Aquamate ACTIVE-X Radar Target Enhancer User Manual

Aquamate Products Limited Radar Target Enhancer Users Manual

Users Manual

...a significant advance in marine safety!Radar Target EnhancerRadar Target EnhancerAc t i v e-X- B a n dAc t i v e-X- B a n dManufactured by Echomax Products in the UKPO Box 6032, Dunmow CM6 3AS, UK. Email: echomaxsales@aol.com www.echomax.co.ukTel: 00 44 (0)1371 830216 Fax: 831733 OPERATION MANUALEchomax Active-X-Band RTE shown with optional Stainless base fitting
Radar Target EnhancerRadar Target EnhancerAc t i v e-X- B a n dAc t i v e-X- B a n dGENERAL INTRODUCTION The Echomax Active-X Radar Target Enhancer (RTE) is designed to respond to interrogating X bandradar (9.3 – 9.5GHz) by receiving a transmitted pulse and amplifying the pulse and re-transmitting thepulse back to the radar at the same frequency with minimum delay, thereby improving the radardetection range and visibility of small targets. It will not enhance significantly vessels with large radar cross section. The RTE is primarily intended for small vessels with no radar fitted and typically should enhance the RCS (radar cross section) of vessels up to 25M in length. For small craft/rigid inflatables improvementswill start to be seen at around 1-2 miles extending to 8-10 miles or more depending on prevailingconditions. The response of the RTE will vary according to range, RTE and radar height above sea level,radar power and condition. Poor weather, sea state and precipitation will greatly reduce the response IMPORTANT The fitting of the Echomax Active-X does not excludeyou from exercising safe navigational judgement foryour vessel under the International Regulations for thePrevention of Collisions at Sea and to keep a properlook out at all times LICENSING REQUIREMENTSMany countries and administrations require a shipsradio license or modification of your existing shipsradio licence before Active-X can be used for maritimeuse. Contact your local administration for details.ECHOMAX ACTIVE-X COMPONENTS,CONSTRUCTION, use and installationIf you are not able to safely install the unit yourself you are advised to seek the services of a competentperson or company to install the RTE.COMPONENTSEchomax Active-X mast head radome fitted with 24 meters of 2 core cableControl boxOperation manualRADOME FITTINGThe antenna has provisions in the base for a 1 inch -14 NF female thread mast fitting or deck mountbracket. Plastic mounts should not be used. To ensurea permanent fixing ‘LOCTITE’ or PTFE or plumberstape should be used and the RTE must be screweddown tightly. Care must be taken to ensure that as theRTE is tightened on the base the cable is allowed toturn freely.For mast fitting the radome must be fitted verticalllyas high as possible. The recieve/ transmit antennaspositioned 70mm from the base of the radome andhave a clear 360 degree azimuth. It should be fitted at least 6 inches/150mm from the mast on the offsetbracket. It should not be fitted on a back stay orwhere its vision is obscured or is close to any metalobject otherwise performance could be significantlyimpaired.The radome unit must never be painted as this willseriously impair performance. The radome must not be fitted in or close to the vessels radar transmitting ECHOMAX CONTROL BOX, use and wiringinstructionsThe control box must be fitted internally as it is notwaterproof and can be wired from the base or back asrequired. A 12v fused or circuit breaker supply of 3-5Ais required.The control box has a triple alarm facility.Once the red power switch is turned on the unit is in the quiescent mode and will consume up to 15mA.When interrogated by a radar the green LED light willflash every 2.4 seconds. If the flash lengthens thenthis indicates that more than one radar is painting the antenna. If painted by a high speed radar whichrotates every 1.5 seconds then the LED light will flashquicker. Turning on the green switch will mobilize thei n t e rnal buzzer, which is set to actuate for appro x i m a t e l yhalf a second intervals. The control box also hasfacilities for a 8A external volt free alarm.The control box has an externally replaceable 0.5Afuse and is surge and cross polarity protected.beam width of 23 degrees as this may seriously damagethe PCB. The RTE should be fitted below or preferablyabove the radar. It is possible to shorten or extend the cable by a further 25 meters without affecting thep e rf o rm a n c e using extension cable rated at 3A at 300V.
RTE CONNECTIONSThe diagrams show the correct wiring installationPERFORMANCE CHECKAs the RCS of your vessel may exceed the RCS of the RTE, the trial is best carried out at 0.5 nm as the target can be easily identified. The range should then be increased at intervals of 0.5 nm and the RTE switched on and off noting the change in response. As the range increases the bare target will not be seen and whilst moving theRTE is left on so that the test target can be seen at all times. This is important in busy waters to avoid confusionwith other vessels. If the target is lost it can be acquired by turning the RTE on and off and watching the display for change intarget response. In normal weather and sea conditions, with RTE and interrogating radar mounted at four metersabove sea level should respond on the radar screen as shown below. If the mounting heights, including that of theinterrogating radar vary so will the response due to curvature of the earth. These figures are for guidance only andshould not be relied upon.2KW radar up to 4 nm : 5KW radar up to 10 nm : 10- 25KW radar up to 15-20 nmFAULT FINDING CHARTNo Red LED light when red switch Check fuse or circuit breakeris turned on Check polarity of wiringCheck power supply at control boxDamaged cable or wrong connectionUnit switched on and continuous green Local radar on, or radar operating moored nearby (<15M) LED light shows, in harbour or when Moored close to large metal object saturating RTE Check polarity of radome wiringBeing actuated by ships own radar – turn off radar and if necessary relocate Active-XRelocate vessel to more suitable positionUnit on and buzzer on and unit fails to Check all above faults. Is RTE in shadow of operate when it clearly is interrogated interrogating radar as it will not operate if maskedBuzzer switched on but does not sound Buzzer faulty – return control box to Echomax when painted by radar for inspectionTECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Operating frequency X band (9.3-9.5GHz) Position Accuracy Within 1 meterDimensions and Weight of radome ex cable L 478mm W 40.5mm wt 327 grmsCable 24M 2 core 0.5mm2wt 969grmsBase Mounting 1 inch – 14 NF female threadDimensions of control box W 92mm H 51mm D 38mmExternally accessible fuse 0.5APower supply 12V DC – 30% - 10% voltage surgeand cross polarity protected Stand by current consumption in quiescent state < 15mA5 interrogating radar 23mA (typically) 10 interrogating radar 32mA (typically)EIRP 1W (typically)Stated Performance Level (SPL) Exceeds ISO 87292-2 X Band requirement of 7.5M2SPL at Zero, +/-10 and 20 degrees of heel✽Compass safe distance 1 metre✽Active-X tested QinetiQ - Funtington 13th March 09zero degrees 111.36M2+/- 10 degrees of heel 78.96M2+/- 20 degrees of heel 20.80M2CONTROLBOXSWITCHEDCONTACT(RELAY) FOREXTERNALALARMSWITCHSHIPSSUPPLYLAMPEXTERNAL ALARM+12V-12V
Echomax Active-X-Band RTE shown with optional Stainless base fittingSTAINLESS STEELOPTIONAL EXTRASOffset mast head bracket V9173Base fitting for cabin roofs / A frame V9174150mm extension pole RA103/15300mm extension pole RA103/30GUARANTEEThe Echomax Active-X band RTE is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of purchase and provides for the complete replacement at our discretion of thecomplete unit or any of the components providingfailure is attributed to component failure or defectwhich is not attributed to accidents, misuse, fair wearor tear or neglect. The guarantee is invalidated by any attemptw h a t s o e v e r to open up or interfere in any way with the unit. It is the users responsibility to return the unit at hisexpense to us to inspect and report on the reasonfor failure. No exchange unit will be given until a fullinspection and report is issued.This guarantee does not affect your statutoryconsumer rights or those governed by local Law.For comparison with competing products seewww.echomax.co.uk.Declaration of Conformity(As required by Article 6.3 of Directive 1999/5/EC-RTTE Directive)Declares under his sole responsibility that the activeradar target enhancer manufactured by: AQUAMATE PRODUCTS LTD. also trading asECHOMAXPO Box 6032DunmowEssex CM6 3AS U.K.Telephone + 00 44 (0) 1371 830216 Fax 831733 Email: echomaxsales@aol.comIntended for Worldwide use as an X Band active radar target enhancer aboard non SOLAS vessels andidentified by the type number Active-X to which thisdeclaration refers has been tested to the essentialradio, EMC & safety test suites required by the notifiedbody and is in conformity with the standardsEN60945: 2002 (Clauses 9, 10 & 12)And complies with the essential requirements ofDirective 1999/5/ECConformity procedure under Annex IV of 1999/5/EC(Technical Construction File) has been undertaken byQinetiQ (0191) of Cody Technology Park, Ively Road,Farnborough GU14 0LX UKThe Technical Construction File is held by:-John H SimpsonAQUAMATE PRODUCTS LTD. also trading asECHOMAXPO Box 6032DunmowEssex CM6 3AS U.K.Tel: 00 44 (0)1371 830216 Fax 831733Email: echomaxsales@aol.comSigned ……………………………………… John H. SimpsonManaging DirectorSeptember 2009 Manufactured by Echomax Products in the UKPO Box 6032, Dunmow CM6 3AS, UK. Email: echomaxsales@aol.com www.echomax.co.ukTel: 00 44 (0)1371 830216 Fax: 831733 EMAXM UK 0909

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