NorthStar Navigation NorthStar 8000i - Manual (Page 131)

Northstar 8000i Operation Manual 131
22 Optimize the quality of the radar display
Common problems that can degrade the radar display include:
•
sea clutter
•
rain clutter
•
interference from other radars
•
false echoes (sometimes called ghost echoes) and background noise
•
side lobe patterns (false echoes that appear as an arc or a broken arc)
•
shadows (blind spots)
•
multiple echoes off the same object
You can optimize your radar display to reduce the effects of sea clutter, rain
clutter, and interference from other radars. You can also change the radar
sensitivity to reduce false echoes with the gain setting.
If the radar is installed at a suitable height and in a suitable location on your vessel,
side lobe patterns and shadows (blind spots) caused by obstructions such as
funnels or masts will be minimized. If you're having problems with these, you may
need to relocate the radar. Consult the Installation Guide for your radar model, or
talk to your dealer or installer.
Multiple echoes off the same object are most likely to occur when you are close to
a large target and are usually only a temporary nuisance.
22.1 Change the radar gain mode
Use the radar gain mode to specify whether you want to adjust the radar gain
yourself or let the 8000i adjust it automatically. Any changes are global and apply
to all the Radar screens. Auto is the default.
(If the radar Gain Mode is set to Auto and you adjust the gain setting manually, the
Gain Mode is changed to Manual.)
To change the radar gain mode:
1. Display the Radar screen and control panel. If you can't see the
Adjust Radar button, select Return.
2. Select
Adjust Radar.
3. Select
Gain Mode and a drop down list appears. There are three
choices:
ƒ Manual. Select this to adjust the radar gain yourself to suit your
local conditions and preferences. The manual gain setting will be
applied at all radar range settings.
ƒ Range Rider. Select this to adjust the radar gain yourself for a
particular radar range, and have the 8000i store those settings and
re-use them whenever you operate at that range again.
ƒ Auto. Select this to have the 8000i adjust the radar gain
automatically.
4. Select the new setting. The new setting is applied immediately to all
the Radar screens and stays until you change it again.
5. When you are finished, select Return.