The theory of marine radar is based on the transmission and reception of radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance and range from the ship. Marine radar systems emit short pulses of radio frequency energy that travel through the air and reflect objects such as other ships, buoys and land mass. By capturing and analyzing these reflected signals, the radar system provides real-time information about the surrounding environment, assisting with navigation and collision avoidance.
The principle of marine radar involves the emission of radio waves in pulses from an antenna. These pulses travel outward until they reach an object, at which point they reflect back to the radar system. The time taken for the pulses to return is measured, allowing the radar to calculate the distance to the object. The direction in which the reflected signal returns indicates the rolling of the object. This information is displayed on a radar screen, helping the ship’s crew identify and navigate around obstacles.
The main components of marine radar include the transmitter, which generates the radar pulses; the receiver, which detects the reflected signals; and the antenna, which transmits and receives radio waves. Additionally, the radar system includes a signal processor that analyzes the received signals, a display unit that visually represents the detected objects and their positions, and a control unit that allows the operator to adjust parameters such as range, gain and pulse width to optimize radar performance.