit
radio waves and then receive the echoes reflected back from objects in the
environment. By analyzing the characteristics of the returning signals, radar can
determine the presence, distance, direction, speed, and other parameters of the
detected objects. Radar systems are widely used in various applications,
including military, aviation, maritime, weather monitoring, and traffic control.

Radar systems work based on the principle of measuring the time it takes
for radio waves to travel to an object and back. By analyzing the time delay and
characteristics of the reflected signals, radar can determine the range (distance)
to the object. By continuously scanning the surrounding space, radar can create
a map of detected objects and track their movements.

Radar operates based on the principle of measuring the time it takes for
radio waves to travel to an object and back. By continuously scanning the
surrounding space, radar creates a map of detected objects and can track their
movements. Doppler effect, which is the frequency shift of the reflected waves
due to the motion of objects, is utilized to determine the relative velocity of
targets.
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

PARTS OF RADAR

A radar system comprises several key

components that work together to enable its
functionality. Here are the main parts of a
radar system:

TRANSMITTER
The transmitter generates and amplifies the radio frequency (RF) signals
that are transmitted into space. It produces the electromagnetic waves that are
radiated by the radar antenna.

ANTENNA
The antenna emits and receives radio waves. It plays a crucial role in
transmitting the radar signal into space and capturing the reflected echoes from
objects. The antenna can be designed in various forms, such as a dish, horn, or
array, depending on the specific radar application.

RECEIVER
The receiver amplifies and processes the weak echoes received by the
antenna. It extracts the desired signals from the received echoes while
suppressing noise and interference. The receiver prepares the signals for further
analysis and interpretation.

DUPLEXER
The duplexer is a device that allows the radar system to use the same
antenna for both transmission and reception. It enables the radar to alternate
between transmitting the RF signal and listening for the echoes without causing
interference between the two operations.
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

SIGNAL PROCESSOR
The signal processor analyzes the received signals to extract relevant
information about the detected objects. It performs tasks such as target
detection, range measurement, Doppler frequency analysis for velocity
determination, and angle calculation for directional information. The signal
processor applies various algorithms and techniques to interpret the radar data
and extract meaningful insights.

DISPLAY
The processed radar data is presented to the operator through a display or
user interface. The display may show a visual representation of detected objects,
their positions, velocities, and other relevant information. The user interface
allows the operator to interact with the radar system, configure settings, and
make informed decisions based on the displayed information.

CONTROL SYSTEM
The control system manages the operation of the radar system. It includes
controls and interfaces for adjusting the radar parameters, such as operating
frequency, pulse repetition frequency, power output, and scanning patterns. The
control system ensures that the radar functions optimally and can adapt to
different operating conditions.

POWER SUPPLY
The radar system requires a power supply to operate its various
components. This may include electrical power sources and distribution systems
to provide the necessary energy for the transmitter, receiver, signal processor,
and other components.
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

DISPLAY ORIENTATION OF RADAR

A radar display is an electronic device to present radar data to the

operator. The radar system transmits pulses or continuous waves of
electromagnetic radiation, a small portion of which backscatter off targets
(intended or otherwise) and return to the radar system. The receiver converts all
received electromagnetic radiation into a continuous electronic analog signal of
varying (or oscillating) voltage that can be converted then to a screen display.

There are two basic display system, one with the heading marker fixed
and pointing to the top of the screen (Ship’s Head Up) and one with the heading
marker moving with the vessel’s course aligned with the numbers marked on
the display’s bearing scale (North Head Up).

Ship’s Head Up North Head Up

 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

POWER/STANDBY/TRANSMIT
The power/standby/transmit switch usually has three positions. Pressing the
power switch will activate the radar to standby, however it doesn’t come on
immediately as the magnetron needs a few minutes to warm up before it can
transmit. The radar will have some form of visual signal to count down this wait
period, the approved best standard being within 120 seconds. The radar can then
be switched to ‘transmit’ and on some sets a short or long pulse can be selected
at this time, normally long pulse would be selected. A long pulse will be more
likely to show an echo from a weak target or a target at a longer range. A short
pulse will achieve better definition on short ranges.

GAIN
The gain control may appear to function like the brilliance control
in that it makes the picture brighter or darker, but it is completely different so it
is vital not to confuse the two. Gain affects the receiver and not the display as
the brilliance does. Turning up the gain increases the amplification of the
incoming signal, making weak echoes look stronger, but confusing the display
with background speckle or noise, similar to the background crackling of an
ordinary radio. Turning down the gain will reduce the sensitivity of the receiver
and reduce the noise, but care must be taken not to overdo as weak or distant
echoes can be lost.
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

HEADING MARKER
The heading marker and the range rings can obscure small targets. So it’s a
good idea to have the range rings turned off when they are not in use and to
delete the heading marker every few minutes to see if it is masking a small
target, dead ahead. The heading marker delete control is usually self-cancelling;
that is the heading marker will reappear as soon as the button is released.

RANGE
The range control regulates the range at which the set operates by
changing the size or scale of the area on the display. Changing range also
affects the radar’s pulse length, PRF (pulse repetition frequency), and video
presentation.

SEA CLUTTER CONTROL (STC)

It works by reducing the receiver gain for a few microseconds after
each pulse is transmitted, then gradually restores it to its former level. It works
very well, but its use requires care. Too much sea clutter control will result in
the loss of close range targets. At sea the sea clutter control must be continually
monitored and adjusted.
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

RAIN CLUTTER CONTROL

The rain clutter control will reduce the interference on the screen due to the rain
and increase the chance of seeing targets within rain showers. The effect on
returning echoes from rain on the screen is usually no more than a transparent
smear, looking a little like cotton wool, but it can be dense enough to conceal
other echoes within the shower. In a tropical downpour however, the rain can
completely block out all echoes, at times requiring the operator to stop the
vessel.

ADVANTAGES AND DISANVANTAGES OF RADAR

Advantages of Radar:

1. Detection Capability: Radar systems can detect the presence of objects in

various weather conditions, day or night. They are effective in detecting
targets that may be invisible to other sensors, such as optical systems, due
to factors like darkness, fog, or camouflage.

2. Range and Coverage: Radar systems have the ability to cover large areas
and detect objects at long distances. They can provide situational
awareness over a wide range, making them valuable for applications such
as air traffic control, maritime navigation, and surveillance.

3. Speed Measurement: Radar can accurately measure the speed of moving

objects, including vehicles, aircraft, and ships. This information is crucial
for traffic control, collision avoidance systems, and military operations.

4. Non-Intrusive: Radar operates remotely and does not require physical

contact with the objects being detected. This non-intrusive nature allows
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

for continuous monitoring without interfering with the target or its

environment.

5. Penetration and Obstacle Detection: Radar waves can penetrate certain

materials, such as fog, rain, or vegetation, allowing detection behind
obstacles. This capability is particularly useful in applications where
visibility is limited, such as in aviation or military operations.

6. Versatility: Radar technology is highly versatile and adaptable to

different applications. It can be used in various fields, including military,
aviation, weather monitoring, navigation, and automotive safety.

Disadvantages of Radar:

1. Cost and Complexity: Radar systems can be expensive to develop,

acquire, and maintain. They require specialized components, such as
high-frequency transmitters, sensitive receivers, and complex signal
processing algorithms. This can make radar technology inaccessible for
certain applications or organizations with limited resources.

2. Power Consumption: Radar systems typically require a significant

amount of electrical power to operate. This can be a challenge in remote
or mobile applications where power supply is limited.

3. Resolution and Detail: The resolution and level of detail provided by

radar systems may be lower compared to other imaging technologies,
such as optical cameras or lidar. This can limit the ability to accurately
identify small or closely spaced objects.

4. Interference and Clutter: Radar signals can be subject to interference from

other radar systems, electronic devices, or environmental factors like
reflections from buildings or terrain. These factors can introduce clutter
and reduce the accuracy of radar measurements.
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph

5. Limited Target Identification: Radar systems are primarily designed for

detection and tracking, but they may have limitations in identifying the
specific type or nature of detected objects. Additional sensors or
information may be required to achieve reliable target identification.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, radar technology offers significant advantages in

various fields, including military, aviation, maritime, weather monitoring, and
traffic control. Its ability to detect and track objects in diverse weather
conditions, provide long-range coverage, and measure speeds accurately makes
it a crucial tool for situational awareness, safety, and operational efficiency.

Radar's non-contact sensing capability allows for remote

monitoring without interfering with the target or its environment. Its ability to
penetrate certain materials and detect objects behind obstacles enhances its
utility in challenging environments. Additionally, radar systems are versatile
and adaptable, with applications spanning across multiple industries.

However, radar systems also have some limitations. They can be

costly and complex to develop, procure, and maintain. The resolution and level
of detail provided by radar may be lower compared to other imaging
technologies. Interference, clutter, and vulnerability to jamming are concerns
that need to be addressed through advanced signal processing and
countermeasures.

Despite these limitations, ongoing advancements in radar

technology continue to improve its performance, resolution, and accuracy.
Radar remains an indispensable tool for monitoring, detecting, and tracking
objects in a wide range of applications. With further research and development,
radar systems will likely continue to evolve, offering enhanced capabilities and
addressing existing challenges to meet the evolving needs of various industries.
 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
College of Maritime Education
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
Laoag City
E-mail: info@nwu.edu.ph. Website: www.nwu.edu.ph