PC radar kit offers independent opportunity

The certification recognises the Maris radar kit as an integral part of a radar system, type approved to the latest standards associated with Radar Test Standard IEC 62388. The new Radar Performance Standard MSC.192(79) and IEC 62388 encompass rigorous performance requirements for marine radar, particularly in terms of target detection in adverse weather conditions where small targets are often barely visible to the radar system.

Advanced digital processing has provided superior performance and comprehensive functionality to benefit the mariner and enhance safety at sea, and a number of mainstream radar equipment manufacturers already offer approved complete radar systems. However, as the new Standards were initiated by Norway (supported by Germany and the UK), it is fitting that a Norwegian company has designed the first radar kit for third parties to adopt as part of an integrated navigation system.

Steinar Gundersen, Maris deputy chief executive (corporate), said that the company had worked with some of the world’s most experienced marine radar experts to develop its new PC radar kit. With the Maris kit already in use by system integrators in Europe, the Americas and Asia, certification represented a landmark for the ability of independent companies to compete on performance with complete radar system suppliers, he said.

“The Maris PC radar kit has already been selected for both commercial and naval applications, but this certification means that a wider pool of users can consider it as an OEM product.”

The kit includes a PCI card (radar interface board, RIB) and the necessary radar software, operates on a Microsoft XP platform in a PC environment and has the capability to interface with a majority of leading radar and navigation sensors. Gundersen said that the new radar kit provided a viable, proven and economical solution for equipment and systems manufacturers to maintain their position in the marine market by offering radar, chart radar and radar overlay on electronic charts.

“The new Radar Standards require that any approved radar must be tested as a system and therefore, where appropriate, it is also necessary for equipment integrating with the radar kit to be tested and certified by an approved test authority,” he said.