Revolutionary new Simrad radar

The new Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar lays claim to being the world’s first high-performance solid-state, open-array radar system with pulse compression technology that's suitable for recreational and light marine markets.

The culmination of a decade of work by Simrad Yachting’s Australasian research and development hub, HALO Radar is said to combine the advantages of Simrad Broadband Radar and traditional pulse radar systems to provide target detection as close as six metres – well within pulse radar’s short-range 'blind spot' – while offering exceptional long range performance up to 72 nautical miles.

HALO Radar claims unmatched target resolution (see the detail in the first screen grab at a marina), with Beam Sharpening for enhanced target separation control. In Dual Range mode, HALO Radar functions as two radar systems in one – monitoring two distance ranges simultaneously with independent displays, controls, 10-target MARPA target tracking, and no compromises in detection at either range (split screen second screen grab).

Custom, Harbour, Offshore, Weather, and Bird-finder modes tune HALO Radar’s advanced signal processing to ensure targets are seen vividly – even in the toughest environmental conditions. Sportfishing enthusiasts will find HALO Radar invaluable as a bird-finder, able to pinpoint even small flocks from miles away and track their position to right off the bow in search of the most productive fishing spots (bird finder screen last grab).

"The world of recreational marine electronics has taken a quantum leap forward," said Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico. "By introducing the HALO Pulse Compression Radar system, we have given boaters the best possible combination of features, providing the perfect mix of near and distant range, reliability and resolution without the associated warm-up time, power consumption, maintenance or electromagnetic emissions."

Unlike traditional pulse radar, HALO Radar does not rely on a high-powered magnetron or vacuum tube to transmit – this means InstantOn™ performance from standby and just 16-25 seconds from powered-off, compared to a 2-3 minute warm-up time for traditional pulse radar. A rugged, helical gear-train construction coupled with HALO Radar’s brushless motor apparently ensures quiet and reliable operation at any speed.

In addition, solid-state technology means compliance with the latest low emission and radiation standards: HALO Radar is radiation-safe to people within the swing circle of the array on all models, and safe to run in anchorages and marinas. That's good news for fitting on smaller boats and low-slung motoryacht arches.

HALO Radar requires just 40 Watts average in no wind, and 150 Watts at maximum wind velocity. In standby mode, power consumption is only 6.5 Watts, versus 10 to 15 Watts for traditional pulse radar. With such low power consumption, support for 12- or 24-volt systems, and availability in 3-, 4- and 6-foot open arrays, HALO Radar is ideal for vessels of all sizes – including smaller powerboats where open array radar may not have been an option previously.

Exclusively compatible with Simrad NSS evo2 and NSO evo2 multifunction display systems, HALO Radar connects via Ethernet, with a bulkhead-mounted interface box below deck. The radar’s sleek open-array antenna sits atop a uniquely curved pedestal with integrated soft-glow, blue-LED accent lighting – a stylish complement to any powerboat.

Simrad Halo Pulse Compression Radar will be available from authorised dealers in 2015 at recommended retail prices (including GST) of $7150 AUD/$8699 NZD (3-foot array), $7920 AUD/$9699 NZD (4-foot array), and $8690 AUD/$10,699 NZD (6-foot array).

For more information about HALO Radar or the entire line of Simrad Yachting marine electronics, see www.simrad-yachting.com.