Garmin GPSMAP 5215 Owner's Manual page 79

About the Range of Radar Signals
The range of the radar signal indicates the length of the pulsed signal transmitted and received by the radar. As
the range increases, the radar transmits longer pulses in order to reach distant targets. Closer targets, especially
rain and waves, also reflect the longer pulses, which can add noise to the Radar screen. Viewing information
about longer-range targets can also decrease the amount of space available on the Radar screen for viewing
information about shorter-range targets, unless you are using Dual Range mode
Tips for Selecting a Radar Range
• Determine what information you need to see on the radar display. For example, do you need information
about nearby weather conditions or targets and traffic, or are you more concerned about distant weather
conditions?
• Assess the environmental conditions in which the radar is being used. Especially in inclement weather,
longer-range radar signals can increase the clutter on the Radar screen and make it more difficult to
view information about shorter-range targets. In rain, shorter-range radar signals can enable you to view
information about nearby objects more effectively, if the Rain Clutter and FTC settings are configured
optimally.
• Select the shortest effective range, given your reason for using radar and the current environmental
conditions.
Selecting a Radar Range
See "Adjusting the Zoom Scale on the Radar Screen"
About Gain and Clutter
The gain controls the sensitivity of the radar receiver. The default setting for the gain, Auto, sets the gain
automatically one time, based on average conditions, the range of the radar signal, and the selected radar
mode. The chartplotter does not readjust the gain automatically in response to changing conditions. To
optimize the radar appearance for specific conditions, manually adjust the gain
Clutter is interference caused by the unwanted reflection of radar signals off of unimportant targets. Common
sources of clutter include precipitation, sea waves, and nearby radar sources.
Settings Configurations and Radar Type
When using a GMR non-xHD radar, all gain and clutter settings configured for use in one radar mode are
applied to every other radar mode and to the Radar Overlay.
When using a GMR xHD radar, gain and clutter settings configured for use in one radar mode may or may not
be applied to other radar modes, according to this table.
Setting Radar Mode
Harbor, Offshore, Sentry
Gain Configure separately
Sea Clutter Configure separately
Rain Clutter Configure separately
FTC Configure separately
Crosstalk Configure once for all modes
When using a GMR xHD radar, the last gain and clutter settings configured for use in any radar mode are
applied to the Radar Overlay automatically. For example, if the gain for the Harbor mode is set to 50%, the
gain for the Radar Overlay is set to 50% automatically. Later, if the gain for the Offshore mode is set to 40%,
the gain for the Radar Overlay is set to 40% automatically.
GPSMAP 4000/5000 Series Owner's Manual
®
(page 63).
Dual Range: Left Screen
Configure separately
Configure separately
Configure separately
Configure once for both left and right screens
(page 66).
(page 76).
Dual Range: Right Screen
Configure separately
Configure separately
Configure separately
Radar
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