New racons for old at Trinity House

These radar beacons bring to 26 the number recently supplied for installation around the British and Irish coasts.

In most cases, the Tideland racons are being installed to replace older and less capable racons. One of the key features of the SeaBeacon 2 System 6 is its exceptional dynamic range, sensitivity of -50dBm for both X- and S- Band, and output, making it visible from greater distances. Because of its extremely economical power consumption, it is highly suitable for remote, solar powered installations as well as offshore and mains powered installations.

SeaBeacon 2 System 6 can respond simultaneously and with a unique level of frequency accuracy to both X and S-band radars, even those with very narrow receiver bandwidths. The design gives operators an exceptionally clear indication of its identity and location and proportional scaling ensures that the racon trace remains clearly visible on radar displays regardless of the range scale selected.

Another feature of the Tideland racon is that it can be programmed quickly and easily by the user at sea, rather than having to be pre-programmed in the factory. The GLA’s vessels carry a contingency stock of SeaBeacon 2 System 6 racons on board so that they are immediately available to replace older racons as they fail.