SIMRAD HALO-3 Pulse Compression Radar
Combining the best characteristics of traditional pulse and FMCW broadband radar systems, our Halo™ Radar uses Pulse Compression technology to provide an unprecedented mix of long and short detection range, high target definition, and minimal clutter. Solid State technology means minimal warm-up time and maximum ocean-going reliability, while low-power pulsed transmissions make Halo Radar safe to run in anchorages and marinas.
Key Features
Ø True 48nm range with 3-foot open array antennaØ Beam Sharpening with Target Separation Control
Ø Compatible exclusively with Simrad NSS evo2 and NSO evo2 multifunction displays
Ø Dual Range operation
Ø Advanced signal processing with Custom, Harbour, Offshore, Weather, andBIRD modes
Ø High-speed 48RPM operation
Ø InstantOn™, ready in 16-25 seconds from power-on, instant from standby
Ø MARPA target tracking, up to 10 targets (20 with dual range)**
Ø Low electromagnetic emissions and radiation
Ø Low power consumption with 12/24V operation
Ø Ethernet connectivity
Ø Unique blue LED accent lighting with brightness control
Overview
Solid-State with Pulse Compression Technology
Simrad Halo Radar is the world’s first high performance, solid-state radar with pulse compression technology designed specifically for recreational mariners. Unlike traditional pulse radar, Halo Radar isn’t reliant on a high-powered magnetron (vacuum tube) to transmit. Instead, Halo Radar uses solid-state electronics and low-power 25W pulsed, frequency-swept transmission bursts to deliver pulse radar-like range and resolution, without the associated warm-up time, power consumption, or electromagnetic emissions.
48nm Range
Halo Radar delivers a maximum range comparable to traditional 6kW pulse radar, at up to 48nm with the HALO-3 Radar’s 3-foot open array antenna. It offers unprecedented 6m (20ft) minimum range, peering into that pulse-radar blind spot where once only FMCW (3G/4G) Broadband Radar could operate.
Beam Sharpening
Whether you’re looking at a flock of birds or a string of channel markers, separating one radar target from another is key. Beam Sharpening with Target Separation Control provides unmatched target resolution, granting the Halo Pulse Compression Radar’s 3-foot open array antenna the same effective target resolution as a 4-foot array without beam sharpening.
Dual Range Operation
With Dual Range, Halo Radar functions like two arrays in one – monitor two distance ranges simultaneously with independent displays, controls, and totally independent MARPA target tracking. Take full advantage of Halo Radar’s combination of short-, mid-, and long-range performance to keep an eye on faraway weather cells, while monitoring channel markers and high speed watercraft up close.
Target Detection
The HALO-3 Radar offers excellent target detection for its compact 3-foot open array. For enhanced target detection in line with tough IEC 62388 Annex D specifications, consider our larger HALO-4 Radar or HALO-6 Radar arrays.
View comparison table
Targets to Detect |
Radar Cross Section (m2) |
Target Height (m) |
Minimum Range of Detection (nm) | |||||
Antenna 3m High | Antenna 15m High | |||||||
Simrad HALO-3 |
Simrad HALO-4 |
Simrad HALO-6 |
IEC 62388 |
Simrad HALO-4 |
Simrad HALO-6 |
|||
Shorelines to 60m | 50,000 | 50 | 13.0 | 15.3 | 18.4 | 20.0 | 21.3 | 25.6 |
Shorelines to 6m | 5,000 | 5 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.7 | 8.0 | 10.1 | 12.1 |
Shorelines to 3m | 2,500 | 2.5 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.6 | 9.1 |
SOLAS ships >5000gt | 50,000 | 10 | 7.1 | 8.3 | 10.0 | 11.0 | 13.5 | 16.2 |
SOLAS ships >500gt | 1,800 | 5 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 8.0 | 9.6 | 11.5 |
Small vessel with radar reflector meeting IMO Performance Standards | 7.5 | 4 | 2.4 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 6.5 |
Navigation buoy with corner reflector | 10 | 3.5 | 2.3 | 2.7 | 3.2 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 6.4 |
Typical navigation buoy | 5 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.8 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
Small vessel <10m length with no radar reflector | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
Typical channel marker | 1 | 1 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 2.9 |
Large flocks of diving birds |
Highly Variable |
1-15 | 2-3 | 3-4 | 4-5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
MARPA Target Tracking**
Track up to 10 user-selected radar targets, displaying CPA (closest point of approach) and TCPA (time to closest point of approach). Up to 20 different targets can be tracked in Dual Range mode, with 10 targets per screen. MARPA functionality requires a heading sensor and GPS.
Advanced Signal Processing
Halo Radar employs advanced signal processing for digital azimuth and range sidelobe reduction, enhancing discrimination of small targets such as channel markers from larger adjacent targets such as ships and bridges. In addition, Directional Sea Clutter Rejection dynamically changes gain in the sweep to allow smaller targets to be seen in the leeward. Coming soon via free NSS/NSO evo2 software update, Sector Blanking reduces on-screen clutter by eliminating unwanted reflections in up to four user-defined zones.
5 Usage Modes with Automatic Harbour/Offshore Selection
Custom, Harbour, Offshore, Weather, and BIRD modes tune Halo Radar’s advanced signal processing to help ensure the targets you’re interested in can be seen vividly – even in the toughest environmental conditions. Automatic selection of Harbour and Offshore modes configures your Halo Radar to suit your surroundings, while a ‘Custom’ mode enables easy manual tuning to suit any purpose or condition.
High Speed Mode
Halo Pulse Compression Radar provides rapid position updates, with high speed operation up to 48RPM (mode and range dependent). Simrad quality construction and Halo Radar's brushless motor with advanced helical geartrain design ensure exceptionally quiet operation, especially at 48RPM.
InstantOn™
Collision hazards won’t wait for your radar to start up – why should you? Halo Radar’s solid-state technology is ready instantly from standby, and in just 16-25 seconds from power-on to fully-operational. Avoid the 2-3 minute warm-up time associated with traditional pulse radar, and trust Halo Radar to produce an immediate, accurate radar image when you need it.
High Reliability
Halo Radar is built to last, with its solid-state transceiver meaning no magnetron to replace, and no manual tuning required as the magnetron heats up or ages. Similarly, a solid-state brushless motor driver means no motor brushes to wear out and replace. Be confident that Halo Radar will operate at high speed in winds up to 70 knots, year after year.
Low Electromagnetic Emissions
Unlike traditional pulse radar, Halo Radar transmits low-power pulses. This makes Halo Radar safe to run in anchorages and marinas, providing enhanced radar coverage at the very start and end of each journey. In fact, Halo Radar’s minimum safe distance in any transmission mode is within the swing circle of its open array antenna.
Low Power Consumption
Halo Radar uses 40W average with no wind, and no more than 150W at maximum wind velocity. Experience even greater power savings in standby with just 6.5W power usage, versus 10-15W for pulse radar. With its low power consumption and support for 12/24 volt DC systems, Halo Radar is ideal for small to mid-sized powerboats.
Ethernet Connectivity
Simrad Halo Pulse Compression Radar connects to any Simrad NSS evo2 or NSO evo2 multifunction display system via Ethernet, with a bulkhead-mounted interface box below deck. Antenna installation is simple and elegant, with the same thin cable and small-diameter connectors as our 3G/4G Broadband radars.
Uncompromising Aesthetics
Bringing the range and reliability of Halo Pulse Compression Radar to your boat doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics. Halo Radar’s sleek open-array antenna sits atop a uniquely curved pedestal, a departure from traditional boxy and utilitarian radar designs. Display your Halo Radar on the water with soft-glow, dual-beam Blue LED accent lighting, integrated into the pedestal and customizable with 4-level brightness control.
* Halo™ Pulse Compression Radar’s blue 4 level static accent pedestal lighting may not be approved for use in your boating location. Please check your local boating regulations before turning the blue accent lights ON.
**MARPA functionality will not be available on Halo™ at initial release and will be provided via a software update in Q3 2015.
Specifications
Technical/Environmental |
|
Product Width | 1,068mm / 3.5' |
Product Height | 448mm /17.6" |
Product Weight |
Unpacked System: 26.8kg/59lb±10% Pedestal:18.75kg/41.5lb±10% Antenna 3’: 4.1kg/9.0lb±10% RI-12: 1.6kg/3.5lb±10% 20m (33ft) Cable: 2.3kg/5.0lb±10% |
Operating Temperature | -25° to +55°C |
Water Resistance | IPX6 |
Humidity | +40°C, 93% RH |
Specified Standards |
FCC ID: RAYHALO IC: 4697A-HALO Emissions compliant to SM1541-4 (including -40dB/dec future design objectives) |
Waterproof Standard/rating | IEC60945-4 |
Overview |
|
Cable Length | 20m (65ft). Optional 10m (33ft) cable |
Radar Technology | Solid-state X-Band transceiver with Pulse Compression technology |
Radar Max Range | 100m / 300ft to 48nm |
Radar Features |
Peak Power Output: 25W ±10% under any transmit condition (up to 10% duty cycle max) Radiation Safe Distance: 100W/m2 (Occupational) at 0m - touch anywhere; 10W m2 (Public) measured at .28m/.92ft. FCC CFR47 Part 2.1091 calculated public safe distance is 0.80m/2.6ft. (less than the swing circle of the antenna with either method). |
Radar |
|
Synthesized - X-Band 9.410–9.495GHz | |
Antenna Horizontal Beam Width [deg] | 2.4° ±10% (-3dB width), 2.1/1.9/1.6° with Beam Sharpening mode enabled (Low/Med/High) |
Antenna Receiver Noise Figure [dB] | 5 |
Antenna Rotation Speed | Approx. 24-48RPM (min 20RPM at 70 knots) |
Antenna Type | Circulator and Isolator; Radar Mixer: MIC front-end |
Antenna Vertical Beam Width | 25° +20% (-3dB width) |
RadarVibration | 2-100Hz and 20G, 100,000 cycles |
Communications |
|
Ethernet 10/100 BaseT, NMEA2000/NMEA0183 | |
Power |
|
Power Consumption | 150W (peak in 70kt winds), 40W (average with zero wind velocity), 6.5W (standby) |
Power Supply (Supply Voltage) | 10.8V – 31.2V DC (12/24 Volt DC systems) |
Other |
|
Pulse Length / PRF | Pulse length: 0.04µsec; Chirp length: 2-96µsec; Chirp Bandwidth: 2-32MHz; Up to 1 pulse and 5 chirps in a burst with burst repetition rate of 500-2000Hz. Range and mode dependent. Effective Pulse Compression Ratio less than 150 in all modes. |
Other Features | Automatic Harbour, Offshore, Weather and BIRD modes, Custom manual mode, MARPA, Dual Range, InstantON, Low power draw, Low electromagnetic emission |