Running radar when mast is in lowered position ?

[baz]

I know it sounds stupid, but can the radar be operated with mast in lowered position ? If so, would any damage result ?

Of course I don't plan on testing this and simply ask if for some reason it was in lowered position unknowingly by someone operating our boat who wasn't familiar with things.

 

[sparky]

My dear husband would never let me on the cabin top if the Radar is ON. It emits the equivalent of Microwaves, and at 4 kw, that is alot. He also does not turn the radar on when we are in our marina and people are around. He is a retired Navy Officer, so I figure he has his reasons.

Sparky

 

[bbrh842]

I have operated the radar with the mast down.
Does not seem to cause any problem with the radar, other than, you see airplanes on one side of the display, and fish on the other side of the display.
Although, Sparky gave me an idea, that might be what's causing the Alzheimer's.
Bummer.

 

[captain's cat]

Sparky, maybe your spouse wants more kids? :shock:

Charlie (Ret USN Capt)

 

[dr. o]

Look hard at the new broadband radar...
As soon as I acquire my retirement cruiser
(hurry Santa, hurry soon... I've been good but it can't last)
I will install/change to broadband radar ...
The biggest advantage is that it is milliwatts of power, actually less than the cellphone you clamp to the side of your brain, and can be mounted anywhere without regard to your exposure - in fact, right at the eyebrow on the front of the pilot house would be ideal for keeping a low profile.. Higher is, of course, better for range...
The other advantage is the ability to show even small objects on the water... One user reports he routinely shows 12 inch lobster floats on the sruface a mile away...
The disadvantage is that it doesn't have the punch to push through the center of a rain band 20 miles away to show the squall line another 15 miles out... But for the majority of the use we put these boats to, high resolution of closer targets is more of an advantage for navigating crowded waters...

denny-o

 

[rt11002003]

Dr. o, I'm with you on broadband radar. If I ever decide whether to trade for a R-25, I can move forward on radar.

Folks, let's stay out of the way when our radar is operating. It's bad news! 🙁 Don't run it in the marina, or in any area where people are exposed to the beam. When you reduce the wattage on your VHF upon entering a harbor, it's a good time to quit transmitting radar.

Gene

 

[sparky]

From Garmin's website:

"WARNING: The marine radar transmits microwave energy that has the potential to be harmful to humans and animals. Before beginning radar transmission, verify that the area around the radar is clear. The radar transmits a beam approximately 12 degrees above and below a line extending horizontally from the center of the radar. Avoid looking directly at the radar, because the eyes are the most susceptible part of the body." :ugeek:

Safety first!
Sparky