How to Conduct Radar Performance Test | Informative Vlog by The Sailing Master

Summary

In this video, Captain Vil provides a detailed guide on how to perform a radar performance test for mariners. He explains the importance of conducting these tests during ocean voyages, especially when no targets are visible on the radar screen, to ensure the radar is functioning correctly. The tutorial covers the step-by-step procedure for specific JRC radar models (JMA-9933-SA and JMA-9923-9XA) and emphasizes the need for regular testing before landfall or coastal navigation. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe, like, and comment for more helpful sailing tips.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure your radar system is working properly by performing regular radar performance tests during prolonged ocean voyages without radar targets.
• 😀 🌍 Conduct radar performance tests before landfall, arrival, or prior to coastal navigation to guarantee reliable target detection.
• 😀 📅 The right time to conduct a radar performance test is when there is a lack of radar targets for an extended period, typically during open ocean voyages.
• 😀 🔧 The test helps verify if the radar system can detect target echoes, ensuring that the radar functions well for safety and navigation.
• 😀 🧭 The JRC radar models (JMA9933-SA, JMA-9923-9XA) follow specific procedures for conducting performance tests, making sure to adapt the system settings automatically.
• 😀 🛠️ The Performance Monitor (PM) mode automatically adjusts the radar settings for the test, including relative motion, interference rejection, and target enhancement off.
• 😀 📊 The transmitted power bar graph is crucial for monitoring radar performance during the test. If the power is insufficient, professional servicing is required.
• 😀 ✅ A visible PM pattern during the test indicates that the radar is still capable of detecting targets and is functioning correctly.
• 😀 🚨 If the transmit power indicator shows low values, request an engineer’s service to check the radar system’s performance.
• 😀 💡 Once the performance test is completed, return to normal radar operation by pressing 'Exit' on the test menu.
• 😀 🎥 The video encourages viewers to like, share, and subscribe for more educational content and reminds them that knowledge, skills, and wisdom are essential for confidence.

Q & A

What is the purpose of conducting a radar performance test during an ocean voyage?

The purpose of conducting a radar performance test during an ocean voyage is to ensure that the radar is functioning well, especially when there are no targets visible on the radar screen, such as vessels or islands, for a long period of time.

When should a radar performance test be conducted?

A radar performance test should be conducted during an ocean voyage when there are no targets detected, before landfall, or prior to coastal navigation. This ensures the radar can detect targets properly.

Why is it important to perform a radar performance test prior to landfall or coastal navigation?

It is important to perform a radar performance test prior to landfall or coastal navigation to ensure that the radar is working properly and can detect nearby targets, such as land, islands, or other vessels, to avoid navigation hazards.

How can the radar's transmit power be checked during the performance test?

The radar's transmit power can be checked by observing the transmit power indicator bar graph on the test menu. If the indicated value is significantly lower than expected, it indicates that the radar’s transmitted system might need inspection by a service engineer.

What happens when the PM pattern is still visible on the radar screen after the performance test?

When the PM (Performance Monitor) pattern is still visible on the radar screen, it indicates that the radar is still able to detect targets effectively.

What steps should be followed to perform the radar performance test on a JRC radar?

To perform the radar performance test on JRC radar models like JMA9933-SA and JMA9923-9XA, go to the test menu, select the Performance Monitor (PM) option, and enable the radar to automatically adjust settings like relative motion and interference rejection. Check the transmitted power and PM pattern to ensure proper operation.

What should you do if the radar’s transmit power bar graph shows a very low value?

If the radar’s transmit power bar graph shows a very low value, it is recommended to request a service engineer to check the radar's transmitting system to ensure it is functioning correctly.

What is the significance of the 'Test' menu and 'PM' setting in the radar performance test?

The 'Test' menu and 'PM' (Performance Monitor) setting allow you to check the radar's receiving system and transmit power, ensuring that both components are working properly. The 'PM' setting automatically adjusts the radar's operation mode to test the radar's performance.

How can you return the radar to normal operation after completing a performance test?

After completing the radar performance test, you can return to normal operation by pressing 'Exit' on the test menu, which will take the radar out of the performance test mode.

What additional steps can be taken if the radar performance test shows that the radar is functioning well?

If the radar is functioning well, you can proceed to use the radar for normal navigation and continue monitoring its performance. If the test results are satisfactory, no further action is needed until the next routine check.