3.2 Heading Alignment

You have mounted the antenna unit facing straight ahead in the direction of the bow. Therefore, a small but conspicuous target dead ahead visually should appear on the heading line (zero degrees). In practice, you will probably observe some small bearing error on the display because of the difficulty in achieving accurate initial positioning of the antenna unit. The following adjust- ment will compensate for this error.

Correct bearing

α

relative to heading

 

α Target

Antenna mounted error to port (HDG SW advance)

340

350

000

010

020

 

330

 

 

 

030

 

320

 

 

 

040

 

310

 

 

 

050

 

300

 

 

 

060

 

290

 

 

 

070

 

280

 

 

 

080

 

270

 

 

 

090

Apparent

260

 

 

 

100

250

 

 

 

110

position

 

 

 

 

 

240

 

 

 

120

of target

 

 

 

 

230

 

 

 

130

220

 

 

 

140

 

210

 

 

 

150

 

200

190

180

170

160

 

Picture appears deviated clockwise.

Apparent position

β

of target

 

β

Target

340

350

000

010

020

 

 

 

330

 

 

 

030

 

 

 

320

 

 

 

040

 

 

 

310

 

 

 

050

 

 

 

300

 

 

 

060

 

 

 

290

 

 

 

070

 

 

 

280

 

 

 

080

 

 

 

270

 

 

 

090

Correct

 

 

260

 

 

 

100

 

 

250

 

 

 

110

bearing

 

 

230

 

 

 

130

relative to

 

 

240

 

 

 

120

 

 

 

210

 

 

 

150

heading

 

 

220

 

 

 

140

 

 

 

200

190

180

170

160

 

Antenna mounted error

Picture appears

to starboard (HDG

deviated counterclockwise.

SW delayed)

 

Heading alignment

1.Select a stationary target echo at a range between 0.125 and 0.25 nm, preferably near the heading line.

2.Operate the EBL control to bisect the target echo:

a)Roll the trackball to place the arrow in the EBL1 or EBL2 box (at bottom left corner), whichever EBL you want to use.

b)Push the left button to turn on the EBL.

c)Push the left button again to send the cursor inside the effective display area.

d)Roll the trackball (coarse adjustment) or spin the thumbwheel (fine adjustment) to bisect the target with the EBL.

3.Read the target bearing.

4.Measure the bearing of the stationary target on the navigation chart and calculate the difference between actual bearing and apparent bearing on the radar screen.

5.Left-click the MENU box at the right side of the screen to close the menu.

3-2

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Image 44
Furuno FAR-2157 installation manual Heading Alignment, Heading alignment

FAR-2157 specifications

The Furuno FAR-2157 is a cutting-edge radar system specifically designed for marine applications, offering superior performance and advanced features. As part of the renowned FAR series, the FAR-2157 stands out with its impressive capabilities, making it essential for navigating both commercial and leisure vessels.

One of the main features of the FAR-2157 is its 12 kW transmitter, which facilitates long-range detection and precise target tracking. The radar operates on the X-band frequency, ensuring high-resolution imagery and outstanding target separation in various conditions. This enables operators to detect small targets and navigate safely, even in congested waters.

Equipped with Furuno's advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, the FAR-2157 enhances target detection by reducing clutter and improving signal clarity. This results in an increased ability to identify vessels, buoys, and landmasses, thereby greatly enhancing situational awareness. The radar is designed to automatically adjust gain, sea clutter, and rain clutter settings, allowing for consistently optimal performance without the need for constant manual intervention.

Another notable characteristic of the FAR-2157 is its ability to integrate with other onboard systems such as chart plotters and AIS (Automatic Identification System). This integration allows for the seamless overlay of radar data onto electronic charts, enabling mariners to monitor navigation and potential hazards in real time. Additionally, the radar supports the MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) system, allowing users to track the movement of multiple targets and predict their future positions, aiding in collision avoidance.

The user interface of the FAR-2157 is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a large and intuitive display. The menu-driven setup and user-friendly controls ensure that operators can easily access essential functions and settings. Furthermore, the display is sunlight-readable, which is crucial for visibility in bright conditions.

The Furuno FAR-2157 is built to withstand the rigors of the maritime environment. It is equipped with a rugged dome antenna, ensuring durability against harsh weather conditions and vibrations. The system also includes a built-in self-diagnosis function, which helps maintain optimal performance by identifying potential issues before they become critical.

Overall, the Furuno FAR-2157 radar system combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for marine professionals seeking reliable and efficient navigation assistance. With its powerful capabilities, the FAR-2157 enhances safety and efficiency on the water, making it a valuable addition to any vessel's navigation suite.