February 14, 2009 05:20
There is a movement toward radar that puts all or most of the processing smarts in the radome unit and interface with a display of your choosing (PC?) over an ethernet interface (Cat-5 cable etc). While there are several big names doing this Nobletec, Garmin, Raymarine it is not totally clear what is going on with hardware and with communication protocols.
My impression is that Si-Tex, KODEN is one of the big players in this an that they are making the Radars and rebranding them for the likes of Nobeltec etc........
Seems that while the hardware might be the same in some cases that the communication protocol may be different.
I have been follow this at a distance through some discussion of the Beta forum for Coastal Explorer (Windows OS). Coastal Explorer on a PC will work as radar display but only with the Koden units.
This certainly will be a trend that will be picked up by all the radar manufacturers but I don't know just what stage of development/transition the market place is at this point in time. Would love to find out more.
On a different radar topic, the most exciting new thing is Navico's soon to be released Broadband digital radar. (a) Ultra low power, (b) Instant on, © ultra ultra detailed resolution from less than 1/32mi out. (d) radiation safety issues similar to cell phone so it can be mounted nearly anywhere. (e) radomes are very small and light. (f) price point look to be between $1K-$2K maybe closer to $1K.
Can't wait to find out if the interface will be an open standard to make it easy to interface our PC's, software with. Not holding my breath on that one.
My impression is that Si-Tex, KODEN is one of the big players in this an that they are making the Radars and rebranding them for the likes of Nobeltec etc........
Seems that while the hardware might be the same in some cases that the communication protocol may be different.
I have been follow this at a distance through some discussion of the Beta forum for Coastal Explorer (Windows OS). Coastal Explorer on a PC will work as radar display but only with the Koden units.
This certainly will be a trend that will be picked up by all the radar manufacturers but I don't know just what stage of development/transition the market place is at this point in time. Would love to find out more.
On a different radar topic, the most exciting new thing is Navico's soon to be released Broadband digital radar. (a) Ultra low power, (b) Instant on, © ultra ultra detailed resolution from less than 1/32mi out. (d) radiation safety issues similar to cell phone so it can be mounted nearly anywhere. (e) radomes are very small and light. (f) price point look to be between $1K-$2K maybe closer to $1K.
Can't wait to find out if the interface will be an open standard to make it easy to interface our PC's, software with. Not holding my breath on that one.