Mounting radar to arch how tall are you going?-gctid803580

[aluxury1]

I bought a used Furuno 36 mile radar set and trying to get an idea of how far into the sky command bridge owners are putting their radar antenna above the radar arch. :unsure:

[itsabowtime2]

That depends upon line of sight to the horizon. And don't forget to compensate for running angle as well.

[CptCrunchie]

"itsabowtime2" post=803582 wrote:
That depends upon line of sight to the horizon. And don't forget to compensate for running angle as well.

Beyond the running angle and increasing the horizon line sight, you also have two bigger considerations:

1. Long term exposure to radar microwaves are harmful to the human body. You want it high enough it shoots over your head, especially in areas where you frequent, like the helm and flybridge seat.

2. If you have guests (or you have) any kind of heart device, you need to keep radar microwaves away from them, as the waves can reset and/or corrupt these devices. I have a CRT-D in my chest running my heart, and between the VHF, radar and HAM, I have to be very careful how close I get to the antennas, but I have to be extra careful to stay out of the radar array and HAM projection paths.

Higher is always better.

[aluxury1]

Yes, I have the scanning angle considered. Just working on the distance above our heads while on the fly bridge. Can I merely approximate the 12 degree scanning angle, 6 degrees lower than the horizon, and project that down to see how close it is, or does the entire unit emit the harmful beam? The pic I added, shows my concern of distance and angle of the of radar beam.

[Pcpete]

My to do list includes raising my scanner on my 3818 when I replace the current, 1988 unit. Currently the screen is at the lower helm so having it broadcasting while operating from the flybridge, which doesn't have an enclosure yet, isn't an issue.

The 36 mile unti is fine, but you will find you will run out of horizon at more like five to nine miles. To get the full distance the scanner would need to be much higher off the water. It's not a big deal, most of us are concerned with distances of less than five mile, in my experience.

[CptCrunchie]

"aluxury1" post=803597 wrote:
Yes, I have the scanning angle considered. Just working on the distance above our heads while on the fly bridge. Can I merely approximate the 12 degree scanning angle, 6 degrees lower than the horizon, and project that down to see how close it is, or does the entire unit emit the harmful beam? The pic I added, shows my concern of distance and angle of the of radar beam.

IMHO, you need a 2.5' - 3' pedestal to raise it over your heads and the metal in the bimini, ....or only use it when helming from below and your bimini is collapsed.

[RPrather]

My radar is set up at the lower helm and I usually only use it when the weather is bad. But it is high enough as not to be an issue if someone was to be on the bridge while it's operating.

[RPrather]

[RPrather]

We usually only use the radar at night or in bad weather from the lower helm. It is high enough that if someone is on the bridge its not an issue.

[aluxury1]

Exactly, I am mounting at the lower helm. I bought the boat from one of your members down there in Edmonds. Harry Duncan.

[360_mafia]

Here is mine.Its 3 feet over my head.I only want it to do 10 miles wich is good for bay cruising.

[360_mafia]

I put mine 3 feet over my head.Only to see out less than 10 miles for bay cruiseing

[360_mafia]

I put mine 3 feet over my head.Only to see out less than 10 miles for bay cruiseing

[360_mafia]

Picture aint upside down.The boat is.Painting the bottom

[CptCrunchie]

"360 mafia" post=803813 wrote:
Picture aint upside down.The boat is.Painting the bottom

Good time to clean out the thru-hulls too! :woohoo: