Both share the same transceiver, antenna, and Autotrack processing unit.
The and 250 series are classic marine X-band (9.4 GHz) radar systems, widely installed on merchant vessels, workboats, and fishing vessels from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Known for rugged construction and reliable Autotrack (automatic target tracking) capabilities, these systems represent a significant evolution from earlier Decca radars. racal decca bridgemaster 180 250 series x band autotrack pdf
: The systems can automatically or manually acquire and track up to 40 surface targets simultaneously at relative speeds of up to 150 knots. Trial Maneuvers Both share the same transceiver, antenna, and Autotrack
Before the advent of modern ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) integration, "Autotrack" was a revolutionary feature. It allowed the radar to lock onto a specific target and automatically track its course and speed, calculating the Closest Point of Approach (CPA) and Time to CPA (TCPA). : The systems can automatically or manually acquire
| Fault Symptom | Likely Cause | Page Reference in PDF | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | "Target Lost" repeatedly | Broken azimuth resolver chain | Section 4.12 (Scanner Alignment) | | Autotrack drifts to starboard | Heading pulse offset | Section 6.2 (Autotrack Calibration) | | No acquisition on X-band | Low magnetron output | Section 3.4 (X-Band Transceiver Test) |
For marine engineers, surveyors, and vessel superintendents today, the search term is more than just a string of keywords—it is a quest for the technical documentation required to keep these legacy systems operational. This article explores the history, technical intricacies, and enduring relevance of these radar units, while highlighting the critical information typically found within those sought-after PDF manuals.
The "Autotrack" feature elevates the 180/250 from a simple radar to a full-collision avoidance system.