Replacing the old radar with the JRC JMA-3300: what to consider when upgrading
Rarely does an old radar die in one day. It quietly degrades: the magnetron energy falls, the indicator tube fades, spare parts are removed from production. While the ship is moving, the replacement is delayed, and then the radar stands in the middle of the navigation. We will discuss when to change and what to consider when switching to JMA-3300.
Signs that it's time to replace
Three markers that you can see without the instruments. The first - range: "before took further" - a reason to check the settings and state of the installation; one complaint can not establish the cause (rules of selection and replacement - in our magnetron). CRT tubes of old radar fade and are replaced only by discontinued units. The third is service: if the model has ceased to release nodes, each repair turns into a search for used board for disassemblies.
What makes the transition to JMA-3300
The most noticeable - the logging is freed: a 10.4-inch display, a processor and a keyboard in one case, a separate cabinet is not needed. The crew receives an LCD screen readable in the sun, digital processing Semi-ConstaviewTM with true target tracks and control in gloves. Shipowner - series with valid RMRS approval and spare parts supplied.
Antenna post and cable track
An old antenna post is almost never transferred "one to one": check the condition of the mounting, rotary assembly and cable. Every extra meter of the track is a loss, so during the modernization of the cable path is reviewed entirely, the joints are performed in waterproof connectors. The antenna is held above the spotlights and mouthpieces and away from the AIS and VHF transmitting antennas.
Power supply and interfacing
The new radar is started through a separate machine, if there is a backup input - on it. At the same time, the data lines are being revised: the course from the compass, AIS and GNSS tags - without them, the new screen will show only half of the situation. The connectors are marked when laying, this saves hours of diagnosis on the flight.
Documents and admissions
The JMA-3300 series is approved by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, so the replacement is carried out according to documents without separate approvals of the model. Before the delivery of the vessel, check: antenna mounting, cable sealing, GAIN/SEA/RAIN setting for real targets and magnetron production. The installation process and the first setup are discussed in the article JRC JMA-3300: Installation and commissioning.
How to order
Write down what radar is now, and the type of ship – let’s propose a replacement configuration from the series. JRC JMA-3300We confirm availability and time before shipment. If the task is a minimum budget, look at the compact one. KODEN MDC-7912P radar.
FAQ
How do you know that it is time to change the old radar and not repair it?
Three markers: the real range fell (usually the production of a magnetron), the CRT indicator faded, spare parts for the model were discontinued. If two match, the repair turns into a search for used boards.
Do I need to change the antenna post when replacing it with the JMA-3300?
The post is checked entirely: mounting, rotary assembly, cable track. The joints are made in moisture-protected connectors, the antenna is kept above the searchlights and away from the transmitting antennas.
Will the RMRS Replacement Work?
Yeah. The JMA-3300 series is approved by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, and no separate model approval is required.
How long does it take to replace a radar on a ship?
Depends on the condition of the cable path and the antenna post. With a live track, the main work is installation, connection of power supply and data lines, then setting up for real goals.
Radar upgrade in ship repair window
For the bulk carrier on the Volga, the old installation is first compiled: indicator, antenna part, power supply, connections and external data sources. The passenger ship on Ladoga separately noted the restrictions of the workplace on the bridge. Such a list allows you to see which nodes are proposed to be replaced completely, and which others need to be checked for the possibility of saving.
If repairs are planned in Astrakhan or Kaliningrad, the request for JMA-3300 indicates not only the point of receipt, but also the available window of work. Photos of the base of the antenna, the size of the panel and the scheme of the cable track help to agree the set in advance. Compatibility with old cable, external sensors and mounting is confirmed separately; the appliances belonging to marine radar does not make them interchangeable.
