1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Nobeltec Manuals
  4. Marine Radar
  5. InSight Radar 2
  6. Operation manual

Nobeltec InSight Radar 2 Operation Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for InSight Radar 2:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Radar Operations Manual
Covers the Nobeltec Line of Radar Products
Nobeltec
®
InSight
Radar 2 (IR2)
™
NTMRG002 4/04

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Nobeltec InSight Radar 2

Summary of Contents for Nobeltec InSight Radar 2

  • Page 1 Radar Operations Manual Covers the Nobeltec Line of Radar Products Nobeltec ® InSight Radar 2 (IR2) ™ NTMRG002 4/04...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    What is Nobeltec’s IR2? ............1 The InSight Radar Window ..........2 What is a Nobeltec digital radar? ........4 How Does the Nobeltec Digital Radar Work? ....4 Important Notice Regarding 2kW Dome Models ...4 What is the InSight Radar Box? ..........5 How Does the InSight Radar Box Work? ......5 Minimum System Requirements .........6...
  • Page 4 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with InSight Radar ........21 Opening the InSight Radar Window ........21 Turning on your Radar .............22 Radar right click and Radar menu .......22 Radar Toolbars .............23 Range Scale ..............24 Adjusting the Gain ............26 Reducing Sea Clutter (SEA) ........26...
  • Page 5 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Understanding Radar ..........51 How to Interpret the Radar Picture ........51 Radar Horizon ..............53 Radar Horizon and Mother Nature ........53 Minimum Detectable Range ..........54 Troubleshooting ............57 Troubleshooting Direct Connections .........57 Troubleshooting Network Connections ......58...

  • Page 7: Insight Radar Introduction

    You can also access the On-line Software Help File by clicking on the Help drop down menu and then on the Help Topics option. Also included in your Nobeltec software is a Training CD. This CD is full of light overviews of the product’s functionality. For a refresher course on this powerful software, take some time to review the training clips on this CD.

  • Page 8: The Insight Radar Window

    Operations Manual The InSight Radar Window The InSight Radar window is the window inside the Nobeltec software for viewing radar images. It can be resized and moved like any other standard window. It also has a host of features specific to the radar functionality. The window is viewed in either the standard PlanView mode or Admiral’s exclusive NavView.
  • Page 9 Combining the two technologies provides a level of functionality not attainable separately. The IR2 product line has two ways to interface Nobeltec software with a radar: • A Full Nobeltec InSight Radar. A special radar designed to send digital imag- ery directly to a personal computer through your computer’s ethernet port.

  • Page 10: What Is A Nobeltec Digital Radar

    Network connections consult the Installers Guide. Important Notice Regarding 2kW Dome Models The Nobeltec IR2-2D (2kW Dome) varies slightly from other IR2 models. Although it is still a digital radar, it connects to the computer differently than the other IR2 radars (see diagram below).

  • Page 11: What Is The Insight Radar Box

    The InSight Radar Box is another market breakthrough. With the InSight Radar Box and Nobeltec software, you can avoid the cost of a complete retro-fit and still get the significant advantages of combining the information of radar and electronic charts.

  • Page 12: Minimum System Requirements

    Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Introduction Operations Manual Minimum System Requirements In order to properly run Nobeltec InSight Radar software, you need the following: • Windows 2000/XP • Pentium III 1 GHz with 256 MB RAM and 50 MB hard disk space (Additional space required for navigation data) •...

  • Page 13: Setting Up Insight Radar

    2. Setting up the Nobeltec software Installing the Hardware Included with your Nobeltec radar solution are installation and wiring instructions. The majority of technical support issues revolve around incorrect installation. Nobeltec strongly recommends using a qualified marine technician to install your radar hardware.

  • Page 14: Installing Nobeltec Software

    Operations Manual Installing Nobeltec Software It is necessary to install this software even if you have Nobeltec software already loaded on your system. In addition to installing the Nobeltec software on a new computer, it can also upgrade existing Nobeltec software to recognize and operate the InSight Radar 2.

  • Page 15: Using The Radar Setup Wizard

    IR2 radar that you want to connect with. To launch the Radar Setup Wizard 1) Click on the Start button on your Windows task bar. Then Programs | Nobeltec | Radar Wizard If the Radar Setup Wizard is not in the Nobeltec program group, you have not installed the Nobeltec software with the Insight Radar module.
  • Page 16 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Setting up IR2 Operations Manual The Radar Setup Wizard will search your available serial ports for incoming information, including your GPS and heading sensor. Continue stepping through the Radar Setup Wizard making sure to closely follow the instructions.
  • Page 17 If desired you can adjust the radar image inside the Radar Wizard. To do so, click on the Adjust button to control various functions of the radar. None of the settings that you enter here will be saved in the Nobeltec program.

  • Page 18: Initial Radar Setup

    Longer cable runs generally require a higher trigger delay setting. To do this, start the Nobeltec software and launch the Insight Radar window. Once it is open and displaying a radar image, adjust the Transmit Trigger Delay. Next, click on the Radar drop down menu then on the Initial Radar Setup option.

  • Page 19: Aligning The Radar Image

    The Nobeltec software allows you to make entries in a deviation table that tells the software how to adjust the incoming heading data to compensate for these local deviations.
  • Page 20 To align the compass determine the amount of offset and enter it into the Compass Heading Correction screen. To do this, Open the Nobeltec software and click on the Boat Properties tool which can be found on the toolbar (shown below). You can also right click on the boat and choose the option titled: Properties.
  • Page 21 N/A. (Tools | Options | Console | Heading check box). To adjust this setting, Start the Nobeltec charting software and launch the InSight Radar window. Once it is open and displaying a radar image, click on the Radar drop down menu then on the Initial Radar Setup option.
  • Page 22 To complicate this matter, the level of heading innacuracy can change at each compass heading. To resolve this, inside the Nobeltec software is a table that allows you to enter correction values at each 5 °...

  • Page 23: Setting The Radar Presets

    Follow the instructions below to adjust specific preset values on the radar. Auto Tune Preset Controls The Nobeltec radar is always in auto tune mode. In order to optimize the image, it is necessary to set the auto tune preset to make sure you are receiving the best quality image possible.
  • Page 24 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Setting up IR2 Operations Manual Setting the Auto Gain Preset The auto gain function automatically preserves the look of the image based on the auto gain preset. You must first adjust the auto gain preset before adjusting the auto sea settings.
  • Page 25 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Setting up IR2 Follow these steps to adjust the Auto Sea Clutter Preset: 1) Set the radar range to 12nm. 2) Click and depress the Auto Sea toolbar button 3) Select the Adjust Radar Presets option by right clicking on the radar image window or from the radar menu.
  • Page 26 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Setting up IR2 Operations Manual STC Curve The STC Curve function allows you to control the Sea Clutter profile of the radar. By default, the STC Curve profile is set to a value of 4. For most applications, there should be no need to change this setting.

  • Page 27: Working With Insight Radar

    Working with InSight Radar Opening the InSight Radar Window 1 Launch the Nobeltec Navigation software by double clicking on its desktop icon. 2 Click on the Radar drop down menu and then InSight Radar Window... or Click on the InSight Radar Window toolbar button The InSight window will open.

  • Page 28: Turning On Your Radar

    Depending on the antenna, the power-up process takes between 90 and 120 seconds. Once powered, Nobeltec automatically displays incoming radar data. If the radar is in standby mode, use the Radar Transmit/Standy toolbar button to begin transmitting.

  • Page 29: Radar Toolbars

    Zone Pulse Guard Window Expansion Length* Radar Advanced Toolbar (Nobeltec Admiral Only) Acquire Target Radar Rotation Speed* *Please Note: If you are using the IR2-2D (2kW Dome), these tools are not available and will be “greyed” out on the toolbar.

  • Page 30: Range Scale

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Working with IR2 Operations Manual Range Scale Range Scales: The range buttons determine the size of the area that appears in your InSight Radar window. In addition, the range setting also determines the number and distance of the range rings. Click on the Range Up or Range Down button to increase or decrease the range of the radar respectively.
  • Page 31 Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with IR2 Radar Range Toolbar In addition to the Radar Control toolbar displayed above, there are two additional Range toolbars designed to give you greater flexibility and control. Auto Range Range Down...

  • Page 32: Adjusting The Gain

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Working with IR2 Operations Manual Adjusting the Gain Use the Gain Up and Gain Down keys to adjust the sensitivity of the radar. A higher gain value makes the radar more sensitive to radar returns, allowing it to display weaker targets.

  • Page 33: Reducing Precipitation Clutter (Rain)

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with IR2 Auto SEA (4kW and Higher) Based on the Radar Presets, the Auto SEA function is designed for hands free operation of the radar. By setting the SEA preset (as described in the chapter titled Setting up the InSight Radar) the software adjusts to the changing weather conditions to maintain the radar quality.

  • Page 34: Radar / Chart Overlay

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Working with IR2 Operations Manual Radar / Chart Overlay Overlay Radar Image on Chart: Overlaying the radar on the chart is the ideal way to merge the power of electronic charting and the security of radar.

  • Page 35: Cursor Ghosting

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with IR2 Remember: The Auto Range feature keeps the chart scale and the radar range in sync, making it easy to understand the radar in context with the chart. To change the radar range, simply zoom out using any of the charting zoom tools, including the plus and minus keys on your keyboard.

  • Page 36: Measuring The Range And Bearing To A Target

    Operations Manual Measuring the Range and Bearing to a Target The range and bearing to a target can be measured inside the Nobeltec application a number of ways, including using the range and bearing to the cursor as displayed in the Info tab of the NavBar at the bottom of the screen or by using the appropriate console panes as shown here.
  • Page 37 Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with IR2 Variable Range Marker (VRM): This tool is a user-controlled range ring that surrounds the vessel. The VRM is normally used to measure distances to targets and is adjusted by grabbing it with the mouse cursor and dragging it to the desired distance.

  • Page 38: Setting Up A Guard Zone

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Working with IR2 Operations Manual Setting up a Guard Zone Guard Zone: One of the powerful InSight features is the ability to create fully customizable guard zones. This zone acts as a shield to the vessel. If the InSight Radar receives radar returns inside the guard zone, you will be notified with an alarm.

  • Page 39: Radar Orientation (Rotation)

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with IR2 Radar Orientation (rotation) (4kW and Higher) You can rotate the InSight Radar window by using the Radar drop down menu or the right click. In both cases, click on the option Radar Orientation and then on one of its sub-menu options.

  • Page 40: Off Centering The Radar (Shifting)

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Working with IR2 Operations Manual Off Centering the radar (shifting) (4kW and Higher) Own ship position can be off centered to provide greater radar range. You can control the positioning of the radar image inside the radar window in one of three...

  • Page 41: Recording The Radar

    Working with IR2 Recording the Radar Record/Playback Control: Another powerful feature of the Nobeltec software is the ability to record the radar images on your voyage and play them back at a later time. Clicking on this button launches a dialog that looks like a VCR control:...

  • Page 42: Decluttering The Radar

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Working with IR2 Operations Manual Decluttering the Radar Declutter Hot Key: In the InSight Radar Window or a chart window with Radar Overlay, press and hold down the space bar to clear the windows of any radar objects other than the radar return itself.

  • Page 43: Resizing The Radar Image

    Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Chapter 3 Operations Manual Working with IR2 Resizing the Radar Image The InSight Radar window can be resized like any standard Window. In addition, the radar image inside the window can be made to fit the window or can be maximized so that the radar takes up more of the window space.

  • Page 44: Using Radar In Admiral - Advanced Features

    Operations Manual Using Radar in Admiral - Advanced Features A powerful benefit of Nobeltec’s Admiral product is the special, non-Windows look and feel called NavView. NavView has been designed specifically for touchscreen monitors and on the water navigation where operating a mouse on a moving bridge can be troublesome.

  • Page 45: Full Screen Radar Console

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with IR2 Full Screen Radar Console When the InSight Radar is being displayed as a full screen in NavView, a special Radar Console provides detailed navigation and radar information on either the right or left side of the screen.
  • Page 46 Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Working with IR2 Operations Manual The Vessel Vessel name Speed Heading Position The Cursor Bearing Range Position Selected Target Type Name Range and Bearing Course Speed CPA and TCPA Radar Settings Gain Rain Sea Clutter...

  • Page 47: Navview Toolbars

    Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with IR2 NavView Toolbars The radar toolbars in NavView are similar to the toolbars in the PlanView. However, Admiral has some additional radar features. Each button on the NavView toolbars, shown below, operate the same way as the same button in PlanView.

  • Page 48: Target Tracking

    When properly connected, Admiral paints these targets from external radars. Point and Click (MARPA): Nobeltec Admiral can be used to easily acquire and track radar targets. Using the power of the PC and the mouse cursor, identifying and tracking targets is easier...

  • Page 49: Point And Click Radar (Marpa)

    Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Chapter 3 Operations Manual Working with IR2 Point and Click Radar (MARPA) MARPA is an acronym for Mini Automated Radar Plotting Aid. Its primary purpose is for collision avoidance and target tracking. WARNING No single navigational aid should be relied upon for the safety of vessel and crew.
  • Page 50 Working with IR2 Operations Manual Acquiring MARPA targets Acquiring MARPA targets in Nobeltec is simple. The first step is to identify the target that you wish to track. There are three ways to acquire MARPA targets using Nobeltec’s exclusive Point and Click Radar.
  • Page 51 Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Working with IR2 Once you’ve identified a target, it takes a few full radar swings for Nobeltec to properly acquire and track the target. MARPA Symbology Nobeltec uses the IMO approved MARPA symbology.
  • Page 52 Chapter 3 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Working with IR2 Operations Manual Target Tracking Terms and Acronyms Acronym Full Name Meaning CPA is the closest distance that can be achieved Closest Point of between your vessel and the tracked target based Approach on your collective speed and direction.

  • Page 53: Radar Configuration Options

    ARPA source as magnetic bearing data rather than true bearing data. Display AIS Targets: A yes choice tells the Nobeltec software to display AIS targets coming from an external AIS receiver or transceiver. Target Name Settings: Tells the Nobeltec software how to display the AIS target names when overlaid on the chart.
  • Page 54 Operations Manual To view the Radar tab of the Options dialog 1 Launch the Nobeltec software by double clicking on its desktop icon. 2 Click on the Tools drop down menu, and select Options... 3 Now click on the Radar tab.
  • Page 55 Radar Resolution (not on all radars): This option is only available if you have certain versions of the Nobeltec digital radar. Further, the options included are based upon the particular Nobeltec digital radar you own. Click on the down arrow to see what options are available. While, higher resolution gives an improved radar image it generally consumes more memory.

  • Page 57: Understanding Radar

    Understanding Radar The capability of a radar varies depending on where the radar is mounted, the radars performance, weather conditions, and the skill of the operator. This chapter describes the conditions that affect the capability of the radar, and the correct interpretation of the radar picture.
  • Page 58 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Understanding Radar Operations Manual False Echoes False echoes may appear according to surrounding circumstances. Examples of false echoes and causes of these echoes are described below. False echoes caused by reflection A close target may appear in two different directions. One is a real echo, while the other is a false one produced by reflected waves from structures near the radar antenna, such as a funnel, a mast, etc.

  • Page 59: Radar Horizon

    Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Understanding Radar Radar Horizon The radio waves used for radar are called microwaves, and like light, they travel in straight lines. Because light is generally refracted toward the ground surface, we are able to see farther than the physical horizon. This is called the optical horizon as compared to the physical horizon.

  • Page 60: Minimum Detectable Range

    Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Understanding Radar Operations Manual Ducting If air layers having a different temperature or different atmospheric pressures are produced alternately in the altitudes, a distant target exceeding the visible range of the radar is detectable. This phenomenon is caused when air layers having a different temperature contact each other.
  • Page 61 Understanding Radar Transmission Pulse Width In most radar systems, including the Nobeltec Digital Radar, the radar transmission pulse width is automatically selected to short or long depending on the range scale. At a short range, a short pulse width is used to improve the close target detection as well as picture definition.

  • Page 63: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Direct Connections Test the Connection without the Radar Wizard If the Radar wizard is unable to see the IR2, a good next step is to try and find the radar another way. Power the radar and wait for one to two full minutes for the radar to decide to use its default IP address.

  • Page 64: Troubleshooting Network Connections

    The Router/hubs that Nobeltec recommends you use, allow you to view the DHCP table to obtain all the devices on the network. Using this tool for your Router/hub, locate the IP address of the IR2 Radar.
  • Page 65 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Operations Manual Troubleshooting With this particular Linksys router, type in the IP address of the router into the Internet Explorer address field to get to its diagnostic pages. Clicking on the Status tab displays the image. The DHCP Clients table button shows the entire list of devices on the network as shown below: The RadarSensor is clearly identified with its accompanying IP address.
  • Page 66 Nobeltec InSight Radar (IR2) Troubleshooting Operations Manual Once satisfied that the radar is responding, you can terminate the Ping command by clicking on the X button in the upper right corner (like any other window) or by hitting the Ctrl and C key together.

  • Page 67: Frequently Asked Questions

    A: “Smearing” of the radar image generally occurs due to one of two reasons which include: 1) The PC is trying to do too many computations at one time (Nobeltec recommends using at least a 1GHz system to prevent this).

Table of Contents