[MHml] radar transponders/ais

[Ross Hobson]

As has aleardy beens said AIS is the best option. backed up by an active radar transponder/alarm OR a radar with alarm zones set (you cannot have transponder and alarm working at the same time)
 
the 2nd two are compulsory kit on solo races. I have used AIS and the radar/transponder options:
AIS ie great - best yet - but due to the varaince sometimes seen in VHF, you can see a ship before AIS is displayed (mine was linked to the chart plotter/navigaotor) - but it always worked
 
active transponder/alarm activated every time a ship was any where near and sees 'over the horizon' 
 
radar 
Personally i feel radar gives a false sense of security - really i found it of not much use as the height of the antenna and the angle it is at is very impt and affects its performance. if often misses large ships due to varing conditions at sea eg rain, fog, waves etc etc rarely does it pick up other yachts as they don't carry well set up radar reflectors.
 
interestingly  FICO offshore racing rules are now stating antenna must be a minium of 7m above water and self leveling due to the prroblems
.
 
my option is to run AIS and active transponder/alarm constantly. i use the radar for a 'sweep' before going to sleep, and leave it on stand-by (ie not transmitting) in case AIS or active transponder alamrm goes off.
 
if AIS / alarmn gioes off i firts relay on Mk 1 eyeball, - ie go on deck and look
 
my 2penny's worth
 
Ross