If you’re involved in the amateur radio or ham radio scene, you know that you only need some basic amateur radio equipment to get started.
At the bare minimum, you’ll need a HF transceiver and antenna, which connects you to the signal range and network you want to communicate on. Many amateur ham radio operators can get by on these two equipment types alone, especially if they might not want to commit to a more expensive setup.
However, if you intend to continue with this hobby and want to improve your ham radio experience, this might be when you consider getting additional equipment like two-way radio repeaters and antenna rotator systems.
Today, we’ll be looking at the latter: just what is an antenna rotator system, and when should it be used? Is it amateur ham radio equipment that’s necessary for every ham radio enthusiast to have? Read on for answers to these questions and more.
What do Antenna Rotator Systems do?
As their name suggests, antenna rotators are mechanical devices that help to rotate your directional antenna so that it ‘points’ at a particular set of coordinates. While some antennas have built-in features enabling them to do this, many other antennas require manual ‘pointing’ as the antenna needs to be held in place to keep the signal stable. This is where an antenna rotator system comes into play.
This enables you to access a specific desired direction and signal-to-noise ratio, letting you have more focused access to certain signals which can broaden your reach and reception on the ham radio network in your area. This usually makes the signal louder and clearer, improving communication on both sides.
There are 2 main types of antenna rotator systems:
Azimuth rotators: Azimuthal rotators rotate your antenna parallel to the horizon (i.e. spin them around along the horizontal plane) but cannot point them upwards towards the sky.
Azimuth elevation rotators: Azimuthal elevation rotators can both rotate your antenna parallel to the horizon and elevate them. This type of antenna rotator is more useful for satellite radio applications.
When should you use an Antenna Rotator System?
Not every ham radio enthusiast needs to beef up their setup with an antenna rotator system, and you can certainly continue with the hobby without ever using a rotator. However, antenna rotator systems can be useful in enhancing your ham radio experience under certain conditions.
First, if you live in an area with uncertain weather conditions, or if you otherwise need to keep up reliable communication lines. Antenna rotators help ensure reliable and steady communication at all times, which is extremely important during emergency situations.
Second, if you want to broaden your reach across ham radio networks and have a more immersive ham radio experience. If you’re only just starting out in ham radio, you may not want to commit to additional equipment just yet. However if you feel confident about continuing in the hobby, an antenna rotator system will certainly give you an easier and more meaningful ham radio experience.
Do note that your rotator and antenna will need to be set up on a roof or garden, with unobstructed line of sight to the network you’re trying to connect to. If you live in an apartment building, you will need to find a suitable location to install both your antenna and rotator system.
Selecting your Antenna Rotator Systems
When purchasing your antenna rotator system, you should look at factors such as environment (e.g. wind strength, frequency of strong winds or tropical storms), antenna size, antenna weight, and rotator type. Mechanical considerations also matter, such as the load-bearing capacity and torsion. These will all affect the height and size of antenna compatible with your rotator system.
Shop a range of antenna rotator systems for sale on Tecomart. From the entry-level Yaesu G-450C (pictured) for light- to medium-duty installations, to the Yaesu G-800DXA high-performance rotator with medium- and heavy-duty installations, we bring you quality antenna rotator systems to suit your needs.
The activity, hobby, and even industry of fishing has been around for millennia all around the world. However, for thousands of years, fishermen and anglers needed to depend on luck or their eyesight to uncover the best catches.
Today’s fishermen (whether casual or commercial) don’t have to struggle with these rudimentary tracking methods to come away with a catch of the day – and it’s all thanks to fishfinders.
Sometimes also referred to as echo sounders, fishfinders are a type of marine sonar specifically designed to detect schools of fish below and around a boat or ship. This piece of equipment has greatly revolutionised the fishing industry – and it hasn’t even been around for a century yet!
The Early Years
Opinions on who created the first fishfinder tend to be split between two camps.
As early as 1948, Kiyotaka Furuno (co-founder of the renowned electronics brand Furuno) began to commercialise the world’s first fishfinding device: the Furuno Fish Finder. The device did not use sonar but rather worked by detecting bubbles in the water. It was also targeted at commercial vessels, rather than recreational or non-commercial usage.
In 1957, Lowrance Marine & Fishing Electronics released the Fish Lo-K-Tor, the first fishfinder targeted at recreational fishermen. While sonar technology made it more reliable than Furuno’s version, the Fish Lo-K-Tor worked best on smooth bottoms such as sandbars, and debris such as shell, sand, or gravel could interfere with its accuracy. The Fish Lo-K-Tor also required anglers to manually adjust the gain function, making it prone to human error.
Research and Development
The Furuno Fish Finder and Lowrance Fish Lo-K-Tor were only the start, and other companies began to manufacture fishfinders and echo sounders throughout the 1960s to 1990s. One such company was Humminbird, which introduced the Humminbird Super Sixty fishfinder in 1975. The Super Sixty was the first waterproof depth sounder ever, and remains one of the most commercially successful fishfinders today.
Humminbird’s later products in the 1980s and 1990s included the LCR series (the first LCD fishfinders) and the LCR 4ID (which had a two-colour display that showed the fish in red for easier visibility), both of which pushed fishfinding technology forward and emphasised user-friendly design.
Since the dawn of the 21st century and the refinement of sonar technology, fishfinders and echo sounders have undergone massive improvements – making them unrecognisable compared to Furuno and Lowrance’s earliest efforts.
Humminbird was at the forefront of this wave once again, with the launch of Side Imaging technology in 2005. This widened the visual scope of what a fisherman could see from his vessel, creating a faithful and more detail-oriented representation of the watery ‘world’ underneath the boat rather than just a vertical interpretation.
In 2009 Lowrance followed up with the StructureScan, which could produce high-resolution 3D scans of underwater terrain and fish-holding structures, with views up to 600 feet on each side of a vessel. Humminbird’s 2012 release of 360 Imaging (an improvement of Side Imaging) only enhanced this feature further, with a full 360-degree view around all sides of a vessel.
Garmin’s 2015 Panoptix changed the game by merging an instant feedback transducer with GPS in the Garmin SideVü. This allowed fishermen to watch, observe, and track their fish in real time, and the inclusion of GPS also enhanced their tracking capabilities.
Since then, companies have continued to push the boundaries of sonar innovation even further. Recreational and commercial fishermen today have a wide variety of fishfinder companies to choose from, each of which has its unique take on echo sounding technology and additional features to boot.
Those who work outdoors, at sea, or in remote locations will know the importance of being able to maintain open communication lines with your teammates, colleagues, and other key personnel. In areas and situations such as these, typical mobile communication options are out of the question – rendering the otherwise ubiquitous smartphone useless.
This is where communication equipment such as radio comes into the picture. Radios are still the go-to for work sites and teams who need to be certain that they can keep up with day-to-day and even minute-to-minute updates while on the job. They also come in fixed-mount formats (which are typically larger and meant for the whole crew) and handheld formats great for keeping on your person, each of which serve their own purpose.
Today, we’ll be focusing on handheld radio sets used to communicate one-on-one with someone else. However, there are many types of radios available with various frequencies – how do you know which one suits your needs best?
What are VHF and UHF Handheld Radio?
Two of the most common handheld radio frequencies available are Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF). While there are some similarities between the two, it’s their differences that will affect the situation or use case they’re best suited for.
When buying a new VHF or UHF handheld radio set, here are the basics you need to consider first:
Is your existing system VHF or UHF? It’s recommended to get the same type as your current system so that it remains compatible.
Is your existing system radio or analogue? Digital and analogue equipment may not be compatible with each other.
Are there specific features you are looking out for? Different manufacturers use different specifications in their equipment or may provide additional features and service warranty guarantees.
If you already have an existing system, your decision should be pretty straightforward. However, if you are buying a radio system for the first time you might be wondering: VHF VS UHF – which one will suit me best?
When should you use VHF?
VHF radio waves cover a huge broadcast range between 30 MHz to 300 MHz, although many handheld marine VHF radios cover a dedicated range around 156MHz to 163MHz.
They can travel a further distance compared to UHF frequencies but are limited by line-of-sight – meaning you will need a clear, unobstructed, and visible path to the receiver to guarantee a strong signal. Additional equipment such as marine VHF antennas can help deal with this issue, giving you better range when communicating with others on land while you’re out at sea.
VHF handheld radio sets like the Standard Horizon HX300E are better suited for industries such as agriculture (on land or at sea), long-haul trucking, infrastructure construction, and public safety that are primarily set outdoors.
When should you use UHF?
UHF radio waves cover a larger range between 300MHz to 3GHz, making it possible to get better coverage with minimal interference. As they fall into a higher frequency range, the distance they can travel is limited compared to VHF – making them less suitable for outdoor or marine environments.
Similar to VHF radios, UHF radios also operate on line-of-sight and it is recommended to have a clear path to the receiver to ensure uninterrupted and unobstructed communication. Unlike VHF however, UHF radio waves can transmit through regular building walls in urban environments – making them highly suitable for indoor reception and communication.
UHF handheld radio sets like the ICOM IC-F4003 are better suited for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, building construction, and warehousing that are located indoors or in a mix of indoor and outdoor environments.
Shop VHF and UHF Marine Radios for Sale at Tecomart
Looking for a trusted and reliable supplier for your communication needs? Tecomart has what you need to ensure you can stay in touch with your colleagues, crew, and clients while out and about. We have a wide variety of VHF marine radio and UHF handheld radio sets for sale on our online shop, now available at affordable wholesale pricing.
Communication is vital in marine travels, whether you’re travelling short or long distance. It becomes even more important when navigating through the open sea so that your vessel can avoid hazards and collisions. However there are times when unfortunate circumstances or accidents may still occur, and your vessel will need immediate support and rescue help.
To ensure that vessels in trouble get the immediate help they need, the International Maritime Organisation has put into place the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The GMDSS comprises a universally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment, and communication protocols for maritime distress.
In this blog, we go in-depth on what is GMDSS and what equipment is required for your vessel should it need to comply with GMDSS regulations.
What is the GMDSS?
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally recognised distress and radio communication safety system that was established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) in 1974. This was further amended in 1988 to carry the force of an international treaty and enforce installation in selected vessel types for safety purposes.
The GMDSS provides safety-of-life information and communication systems that relay information to ships about navigation hazards and weather conditions. Ships with GMDSS can enable distress calls with pertinent location and identification information through just a push of a button. The system offers a link between Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities ashore and other vessels within range of the vessel in distress, so that both land and sea resources can be delivered efficiently for SAR operations.
GMDSS equipment combines both satellite and terrestrial communication systems to fulfil a number of functional requirements while ships are at sea. Functional requirements include the following:
Transmit ship-to-shore distress alerts by at least two separate and independent methods
Receive shore-to-ship distress alerts
Transmit and receive ship-to-ship distress alerts
Transmit and receive search and rescue coordinating communications
Transmit and receive on-scene communications
Transmit and receive signals for locating
Transmit and receive maritime safety information
Transmit and receive general communications
Transmit and receive bridge-to-bridge communications
Several sub-systems are typically installed as part of GMDSS requirements for marine vessels:
406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) – EPIRBs are battery-powered radio transmitters that aid in the detection and location of ships in distress. They are both watertight and buoyant, as well as transmit within the range of 406.0 – 406.1 MHz channel. It’s designed to operate with satellites and has been designated for use only for distress.
VHF Radio – VHF refers to very high frequency and is a valuable component of marine mobile radio service as it is used for sending distress messages. Marine VHF radios are two-way communicators that relay and receive messages to and from the responding station. They can be either portable or non-portable. Some even have built-in GPS receivers and AIS receivers.
NAVTEX Receiver – Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) receivers are a Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP) device that typically operates on the frequency 518 kHz and is a significant part of the GMDSS. It automatically receives Maritime Safety Information, including Radio Navigational Warnings, Meteorological Forecasts, and Distress Alerts, among others. The NAVTEX receiver generally provides coastal warnings that cover the area from the Fairway Buoy out to about 250 nautical miles from the transmitter.
Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) – SART machines help in locating the position of the ship in case it goes off-track during times of distress. They are made of waterproof components and are essentially battery-operated to ensure their full functionality in times of emergencies.
Backup Power System – Ships must have an emergency generator in case the main generating system malfunctions. It must have an independent means of automatically starting, either by air or battery, to ensure immediate use following a main power failure.
How can Vessels and Communications Personnel Comply with GMDSS Regulations?
The international GMDSS regulations are mandatory for ships that meet the following criteria:
Cargo ships of 300 gross tons and over with international voyages or travels in the open sea
Every passenger ship that is carrying more than twelve passengers with international voyages or travels in the open sea
There must also be two licensed radio operators aboard GMDSS-certified ships. Either one should be available to act as a dedicated radio operator during emergency situations. The radio operators should have completed a GMDSS course and are holders of a GMDSS Radio Operator’s Licence.
Purchase GMDSS Equipment for your Marine Vessel at Tecomart
Get reliable marine communication equipment to increase the safety of your voyages at sea when you shop at Tecomart. We have top-of-the-line GMDSS equipment that enables you to quickly communicate to SAR teams within the vicinity when times of distress occur or when you need assistance. Purchase GMDSS equipment from trusted brands, such as SAMYUNG ENC, ICOM, and JRC, and always be prepared as you set sail.
Should you want to know more about our products and services, please contact us.
A marine radar is a valuable piece of equipment for any sea vessel. Over the years, its technology has also evolved to better ensure the safety of seafarers as they navigate through vast waters. But what really is a marine radar and how did this helpful piece of marine navigation equipment come to be?
In this blog, we give you a brief overview of what marine radar is, how it works, and how it has changed and advanced over time.
Early Developments in Marine Radar
The first radar dates back over 100 years back to June 1904 when a 22-year-old German engineer, Christian Huelsmeyer, demonstrated his “Telemobiloskop” or “Fernbewegungseher” to technical representatives at a nautical conference in Rotterdam. It was designed to be a “Marine Anti-Collision Device” with technical innovations beyond its time. Unfortunately its benefits and cutting-edge potential were not fully recognised by his audience and Huelsmeyer was unable to translate his creation into a marketable application.
It was only in 1942 during World War II that radar technology progressed, as U.S. and British commercial vessels needed it to improve the safety of navigation and detect enemy ships while at sea.
At the time, they used Relative Motion radar technology which required navigators to plot other ships with a pen on the Plan Position Indicator’s (PPI) display or a plotting screen. This technology was primitive compared to radar technology today: while the coil and radar signals could detect surrounding objects, it would not be able to differentiate if these were foreign ships, lighthouses, buoys, or simply just sea clutter.
As years passed, True Motion radar technology was developed, which was designed to display other ships as targets instead of relative to their own ship. This was done by integrating computer intelligence into the device to improve its logic capacity, allowing marine radars to better identify and categorise surrounding objects.
Swedish shipping company Salenrederierna was the first company to buy Raytheon’s True Motion radar in 1968 and install it in the tanker Sea Sovereign, making the Sea Sovereign the first marine ship with an onboard process computer. While Raytheon’s radar was equipped with various servo motors and receivers as part of its analogue computer setup, it still required a trained seafarer to operate it while making manual adjustments for maximum efficiency.
What is the Modern-Day Marine Radar and How does it work?
Today’s marine radar is a mandatory navigation aid in ships to identify and track the positioning of other vessels and land obstacles to avoid collisions as they go from one point to another. It is classified under the X-band or S-band frequencies.
X-band radars operate on the 8-12 GHz frequency range within the microwave radio region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and are often used for ship traffic control and navigation. They are also typically installed in most large research vessels and offshore installations as they have sharper images and better resolution.
S-band radars, on the other hand, operate on the 2-4 GHz frequency range of and are mainly used for identification and tracking.
Marine radar uses a rotating antenna to sweep a narrow beam of microwaves around the water surface surrounding the ship to the horizon. The microwaves detect targets reflected from them and the radar generates a picture of the vessel’s surroundings on a display screen.
Generally, the radar gives a rough estimate of an object’s distance. This enables the vessel to know how far they are from other ships and land obstacles to prevent collision and ensure safe navigation while on water.
Find Top-of-the-Line Marine Radars for Sale at Tecomart
When buying marine radars today, it’s important to keep in mind that they are rarely used alone. Other navigation displays such as GPS, ship positioning, and sonar display are often displayed alongside radar using multifunction displays.
For commercial ships, marine radars may be integrated into a full suite of marine instruments including GPS chart plotters, two-way marine radio, sonar, satellite navigation receivers, and emergency locators. Innovations in radar and digital communication technology have enabled these devices to better exchange data with one another, providing crew with a comprehensive view of the surroundings to properly manoeuvre the ship.
Harbour masters and coast guards are also equipped with vessel-based marine radars and vessel traffic service radar systems to better manage vehicle movement in ports or at sea.
If you’re looking for high-quality marine radars for sale online, you can trust Tecomart. We provide marine communication and navigation technology from trusted brands to ensure you get reliable equipment when you go out into the waters. In our shop, you can find reputable brands such as JRC, ICOM, SIMRAD, Raymarine, and more.
If you want to know more about our products and services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
