Advanced Navigator Functions

Side Lobes

A small part of the RF energy from each transmitted pulse is radiated outside the single narrow beam. This produces side lobe patterns, shown in Figure 5-2. Side lobes have no effect on distant or small surface objects; however, the echo from a large object at short range may produce an arc on the radar screen similar to a range ring or a series of echoes forming a broken arc. Side-lobe echoes normally occur at ranges below 3nm, and can be reduced by adjusting the SEA control.

Figure 5-2. Radar Side Lobe Echo Affects

Indirect (False) Echoes

There are several types of indirect echoes or ghost images (Figure 5-3). These sometimes have the appearance of true echoes, but in general they are intermittent and poorly defined.

Figure 5-3 Radar Indirect Echo Affects

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Raymarine Marine GPS System manual Side Lobes, Indirect False Echoes