Marine radar modes typically include the following: standby mode, where the radar is powered but not actively transmitting; Transmission mode, where the radar actively sends pulses and receives echoes; and various operational modes such as range scale selection, where the operator can adjust the detection distance range, and sea clutter or rain clutter, which adjusts the sensitivity of the radar to minimize interference from waves or precipitation.
The different types of marine radar include X-band radar and S-band radar. X-band radar operates at a higher frequency and offers better resolution and detail, making it suitable for detecting objects smaller and for use in navigation in areas with heavy traffic. S-band radar operates at a lower frequency, allowing for better penetration by rain and fog, making it ideal for use in adverse weather conditions. Some marine radars are also dual-band, combining X-band and S-band capabilities for more versatile performance.
Radar modes include various operational settings that improve radar performance for different tasks. These may include search mode, which is used to detect and identify targets over a large area; Tracking mode, which is used to continuously monitor the position and movement of a specific target; and weather mode, which is optimized to detect weather conditions and precipitation. There are also specialized modes such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode for high-resolution imaging and Moving Target Indication (MTI) for detecting moving objects.
Radar presentation modes refer to the different ways in which radar data is displayed to the operator. Common presentation modes include PPI (plane position indicator), which displays targets in a circular format centered on the radar antenna; RHI (Range Height Indicator), which shows a vertical slice of radar data to provide target altitude information; and B-Scope, which presents data in a rectangular format showing range and azimuth. Each presentation mode offers different benefits depending on the specific needs of the radar operator and application.