Raymarine SL72 7 User Manual

Distributed by

Any reference to Raytheon or

RTN in this manual should be

interpreted as Raymarine.

The names Raytheon and RTN

are owned by the

Raytheon Company.

SL72 and SL72RC
PLUS Pathfinder
Radar and
Radar/Chartplotter

Owner’s
Handbook

Document number: 81204_1
Date:18th January 2002

SL72 and SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar Owner’s Handbook

January 2002

SAFETY NOTICES

This radar equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with the
instructions contained in this manual. Failure to do so can result in personal
injury and/or navigational inaccuracies. In particular:

1. HIGH VOLTAGE. The LCD display unit and scanner unit contain high
voltages. Adjustments require specialized service procedures and tools only
available to qualified service technicians – there are no user serviceable parts
or adjustments. The operator should never remove the display unit cover

or attempt to service the equipment.

2. ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY. The radar scanner transmits

electromagnetic energy. It is important that the radar is turned off whenever
personnel are required to come close to the scanner to perform work on the
scanner assembly or associated equipment.

i

It is recommended that the radar scanner is mounted out of range of personnel
(above head height).

Avoid looking directly at the antenna as your eyes are the most sensitive part of
the body to electromagnetic energy.

When properly installed and operated, the use of this radar will conform to the
requirements of ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992 Standard for Safety Levels with
Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3Hz
to 300 GHz and NRPB, Board Statement on Restrictions on Human Exposure
to Static and Time Varying Electromagnetic Fields and Radiation. Doc NRPB,
N0. 5 (1993).

2. NAVIGATION AID. This unit is only an aid to navigation. Its accuracy can
be affected by many factors, including equipment failure or defects,
environmental conditions, and improper handling or use. It is the user’s
responsibility to exercise common prudence and navigational judgements.
This radar unit should not be relied upon as a substitute for such prudence and
judgement.

Raymarine products are supported by a network of Authorized Service
Representatives. For information on Raymarine products and services,
contact either of the following:

ii SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

UNITED STATES Raymarine Company

22 Cotton Road, Unit D
Nashua, NH 03063-4219
Telephone: [phone]

[phone]

Fax: [phone]

EUROPE Raymarine Limited

Anchorage Park
Portsmouth
Hampshire PO3 5TD
England
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Copyright © Raymarine Ltd 2001

The technical and graphical information contained in this handbook, to the
best of our knowledge, was correct as it went to press. However, the
Raymarine policy of continuous improvement and updating may change
product specifications without prior notice. As a result, unavoidable
differences between the product and handbook may occur from time to time,
for which liability cannot be accepted by Raymarine.

Raymarine is a registered trademark of Raymarine Ltd.
SeaTalk is a registered trademark of Raymarine Ltd.
HSB is a trademark of Raymarine Ltd.
Pathfinder is a trademark of Raymarine Ltd.

This product contains technology provided under license by Acorn Group plc.
The copyright of this intellectual property is acknowledged by Raymarine
Ltd, as are Acorn’s trademarks and patents. Acorn’s world wide web address
is http://www.acorn.com.

Preface

Warranty

iii

This handbook describes the installation, operation and maintenance for the
following systems:

SL72 PLUS Pathfinder Radar system
SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar/Chartplotter system.

These systems comprise an SL70 or SL70RC PLUS LCD display and a 2D,
18" 2kW radome scanner unit.

The handbook contains very important information on the installation and
operation of your new equipment. In order to obtain the best results in
operation and performance, please read this handbook thoroughly.

Raymarine’s Product Support representatives or your local dealer will be
available to answer any questions you may have.

To register your SL72/SL72RC PLUS ownership, please take a few minutes
to fill out the warranty registration card found at the end of this handbook. It is
very important that you complete the owner information and return the card to
the factory in order to receive full warranty benefits.

EMC Conformance

All Raymarine equipment and accessories are designed to the best industry
standards for use in the recreational marine environment.

The design and manufacture of Raymarine equipment and accessories
conform to the appropriate Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards,
but correct installation is required to ensure that performance is not
compromised.

Intended Use

The display unit detailed in this handbook may form part of navigational radar
systems intended for light marine use. This radar system is only an aid to
navigation.

iv SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

This Page intentionally left blank.

Certificate No.

RT016

We

declare, under our sole responsibility, that the products identified in this declaration, and to which this
declaration relates, are in conformity with the essential requirements of European Parliament and Council
Directive:

Product Name:

Product Number(s):

Ancillary Units

The products have been assessed to Conformity Procedure Annex IV of the Directive and by application of the
following standard(s):

EMC
Health & Safety

The assessment is consistent with a Technical Construction File showing conformity with the essential
requirements of the Directive and has been reviewed by Notified Body No.

Raymarine Limited Anchorage Park

Portsmouth
Hampshire
England P03 5TD

1999/5/EC on radio equipment and telecommunication terminal equipment and the mutual
recognition of their conformity.

Raymarine 2D – 2kW (8-Pulse Width),
18" Radome Scanner Unit

M92650, from S/n 1112000

'PLUS' Displays - details given on Sheet 2

EN 60945 : 1997
EN 60945 : 1997

0191

The product is labelled with the CE conformity marking, the identification number of the Notified Body and
class identifier.

Signatory: Name

Title
Company Name
Company Address

Signature _________________________

Date

Sheet 1 of 2

Adil Abbas
EMC Manager
Raymarine Limited
Anchorage Park
Portsmouth, Hampshire
England PO3 5TD

January 2002

Certificate No.

RT016

Declaration of Conformity – Schedule of Ancillary
Equipment and Radar Systems

The following Raymarine Display Units are combined with the Raymarine 2D – 2kW (8-Pulse Width), 18"
Radome Scanner Unit (transceiver) listed on Sheet 1 to form the operational radar systems given below. Details

of these units are included in the Technical Construction File:

DISPLAY (one of)

Description Designation Part No.

Display Unit, 7" Mono LCD SL70 PLUS E52028
Display Unit, 7" Mono LCD/Chart SL70RC PLUS R58149
Display Unit, 7" Mono LCD/hsb² RL70 PLUS E52031
Display Unit, 7" Mono LCD/hsb²/Chart RL70RC PLUS E52032
Display Unit, 7" CRT/hsb² R70 PLUS E52039
Display Unit, 7" CRT/hsb²/Chart R70RC PLUS E52040
Display Unit, 10" CRT/hsb² R80 PLUS E52035
Display Unit, 10" CRT/hsb²/Chart R80RC PLUS E52036
Display Unit, 7" Colour LCD/hsb² RL70C PLUS E52033
Display Unit, 7" Colour LCD hsb²/Chart RL70CRC PLUS E52034
Display Unit, 10" Colour LCD/hsb² RL80C PLUS E52037
Display Unit, 10" Colour LCD/hsb²/Chart RL80CRC PLUS E52038

PATHFINDER RADAR SYSTEMS

Radar System

Designation

SL72 PLUS 2D SL70 PLUS
SL72RC PLUS 2D SL70RC PLUS
RL72 PLUS 2D RL70 PLUS
RL72RC PLUS 2D RL70RC PLUS
R72 PLUS 2D R70 PLUS
R72RC PLUS 2D R70RC PLUS
R82 PLUS 2D R80 PLUS
R82RC PLUS 2D R80RC PLUS
RL72C PLUS 2D RL70C PLUS
RL72CRC PLUS 2D RL70CRC PLUS
RL82C PLUS 2D RL80C PLUS
RL82CRC PLUS 2D RL80CRC PLUS

Sheet 2 of 2

Scanner Unit

Designation

Display Unit

Designation

Contents - SL72 and SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder
Radar and Radar/Chartplotter

Preface ........................................................................................... 1.iii

Warranty ...................................................................................... 1.iii

EMC Conformance ...................................................................... 1.iii

Chapter 1: Overview ..........................................................................................1.1

1.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 1.1

General .......................................................................................... 1.3

Features ......................................................................................... 1.4

Operating Modes .......................................................................... 1.4

Heading and Position Data ........................................................... 1.5

1.2 The Pathfinder Radar Display ...................................................... 1.6

Pathfinder Radar Options ............................................................. 1.6

Radar Functions ............................................................................ 1.8

vii

1.3 The Chartplotter Display - SL72RC PLUS only .......................... 1.9

Chartplotter Display Options ...................................................... 1.10

Chartplotter Functions .................................................................1.11

1.4 Operating Controls ..................................................................... 1.12

Trackpad and Cursor ................................................................... 1.12

Dedicated Keys ........................................................................... 1.14

Soft Keys ..................................................................................... 1.14

Pop-Up Menus ............................................................................ 1.15

Database Lists ............................................................................. 1.16

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display ....................................2.1

2.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 2.1

Conventions Used ......................................................................... 2.1

Simulator ...................................................................................... 2.1

2.2 Switching the Display On and Off ................................................ 2.2

Simulator Mode ............................................................................ 2.5

Changing the Lighting and Contrast ............................................. 2.6

2.3 Controlling the Display ................................................................. 2.7

Selecting the Mode of Operation .................................................. 2.7

Customizing the Screen Presentation Options ............................ 2.13

viii SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

2.4 Radar Display Control Functions ............................................... 2.16

Using the Zoom Function ........................................................... 2.16

Offsetting the Center ................................................................... 2.17

Hiding the Ship’s Heading Marker (SHM) ................................. 2.18

2.5 Chart Display Control Functions (SL72RC PLUS only) ........... 2.19

Moving Around the Chart ........................................................... 2.19

2.6 Typical Chart Scenarios (SL72RC PLUS only) ......................... 2.23

Place and Goto a Waypoint ......................................................... 2.24

Make and Follow a Route ........................................................... 2.26

Review Your Passage Plan .......................................................... 2.28

Displaying the Radar and Synchronizing Radar & Chart ........... 2.30

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations ..........................................................3.1

3.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 3.1

3.2 Range Control ............................................................................... 3.2

Changing the Range ...................................................................... 3.2

Determining Actual Radar Range ................................................. 3.3

3.3 Interpreting and Adjusting the Radar Picture ............................... 3.4

Identifying False Echo Returns .................................................... 3.5

Adjusting Gain, Sea Clutter, Rain Clutter and Tune ..................... 3.7

Changing the Targets Display ......................................................3.11

3.4 Measuring Range and Bearing Using VRM/EBLs .................... 3.13

Measuring Range and Bearing to Target from Vessel ................. 3.14

Measuring Range and Bearing Between Targets (FLOAT) ........ 3.16

Controlling VRM/EBL Data Boxes ........................................... 3.18

3.5 Setting Guard Zones and Alarms ................................................ 3.19

Placing a Guard Zone .................................................................. 3.20

Moving, Reshaping or Deleting a Guard Zone ........................... 3.21

Controlling Guard Zone Alarms ................................................. 3.22

Chapter 4: Integrated Radar Operations ........................................................4.1

4.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 4.1

4.2 Changing the Heading Mode ........................................................ 4.2

True and Relative Motion ............................................................. 4.2

ix SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

4.3 Using Marks .................................................................................. 4.4

4.4 Man Overboard (MOB) ................................................................ 4.5

4.5 Cursor Echo .................................................................................. 4.6

Chapter 5: Standard Chart Operations (SL72RC PLUS only) ........................5.1

5.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 5.1

5.2 Using Chart Cards ......................................................................... 5.2

Inserting a Chart Card ................................................................... 5.2

Removing a Chart Card ................................................................ 5.3

Displaying the Chart Data ............................................................. 5.3

Displaying Object Information ..................................................... 5.4

5.3 Working with Waypoints .............................................................. 5.8

Introduction .................................................................................. 5.8

Placing a Waypoint ....................................................................... 5.9

Selecting a Waypoint .................................................................. 5.12

Waypoint Data Display ............................................................... 5.12

Editing the Waypoint Details ...................................................... 5.13

Erasing a Waypoint ..................................................................... 5.14

Moving a Waypoint .................................................................... 5.14

Using the ST60 or ST80 Navigator Keypad ............................... 5.15

5.4 Working with Routes .................................................................. 5.18

Creating a New Route ................................................................. 5.19

Saving the Current Route ............................................................ 5.22

Clearing the Current Route ......................................................... 5.23

Retrieve a Route From the Database ........................................... 5.23

Displaying Route Information .................................................... 5.24

Using the Route List to Erase and Name a Route ....................... 5.26

Editing a Route ........................................................................... 5.27

5.5 Following Routes and Going to Points ....................................... 5.30

Follow a Route ............................................................................ 5.30

Target Point Arrival .................................................................... 5.32

Other Follow Route Options ....................................................... 5.32

Going To an Individual Target Point ........................................... 5.33

Stop Follow or Stop Goto ............................................................ 5.34

x SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

5.6 Transferring Waypoints and Routes ........................................... 5.35

5.7 Using Tracks ............................................................................... 5.38

Setting Up a Track ...................................................................... 5.39

Clearing the Current Track ......................................................... 5.40

Managing Tracks ........................................................................ 5.40

SmartRoute ................................................................................. 5.42

Chapter 6: Further Chart Operations (SL72RC PLUS only) ............................6.1

6.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 6.1

6.2 Measuring Distances Using the VRM/EBL Key .......................... 6.2

6.3 Alarms and Timers ........................................................................ 6.4

Alarm Reporting ........................................................................... 6.4

Setting Alarms and Timers ........................................................... 6.5

6.4 Man Overboard (MOB) ................................................................ 6.6

6.5 Cursor Echo .................................................................................. 6.7

6.6 GPS Setup ..................................................................................... 6.8

6.7 Data Log Mode ........................................................................... 6.10

Chapter 7: Setting Up the System Defaults ...................................................7.1

7.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 7.1

7.2 Changing the Set Up Parameters .................................................. 7.2

7.3 System Set Up Parameters ............................................................ 7.4

Data Boxes .................................................................................... 7.6

Bearing Mode ............................................................................... 7.6

Cursor Reference .......................................................................... 7.6

Cursor Readout ............................................................................. 7.7

Day/Night ..................................................................................... 7.7

Help ............................................................................................... 7.7

Soft Keys ....................................................................................... 7.7

Key Beep ...................................................................................... 7.7

MOB Data ..................................................................................... 7.7

Menu Timeout Period ................................................................... 7.7

Units .............................................................................................. 7.8

Variation Source ........................................................................... 7.8

Bridge NMEA Heading ................................................................ 7.9

xi SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

NMEA Out Set Up ........................................................................ 7.9

Data Selection - SL70 PLUS only ................................................ 7.9

Cursor Echo .................................................................................. 7.9

Date and Time Settings ............................................................... 7.10

GPS SOG/COG Filter - SL72RC PLUS only ............................. 7.10

Compass Set Up - SL72RC PLUS only ...................................... 7.10

Language .................................................................................... 7.10

Simulator .....................................................................................7.11

7.4 Radar Set Up Parameters ............................................................ 7.12

EBL Display ............................................................................... 7.12

Timed Transmission Option ....................................................... 7.13

Marks Options ............................................................................ 7.13

Custom Scale .............................................................................. 7.13

Bearing Alignment ..................................................................... 7.14

Antenna Size ............................................................................... 7.14

Send on HSB ............................................................................... 7.14

7.5 Advanced Settings ...................................................................... 7.15

Display Timing ........................................................................... 7.15

STC Preset .................................................................................. 7.16

Tune Preset .................................................................................. 7.16

7.6 Chart Set Up Parameters - SL72RC PLUS only ......................... 7.17

Customize Chart ......................................................................... 7.17

Plotter Mode ............................................................................... 7.18

Chart Orientation ........................................................................ 7.18

Object Information ..................................................................... 7.19

Waypoint Options ....................................................................... 7.19

Vectors ........................................................................................ 7.19

Radar/Chart Synch ...................................................................... 7.19

Datum Selection ......................................................................... 7.19

Position Offset ............................................................................ 7.20

Chapter 8: Installation ......................................................................................8.1

8.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 8.1

Planning the Installation ............................................................... 8.2

EMC Installation Guidelines ........................................................ 8.2

xii SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

8.2 Unpacking and Inspecting the Components ................................. 8.4

8.3 Selecting the Scanner Unit Location ............................................ 8.5

8.4 Selecting the Display Unit Location ............................................. 8.9

8.5 Cable Runs ...................................................................................8.11

Power Cable ................................................................................ 8.12

Inter-Unit Scanner Cable ............................................................ 8.13

8.6 Securing the Radome Scanner to the Mounting Surface ............ 8.15

8.7 Connecting the Inter-unit Cable to the Scanner .......................... 8.16

8.8 Mounting the Display Unit ......................................................... 8.19

8.9 System Connections ................................................................... 8.21

Display Unit Connection ............................................................ 8.22

Scanner Connection .................................................................... 8.23

8.10 Radar System Tests and Post Installation Alignment ................ 8.25

System Check ............................................................................. 8.25

Switch On and Initial Setup ........................................................ 8.25

Radar System Checks and Adjustments ..................................... 8.26

EMC Conformance ..................................................................... 8.29

8.11 Integrated Systems ...................................................................... 8.30

SeaTalk® and NMEA In ............................................................. 8.31

Using the SeaTalk Auxiliary Junction Box ................................. 8.34

Data Output ................................................................................. 8.35

Data Conversion ......................................................................... 8.36

8.12 Integrated System Checks .......................................................... 8.37

Chart Display - SL72RC PLUS only .......................................... 8.37

Received Data ............................................................................. 8.37

Transmitted Data ........................................................................ 8.37

Chapter 9: Maintenance and Problem Solving ..............................................9.1

9.1 Maintenance ................................................................................. 9.1

Routine Checks ............................................................................. 9.1

EMC Servicing and Safety Guidelines ......................................... 9.1

9.2 Resetting the System ..................................................................... 9.3

9.3 Problem Solving ........................................................................... 9.4

Technical Support: ........................................................................ 9.4

xiii SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

How to Contact Raymarine (US) .................................................. 9.5

How to Contact Raymarine (Europe) ........................................... 9.6

Worldwide Support ....................................................................... 9.6

Appendix A: Specification ................................................................................... A.1

2D 18" Radome Scanner Unit ......................................................A.1

SL72 PLUS and SL72RC PLUS 7" Displays ...............................A.3

Appendix B: Using the Auxiliary Junction Box ................................................. B.1

Raystar 112, 105, Apelco 182 and 182XT ....................................B.2

Raystar 120 WAAS Satellite Differential Receiver ......................B.6

Appendix C: C-MAP Chart Card Features - SL72RC PLUS only ........................ C.1

Appendix D: SeaTalk and NMEA Data Received and Transmitted ................ D.1

Appendix E: Abbreviations ..................................................................................E.1

Index ................................................................................................. 1.i

xiv SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Chapter 1: Overview 1-1

Chapter 1: Overview

1.1 Introduction

This handbook describes the Raymarine SL72 PLUS Pathfinder Radar and
SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar/Chartplotter system. It gives details for
installation, operation and maintenance of the systems.

Note: Many illustrations in this handbook show example screens. The screen
you see on your display depends on your system configuration and set up op­tions, so it may differ from the illustration.

How to Use This Handbook

If you are installing the display system yourself, you should read Chapter 8
before you start the installation. This chapter also provides information that
will be useful if you are connecting your system to other equipment.

For an overview of the display unit controls, read Chapter 1.
Chapter 2 will help you start using your system.

For detailed information on radar operations refer to Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.

If you have an SL72RC PLUS, refer to Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 for
chartplotter operating details.

To change the system set up defaults, read Chapter 7.

Details on installing your display unit and radar scanner are given in
Chapter 8.

Introduction

The handbook is organized as follows:

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the features and functions of the LCD
Display. This chapter also provides an overview of the controls. You should
read this chapter to familiarize yourself with the system.

Chapter 2 explains how to start using the display and describes how to use
some of the basic radar, and SL72RC PLUS chartplotter functions.

Chapter 3 provides detailed operating information for the main radar
functions - adjusting the radar picture; measuring distances and bearings;
setting guard zones and alarms.

Chapter 4 provides detailed operating information for integrated radar
system functions, including using marks, man overboard and cursor echo.

Chapter 5 provides detailed operating information for standard chartplotter
functions - using chart cards, plotting waypoint and routes, following routes,
and using tracks.

1-2 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Introduction

Chapter 6 provides detailed operating information for further chart functions
including measuring distances, man overboard and cursor echo. It includes
instructions for setting up a differential GPS.

Chapter 7 provides instructions for setting up your system to suit your
preferences. You should read this chapter to determine how to set up the radar
system defaults.

Chapter 8 provides planning considerations and detailed instructions for
installing the display unit and scanner. It should be referred to when you are
ready to install the system. Details to connect the display to other equipment
are also provided.

Chapter 9 provides information on user maintenance, and what to do if you
experience problems.

The Appendices provide additional information that you may find useful:

Appendix A lists the technical specifications for the radar and chartplotter.
Appendix B provides details on connecting the display unit to specific GPS

systems.

Appendix C defines the chart features shown on the chart display.
Appendix D defines the SeaTalk and NMEA data that is transferred on

integrated systems.
Appendix E provides a list of Abbreviations.
An Index and warranty information are included at the end of the handbook.

A summary of the radar and chart controls are provided on the Quick
Reference Card(s) supplied with your system.

Terminology

The following terminology is used to describe radar systems:

Master A unit capable of sourcing radar data

Integrated System Additional instruments are connected via the Seatalk

or NMEA interfaces.

Chapter 1: Overview 1-3

General

The SL72 PLUS Pathfinder Radar or SL72RC PLUS Radar/Chartplotter
illustrated below, comprises an SL70 or SL70RC PLUS display unit, 2D 18"
2 kW scanner unit and associated cables.

Figure 1-1: SL72/SL72RC PLUS Radar/Radar-Chartplotter System

Display Unit

The LCD display unit is waterproof to CFR46 and can be installed either
above or below deck.

General

The unit includes:

• 7" monochromeLCD display

• Trackpad

• Eleven dedicated (labeled) control keys

• Four soft keys (unlabeled) whose functionality changes

®

• The SL72RC PLUS includes two slots for the C-MAP NT

chart cards

The display and keys can be illuminated for night-time use.

Full functionality of the radar or radar/chartplotter is achieved when it is part
of an integrated system, with other equipment connected via SeaTalk or
NMEA 0183. Data from this equipment including position and heading is
displayed on the display and is used in calculations. Details on connecting
other equipment are given in Chapter 8.

Scanner

The SL72 PLUS and SL72RC PLUS are supplied with an 18", 2 kW (2D)
scanner unit which illuminates targets with microwave energy and then
collects the returns from those targets. The scanner includes a sensitive low­noise front end receiver, and a variety of clutter attenuation controls to
maintain target resolution.

The scanner is adjusted and operated from the display unit. It can be switched
between transmit and standby modes. The scanner also has a power-saving
timed transmit mode which pauses between bursts of transmissions.

1-4 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Features

Features

Radar Features

• Uses position information from GPS, DGPS or Loran-C technology

• Displays and transfers SeaTalk and NMEA data

• Half-screen windows to display Course Deviation Indicator (CDI), Bear­ing and Distance Indicator (BDI) or navigation data

• Cursor echo across SeaTalk

• Choice of orientation: Head Up, Course Up and North Up

Chartplotter Features (SL72RC PLUS only)

• Displays chart information from the C-MAP NT® chart cards (C-Cards)

• Three full screen operating modes - Radar, Chart and Data Log.

• View radar and chart simultaneously in half-screen windows

• Can be connected to an ST80 Navigator keypad for alpha-numeric data
entry.

Set Up Options

Set up options allow you to choose what is displayed, how it is displayed
(including language and units), and bearing mode. You can view the cursor
position and a variety of data from other equipment in a set of user-selectable
data boxes, for example, speed, heading, depth, wind and tide information.

Display options are provided in System Set Up, described in Chapter 7.
Screen Presentation options, described in Chapter 2 allow you to switch the
cursor and data boxes On/Off. The cursor box and user-selected data boxes
can be moved around the screen.

Operating Modes

On an SL72 PLUS you can view full screen radar; on an SL72RC PLUS you
can view a full screen radar, chart or data log.You can also set Windows On to
split the display into two half-screen windows to show supplementary data or,
on a combined display unit, display radar and chart simultaneously. The main
operating mode (radar or chart) is displayed in the upper window; you choose
what is displayed in the lower window.

Chapter 1: Overview 1-5

The following are available:

Table 1-1: Operating Modes and Window Options

Display Full-screen mode Half-screen Window Options

SL72 PLUS Radar CDI, BDI or Nav Data

Radar Mode CDI, BDI, Chart or Nav Data

SL72RC PLUS

Chart Mode CDI, BDI, Radar or Nav Data

Data Log Mode Windows not available

Half -Screen Window Options

• Radar Display, Chart Display: If data is available as a function of the
combined display unit it can be displayed full screen or in a half screen
window.

• CDI: This gives the Course Deviation Indicator graphical display, with
data relating to the target waypoint (if available on SeaTalk).

• BDI: This gives the Bearing and Distance Indicator graphical display, with
data relating to the target waypoint (if available on SeaTalk).

• Nav Data: This shows nine data boxes, providing navigational data (from
SeaTalk or NMEA) in the units specified in your set up. Note that up to 6 of
these data boxes are also available as a user-selectable group (see
Section 7.3).

Heading and

Position Data

Heading and Position Data

Full functionality of the radar/chartplotter is achieved when it is part of an
integrated system with other equipmentconnected via SeaTalk or
NMEA 0183. Data from this equipment including position and heading is
shown on the display and is used in calculations.

Details on connecting other equipment are given in Chapter 8.

1-6 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

1.2 The Pathfinder Radar Display

The Pathfinder

Radar Display

When a scanner is connected and the radar is in Transmit mode, the radar
picture provides a map-like representation of the area in which the radar is
operating. Typically, your ship’s position is at the centre of the display, and its
dead ahead bearing is indicated by a vertical heading line, known as the Ship’s
Heading Marker (SHM).

The radar picture can be viewed with a variety of fixed or customised range
scales. A status bar at the top of the radar image displays range, current
heading and mode indicators for the various options you can set.
An example radar picture is shown in Figure 1-2, with example radar returns
(echoes) and default Pathfinder Radar information. The Status Bar indicator is
also illustrated.

The radar display can show additional information, depending on your
currently selected options, set up selections and the data available from other
equipment. The example displays on the following pages show some of these
features.

Functions are available to control the display as follows:

• Zoom the Display

• Offset your vessel from the centre of the radar picture

Operation of these functions is described in Chapter 2.

Pathfinder Radar Options

Set up options allow you to customise the radar image by choosing what is
displayed, how it is displayed (including language and units) and heading
mode. You can also view the cursor position and a variety of data from other
equipment, e.g. speed, heading, depth, wind and tide information in a set of
user-selectable data boxes. The cursor box and user-selected data boxes can be
moved around the screen and they can be turned on or off.

Display options are provided in System Set Up and Radar Set Up as described
in Chapter 7:Setting Up the System Defaults. In addition, Screen Presentation
Options, described in Chapter 2:Getting Started & Adjusting the Display are
provided to switch:

• Cursor Box and Databoxes On/Off

• Range Rings On/Off

• Waypoint Display On/Off

Note: When you switch the display off and on again, these settings are re­tained in memory.

Chapter 1: Overview 1-7

Default Display

Targets:

Landmass

Channel buoy

Surface
vessel

045°

0.28

RR

1/2

126°T

R

3nm

CURSOR

BRG

RNG nm

HDG MODE TARGETS SCREEN

Default soft key labels

These can be turned off; press any soft key to redisplay them.
Different labels are displayed when you press a key.

H-UP

AUTO

T

IR

Status Bar

Range rings

The number and
spacing depend on
the current range, or
you can turn them off

Ship's Heading
Marker (SHM)

You can hide this
temporarily

Cursor position,
controlled by the
trackpad

Ship's position

You can move this
off-centre if required

Bearing scale,
each tick indicating
10˚ of azimuth

Cursor position box

Shows the current
cursor position as
either Range/Bearing
or Lat/Long. You can
move this box to your
preferred position
on the screen, or
turn it off.

D3600-3

Options

Pathfinder Radar

Status Bar

Selected range,

in nautical miles

3nm

Range rings

(on/off)

Current heading

if heading data available,

or Course Over Ground.

Can be displayed in

degrees Magnetic or True

RR

1/2

Range ring interval

Not displayed if

range rings are off

126°T

Heading mode

Normally Head Up (H-UP),

but you can select

Course Up (C-UP) or

North Up (N-UP) if

you have heading data

Figure 1-2: Radar Display Features

Auto mode
Gain, Sea

and/or Tune

H-UP

Mode Indicators

displayed when function set on:

Target

Expansion

Wakes

AUTO

GST

FTC

(Remote rain)

WKS
FTCEXRCGZIR

Rain

Clutter

Guard Zone

Alarms

Interference

Rejection

D3993-1

1-8 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Radar Functions

3nm

CURSOR

BRG
RNG

120@T

063°

1.65

COG

RR

1/2

POSITION

R

50°49^13N

nm

001°12^09W

6.3kts

126°T

SOG

H-UP

13:48:06

FTC

AUTO

FTC

GST

TIME

SPEED

5.7kts

DEPTH

EX
RC

IR

Data boxes, showing data
(if available) in the selected
units

14.4m

Mark, symbol selected using
setup options

Mark, default symbol

Active waypoint - from Chartplotter

Offset centre
Long target wake (short,

medium or long wakes can
be selected)

Waypoint data box, showing
range, bearing and time to go

D3601-2

203°

01h:30m

WPT

T 1.20nm

Figure 1-3: Typical Radar Picture

Radar Functions

The SL72 and SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radars include the following
functions:

1

• Choice of range scales from

/8 nm to 24nm.

• Automatic and manual control of tuning, gain and sea clutter.

• Two Variable Range Markers (VRMs) and Electronic Bearing Lines
(EBLs), allowing target range and bearing measurements.
VRM/EBLs can be floated.

• Target wakes and target expansion mode.

• Two guard zones with alarms.

• Add marks to record important or dangerous locations.

• Man Overboard (MOB) to navigate back to a person or object.

Operation of these functions is described in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.

Chapter 1: Overview 1-9

1.3 The Chartplotter Display - SL72RC PLUS only

The SL72RC PLUS Display includes a Chartplotter. The chartplotter includes
a small-scale world map and detailed navigation information is displayed
when a cartographic chart card is installed. The details displayed depend on
the chart zoom level selected. A plotter mode is provided to enable route
plotting and tracking at large scales even when a chart card is not installed, or
when the chart is zoomed beyond the available cartographic detail. A typical
chartplotter screen is shown in Figure 1-4.

The chartplotter uses position information from a GPS, DGPS, WAAS or
Loran-C instrument. Once the position fix has been established, your vessel’s
position, if on screen, is shown as a boat shape pointing in the direction of the
current heading (or COG if heading data is not available). If no heading or
COG data is available, the vessel is shown as a circle.

The chartplotter screen includes a status bar that displays chart scale, with
either cursor position, range and bearing or, when the cursor is homed to the
vessel (by pressing
Course Over Ground (COG) and fix type (VES POS, DIF FIX or SD FIX).

FIND SHIP), vessel position, Speed Over Ground (SOG),

PLUS only

The Chartplotter

Display - SL72RC

Any waypoints you have placed are displayed (unless you turned them off in
Chart Set Up as described in Chapter 7) and the current route is shown.
Information can be viewed on-screen by positioning the cursor over a
waypoint, current route or chart object. The chartplotter screen can also show
additional information, depending on your currently selected options, set up
selections and data available from other equipment.

An example chart display, in its default configuration, with a chart card
installed, is shown in the following illustration.

Several functions are available to control the display as follows:

• Zoom in/out and Pan the Display

• Offset the Chart or Center the Chart around the Vessel

• Synchronize the Chart and Radar (if radar data is available)

Operation of these functions is described in Chapter 2.

1-10 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Display Options

Chartplotter

Chartplotter Display Options

In addition to the display set up options previously described, chart set up
options, described in Chapter 7, allow you to customize the chart by selecting:

• What cartographic features and level of detail are displayed.

• Chart orientation (north up, head up or course up), datums and position off­set.

• How waypoints are displayed (symbols and numbers).

• Vectors for heading, COG and tide.

The Screen Presentation Options, described in Chapter 2 allow you to switch
the Chart Grid On/Off and Custom Chart Details On/Off.

Note: When you turn the display off and on again, the Screen Presentation set­tings are retained in memory.

Chart Range

Status Bar

Chart Boundary

Waypoint

Object data box -

for object selected
by cursor

Figure 1-4: Typical Chartplotter Display

Custom Chart Details

The chartplotter set up options include a sub-menu to customize the
cartographic features. This menu allows you to switch features On, Off, or
control them using the
Custom chart options are as follows:

Default soft key labels

These can be turned off: press any soft key to redisplay them.
Different labels are displayed when you press a key.

CUSTOM soft key. The factory default settings for the

Vessel Position

Cursor -

selecting chart object

Depth Area

Cursor position box

Shows the current
cursor position as
either Range/Bearing
or Lat/Long. You can
move this box to your
preferred position on
the screen or turn it off.

D4275-2

Chapter 1: Overview 1-11

ON: Chart text, chart boundaries, depth contours, navigation marks

and land features.

OFF: Caution and routing data.
CUSTOM: Spot sounding, light sectors, marine features.

Note: The factory default for the

Icons are displayed in detail, depth shading limit is 10 m and depth contour
display is 0-100 m.

A complete list of chart features is given in Appendix C.

Chartplotter Functions

The SL72RC PLUS Chartplotter includes the following functions:

• Display C-MAP NT C-Card chart information including Ports and Tides
(if available)

• View chart information (if available) for the Nearest Port

• Place, Move, Erase and Edit a Waypoint

• Goto Waypoint or Cursor

• Create, Save, Name, Edit and Follow a Route

• Review Route and Waypoint Lists

• Display vessel’s track; Save and Name the Track for re-call to screen

• SmartRoute to make a track into a route

• Measure Chart Distances and Bearings on-screen

CUSTOM settings is ON.

• Set Up Alarms and Timers

• Man OverBoard (MOB) to navigate back to a missing person or object

• Differential GPS set up page

Operation of these functions is described in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6.

1-12 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

1.4 Operating Controls

You operate the radar system using a variety of controls:

• A trackpad providing up, down, left, right and diagonal control of an on
screen cursor.

• Eleven dedicated (labeled) control keys.

• Four soft keys with labels displayed on the screen.

• Pop-up menus, displayed on-screen, from which you select options.

• Database lists, displayed on-screen, which enable you to edit items.

Note: The cursor is the cross-hair symbol (+) visible on the display. You move
the cursor using the trackpad and use it to select a position or item on the
chart.

The control keys are shown in Figure 1-5. They are back-lit for night-time use.
When you use a control, a help message is displayed at the top of the screen
(unless you switch help off as described in Chapter 7). The following
paragraphs describe the controls and on-screen facilities.

Figure 1-5: LCD Display Control Keys

Trackpad and Cursor

The trackpad has several functions:

• To move the cursor around the screen

• To select an item from a pop-up menu

Dedicated
keys

Trackpad

Soft keys

Dedicated keys

D3596-3

• To adjust a variable soft key control

Chapter 1: Overview 1-13

The cursor is used to:

• Select a position on the screen.

• Select an item, e.g.guard zone on the display.

• Select an area of the radar image to zoom into.

Moving the Cursor

You can press on any of the four sections of the trackpad to move the cursor in
that direction (up, down, left or right), or press two sections at the same time to
move diagonally. The cursor moves faster as you continue to press the
trackpad. The current cursor position is shown in the cursor data box (if
selected).

Note: During many operations you cannot move the cursor around the
screen; if you cannot move the cursor using the trackpad, check the default
soft keys are displayed (unless they have been switched OFF in system set up).
If not, press

The cursor is normally displayed as a crosshair.

ENTER until they are displayed.

Context-Sensitive Cursor Control

The cursor is context-sensitive. When the cursor is positioned over special
features on the display a text label appears to identify the feature as follows:

Table 1-2: Context-Sensitive Cursor Text Labels

Text Label Feature Radar/Chart (SL72RC

PLUS only)

BOX Data box (any type) Both

MOB Man Over Board marker Both

MRK Radar Mark Both

WPT Chart Waypoint Both

CTR Centre of radar Radar

FLT Floating EBL/VRM Radar

GRD Guard zone Radar

SHM Ships Heading Marker Radar

VRM/EBL VRM and EBL, 1 or 2 Radar

ZMB Zoom box Radar

A

➟B

Ruler line Chart

COG Course Over Ground vector Chart

HDG Heading vector Chart

1-14 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Table 1-2: Context-Sensitive Cursor Text Labels

Text Label Feature Radar/Chart (SL72RC

PLUS only)

POS Vessel’s position Chart

RTE Route leg Chart

TIDE Tide vector Chart

Some items on the screen, such as the cursor have information associated with
them. Most information is displayed in a data box. The context-sensitive
cursor allows you to move databoxes.

Dedicated Keys

The dedicated keys: DISPLAY, MARKS, GAIN, VRM/EBL, MULTI,

ALARMS, RANGE, ENTER, CLEAR, MENU

functions.

Some keys can be used in two ways:

and POWER have fixed

• Press: Press the key momentarily and then release it. This method is used

• Press and hold: Press the key and hold it down for the length of time stated

When you press a dedicated key, one of the following happens:

As you press a key, a single audio beep confirms the key action. If the key­press is not valid for the current screen or mode, three rapid beeps sound to
indicate that no response is available. If required, you can turn the key beeps
off as part of your set up procedure (see Chapter 7).

Soft Keys

The four keys below the screen are called soft keys because their functions
change according to the operation. The soft keys are grouped into related sets
and subsets providing access to the various functions. The soft key labels are
displayed on the screen just above the keys. The default soft keys (illustrated
below) are displayed until you press a key, or select an item on the screen; the
soft keys associated with the action are then displayed.

for most key operations.

(for example, 3 seconds), and then release it.

i. The associated operation is actioned, e.g. change range (

RANGE).

ii. A pop-up menu is displayed, providing further options.

iii. A set of soft keys is displayed, providing further functions.

Chapter 1: Overview 1-15

EBL DISPLAY

TIMED TRANSMIT

TRANSMIT PERIOD

STANDBY PERIOD

DEFAULT MARK SYMBOL

MARK DISPLAY

CLEAR MARKS

CUSTOM SCALE

BEARING ALIGNMENT

RELATIVE

OFF

20 SCANS

10 MINS

OFF

OFF

TARGETS SCREENHDG MODE

D4152-1

The currently selected soft key option is shown by its graybackground. If the
key text is displayed in gray rather than in black, it is not currently available.

When you press a soft key one of the following happens:

i. The associated operation is actioned, e.g.

ii. A sub-set of soft keys is displayed, providing further functions.

iii. A pop-up menu is displayed, providing further options.

As with dedicated keys, when you press a soft key a single audio beep
confirms the key action. If the key-press is not valid for the current screen or
mode, three rapid beeps sound to indicate that no response is available. If
required, you can turn the key beeps off as part of your set up procedure (see
Chapter 7).

Pop-Up Menus

Pop-up menus usually provide set up options. When a pop-up menu is on­screen, a set of associated soft keys is also displayed as shown in Figure 1-6.

RADAR SET UP MENU

EBL DISPLAY

TIMED TRANSMIT

TRANSMIT PERIOD

STANDBY PERIOD

DEFAULT MARK SYMBOL

MARK DISPLAY

CLEAR MARKS

CUSTOM SCALE

BEARING ALIGNMENT

NORTH UP.

RELATIVE

OFF

20 SCANS

10 MINS

x

OFF

OFF

D3649-2

Figure 1-6: Typical Pop-up Menu

You use the trackpad to select an option from the menu, then use the
appropriate soft key to set the option. For example, you can toggle

TRANSMIT

on/off.

TIMED

1-16 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Database Lists

The waypoints, routes and tracks that you create on the SL72RC PLUS
chartplotter are stored in database lists. You can view these lists and select
items for editing.

WAYPOINT LIST

SYMBOL NAME

WAYPOINT 001

WAYPOINT 002

WAYPOINT 003

WAYPOINT 004

WAYPOINT 005

POSITION

BRG _186°

TEMP

---°

DATE

--/--/--

50°21^966N
001°20^368W

C

BRG _21.0nm

DEPTH

TIME

m

---

--:--:--

GOTO

WAYPOINT

EDIT

WAYPOINT

MAKE NEW
WAYPOINT

WAYPOINT
TRANSFER

D4262-1

Figure 1-7: Typical Database List

As with pop-up menus, when a database list is on-screen, a set of associated
soft keys is also displayed; you use the trackpad to select an item from the list,
then use the appropriate soft key to edit the item. For example, you can erase a
waypoint or a route.

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-1

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the

Display

2.1 Introduction

This chapter provides information and instructions to get you started using the
SL72 or SL72RC PLUS display. It will help you to become familiar with the
display and the functions of the controls before you start using the unit. More
detailed information on operating the radar display is provided in Chapter 3
and Chapter 4. Chartplotter operating details are given in Chapter 5 and
Chapter 6.

Conventions Used

Throughout this handbook, the dedicated (labelled) keys are shown in bold
capitals; for example,
options are shown in normal capitals; for example,

Operating procedures, which may consist of a single key-press or a sequence
of numbered steps, are indicated by a
When the procedure requires you to press a soft key, the soft key icon is shown
in the margin.

MENU. The soft key functions, menu names and

SCREEN.

➤ symbol in the margin.

Introduction

Simulator

The display unit includes a simulator function, that allows you to practice
operating your radar or Chartplotter without data from the scanner or GPS
system. You will need to use the set up options to switch the display to
simulator mode, as described in Section 2.2. You can use it in either of two
ways:

• Before the display unit has been installed on your vessel. In this case, you

• After the display has been installed on your vessel, but while in the marina

The following section, Section 2.2, includes instructions to view simulated
radar and chart images.

only need to connect the display to a 12V or 24V DC power supply, con­necting the red core from the power lead to positive (+) and the black core
to negative (-). See Chapter 8 for full details.

or at anchor.

2-2 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

2.2 Switching the Display On and Off

If you have a combined Radar/Chartplotter, the factory default power-up

Switching the Display

On and Off

mode is radar. Once you have used the display unit it powers-up in the last used
mode. The following sections describe the power-up sequence in radar and
chart modes, how to adjust the lighting and how to select simulator mode.

Radar Mode

This section explains how to switch the radar display and scanner on and off,
and how to switch the scanner between Transmit, Standby and Scanner Off
mode.

You normally operate your radar in transmit mode, but you can use the display
unit without the scanner operating as follows:

Standby mode: You should use this mode when you are not operating the
radar for short time periods. The scanner does not transmit and the antenna
does not rotate, so the radar uses less power. However, the scanner remains
powered so when you return to transmit mode, the magnetron does not need to
warm up.

Scanner off mode: You should use this mode when you do not require the
radar, but you are using the display unit say, for chart data or data from another
source. Scanner off mode removes power from the scanner.

➤ To switch the display on, press and hold the POWER key until the unit beeps.

If the unit was last used in Radar mode, the keys light up, the display shows the
Pathfinder graphic, followed by the start-up information illustrated below, and
the radar starts the magnetron warm-up sequence.

WARMING UP

Figure 2-1: Switching on the Radar Display

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-3

After 70 seconds, when the magnetron warm-up sequence is complete, the
Standby screen is displayed, with the text

STANDBY and a prompt to press the

POWER key to enter Transmit mode.

➤ To switch the radar scanner from Stand-by mode to Transmit mode, press the

POWER key.

The scanner transmits pulsed energy while it rotates, and the antenna sweep
builds up the radar picture using echoes returned from targets.

On and Off

Switching the Display

Figure 2-2: Radar Transmit Mode

➤

You can switch on and adjust the display backlighting and contrast, if required,
as described later in this chapter.

➤ To switch to Stand-by mode, press the POWER key.

The display returns to the Stand-by screen, and the scanner transmission and
rotation stops.

➤ To use Scanner off mode:

1. Ensure that the radar is in Standby mode, warming up, or displaying a mes­sage that radar data is not available.

2. Press the

CLEAR key. The message STANDBY. RADAR DATA NOT AVAILABLE

appears in the radar picture. The scanner is powered down and the timer, if
running, is cleared.

To return to radar operation, press the
is displayed and the radar goes into Standby mode. You press

POWER key. The warm-up countdown

POWER again to

switch to Transmit mode when required.

2-4 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Chart Mode - SL72RC PLUS only

➤ To switch the display on, press and hold the POWER key until the unit beeps.

Switching the Display

On and Off

If the display was last used in chartplotter mode, the keys light up and the
Raychart graphic is displayed, followed by the caution:

CAUTION:

Raychart chart displays are based on cartographic data that
C-MAP believes to be accurate. However, you should not rely on these
displays as your primary source of navigation. Rather, your Raychart
should be used only as a backup to official government charts and
traditional methods of navigation.

When you have read and understood the caution, press the

CONTINUE soft key.

The chart is displayed.
If this is the first time the chartplotter has been turned on, and no chart card is
installed, the display shows the small-scale world map and the default soft
keys. Otherwise, the display shows the selected chart area and any data that
were displayed when the display was last used.

Until unit beeps

D4277-2

Figure 2-3: Switch On - Chart Mode

Switch Off

➤ To switch the scanner and display unit off, press and hold the POWER key for

three seconds. A countdown timer is displayed as shown below:

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-5

GAIN

DISPLAY

VRM/EBL

MARKS

MULTI

Countdown timer:
number of seconds
to power off

POWER OFF IN

3s

ALARMS

RANGE

Simulator Mode

Figure 2-4: Switch Off

When the counter reaches zero a beep sounds, and the display unit switches
off. Release the

Note: Switch the display unit off before you remove the power cord.

Note: You do not need to change to Standby mode before turning off the dis-

play: if you turn the radar display off while it is in Transmit mode, the scanner
is also de-activated.

Simulator Mode

When simulator mode is on a simulator data box is displayed.

When the display is switched off then on again, simulator mode is maintained.
It is recommended that you select the System Set Up Menu and switch off
simulator mode when you have finished.

➤ To view a simulated image:

MENU

SYSTEM

SET UP¬

1. Press
The set up menu pop-up is displayed.

2. Use the trackpad to move the selection bar over the option
simulator soft keys are displayed.

3. In the system set up menu, press

DATA to view simulated data or the chart display with simulated position, or
BOTH to view simulated radar and chart data.

4. Press

POWER

3

SECONDS

POWER key.

MENU followed by the SYSTEM SET UP soft key.

RADAR to view a simulated radar image,

ENTER twice to return to the default display.

ENTER CLEAR MENU

D3599-1

SIMULATOR. The

Note: Any waypoints placed on the chartplotter in simulator mode are re­tained in the database list and are available for use in routes.

Lighting and Contrast

2-6 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Changing the Lighting and Contrast

You can change the level of backlighting and contrast for the screen and keys.
The key lighting is set the same as the screen lighting, except that it remains

Changing the

switched on at its lowest level even when the screen lighting is turned off, so
that you can always find the keys.

➤ To change the lighting and contrast:

75%

LIGHT

1. Press the

MULTI key to display the soft key controls:

The last-used soft key is highlighted in inverse video (white text on a black
background).

If you press
only the

MULTI during the magnetron warm-up sequence countdown,

LIGHT and CONTRAST sliders are displayed, and the lighting is

automatically switched on at its last-used level.

2. Press the

LIGHT soft key if it is not already highlighted.

Alternatively, you can press the trackpad left and right edges to move side­ways between the controls to select the

ON

O

25%

F
F

LIGHT soft key.

50%

A
U
T
O

TUNE

D3935-3

3. The

LIGHT CONTRASTALARM

LIGHT soft key toggles lighting ON/OFF.

4. Use the trackpad (up or down) to increase or decrease the setting, selecting
one of the eight lighting levels. You can press and hold the trackpad to
change the setting more rapidly. The lighting level is adjusted as you
change the setting.

50%

CONTRAST

5. Press the appropriate soft key, or the right arrow on the trackpad, to select
the

CONTRAST control. Adjust the setting in the same way as for the light-

ing. There are 64 different contrast levels.

6. Press

ENTER to remove the soft key sliders and return to the default screen,

with the new lighting and contrast levels retained, or press

CLEAR to dis-

card the changes and return to the default screen.

If lights are left
is switched on, the lights will be

ON when you switch off the display, the next time the display

ON, but at the default setting of 40%. The new

contrast level is retained until you reset it, unless you set the control very low
or very high; in this case, the contrast will be restored as follows:

Contrast set < 30% restored to 30%
Contrast set > 70 % restored to 70%

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-7

2.3 Controlling the Display

You control the display using the cursor and control keys. You start all
operations from the default screen, that is the default soft keys are displayed:

Chart (SL70RC only)

GOTO SCREENROUTE FIND SHIP

D4160-1

Radar

TARGETS SCREENHDG MODE

D4152-1

When you have completed an action using the soft keys, press ENTER or

CLEAR to return to the default screen; you may need to press ENTER or
CLEAR several times to back-track through the soft key hierarchy.

Note: If you have set up your system so that the default soft keys are not dis­played all the time, press any soft key to display the labels.

The remainder of this section describes how to select the mode of operation
and switch half-screen windows on/off. The following sections describe how
to set up the display for the Radar and for the Chart.

Display

Controlling the

The controls are summarized in the fold-out illustration on pages 2-11
and 2-12.

Selecting the Mode of Operation

You use the DISPLAY key to select the full-screen mode.

On the SL72RC PLUS, if the data is available on your system, the following
modes (described on Operating Modes on page 1-4) can be selected:

•Radar

•Chart

• Data log

The

DISPLAY key also accesses the soft keys for the half-screen window

options.

2-8 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

➤ To change the mode, press the DISPLAY key to show the DISPLAY pop-up, then

DISPLAY

Selecting the Mode of

Operation

press again to cycle through the modes available, shown in the Figure 2-5.

Figure 2-5: Using the DISPLAY Key

The selected mode is shown by an icon with a red border and the mode is
displayed on the screen. The associated half-screen window soft keys are also
displayed.

When the required mode is shown, press

ENTER or CLEAR. The default soft

keys are displayed. The selected mode is shown full-screen; in Radar and
Chart mode you can switch on half-screen windows for additional display, as
described in the following section.

If you press

DISPLAY again, the pop-up and soft keys for the current mode are

shown.

Selecting a Half-Screen Window for Display

Note: Windows can only be used with Radar or Chart screens, they are not
available on the data log screen.

➤ To select a window for display:

1. From the full-screen Radar or Chart mode, press the
The following soft keys are displayed with an image of each available win­dow:

DISPLAY key.

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-9

Radar:

DISPLAY

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

ZOOM

OFF ON

D4156-1

Chart (SL72RC PLUS only):

DISPLAY

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT
WINDOW

D4156-2

2. To select a different window, press either SELECT WINDOWS soft key until
the required window is highlighted. If necessary, this will toggle windows
on. Press

3. To toggle windows off, press the

ENTER.

WINDOWS OFF ON soft key.

Figure 2-6 shows the half-screen horizontal windows (in radar mode).

Switching Control Between Radar & Chart Screens (SL72RC PLUS)

In a combined or an integrated system, to switch control between radar and
chart, you can change the full-screen mode using the
Alternatively, when you have both radar and chart displayed in half-screen
windows the soft key

RDR CHRT lets you toggle operating control between the

radar and the chart window.

If a window is active, i.e. control of the cursor via the trackpad is available in
that window, and you switch windows off, control automatically returns to the
full-screen (upper window) mode.

DISPLAY key.

Operation

Selecting the Mode of

DISPLAY

Radar:

TARGETS MORE¬HDG MODE

Chart (SL72RC PLUS only):

GOTO MORE¬ROUTE

RDR CHRT

D5668_1

RDR CHRT

D4168-1

➤ To change the active window, press the RDR CHRT soft key to toggle control

between the radar and chart display. The current active display is highlighted
in red on the

RDR CHRT label and the cursor appears in that window.

Returning to the Full-Screen Display

To return to the full-screen display you can turn windows off, as previously
described. Alternatively, to return to full-screen display:

➤ Press and hold the DISPLAY key for 2 seconds to return to the currently

selected full-screen (upper window) display.

2-10 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

CDI Window

BDI Window

Selecting the Mode of

Operation

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT
WINDOW

ZOOM

OFF ON

WINDOWS

OFF ON

Navdata Window Chart Window

SELECT
WINDOW

ZOOM

OFF ON

RDR CHRT

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT
WINDOW

ZOOM

OFF ON

Figure 2-6: Radar Half-Screen Window Options

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT
WINDOW

ZOOM

OFF ON

D4150-1

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-11

GAIN
Controls the presentation of radar targets.
GAIN controls for background noise (speckle).
SEA controls sea clutter.
RAIN controls rain clutter around the vessel.
FTC controls rain clutter at a distance.

- Press for soft keys display.

MANUAL MANUAL

O
F
F

RAIN SEA

75%

60%

GAIN

FTC

O
F
F

Select a slider using the soft key or trackpad.
Toggle between Auto/Man or off/on by pressing soft key again.
Adjust slider using trackpad, and press ENTER to finish.

VRM/EBL

Used to measure range and bearing to/between targets.

- Press to place VRM/EBL if one not already placed.
Adjust position using trackpad, and press ENTER to finish.

- Press to display soft keys if VRM/EBL already placed.

VRM/EBL1

OFF ON

VRM/EBL2

OFF ON

FLOAT!

VRM/EBL
DATABOX

OFF ON

Use soft key to toggle VRM/EBL on or off.
Press FLOAT to access float options for existing VRM/EBL.
Press VRM/EBL DATABOX to toggle data box display off/on.

MULTI

Controls guard zone alarm sensitivity, and tuning the receiver.
Also controls display lighting and contrast.

- Press to display sliders.

ON

ALARM LIGHT CONTRAST

O
F
F

25%25%

A
U
T
O

TUNE

Select a slider using the soft key or trackpad.
Toggle between Auto/Man or off/on by pressing key again.
Adjust slider using trackpad, and press ENTER to finish.

Soft Key Labels:

Change when you press a key.

Default soft key labels are shown.

TARGETS

MARPA

SCREENHDG MODE

Soft keys

Press to select option, or highlight option or slider.
Labels change when you press soft/dedicated key.
Elipses (...) after the text indicate that pressing soft
key leads to a further display of soft key options.

ENTER
Confirms selection and (if appropriate) clears current
soft key labels. It performs the selected task, accepts
changes, or leads to display of more options.
When cursor text is displayed, takes cursor control
of the object.
When arrow-head cursor symbol is displayed, drops
the object under cursor control.

CLEAR
Cancels operation in progress and returns to the
previous display.
Deletes an object/function under cursor control.

Trackpad

Controls cursor position on the screen, and also the sliders
and setup options.
Hold the trackpad down to move the cursor faster.

DISPLAY

Controls display mode and windows.

- Press for display mode and soft keys display.

- Press again to toggle through display modes, and ENTER

- Press and hold for 2 seconds for full page radar display.

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

ZOOM

OFF ON

Press soft key to toggle window on/off, or return to full screen.
Zoom: Move Zoom box using trackpad, press ENTER to finish.

MARKS / MOB
Controls placing marks, and Man Overboard function.

- Press to place mark at cursor or vessel position, and use
trackpad to move mark. Press ENTER to finish.

- Press and hold for 2 seconds to activate or cancel MOB.

RANGE

Controls range scale. Range scale and range rings are
shown in the Status Bar.

- Press top of key to increase the range scale.

- Press bottom of key to decrease the range scale.

- Press and hold to change the scale faster.

ALARMS

Used to control guard zones.

- Press to place guard zone if one not already placed.
Adjust size/shape using trackpad, press ENTER to finish.

- Press to display soft keys if guard zone already placed.

GUARD 1

OFF ON

GUARD 2

OFF ON

Use soft key to toggle zone on or off.
Adjust size/shape using trackpad, and press ENTER to finish.

MENU

Provides access to setup options.

- Press to display soft keys.

SYSTEM

SET UP¬

RADAR

SET UP¬

MARPA

SET UP¬

POWER

Press and hold until unit beeps to turn on display.
Press to toggle between Standby and Transmit.
Press for 3 seconds to turn off display.

Press soft key to display required setup menu, then use trackpad
to select option and soft key to change setting.
Press ENTER to close menu, and CLEAR to to finish.

D5664_1

2-12 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

GAIN

Not used in Chart mode.

VRM/EBL

Use to measure range and bearing to/between points.

- Position cursor at start point, and press VRM/EBL key to display the
Ruler data box. Select end point using trackpad, and press ENTER to fix
end position of ruler.

MULTI

Controls display lighting and contrast.

- Press to display sliders.

O
F
F

LIGHT CONTRAST

60%

Chartplotter

Soft Key Labels:

Change when you press a key.

Default soft key labels are shown.

ROUTE GOTO SCREEN

FIND SHIP

DISPLAY

Controls display mode and windows.

- Press for display mode and soft keys display.

- Press again to toggle through display modes, then ENTER.

- Press and hold for 2 seconds for full screen display.

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

Press soft keys to toggle window on/off and to select
lower window.
Press ENTER to finish.

MARKS / MOB
Controls waypoints, and Man Overboard function.

- Press to display waypoint soft keys.

- Press and hold for 2 seconds to activate or cancel MOB.

PLACE WPT
AT CURSOR

PLACE WPT
AT VESSEL

WAYPOINT

LIST

LOAD/SAVE
USER CARD

Press soft key to place waypoint at cursor or vessel, or display the
waypoint list/user card menu and asscociated soft keys.
Press ENTER to finish.

Select a slider using the soft key or trackpad.
Toggle between off/on by pressing the soft key again.
Adjust slider using trackpad, and press ENTER to finish.

ALARMS

Use to set up the chartplotter alarms.

- Press to display the Alarms set up menu and soft keys,
the soft keys correspond to the selected alarm.

ALARMS SET UP

ARRIVAL ALARM 0.01nm

OFF TRACK ALARM

ANCHOR ALARM

COUNTDOWN TIMER

ALARM CLOCK

SELECT ARRIVAL

ALARM RADIUS

OFF

OFF

00:33:00

OFF

Use the trackball to select the alarm, then use the softkeys to adjust
parameters and/or toggle the alarm on/off.
Press ENTER to finish.

Soft keys

Press to select option, or slider.
Labels change when you press soft/dedicated key.
Elipses (...) after the text indicate that pressing soft key
leads to a further display of soft key options.

ENTER
Confirms selection and (if appropriate) clears current soft
key labels. It performs the selected task, accepts changes,
or displays more options.
When cursor text is displayed, takes cursor control
of the object.
When arrow-head cursor symbol is displayed, drops the
object under cursor control.

CLEAR
Cancels operation in progress and returns to the
previous display.
Deletes an object/function under cursor control.

Trackpad

Controls cursor position and the slider values.
Hold the trackpad down to move the cursor faster.

POWER

Press and hold until unit beeps to turn on display.
Press for 3 seconds to turn off display.

RANGE

Controls chart scale.
Displayed vertical distances shown in the Status Bar.

- Press top of key to increase the chart distance.

- Press bottom of key to decrease the chart distance.

- Press and hold to change the scale faster.

MENU

Provides access to setup options.

- Press to display

SYSTEM

SET UP¬

soft keys.

SET UP¬

CHART

TRACK

SET UP¬

GPS

SET UP¬

Press soft key to display required setup menu, then use trackpad
to select option and soft key to change option.
Press ENTER to close menu, and CLEAR to finish.

D5704-1

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-13

Customizing the Screen Presentation Options

The SCREEN soft key lets you set the following screen presentation options on
or off:

Radar:

SCREEN

CRSR BOX

OFF ON

Chart (SL72RC PLUS only):

CRSR BOX

OFF ON

RNGE RNGS

OFF ON

CHRT GRID

OFF ON

DATABOXES

OFF ON

DATABOXES

OFF ON

WAYPOINT

OFF ON

D3643-2

CUSTOM
OFF ON

D4177-1

Switching the Cursor Data Box On and Off

The cursor data box provides the cursor’s position in latitude/longitude and/or
bearing/range. If you wish to see a full image, you can switch the data box off.

➤ To control the cursor data box:

Options

Customizing the

Screen Presentation

SCREEN

CRSR BOX

OFF ON

SCREEN

RNGE RNGS

OFF ON

1. Press the

2. Press the

SCREEN soft key.

CRSR BOX soft key to toggle the setting from OFF to ON or from ON

to OFF.

3. To return to the default soft key display, press

ENTER.

➤ You can move the cursor data box using the context-sensitive cursor.

Switching Radar Range Rings or Chart Grid On and Off

The radar range rings can be turned on or off. They are normally left on, but
you may wish to turn them off if you are using VRM/EBLs or guard zones (see
Section 3.4 and Section 3.5) to make the display clearer.

The Chartplotter display includes grid lines of latitude and longitude which
you can use to help determine position on the chart. The grid lines can be
switched on if required.

If you are in Chart mode the
soft key.

➤ To turn the range rings or chart grid on or off:

1. Press the

2. Press the

SCREEN default soft key.

RANGE RINGS or the CHRT GRID soft key to toggle the setting from

OFF to ON or from ON to OFF.

RNGE RNGS soft key is replaced by the CHRT GRID

To return to the default soft key display, press

ENTER.

Options

Screen Presentation

2-14 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Data Boxes

A group of up to six data boxes can be displayed, if the information is available
on your system. You select which data is displayed in the boxes during

Customizing the

system set up as described in Chapter 7:Setting Up the System Defaults.

The default data box positions are along the bottom of the display. Each box
can be moved to the required position on the screen using the context-sensitive
cursor.

Note: If you select BDI, CDI or Nav Data for display in a half-screen window,
the data boxes are temporarily hidden.

SCREEN

SCREEN

DATABOXES

OFF ON

At any time, you can switch the group of data boxes on or off using the
soft key. When first installed, the boxes are all OFF. When the display unit is
switched off and on again, the data boxes return to their last-used states (

OFF) and positions.

Note: The

SCREEN soft key does not control the sixteen data boxes that can be

displayed in the half-screen window.

➤ To switch the group of data boxes on or off:

1. Press the

2. Press the

SCREEN default soft key.

DATABOXES soft key to toggle the setting from ON to OFF or from

OFF to ON.

To return to the default soft key display, press

ENTER.

If you turn the data boxes on and none are displayed, you need to select the
ones you require using the system set up menu, as described in Section 7.3,
System Set Up Parameters.

➤ To move any data box:

1. Use the trackpad to position the cursor over the box until the letters
displayed.

2. Press

ENTER to take control of the box, use the trackpad to move it to the

required position, and press

ENTER again.

SCREEN

ON or

BOX are

Waypoint Display - Radar mode

If you are currently going to a waypoint, you can display the active waypoint
on the radar picture. The waypoint may have been generated locally on the
chartplotter, or received via the SeaTalk or NMEA interface.

Note: If you use the
lollipop symbol on the radar.

GOTO CURSOR function, the active cursor is displayed as a

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-15

SCREEN

WAYPOINT

OFF ON

➤ To display the active waypoint:

1. Press the

2. Press the

To return to the default soft key display, press

SCREEN soft key.

WAYPOINT soft key to toggle the setting ON.

ENTER.

The standard radar picture is displayed again, with the active waypoint joined
to your vessel’s position by a dotted line. If the waypoint is off-screen, the
dotted line is extended to the edge of the radar picture.

Active waypoint

Figure 2-7: Active Waypoint on a Radar Display

Custom Options - Chart mode (SL72RC PLUS only)

D3989-2

Options

Customizing the

Screen Presentation

SCREEN

CUSTOM
OFF ON

When chart details have been customized in the Chart Set Up menu (as
described in Section 7.6) the

SCREEN soft key can be used to switch the custom

chart options off or on:
When set to
are displayed; when set to

The factory default for custom chart options is

ON, all chart options set to CUSTOM in the Customize Chart menu

OFF, options set to CUSTOM are not shown.

ON.

➤ To switch the customized options on or off:

1. Press the

2. Press the

SCREEN default soft key.

CUSTOM soft key to toggle the setting from OFF to ON or from ON

to OFF.

To return to the default soft key display, press

ENTER.

2-16 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

2.4 Radar Display Control Functions

This section describes how to use the radar controls to:

Radar Disp lay Control

Functions

Using the Zoom Function

• Use the zoom function to enlarge a selected area.

• Offset the center of the radar display.

• Momentarily hide the ship’s heading marker (SHM).

If you wish to see a section of the radar picture in more detail, you can use the
Zoom function to magnify the selected area to twice its size. The enlarged area
is displayed in a quarter-screen Zoom Window in the lower right corner of the
screen. A box in the original radar picture indicates the enlarged area; you can
move this using the context-sensitive cursor, changing the image in the Zoom
Window.

Note: If the area you wish to enlarge is in the quarter of the screen that will be
covered by the Zoom Window, you should offset the centre (see the next sec­tion) to move the area to another part of the screen before selecting Zoom
mode.

Note: You cannot use Zoom and Windows at the same time: if you turn one on,
the other is turned off automatically, and restored when the first is turned off
again.

➤ To enlarge an area:

1. Press the

DISPLAY

DISPLAY key. The soft key labels are updated.

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

ZOOM

OFF ON

D4156-1

2. Press the ZOOM soft key to toggle the Zoom function ON.

The labels are cleared, and the cursor has control of the zoom box that
indicates the area to be enlarged. This is indicated by the letters
inverse video, and the four-headed cursor symbol. The zoom box defaults
to its last-used position since power-on.

3. Use the trackpad to move the zoom box to the required area, and press

ENTER.

The selected area is shown in an enlarged format in the quarter-screen
Zoom window. The original radar picture occupies the rest of the screen.

ZMB in

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-17

➤ To move the enlarged area in view in the window:

1. Move the cursor over the edge of the zoom box in the original radar picture,
until the letters

ZMB appear under the cursor.

2. Press

ENTER to take control of the zoom box. The cursor shape changes to

a four-way arrow.

3. Use the trackpad to move the zoom box over the required area.

4. Press

ENTER again to drop the zoom box, update the enlarged version, and

return the cursor to normal control.

3nm

BRG

RNG

CURSOR

033° R

1.78nm

RR

1/2

126°T

RADAR ZOOM ( x2 )

H-UP

ZMB

AUTO

IR

T

Zoom Box, indicating the
enlarged area. You can move this
using the context-sensitive cursor,
to change the image in the Zoom
Window

Zoom Box cursor text

Zoom Window, providing a
times 2 enlargement of the area
shown in the Zoom Box

D3972-1

➤ To return to the normal display, press DISPLAY and then press the ZOOM soft

key to set the function

OFF.

Offsetting the Center

Alternatively, you can press and hold
removes any grouped data boxes.

Offsetting the Center

The radar picture is normally shown with your vessel at the center of the
display. However, you can move the center, so that your vessel is offset by up
to 66% of the radius, anywhere on the screen.

Note: You cannot offset the center when the radar display is set to the longest
range scale.

DISPLAY for 2 seconds. This also

2-18 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

➤ To change the center:

CTR

Hiding the Ship’s

Heading Marker

(SHM)

1. Move the cursor over the center of the radar picture, until the letters
displayed.

2. Press

ENTER to take cursor control of the center point. The cursor changes

to a four-headed arrow.

CTR are

3. Move the cursor to the required off-center position.

4. Press

ENTER again to set the position and return to normal cursor control.

DEPTH

14.4m

Bearing scale markers
adjusted to point
towards the offset
centre position

203°

01h:30m

WPT

T 1.20nm

Offset centre

D3973-1

Figure 2-8: Radar Display with an Offset Center

➤

To return the center of the radar picture to the center of the screen, repeat step 1
and then press the

CLEAR key. The center is always reset to the center of the

display when you turn on the Radar display.

Note: When the center is offset, additional range rings are displayed to the
edge of the radar picture, at the standard ring interval for the current range. If
you have selected the longest range scale, you cannot offset the center.

Hiding the Ship’s Heading Marker (SHM)

The radar picture includes the ship’s heading marker, which is a line from your
vessel’s position to the edge of the picture at the vessel’s current heading. In
the standard Head Up mode, the heading marker is always a vertical line.

If you wish to check for small targets that may be hidden under the heading
marker, you can hide it momentarily using the context-sensitive cursor.

➤ To hide the heading marker:

1. Position the cursor over the heading marker, so that the text
played.

2. Press and hold

CLEAR key.

CLEAR. The heading marker is hidden until you release the

SHM is dis-

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-19

2.5 Chart Display Control Functions (SL72RC PLUS only)

Moving Around the Chart

You will normally operate the chartplotter with the chart showing your
vessel’s current location. The default orientation is North-Up, and the vessel
moves across the screen. You will need to move the chart if your vessel moves
out of the area currently displayed, or if you wish to examine or place
waypoints in another area. Alternatively, you can home the cursor onto the
vessel using

There are four ways in which you can move the chart:

• Use the trackpad to move the cursor to the edge of the chart. The chart will
pan across. This method is useful if the area you wish to see is only just off
the screen.

• Use the context-sensitive cursor to change the chart center.

• Automatically re-center the vessel using the

• Change the chart scale to zoom out and in to a new area centered on the cur­sor position. This method is useful if the area you wish to see is a long dis­tance away.

FIND SHIP.

FIND SHIP soft key.

PLUS only)

Functions (SL72RC

Chart Display Control

Changing the Chart Center

You can move the area of the chart displayed on the screen using the context­sensitive cursor. This allows you to center your vessel in the middle of the
screen, or to move the chart so that your vessel is displayed off-center
anywhere on the screen.

➤ To center the chart:

1. Use the trackpad to move the cursor to the vessel’s position. The cursor text

POS

POS

POS is displayed.

2. Press

CLEAR. The chart is moved so that your vessel’s position is in the

center of the screen.

➤ To move your vessel’s position off-center:

1. Move the cursor over your vessel’s position until the letters
played.

2. Press

ENTER to take control of the chart position. The letters POS are now

in inverse video, and the cursor symbol has changed to a four-way arrow.
This indicates that the cursor can be used to move the chart in any direction.

POS are dis-

Chart

2-20 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Moving Around the

D4278-1

Figure 2-9: Changing the Chart Center

3. Use the trackpad to move the cursor to the required position.

4. Press

ENTER to select the position and return to normal cursor control. The

chart is redrawn with the vessel position at the cursor.
Alternatively, you can press

CLEAR to abandon the move and leave the

chart (and vessel) in its former position.

Using FIND SHIP

FIND SHIP is used in chart mode to re-draw the chart with the vessel at the center

and the cursor homed onto the vessel.

GOTO SCREENROUTE FIND SHIP

D4160-1

When you press FIND SHIP the following occur:

• The chart is re-drawn with the vessel’s position in the center.

• The cursor is homed onto the vessel position and moves with it.

• When the vessel moves near the edge of the chart window, the chart is
redrawn to place the vessel and cursor at the center again.

• The status bar indicates vessel position, speed and course over ground.

➤ To release the cursor from homed mode press the trackpad to move the cursor

away from the vessel’s current position. The status bar shows the cursor
position, range and bearing.

Synchronize the Radar and Chart

If you have a combined radar/chartplotter display, with chart and radar
windows on and you have selected Radar/Chart Synch in Chart Set Up
(Section 7.6, Chart Set Up Parameters - SL72RC PLUS only),

FIND SHIP can

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-21

be used to synchronize the radar and chart images. It is recommended that you
set the radar to True motion to ensure the radar and chart images remain
synchronised when the vessel moves. When you press

FIND SHIP the following

occur:

• The chart is redrawn so that its center position matches that of the radar dis­play.

• The radar is redrawn to the scale and heading mode of the chart.

Chart

Note: Depending on the topology of the coastline, the radar returns may not
relate to the charted shoreline, the radar image will therefore be different to
the chart display. For example, a gently sloping beach with a cliff several hun­dred metres beyond the charted coastline, the cliff is not shown on the chart
but will be displayed on the radar image.

Changing the Chart Scale

The RANGE key allows you to change the chart scale so that you can see a
smaller or larger area on the screen.

Plotter mode is available to allow you to zoom into a smaller area, even when
no chart data is available for that scale. Section 7.6 describes how to set plotter
mode on/off.

You can change the chart scale for two purposes:

• To see either more detail (of a smaller area) or a larger area (in less detail)
on the screen.

• To move the display to another area of the chart, by zooming out to a small
scale chart, then zooming in on another position centered on the cursor.

The cartographic detail available on charts varies according to the chart scale
and some areas include detail at smaller scales than others. This can cause
blank areas on the display when adjacent areas with different levels of detail
are displayed. To reduce this affect you can use the Chart Set Up options (see
Section 7.6) to set chart display detail to simple. Then, as you zoom in, charted
areas are displayed but with less detail shown.

Moving Around the

Each time you press the

RANGE key, the chart scale changes to the next

available setting. The status bar indicates the distance from top to bottom of
the screen, in nautical miles.

Vertical distance
displayed on chart

6nm

Status Bar

CSR 50 45'980N
POS 001 01'490W

D4175_1

RANGE

Increases the
chart distance

Decreases the
chart distance

Figure 2-10: Changing the Chart Scale

2-22 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

➤ To change the scale quickly, press and hold the required arrow on the RANGE

key.

RANGE

Moving Around the

The distance indicator at the left-hand end of the status bar is updated
whenever you change the chart scale.

Chart

RANGE

➤ To zoom in to a larger-scale (more detailed) chart:

1. Use the trackpad to position the cursor in the area you wish to see in more
detail.

2. Press the lower part of the

RANGE key to zoom into the area.

The section of the chart around the cursor is enlarged to fill the screen with
a larger-scale chart showing more detail. The cursor is now positioned in
the center of the screen.

The distance indicated at the top left of the screen is updated.

3. If further chart enlargement is available using the current chart card you
can press the bottom of the

RANGE key to zoom in again, re-positioning

the cursor first if required.

An area of further chart detail is indicated by a box around the area as
shown in Figure 2-11.

Chart Boundary ­indicates further
detail is available inside

D4279-1

Figure 2-11: Chart Boundaries

4. When no further chart detail is available, as you press the bottom of the

RANGE key, the effect depends on whether Plotter Mode is on or off as

follows:

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-23

• If Plotter Mode is Off, the chart scale remains unchanged, indicating

the smallest chart scale is displayed.

Note: If Plotter Mode is Off and the cursor is homed to the vessel (see
Using FIND SHIP on page 2-20), if the vessel moves outside an area of
available cartography, the chart will automatically re-scale to the next
range with cartography.

• If Plotter Mode is On, the scale is decreased and the message

is displayed. The vessel, waypoints, routes and tracklines are dis-

DATA

played without cartography.

The chart information is restored when you return to a chart scale for which the
information is available.

RANGE

➤ To zoom out to a smaller-scale (less detailed) chart, simply press the upper part

of the

RANGE key as many times as required.

2.6 Typical Chart Scenarios (SL72RC PLUS only)

The following illustrations provide operating guidelines for typical navigation
scenarios. These scenarios can be used as a training guide; they show you how
to perform a particular operation and they introduce many of the chartplotter
functions.

Each scenario indicates the key presses required to perform particular tasks. A
typical chartplotter screen image is shown for each task.

The scenarios assume you have read the previous sections of this chapter and
that you are familiar with the Operating Controls. Full operating details for
each function are provided in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6.

NO CHART

Typical Chart

PLUS only)

Scenarios (SL72RC

Operating guidelines are provided for the following scenarios:

• Working with Waypoints
Place a Waypoint
Goto a Waypoint

• Make and Follow a Routes
Create a Route
Follow a Route

• Review the Passage Plan
View Route Information
Change the SOG, Hours and ETA.

• Displaying the Radar Image and Synchronizing Radar & Chart
Changing the Full-Screen Mode & Selecting Half-Screen Windows
Radar and Chart Synchronization (Find Ship)
Cursor Echo

2-24 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Place and Goto a Waypoint

1

Place and Goto a

Waypoint

1. Press MARKS

2. Position Cursor as required

2

Press the soft key

Press the soft key to go to the
waypoint selected by the cursor.

3

D4267-1

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-25

4

The vessel navigates towards the target
waypoint

See:

5.3 Working wth Waypoints
Go to an individual Target Point,
page 5-26.

D4267-2a

Waypoint

Place and Goto a

2-26 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Make and Follow a Route

#

1

Make and Follow a

Route

GOTO SCREENROUTE FIND SHIP

MAKE

EDIT

ROUTE

ROUTE

CLEAR
ROUTE

MORE¬

Press the soft key

2

Press the soft key

3

1. Position Cursor - in this example

over an existing waypoint

2. Press the soft key

4

Position Cursor for next waypoint,
then press soft key.
Repeat to plot all waypoints in
sequence.

D4268-1

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-27

5

Press the soft key. The route becomes
the current route.

6

GOTO SCREENROUTE FIND SHIP

Route

Make and Follow a

GOTO

CURSOR

STOP

FOLLOW

GOTO

WAYPOINT

GOTO

CURSOR

FOLLOW

ROUTE

RESTART

XTE

WAYPOINT

ADVANCE

Press the soft key

7

Press the soft key

8

The vessel starts to navigate to the
first (target) waypoint in the route.

See:

5.4 Working wth routes,
Follow a route, page 5-24.
Other Follow Options, page 5-25.

D4268-2a

2-28 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Review Your Passage Plan

ROUTE

GOTO SCREEN

FIND SHIP

Review Your Passage

Press the soft key

Plan

EDIT

ROUTE

SAVE

ROUTE

CLEAR
ROUTE

ROUTE

LIST

MORE¬

MORE¬

Press the soft key

Press the soft key

MAKE

ROUTE

REVERSE

ROUTE

1

2

3

4

1. Use the trackpad to move

selection bar over required route.

2. Press the soft key

Time defaults to ETA - and assumes
the current time is the start time.

5

D4269-1

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-29

6

See:

Displaying Route Information

Plan

page 5-18.

Change the TIME to HOURS - the display

Review Your Passage

indicates it will take 32 minutes to reach
the destination. You can change the
PLANNED SOG; the display updates to
indicate TIME required at the planned
speed.

D4269-2a

2-30 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Displaying the Radar and Synchronizing Radar & Chart

1

Displaying the Radar

and Synchronizing

Radar & Chart

1. Press DISPLAY -- then press
twice more to select RADAR.

2. Press the soft keys to set windows
ON. The Chart window is the default
selection.

3. Press ENTER.

2

ROUTE

SYSTEM

SET UP¬

GOTO MORE¬

CHART

SET UP¬

TRACK

SET UP¬

RDR CHRT

GPS

SETUP¬

Press the soft key. You can control
the chart cursor.

1. Press MENU.

2. Press the soft key

3

D4293-1

Chapter 2: Getting Started & Adjusting the Display 2-31

GOTO MORE¬ROUTE RDR CHRT

FIND SHIP MORE¬SCREEN RDR CHRT

1. Move selection bar over
Radar/Chart Synch.

2. Press the soft key.

3. Press ENTER twice.

Press the soft key.

Press the soft key to synchronise the
chart & radar images.

4

Radar & Chart

and Synchronizing

Displaying the Radar

5

6

7

The radar and chart windows are
synchronised and the cursor is
'homed' on the vessel

Move the chart cursor -- you can see
chart cursor move on the radar
screen.

You can move the cursor over
a radar target to determine its
identity on the chart

See:

2.3 Controlling the Display

6.5 Cursor Echo

7.3 System Parameters

7.6 Chart Set Up

D4293-1a

2-32 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Displaying the Radar

and Synchronizing

Radar & Chart

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-1

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations

3.1 Introduction

This chapter provides detailed instructions for the standard radar operations of
your SL72 and SL72RC PLUS system. Additional functions, that are
available on integrated systems with appropriate data sources, are described in

Chapter 4. If you have a combined radar/chart display refer to Chapter 5 and
Chapter 6 for information on charting operations.

You can use this chapter with the radar display set to simulator mode, or on the
water after you have installed and set up your SL72 or SL72RC PLUS system.

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Range control.

• Interpreting and adjusting the radar picture, including adjusting the gain,
sea clutter and rain clutter, changing the targets display, and tuning the
radar.

• Measuring range (distances) and bearings using Variable Range Markers
(VRMs) and Electronic Bearing Lines (EBLs).

• Setting up guard zones and handling alarms.

Note: Until you are familiar with interpreting the radar display, you should
take every opportunity to compare the radar’s display patterns with visual
targets, such as other vessels, buoys and coastal structures. You should prac­tice harbour and coastal navigation during daylight and in clear weather con­ditions.

If you have a combined radar/chartplotter, or a system with any chart display
connected via SeaTalk, you can identify objects using the cursor echo feature:
With cursor echo on (see Section 4.5 and Chapter 7) you can select an object
on the radar display, the cursor is repeated on the chart display so you can
check the object’s identity.

Introduction

3-2 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

3.2 Range Control

The radar picture can be viewed at various scales. The shortest range scale
gives a maximum range of
to the top of the radar picture. The longest range scale gives a maximum range
of 24 nautical miles.

1

/8 nautical miles, measured from the default centre

Range Control

ship to land masses, weather fronts and large ship targets in or beyond
view.

•The short range scales provide greater detail of the radar echoes close to
your vessel, and should be used as you approach the coastline, harbour or
other vessels in the area.

The Pathfinder Plus Radar display includes concentric range rings, which you
can use to help you to judge distances on the radar picture. Their number and
spacing are adjusted automatically if you change the range scale. They can be
turned off (see Switching Radar Range Rings or Chart Grid On and Off on
page 2-13).

Changing the Range

•The long range scales provide the best overview of your vessel’s relation-

RANGE

AUTO MAN

Selected
range scale

6nm

RANGE

Increases
the range scale

Decreases
the range scale

Figure 3-1: Changing the Radar Range

Each time you press the RANGE key, the range changes to the next available

➤

setting. The system will beep three times if no further range scale is available.

Range ring
spacing

RR

1nm

Status Bar

343°T

D3939_1

➤ To change the range quickly, press and hold the required arrow on the RANGE

key.

The range scale and range ring interval indicators, at the left-hand end of the
status bar, are updated whenever you change the range.

The Standard Range Scale

Details of the standard ranges that can be selected are shown in the table
below. If you wish, you can customize the range scales by specifying different
ranges, as described in Section 7.4, Radar Set Up Parameters.

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-3

.

Table 3-1: Radar Range Scales

Maximum Range
(nm)

0.125

0.25

0.5

0.75

1.5
3

6
12
24

Number of Range
Rings

2
2
4
3

6
6

6
6
6

The number of range rings shown in the table is the number to the selected
range. Additional range rings are displayed to the edge of the radar picture, at
the standard ring interval for the current range, and are visible when the centre
is offset.

Determining Actual Radar Range

The actual maximum radar range is essentially line-of-sight, and is limited by
the height of the scanner and the height of the target as shown in Figure 3-1.
Table 3-2 lists some range examples:

Range Ring Interval
(nm)

0.0625

0.125

0.125

0.25

0.25

0.5

1
2
4

Radar Range

Determining Actual

R

max

a

1

h

Radar

R

max

h
H

R

= radar horizon of antenna (

max

Earth

R

= 2.23 ( h + H )

max

maximum radar range
radar antenna height
target height

a

) + radar horizon of target (

1

a

2

in nautical miles
in metres
in metres

a

)

2

Figure 3-2: Determining Radar Range

Table 3-2: Radar Range

Antenna Height (m) Target Height (m) Maximum Range (nm)

3 3 7.8

3 10 10.9

5 3 8.9

5 10 12.0

Cliff

H

D1643-2

3-4 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Note: The ranges shown in the table are theoretical maximum ranges. The ra­dar horizon is greater than the optical horizon, but the radar can only detect
targets if a large enough target is above the radar horizon.

3.3 Interpreting and Adjusting the Radar Picture

Adjusting the Radar

Picture

Navigational echoes may be large, small, bright or faint, depending not only

Interpreting and

on the size of the object but also on its orientation and surface. Different
objects reflect the radar signals in different ways. For example, vertical
objects such as cliffs reflect signals better than sloping ones such as
sandbanks.

High coastlines and mountainous coastal regions can be observed at the
longest radar range. However, the first sight of land may be a mountain several
miles inland from the coastline. The actual coastline may not appear on the
radar until the vessel is close to the line of sight distance.

The radar indication may not be similar to your visual observation; a nearby
small object may appear to be the same size as a distant large object on the
radar. However, with experience the approximate size of different objects can
be determined by the relative size and brightness of the echoes.

Some targets, such as buoys and small boats, can be difficult to differentiate,
since they bob and toss about in the waves and do not present a consistent
reflecting surface. Consequently, these echoes have a tendency to fade and
brighten and, at times, to disappear momentarily. Buoys and small boats often
resemble each other, but boats can usually be distinguished by their motion.

Not all radar echoes are produced by hard navigational items. Some echoes
may be received from irregularities on the surface of the water, particularly at
close range (sea clutter), or from rain or snow either around the vessel or in the
distance. In addition, some echoes may be indirect returns to the radar scanner,
providing false echoes or multiple echoes.
The effects of many false echoes can be minimized, and the target presentation
clarified using the controls summarized below. This section explains how to
interpret the radar picture and how the controls affect the display. It provides
instructions for adjusting the settings, describes the circumstances in which
they should be adjusted, and how they interact with each other.

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-5

.t

Table 3-3: Controls to Adjust the Radar Picture

Control Option Function Default Setting

GAIN GAIN

SEA
RAIN
FTC

MULTI TUNE Fine tunes the receive AUTO

TARGETS

Soft Key

INT REJ
EXPANSION
WAKES

Controls the strength of the target returns
Reduces sea returns
Reduces close rain or snow returns
Reduces distant rain or snow returns

Turns interference rejection on/off
Turns target expansion on/off
Turns wakes on/off and selects wakes length

Identifying False Echo Returns

Not all echoes are direct returns to the radar antenna. Occasionally signals
appear at positions where there is no actual target. These are called false
echoes, and may be caused by side lobes, ghost images, indirect echoes or
multiple echoes.

This section briefly describes the echo patterns that can be produced by false
echoes and the likely cause. It should be noted that the radar operator, through
observation, practice, and experience, can generally detect these conditions
very quickly. These effects can usually be minimized using the radar controls.

Side Lobes

A small part of the RF energy from each transmitted pulse is radiated outside
the single narrow beam. This produces side lobe patterns, shown in
Figure 3-3.

AUTO
AUTO-HARBOUR
OFF
OFF

ON
OFF
OFF

Returns

Identifying False Echo

Side lobes have no effect on distant or small surface objects. However, the
echo from a large object at short range may produce an arc on the radar screen
similar to a range ring or a series of echoes forming a broken arc. Side-lobe
echoes normally occur at ranges below 3nm, and can be reduced by adjusting
the

SEA control.

Main lobe

Side lobe Side lobe

Antenna

True echo Side echoes

Arc

D1638-2

Figure 3-3: Side Lobes

3-6 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Indirect Echoes

There are several types of indirect echoes or ghost images - some examples are
shown in Figure 3-4. These sometimes have the appearance of true echoes,
but in general they are intermittent and poorly defined.

Identifying False Echo

Returns

Indirect (false) echoes

False echo

True echo

True echo

Passing
ship

Mast
or funnel

False echo

D1641-2

Figure 3-4: Indirect Echoes

Multiple Echoes

Multiple echoes appear if there is a large target with a wide vertical surface at
a comparatively short range. The transmitted signal will be reflected back and
forth between the target and your own ship. Multiple echoes therefore appear
beyond the true target’s echo on the same bearing, as shown in Figure 3-5.
This is not very common.

MULTIPLE ECHOES

Multiple echoes

Figure 3-5: Multiple Echoes

True echo

D1642-1

Blind Sectors or Shadow Effect

Funnels and masts located near the antenna, may cause shadows. In shadow
areas beyond the obstruction there will be a reduction of the beam intensity,
although not necessarily a complete cut-off. However, there will be a blind
sector if the subtended angle is more than a few degrees. There may also be
multiple echoes which extend behind the obstruction. This should be avoided
by careful selection of the scanner site prior to installation (Chapter 8).

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-7

Adjusting Gain, Sea Clutter, Rain Clutter and Tune

Automatic adjustment of Gain, Sea and Tune is available, alternatively you
can set any of these parameters to manual and use the trackpad to adjust its

GAIN

MULTI

value. Rain clutter is adjusted manually using the

SEA, RAIN

and FTC are accessed from the GAIN key; TUNE is accessed from the

MULTI key.

Note: Gain, Sea and Tune can only be adjusted if the control is set to Manual
adjustment.

MANUAL MANUAL

O
F
F

O
F
F

75%

RAIN or FTC control. GAIN,

50%

and Tune

Clutter, Rain Clutter

Adjusting Gain, Sea

GAIN

FTC GAIN

RAIN SEA

D3936-3

When you select manual GAIN, SEA or TUNE adjustment the soft key icon
shows a vertical slider bar. As you press the trackpad, the value is indicated in
the slider.
When you switch

FTC or RAIN On, the soft key icon shows a vertical slider bar.

As you press the trackpad, the value is indicated in the slider.

If you change the settings, the new

GAIN, SEA and TUNE modes (auto or

manual) and values remain set even when you turn the radar off and on again;
Rain and FTC are reset to Off at power-on. The status bar indicates which
controls are switched to Auto or On, as shown in Figure 3-6.

Figure 3-6: Radar Status Bar

Status Bar

3nm

➤

To adjust a parameter:

RR

1/2

126°T

Gain, Sea and/or Tune set to Auto

TM TV3

H-UP

FTC on

AUTO

GST

WKS
FTCEXRCGZIR

Rain on

1. Select a range appropriate to the adjustment you wish to make. The opti­mum Tune setting varies slightly for different ranges, depending on the
pulse width used.

D3987-3

MULTI

2. Press

GAIN or MULTI. The slider soft keys are displayed. The last-used

slider is highlighted (displayed in inverse video) to show that it is selected.

3. Press the required soft key so that the slider box is highlighted.
The

TUNE and GAIN soft keys toggle the control between Auto and Manual

mode. The

SEA soft key toggles the control between Auto-Harbour, Auto-

Offshore and Manual mode. If you select Manual mode the last auto setting
is retained. You can only move the slider if the control is set to Manual.

Clutter, Rain Clutter

3-8 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

4. Use the trackpad to move the slider up or down. You can press and hold the
control to move the slider quickly rather than in single steps.
The image on the screen changes as you move the slider, so that you can see
the effect of your adjustment.
If you select

MANUAL TUNE adjustment, an 8-step signal-strength indicator

bar is displayed above the slider. Adjust the slider to obtain the maximum

Adjusting Gain, Sea

reading on the indicator.

and Tune

Note: Because the changes to the settings are made immediately, you cannot
revert to the previous setting by pressing

5. When you have set all the controls to the levels you require, press
or

CLEAR to clear the slider display. The status bar is updated to indicate

CLEAR.

ENTER,

which controls are switched to Auto or On.

Gain Control and Sea Control

The GAIN control can be set to either Auto or Manual. In Auto mode, the
Pathfinder Plus radar optimizes the setting. The
Harbour (default), Auto-Offshore or Manual mode. In Auto-Offshore mode,
the Pathfinder Plus Radar optimizes its settings to account for the effects of sea
clutter. In harbours or close proximity to land different auto settings may

be necessary to cater for the effects of land clutter. To avoid losing small
targets it is therefore advisable to set the Sea control to Auto-Harbour
mode. Alternatively, set both Sea and Gain to Manual mode then adjust
the settings to ensure that all close small targets are visible.

The

GAIN control adjusts the level of the display of signals received from the

scanner; it is equivalent to a volume control on a radio.

Because the

SEA control affects the gain, you may need to manually readjust it

if you manually change the Gain setting.

SEA control can be set to Auto-

MANUAL

50%

GAIN

Gain Control

When the GAIN control is set to Manual, you should check it every time you
change the range scale.

On long range settings, the gain should be set to give a slight speckle in the
background of the radar picture. Do not set the gain too low, or you may miss
small or weak targets.

On shorter ranges, you may wish to reduce the gain slightly to reduce the
speckle and therefore improve target definition.

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-9

Sea Clutter Control

MANUAL

Radar returns from waves around your vessel can clutter the centre of the radar
picture (see Figure 3-7, making it difficult to detect real targets. Such sea

75%

SEA

clutter usually appears as multiple echoes on the display at short range scales,
and the echoes are not repetitive or consistent in position. With high winds and
extreme conditions, echoes from sea clutter may cause dense background
clutter in the shape of an almost solid disc.

D3968-1

Figure 3-7: Sea Clutter

and Tune

Clutter, Rain Clutter

Adjusting Gain, Sea

A
U
T
O

TUNE

The SEA control reduces the gain level in the areas near your vessel, extending
up to 3 to 5nm depending on the wave and sea conditions. This has the effect of
reducing the sea returns to intermittent small dots, while small targets are still
visible. Gain levels further from your vessel remain unchanged.

You can use the gain and Sea control to help minimize the effects of side lobes
(see Identifying False Echo Returns on page 3-5).

Note: On short range scales, do not set the Sea control so high that all clutter
is removed, since this could stop you seeing echoes from close targets.

Tuning the Receiver

The TUNE control is used to fine tune the receiver in the scanner for maximum
target returns on the display. In Auto mode, the radar tunes itself automatically
on all range scales. We recommend that you leave the

mode.

If you do set the

TUNE control to Manual, you will need to adjust it about 10

minutes after you have turned on the radar, since the required setting changes
once the magnetron has warmed up.

You should adjust the control to obtain the maximum signal strength, as
indicated in the 8-step bar above the slider. If you cannot tune the radar
successfully, refer to Section 7.5 for information on the Tune Preset function.

TUNE control in Auto

and Tune

Clutter, Rain Clutter

3-10 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Rain Clutter Control, using RAIN and FTC

The radar can see echoes from rain or snow. Returns from storm areas and rain
squalls consist of countless small echoes that continuously change size,
intensity, and position. These returns, shown in Figure 3-8sometimes appear
as large hazy areas, depending on the intensity of the rainfall or snow in the

Adjusting Gain, Sea

O
F
F

RAIN

storm cell.

The

RAIN and FTC controls are used to reduce this clutter, so that targets

masked by the clutter can be seen on the radar picture.

•The

RAIN control is used to reduce large clutter masses around your vessel

caused by rain or snow.

•The

FTC (Fast Time Constant) control is used to reduce rain clutter at a dis-

tance from your vessel, such as that shown below.

O
F
F

FTC

D3967-1

Figure 3-8: Rain Clutter

When the FTC control is turned up, only the leading edge of large (rain clutter)
echoes is displayed, while the effect on smaller (ship) echoes is only slight.
This means that you can also use the control on shorter ranges to distinguish
between two very close echoes on the same bearing, which may otherwise
merge and appear as one echo.

When the

FTC control is turned up, the receiver is less sensitive, and there is a

reduction of background noise and fill-in returns from land and large targets.
You should therefore turn the control down when its use is not required. Since
storm cells are usually visible for long distances due to their extreme altitude,
you may wish to leave them displayed so that you can observe the location of
bad weather.

If you turn the

RAIN or FTC control Off (equivalent to setting the level to 0%),

the actual setting is stored, and restored when you turn the control on again.

RAIN and FTC are reset to Off at power-on.

Note:

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-11

Changing the Targets Display

The Pathfinder PLUS Radar allows you to improve target visibility by
changing the following:

• Interference rejection

• Target expansion

• Target wakes

TARGETS

These parameters are accessed from the default soft key

TARGETS.

This section explains how to change these modes and describes the effect of
each mode. The current settings are shown at the right-hand end of the status
bar as shown in Figure 3-9.

Status Bar

3nm

RR

1/2

126°T

Interference Rejection on

Wakes on Target Expansion on

WKS

TM TV3

H-UP

AUTO

GST

FTCEXRCGZIR

Figure 3-9: Status Bar

➤

To change the settings of the target modes:

1. Press the

TARGETS default soft key.

The target option soft keys are displayed, with the current selections high­lighted.

INT REJ

OFF ON

EXPANSION

OFF ON

WAKES

OFF S M L

CLEAR
WAKES

D3642-2

2. Press the appropriate soft key to toggle the required setting between OFF
and ON.

Display

Changing the Targets

D3986-3

WAKES

OFF S M L

Note: If an option is not available for the current setting, its soft key label is
grey. When you press the key, the system beeps and the setting remains

For the Wakes mode, press the

WAKES soft key to step the highlighted

OFF.

selection through the wake options.

You can use the soft keys to change the settings of any or all the modes on
this display.

3. When the required options are highlighted, press

ENTER. The screen

returns to the default display with the new mode(s) in operation. The status
bar is updated to indicate which controls are switched on.

Display

3-12 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Interference Rejection

Mutual radar interference is likely when two or more radar-equipped vessels

Changing the Targets

INT REJ

OFF ON

are operating within range of each other. This usually appears as a series of
small dots moving to and from the display center in a straight line or a long,
sweeping curve. This type of interference is most noticeable at long ranges.

D1639-1

Figure 3-10: Interference Rejection

The Pathfinder Plus Radar includes a mechanism that automatically reduces
such interference. This mechanism is normally left switched on. However, if
you wish to detect the presence of other radars in the vicinity, you can turn off
the interference rejection.

EXPANSION

OFF ON

WAKES

OFF S M L

CLEAR
WAKES

Target Expansion

You can make targets easier to see by expanding them. Target expansion
overrides the normal pulse length, thereby increasing the size of the target seen
on the screen. However, this is at the expense of range resolution.

Target Wakes

You can see the direction and speed with which targets are moving relative to
your vessel by selecting the target wakes display option.

When wakes are switched on, the target is displayed at the brightest level and
the previous positions of targets are retained at successively fainter levels on
the screen. You can select long, medium or short wakes, which retain
information from previous scans at a reduced video level.

You can clear existing wakes from the display by pressing the
soft key. The soft key is only available when wakes are switched on; the
display starts showing new wakes as soon as the old wakes have been cleared.

When wakes are switched off, no new wakes are displayed and existing wakes
are cleared.

CLEAR WAKES

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-13

3.4 Measuring Range and Bearing Using VRM/EBLs

The Pathfinder Plus Radar display allows you to specify up to two Electronic
Bearing Lines (EBLs), each with an associated Variable Range Marker
(VRM), using the

A standard VRM is displayed as a circle with its centre on your vessel’s
position, and it’s EBL is displayed as a line from the origin to the edge of the
radar picture display. However, each pair can be floated, so that the origin can
be moved.

3nm

VRM/EBL key.

RR
OFF

126°T

VRM

H-UP

AUTO

IR

T

Floated VRM2
(long-dashed line)

Floated EBL2
(long-dashed line)

VRM1 (short-dashed line)

EBLs

Bearing Using VRM/

Measuring Range and

EBL1 (short-dashed line)

VRM/EBL 2

015°

TBRG

096

RNG nm

CURSOR CURSOR

146°

1.70

RNG nm

50°47^72N

TBRG

001°10^58N

VRM/EBL 1

BRG

243°

0.98

RNG nm

T

VRM/EBL data boxes

Two cursor readout boxes

D3974-1

Figure 3-11: EBL and VRM Displays

Note: When using VRM/EBLs, you may wish to turn off the range rings to
make the VRMs clearer (see Section 2.4).

VRMs move if you change the range scale, so that the actual range you have
marked is maintained. VRM/EBLs also move if you offset the centre.

When a VRM/EBL pair is active, its bearing and range are displayed in its
associated data box, which can be moved, deleted or reinstated.

The bearing information is displayed as either the bearing relative to your
vessel’s heading or (if heading data is available from a position fixer or
compass) the actual bearing in degrees magnetic or degrees true. These are
controlled by the setup parameters (see Section 7.4).

The VRM/EBL functions allow you to perform the following tasks:

• Measure the range of a target or point from your vessel’s position, using a
VRM

from Vessel

Bearing to Target

3-14 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

• Measure the bearing of a target or point from your vessel’s position, using
an EBL

• Measure the range and bearing between any two points on the radar, using
the

FLOAT function

Note: An alternative method of measuring range and bearing is to use the cur-

Measuring Range and

sor data box: If the cursor readout is set to display range and bearing (rather
than Lat/Long), you can determine the range and bearing by moving the cur­sor over the target and checking the cursor data box readings. You can also
estimate the range to a target by reference to the range rings.

Measuring Range and Bearing to Target from Vessel

To measure the range and/or bearing of a target or point from your vessel’s
position, you need to place a VRM/EBL and move it so that it crosses the
target or point for which you require the bearing or range.

When you turn on a VRM/EBL, it is displayed in its last-used position.

Note: If the VRM’s last-used position is outside the radar picture at the cur­rent range setting, it is placed at its default position instead. This is one third
of the range for VRM1, and two-thirds for VRM2.

VRM/EBL

VRM/EBL

Placing a VRM/EBL

Placing and positioning VRM/EBLs on the Pathfinder Plus Radar display is
quick and easy.

• If a VRM/EBL is not already displayed, you can place one with a single
press of the

• If you have already placed a VRM/EBL, pressing the
vides soft key control of additional functions.

➤ To place a VRM/EBL when one is not already displayed:

1. Press

The radar picture shows VRM/EBL1, together with its associated data
box in its last-used position.

As shown in Figure 3-12, the cursor is positioned over the intersection of
the VRM circle and the EBL line. It has control of the VRM/EBL as indi­cated by the four-way arrow, the solid VRM/EBL line, and the text VRM/
EBL.

VRM/EBL key.

VRM/EBL key pro-

VRM/EBL.

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-15

Ship's Heading Marker

VRM/EBL

EBL as solid line
Cursor symbol

as four-way arrow
Cursor text in

inverse video

VRM as solid line

Indicate cursor control
of VRM/EBL

Figure 3-12: Placing a VRM

2. If required, use the trackpad controls to change the radius (range) of the
VRM circle and the angle of the EBL until they cross the required target.

The range and bearing information in the VRM/EBL data box is updated
as you move the cursor.

3. Press

ENTER to drop the VRM/EBL. The radar shows this

VRM/EBL as a short-dashed line, and the cursor returns to normal control.

4. Read the range and bearing to the target or point, which is shown in the
VRM/EBL data box.

5. If required, you can move or delete the VRM/EBL data box using the con­text-sensitive cursor.

➤ To place a VRM/EBL when one is already displayed:

D3970-1

from Vessel

Bearing to Target

Measuring Range and

VRM/EBL1

OFF ON

VRM/EBL

1. Press

VRM/EBL to display the VRM/EBL soft keys.

VRM/EBL1

OFF ON

VRM/EBL2

OFF ON

FLOAT¬

VRM/EBL
DATABOX

OFF ON

D3645-2

The labels for the two left-hand soft keys indicate the current status of the
two VRM/EBLs.

2. Press the soft key for the VRM/EBL you require, to toggle the setting from

OFF to ON.

The soft key labels are cleared, and the radar picture shows the VRM/EBL
and its associated data box.

3. Position the EBL/VRM using the trackpad, and press

ENTER to drop it.

The radar shows the VRM/EBL as a short-dashed line (VRM/EBL1) or a
long-dashed line (VRM/EBL2), and the cursor returns to normal control.

Moving an Existing VRM/EBL

You can move an existing VRM/EBL using the context-sensitive cursor. You
can control the VRM and EBL separately or both together.

3-16 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

➤ To move the VRM and/or EBL:

1. Move the cursor over the VRM or EBL you wish to change. If you wish to
change the VRM and EBL together, move the cursor over the intersection
of VRM/EBL. The cursor text indicates the current object as VRM, EBL,
or VRM/EBL.

Measuring Range and

Bearing Between

Targ et s ( FLOAT)

2. Press

ENTER to take control of the object. The object(s) under control is

displayed as a solid line, and the cursor as a four-headed arrow.

3. Move the EBL to the new angle and/or change the VRM radius (range)
using the trackpad controls.

4. Press

ENTER again to drop the VRM/EBL in its new position, or CLEAR to

abandon the operation and return the VRM/EBL to its previous position.

The radar shows the VRM/EBL as a short-dashed line (VRM/EBL1) or a
long-dashed line (VRM/EBL2), and the cursor returns to normal control.

Deleting an Existing VRM/EBL

VRM/EBL

VRM/EBL1

OFF ON

➤ You can delete a VRM/EBL by using the VRM/EBL key to display the soft

keys, and pressing the required

VRM /EBL soft key to toggle the setting from ON

to OFF.

➤ Alternatively, you can delete an existing VRM/EBL using the context-

sensitive cursor. To do so:

1. Move the cursor over the VRM/EBL you wish to control, until the letters

VRM

VRM, EBL, or VRM/EBL are displayed.

2. Press

CLEAR.

This has the same effect as turning the VRM/EBL off using the
VRM/EBL soft keys. It turns off the VRM/EBL pair, irrespective of the
cursor text: you cannot turn off VRMs and EBLs independently.

Measuring Range and Bearing Between Targets (FLOAT)

You can measure the range and bearing between any two points on the radar,
such as two targets, using the Pathfinder Plus Radar’s Float function. This
allows you to move the origin of a VRM/EBL away from your vessel’s
position and onto a target. You can then change the angle of the EBL, relative
to its new origin, to obtain the bearing between two points. The radius of the
VRM can also be adjusted to determine the distance between two points.

Floating a VRM/EBL

Note: You can float a VRM/EBL pair using either the soft keys or the context­sensitive cursor. The procedure for using the cursor is the same as for moving

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-17

or unfloating a VRM/EBL pair, as described below; however, as it is more dif­ficult to locate the VRM/EBL origin when it is over the centre, you will proba­bly find it easier to use the keys in this case.

➤ To float a VRM/EBL pair using the keys:

1. If one is not already present, place a VRM/EBL pair as described in the pre­vious section.

FLOAT...

FLOAT 1

VRM

2. Press

3. Press the

VRM/EBL to display the VRM/EBL soft keys.

FLOAT soft key. The soft keys are updated, with the relevant

options displayed.

FLOAT 1

FLOAT 2 UNFLOAT 1

UNFLOAT 2

D3646-2

4. Press the FLOAT 1 soft key to float VRM/EBL1, or the FLOAT 2 soft key to
float VRM/EBL2.

The soft keys are cleared. The cursor is positioned over the origin of the
VRM/EBL, over your vessel. The cursor has control of the VRM/EBL, as
indicated by the four-headed arrow, the text

FLT in inverse video, and the

solid VRM/EBL line.

5. Use the trackpad to move the origin of the VRM/EBL to the required posi­tion (over the first target).

6. Press

ENTER to drop the VRM/EBL in its new position, or CLEAR to aban-

don the operation and return the VRM/EBL to its previous position.

The radar shows the VRM/EBL as a short-dashed line (VRM/EBL1) or a
long-dashed line (VRM/EBL2), and the cursor returns to normal control.

7. Use the context-sensitive cursor to take control of the VRM and/or EBL, to
obtain the range and/or bearing to a second target, as previously described.

Tar ge ts (FLOAT)

Bearing Between

Measuring Range and

8. Read the range and bearing information from the VRM/EBL data box.

Moving and Unfloating a Floating EBL

You can move or unfloat a VRM/EBL that has been floated. You can unfloat a
VRM/EBL either by using the context-sensitive cursor or by using the
soft key options.

➤ To move or unfloat a floating VRM/EBL using the cursor:

1. Move the cursor over the origin of the VRM/EBL you wish to control, until

FLT are displayed.

VRMFLT

the letters

2. If you wish to unfloat the VRM/EBL, press
VRM/EBL is reset to your vessel’s position.

FLOAT

CLEAR. The origin of the

3-18 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

3. Alternatively, if you wish to move the floating VRM/EBL, press ENTER to
take control of it and move it using the trackpad.

Press

ENTER again to drop the VRM/EBL in its new position, or CLEAR

to abandon the operation and return the VRM/EBL to its previous posi­tion.

Data Boxes

Controlling VRM/EBL

VRM/EBL

FLOAT 1

UNFLOAT 1

➤ To unfloat a floating VRM/EBL using the keys:

1. Press

2. Press the

3. Press the

VRM/EBL to display the VRM/EBL soft keys.

FLOAT soft key.

UNF LOAT 1 soft key to unfloat VRM/EBL1, or the UNFLOAT 2 soft

key to unfloat VRM/EBL2.

The soft keys are cleared, and the VRM/EBL is repositioned with its ori­gin at your vessel’s position.

Controlling VRM/EBL Data Boxes

➤ To move a VRM/EBL data box, using the context-sensitive cursor:

BOX

1. Move the cursor over the box until the letters

ENTER to take cursor control of the box.

2. Use the trackpad to move the box to its new location, and press
drop it and return to normal cursor operation.

Each VRM/EBL data box is switched on and off with its associated VRM/
EBL. However, when one or both VRM/EBLs are active, you can turn the data
box(es) off at any time, if required.

➤ To control the VRM/EBL data boxes:

BOX are displayed, and press

ENTER to

VRM/EBL

VRM/EBL
DATABOX

OFF ON

1. Press

2. Press the

Note: VRM/EBL data boxes are not affected by the setting of the

VRM/EBL to display the VRM/EBL soft keys.

VRM/EBL DATABOX soft key to toggle the setting from OFF to ON or

from

ON to OFF.

DATABOXES

soft key accessed using the SCREEN default soft key. This only controls the set
of data boxes available for integrated systems (see Chapter 2).

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-19

3.5 Setting Guard Zones and Alarms

The Pathfinder Plus Radar display allows you to set up one or two guard
zones, using the
zones as shown in Figure 3-13.

Note: You can only view and control guard zones if you are using the Master
display (that is, the display to which the scanner is connected).

ALARMS key. You can set up sector zones or 360° (circular)

3nm

CURSOR

BRG R

031°

RNG nm

2.24

RR
1/2

126°T

H-UP

GRD

AUTO

IR

T

Guard zone 1, sector zone
(short-dashed line)

Guard zone 2, circular zone
(long-dashed line)

D3975-1

Figure 3-13: Guard Zone Display

Guard zones are fixed with respect to the ship’s heading marker (SHM),
moving as the SHM moves. They also move if you offset the centre, or if you
change the range scale, so that the area you have marked is maintained.

The guard alarm sounds when a target enters a guard zone, exceeding the
target density threshold within the zone; the alarm also sounds on a repeater
display. The alarm sensitivity control allows you to set the threshold above
which a new target will trigger an alarm, and also to turn the alarm on or off.

and Alarms

Setting Guard Zones

Note: A guard zone only operates when the whole zone is displayed on the
screen, or could be displayed by offsetting the centre. In addition, a guard
zone is inactive for 10 seconds after it is placed or re-sized, to avoid inappro­priate alarms during positioning.

This section covers the following topics:

• Placing a guard zone

• Moving, reshaping or deleting a guard zone

• Controlling guard zone alarms

3-20 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Placing a Guard Zone

Placing and positioning guard zones on the Pathfinder Plus Radar display is
quick and easy.

• If a guard zone is not already displayed, you can place one using the

ALARMS key.

Placing a Guard Zone

• If you have already placed a guard zone, pressing the

ALARMS key allows

you to toggle either guard zone on or off.

Note: When you turn on a guard zone, it is normally displayed in its last-used
position and shape. However, if this position is off-screen at the current range
setting, or within one quarter of the current range from your vessel, the guard
zone is placed at its default position and shape instead. This is at one third
(Zone 1) or two thirds (Zone 2) of the current range, as a sector zone occupy­ing 30° either side of the ship’s heading marker.

➤ To place a guard zone:

GUARD 1

OFF ON

1. Press

ALARMS

ALARMS. The soft keys are displayed.

GUARD 1

OFF ON

GUARD 2

OFF ON

D3791-2

The soft keys indicate the current status of the two guard zones.

2. If necessary, press the soft key for the guard zone you require, to toggle the
setting between

OFF and ON. The soft keys are cleared. If you turned a

guard zone on, it is displayed in its last-used position with one corner under
cursor control.

The radar picture shows the guard zone as a four-sided shape bounded by
a solid line (or a circle if previously set as one).

The cursor is positioned over an outer corner of the zone as shown in
Figure 3-14. The cursor has control of this corner, as shown by the text

GRD in inverse video, the four-headed arrow, and the solid guard zone

boundary.

Sector Zone Circular Zone

Ship's Heading Marker

Cursor symbol as

four-way arrow

Cursor text in
inverse video

Zone as solid line

GRD GRD

Move

cursor

Indicate cursor control

of guard zone

Figure 3-14: Placing a Guard Zone

D3971-1

Chapter 3: Standard Radar Operations 3-21

3. If necessary, use the trackpad to move the corner of the guard zone to the
required position. As you move the corner, the width and/or height of the
zone changes, but its general sector shape is retained.

Note: To create a 360° guard zone, rather than a sector guard zone, you can
either move the corner all the way round to form a circle, or move it back to
just the other side of the other outer corner.

4. Press

ENTER to drop the corner in its new position and redraw the zone, or

CLEAR to abandon the operation and return the corner to its previous posi-

tion.

The display shows this zone boundary as a short-dashed line (zone 1) or a
long dashed line (zone 2), and the cursor returns to normal control.

5. If required, use the context-sensitive cursor to reposition other corners/
sides of the zone in turn, as described below.

Moving, Reshaping or Deleting a Guard Zone

➤ You can move, reshape or delete an existing guard zone using the context-

sensitive cursor. To do so:

Zone

Deleting a Guard

Moving, Reshaping or

GRD

ALARM

OFF ON

1. Move the cursor over the guard zone corner or side that you wish to control,
until the letters

2. If you wish to delete the whole zone, press

3. Alternatively, if you wish to move the corner or side, press

GRD are displayed.

CLEAR.

ENTER to take

control of it. The zone boundary is displayed as a solid line, and the cursor
as a four-headed arrow.

4. Move the corner or side to the new position, as described on the previous
page.

Note: To convert a 360° guard zone back to a sector guard zone, take control
of any point on the circle, and move it to open up the circle.

5. Press

ENTER again to drop the corner or side in its new position, or CLEAR

to abandon the operation and return it to its previous position

The radar shows the zone boundary as a short-dashed line
(Zone 1) or a long-dashed line (Zone 2), and the cursor returns to normal
control.

6. If required, reposition the cursor and repeat steps 3 to 5 to move the other
corners or sides.

➤ You can also delete (turn off) a zone by pressing the ALARMS key, and then

pressing the appropriate guard zone soft key to toggle the setting from

ON to

OFF.

3-22 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Controlling Guard Zone Alarms

The guard alarm is triggered when a target enters a guard zone which exceeds
the target density threshold. You can set the threshold above which a new
target will trigger an alarm, and can also turn the alarm on or off.

When the alarm is triggered, the unit beeps and a text message is displayed.

Controlling Guard

Zone Alarms

➤ To clear the alarm, press any key (on the master or repeater display).

The alarm will sound again after 10 seconds, unless one or more of the
following happens:

• You turn the guard zone off

• You adjust the guard zone size/shape to reduce the number of targets in the
zone

• You turn the alarm off

• You decrease the alarm sensitivity

• The target leaves the guard zone

➤ To change the alarm sensitivity setting:

1. Press

2. Press the

MULTI to display the sliders.

ALARM soft key to highlight the Alarm slider.

ON

O

25%

F
F

50%

A
U
T
O

LIGHT CONTRASTALARM

TUNE

D3935-3

3. If required, press the soft key again to toggle the setting between

OFF and

ON. You can only move the slider if the control is set to ON.

4. Use the trackpad to increase or decrease the alarm slider setting. You can
press and hold the trackpad to change the value more rapidly.

5. The higher the setting, the more sensitive the alarm, and the smaller the tar­get density required to set it off.

6. Press

ENTER to clear the slider display.

Chapter 4: Integrated Radar Operations 4-1

Chapter 4: Integrated Radar Operations

4.1 Introduction

This chapter explains how to use and display non-radar information that may
be available from other units connected to your system. It also explains how to
use the man overboard (MOB) function. You can use this chapter with the
radar display set to simulator mode, or on the water after you have installed
and set up your SL72 or SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar system.

In order to use these functions, you need the following additional data from
equipment connected to your system via a SeaTalk or NMEA link:

Table 4-1: Function of External Data

Data Example source Integrated functions available

Heading Compass*

Autopilot

*If heading data is available via both NMEA and SeaTalk, NMEA data takes priority. For all other
data, SeaTalk data takes priority (see Section 8.8).

Waypoint data Chartplotter - Waypoint display and data

Position GPS system - Marks

Other data Transducers - Data Box and Nav Window data displays including

Chart display Chartplotter -

(SL72RC PLUS sys­tems)

- Heading value in status bar

- North Up or Course Up heading modes (as
alternatives to Head Up

- MOB (if speed data also available)

- Position data in Data Box and Nav Window

- MOB

- COG, SOG and time

speed, depth, wind

- Chart display as full-screen or half-window display

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Changing the heading mode of the radar picture

Introduction

• Using marks

• Man Overboard (MOB)

• Cursor echo

Note: Until you are familiar with interpreting the radar display, you should take
every opportunity to compare the radar’s display patterns with visual targets,
such as other vessels, buoys and coastal structures. You should practice har­bour and coastal navigation during daylight and in clear weather conditions.

4-2 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

4.2 Changing the Heading Mode

The radar picture is normally shown with your vessel’s dead ahead bearing
straight up, as indicated by the Ship’s Heading Marker at 0° relative bearing.
This is the Head Up orientation.

If heading information is available via a SeaTalk or NMEA connection, you
can choose a different heading mode. In Course Up and North Up mode you
can also select relative or true motion.

Heading Mode

Changing the

Relative motion is the default for the radar display. In relative motion your
own ship’s position remains fixed on the radar screen and all radar targets
move relative to your own ship.

In true motion, fixed radar targets maintain a constant position on the screen,
whilst your own ship moves across the radar image at the appropriate speed
and heading. A map-like image is thus displayed, with all moving vessels
travelling in true perspective to each other and to fixed land masses.
As your ship’s position approaches the edge of the screen, the radar display is
automatically reset to reveal the area ahead of your ship. You can manually
reset your ship’s position at any time by pressing the

TRUE REL soft key twice.

Heading Modes

The heading modes are as follows:

True and Relative Motion

Head Up

North Up Course Up

D3988-1

Figure 4-1: Radar Heading Modes

• Head Up: The radar picture is displayed with the vessel’s current heading
upwards. As the heading changes the picture will rotate.

• North Up: The radar picture is stabilized and displayed with north
upwards. As you change heading, the ship’s heading marker moves.

• Course Up: The radar picture is stabilized and displayed with the cur­rently selected course upwards. As you change heading, the ship’s heading
marker moves. If you select a new course, the picture resets to display the
new course upwards.

Chapter 4: Integrated Radar Operations 4-3

The reference used for the Course Up depends on the information available.
The first available in the following list is used:

1. A locked heading (i.e. the heading being used by an autopilot) over a
SeaTalk connection

2. The heading at the time Course Up was selected

If 1. is in use and a new course (locked heading) is selected, the picture
automatically rotates to the new Course Up.
If 2. is in use, press the

HDG MODE soft key then COURSE UP to manually reset

the Course Up to the new course.

Selecting the Heading and Motion Mode

Press the HDG MODE default soft key to obtain the following display, when
heading information is available:

HDG MODE

COURSE UPNORTH UP

HEAD UP

TRUE REL

D3641-3

The currently selected mode is highlighted, and is indicated in the radar status
bar (N-UP, C-UP or H-UP and TM or RM).

Motion

True and Re la tive

➤ To change the heading and motion mode:

1. Press the

HDG MODE default soft key.

2. Press the soft key corresponding to the mode you require. The radar picture
changes to the selected mode.

3. Press

ENTER to clear the heading mode soft keys. The current orientation

is indicated in the status bar.

Note: True Motion is only available in Course Up and North up mode.

If you re-select Course Up when this is already the current mode, the Course
Up reference is reassessed according to the current data.

Effect on VRM/EBLs

VRM/EBLs do not move on the screen, unless you change the range, offset the
centre, or change the heading mode.

• In Head Up mode, the VRM/EBLs are fixed with respect to the ship’s
heading marker.

• In North Up mode, the VRM/EBLs are fixed with respect to North.

• In Course Up mode, the VRM/EBLs are fixed with respect to the selected
course.

4-4 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

4.3 Using Marks

The Marks function allows you to place a mark anywhere on the radar picture.
You can also move existing marks or delete them. You should be aware that
radar marks are not the same as chart waypoints and cannot be used in routes,
nor can they be transferred to other displays.

Marks are placed with the default mark symbol at either cursor or vessel
position. If you wish to use a different symbol, you can change the default
setting from the

Using Marks

always displayed within a circle.

Marks are stored with their latitude, longitude and symbol; the information is
retained when the radar is turned off. Up to 100 marks can be stored in each
display unit.

RADAR SET UP menu (see Section 7.4). Mark symbols are

MARKS

MARKS

PLACE MRK
AT CURSOR

PLACE MRK
AT VESSEL

Note: When you use the

MARKS key to access the Marks function, simply

press the key momentarily and release it. If you hold it down for two seconds,
the Pathfinder Radar will enter man overboard (MOB) mode, as described in
Section 4.4.

The Marks function is only available when your vessel’s position is known via
the SeaTalk or NMEA connection.

Placing a Mark

➤ To place a mark symbol:

1. Press the

MRK AT VESSEL

2. To place a mark at the cursor, position the cursor at the required point. If
you are displaying the cursor position box showing the lat/long position,
you can check the coordinates to place the mark accurately.
Press the
default symbol.

3. To place a mark at the vessel position, press
mark is placed using the default symbol.

Note: If the Mark database is full, a warning message is displayed, with the
position (in latitude and longitude) of the oldest mark. You have the following
options:

MARKS key. The soft keys PLACE MRK AT CURSOR and PLACE

are displayed.

PLACE MARK AT CURSOR softkey.The mark is placed using the

PLACE MRK AT VESSEL. The

i. Press the

ii. Press the

mark. You can keep pressing

YES soft key to replace this old mark with the new mark.

NO soft key to keep the old mark and display the next oldest

NO to step through the mark database until

a mark you wish to replace is displayed, and then press

iii. Press

CLEAR to keep all the existing marks, and cancel the new mark

placement.

YES.

Chapter 4: Integrated Radar Operations 4-5

Moving or Deleting a Mark

You can move or delete marks using the context-sensitive cursor.

➤ If you have placed a mark and wish to move it later:

MRK

1. Move the cursor over the mark until the letters

2. Press

ENTER to take control of the mark.

3. Move the mark to the new position using the trackpad.

4. Press

ENTER again to drop the mark in its new position, or CLEAR to aban-

don the operation and return the mark to its previous position.

➤ To delete an individual mark, move the cursor over the mark until the letters

MRK are displayed, then press CLEAR.

4.4 Man Overboard (MOB)

If you lose a person or object overboard, and need to return to the location, you
should use the Man Overboard (MOB) function immediately.

Note: To obtain an MOB position, you need either of the following:

• Position data from a GPS or equivalent device

• Heading and speed data, so that the position can be calculated by dead
reckoning

You can select the type of data used for the MOB position using the Set Up
Menus (see Section 7.3).

MARKS

➤ To initiate the MOB procedure, press and hold the MARKS key for two

seconds.
The Pathfinder Plus Radar then performs all the following tasks
automatically:

MRK are displayed.

(MOB)

Man Overboard

• Marks the current position with a MOB symbol.

• The MOB waypoint replaces any current active waypoint and route.

• Displays the MOB data box, showing the bearing and distance from your
vessel to the MOB waypoint position, and the elapsed time since the MOB
was initiated.

• Displays the position data box, showing your vessel’s position.

• As your vessel moves away from the MOB position, a dotted line is dis­played connecting the MOB position and the vessel’s current position.

• Sounds a 4-second alarm pattern every 30 seconds.

• Sends an MOB message to other units in the system, via the SeaTalk con­nection.

4-6 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Figure 4-2: MOB Alarm

To cancel the MOB, press and hold the MARK key for 2 seconds.

Cursor Echo

MARKS

➤

Note: The MOB procedure can also be initiated or cancelled remotely if the
appropriate SeaTalk message is received by the Pathfinder Radar.

4.5 Cursor Echo

In a combined radar/chart display, or in a system with any chart display
connected via Seatalk, you can set the display to enable cursor transfer. Cursor
echo (accessed from the Set Up Menu) enables you to display a chart cursor on
the radar picture, or a radar cursor on the chart picture.

The following options are provided:

• Radar Cursor In (SL72RC PLUS): displays the cursor from the radar on
the chart window (default -

OFF).

• Chart Cursor In: displays the cursor from another chartplotter on the
radar window (default -

OFF).

Note: The remote display must have SeaTalk Cursor Out enabled.

• SeaTalk Cursor Out: enables the output, onto SeaTalk, of the display’s
own cursor (default -

OFF).

• Cursor Echo Local (SL72RC PLUS): echoes the cursor position
between open windows on the same display (default -

ON).

When the appropriate option is switched on, the display shows its own cursor,
plus the cursor of the other display(s) with appropriate cursor text (

RDR or CHT)

to indicate its origin. This means that you could move the cursor over a target
on the radar display, and check the identity of the target by looking at the radar
cursor position on the chartplotter.

Refer to Section 7.3 for cursor echo setup details.

Chapter 5: Standard Chart Operations (SL72RC PLUS only) 5-1

Chapter 5: Standard Chart Operations

(SL72RC PLUS only)

5.1 Introduction

This chapter explains how to use the chart functions to navigate with your
SL72RC PLUS display. It covers the following topics:

• Using chart cards.

• Controlling waypoints, including placing, moving, editing and deleting
waypoints.

• Working with routes, including creating a new route, managing routes
using the route database and editing routes.

• Following routes and going to waypoints.

• Transferring Waypoints and Routes

• Using tracks, including showing tracks, setting up tracks, saving tracks and
creating a route from a track (SmartRoute).

Introduction

All these chart functions are available in plotter mode, so you can plot and
track routes at large scales even when a chart card is not installed.

Further functions, including measuring distances and setting alarms are
described in Chapter 6.

Safety

The chartplotter makes it very easy to place a waypoint and travel towards it.
However, you should always check first that the route is safe. If you are using
the chartplotter in combination with a SeaTalk autopilot, the autopilot will
prompt for confirmation before it steers the vessel towards the waypoint.

If you have entered your route using a small-scale chart, zoom in to a larger
scale to check for hazards, such as small shoals, that may not be shown on the
smaller scale charts.

Note: Until you are familiar with interpreting the chart display, you should
take every opportunity to compare the displayed objects with visual targets,
such as buoys and coastal structures. You should practice harbour and coast­al navigation during daylight and in clear weather conditions.

CAUTION:

The equipment should not be used as a substitute for good navigational
practice nor for official government paper charts.

5-2 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

5.2 Using Chart Cards

The chartplotter has a built-in world map; most areas are displayed on a scale of
4000 nm from the top to the bottom of the screen, and can be zoomed in to
150 nm.
To use the cha rtplotter as a navigation aid, charts with detailed in formation for the
area you wish to navigate are required. The charts are available on C-MAP NT
electronic chart cards (C-Cards), each of which can store as many as 20 charts in
an electronic format. A single C-MAP chart normally provides as much
information as is available in paper charts for that geographic area, and can be
displayed down to a range of 1/64 nm on the screen if the data is available.

Two card slots are provided on the display unit. Chart data from both slots can

Using Chart Cards

be downloaded.

The chart scale in use is indicated in the status bar - the number represents the
distance (in nautical miles) displayed from the top of the chart window to the
bottom of the chart window.

Note: You can remove and insert cards while a chart is displayed. The chart
information is retained on-screen until the chartplotter redraws the screen:
for example, when you pan outside the current area, or use the
change the chart scale.

RANGE key to

Inserting a Chart Card

➤ To insert a chart card:

1. Check that the card is a C-MAP NT C-Card with the required chart stored
on it.

2. Open the card cover, at the lower left of the display front panel.

3. Hold the card with the title label towards the left, as shown in the illustra­tion.

4. Gently push the card into one of the two slots. It will only go in if it is cor­rectly oriented. Push the card in as far as it will go, then move it to the right
so that the top is under the retaining pegs. The card will be held in place by
the pegs.

5. Close the card cover until it clicks shut, to prevent water entering the dis­play unit.

Chapter 5: Standard Chart Operations (SL72RC PLUS only) 5-3

Card

Figure 5-1: Removing the Chart Card

Removing a Chart Card

We recommend that before you remove a chart cartridge, you ensure the chart
is not being used on any other display unit. Removing a chart cartridge whilst
a display unit is accessing the chart may cause an operational error.

➤ To remove a chart card:

1. Open the card cover, at the lower left of the display front panel.

2. Press on the card you wish to remove, and move the top of the card to the
left to clear the retaining pegs.
The card will spring half-way out, enabling you to grip the card and
remove it from the slot.

3. Remember to close the card cover so that it clicks shut, to prevent water
from entering the card reader assembly.

Displaying the Chart Data

The new chart information will be displayed when you move the cursor into an
area covered by the new chart or, if it is already in the area, change the range
scale.

D4158-1

Removing a Chart

The boundary of each chart digitized in the current card is defined by a box or
rectangle. (You can switch off the chart boundaries display if you wish, as part
of the chartplotter set up described in Section 7.6.)

5-4 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

➤ To zoom in:

1. Use the trackpad to move the cursor inside one of the chart boxes, and press
the lower part of the

RANGE key.

That area is expanded, with the cursor at the centre, so that you can see

RANGE

more detail. Note that the smaller the chart box is on the screen, the further
you can zoom in and the greater the amount of detail that is available.

If you have switched on Plotter Mode (see Section 7.6), you can zoom in
further than the most detailed chart; all chart functions remain available.

Displaying Object Information

Chart cards include a number of displayed objects for which information is

Displaying Object

Information

available, such as lights and buoys. If your chart includes port and tide data,
this can be displayed along with information for the nearest port facility (for a
selected position). Chart source data is also available. You use the context­sensitive cursor to identify the object and display detailed information.

➤ To obtain the chart object, port or tide information:

1. Move the cursor over the symbol for which you require the information.
An Object data box such as the following is displayed at the lower left cor­ner of the screen:

1 Object

Caution area

D4260-1

2. To view further details, press ENTER. The details available are listed on­screen in an object information pop-up.
Use the trackpad to move the selection bar over the required item then
press

ENTER to display the full details.

3. Press

CLEAR twice to remove the pop-up from the screen and return to the

default display.

Chart Source Data

The chart card contains additional background data for most chart objects,
icons, lines, open sea areas etc. Some of these items automatically provide an
information data box, as described above. For other chart objects, such as
bridges and territorial lines, you need to press
information pop-up.

➤ To obtain chart source data, move the cursor so that is not over a symbol, then

press

ENTER.

An object information pop-up is displayed, providing source information for
the selected land or depth area.

ENTER to display the object

Chapter 5: Standard Chart Operations (SL72RC PLUS only) 5-5

Port Area

At large chart scales port area information is indicated by the symbol . An
object information pop-up provides the name of the marina or port and a list of
the facilities available.

Where available, details for each facility can be displayed. This information
includes items such as accommodation, slip sizes, fueling, sanitation,
electrical or other maintenance services provided, VHF channels monitored,
and other safety and navigation information.

In some areas the chart shows symbols for individual facilities. The facilities
and their associated symbols are illustrated in Figure 5-2.

Information

Displaying Object

Figure 5-2: Port Symbols

Tide Data

The symbol indicates tide height data is available for that position on the
chart. When you select the tide height option, a graph of predictions for
maximum and minimum tide heights is displayed, data for sunrise and sunset
is also provided as illustrated Figure 5-3.

5-6 SL72 & SL72RC PLUS Pathfinder Radar & Radar/Chartplotter

Note: The predictions available are sufficiently accurate under moderate
weather conditions, for the coastal areas served by the reference station, to be
used for navigation planning. However, certain weather fronts and storms
can alter tidal patterns and influence predicted times and heights.

The cursor, represented by a dotted vertical line on the graph, is used to select
a time for which the tide height is displayed.
You can use the soft keys and trackpad to change the date for which tide
information is shown.

CSR 50°49^05W BRG 304°T

6nm

POS 001°18^00W RNG 27.70nm

CALSHOT CASTLE

Displaying Object

Information

4.61

3.96

3.31

2.66

2.01

1.36

0.71
0 2 4 6 8 1012141618202224

CURSOR

TIME 13:30
HEIGHT 4.06m

SUNRISE/SUNSET

TWILIGHT 0646
SUNRISE 0807
SUNSET 1611
TWILIGHT 1732

SET DATE

PREV. DAY TODAY

SELECTED DATE

2/01/1998

HIGH/LOW WATER

HIGH 0220 4.22m
LOW 0640 0.88m
HIGH 1400 4.10m
LOW 1900 0.76m

NEXT DAY

D4270-1

Figure 5-3: Tide Data

To select a time, use the trackpad to move the cursor to the required time.

➤

➤ To change the day press PREV. DAY, DAY or TODAY, as required. Alternatively,

press

SET DATE; to change date, use the trackpad to move the cursor left/right to

select the character and up/down to increase/decrease the value.
The graph and tide data will be updated accordingly.

Chapter 5: Standard Chart Operations (SL72RC PLUS only) 5-7

Nearest

➤ To obtain the information for the nearest port facility:

1. Move the cursor to the required position – this can be anywhere on the
chart and may be over an object – then press
information pop-up.

2. Press the

NEAREST soft key. The port facility symbols are displayed.

ENTER to display the object

3. Use the trackpad to highlight the required facility, then press

ENTER.

4. The nearest ports providing that facility are listed with distance and bear­ing to the port.
If you highlight a port name then press

ENTER, details for that facility are

displayed. Typical port data is shown in Figure 5-4.
Press

CLEAR to return to the port list.

Press

CLEAR to return to the facility symbols.

5. Press

CLEAR to return to the default display.

Information

Displaying Object

Figure 5-4: Nearest Port - Typical Data

D4255_1