Marine radars with compact dome antennas are becoming increasingly sophisticated, sensitive and popular, but radar systems with open-array antennas still offer the ultimate in target detection and range.
Among the newest open-array marine radar systems to hit the market are Garmin’s most powerful radars to date: the GMR 2524 xHD2 and GMR 2526 xHD2 high-definition radars. Both feature 25 kW transmit power, open-array antennas and a maximum range of 96 nautical miles. The 4-foot GMR 2524 xHD2 and 6-foot GMR 2526 xHD2 are available with Pulse Expansion, which increases the duration of the transmit pulse and boosts the target size for identifying returns at longer ranges. Pulse Expansion will also be available for the existing line of xHD open-array and xHD dome radars with a free software upgrade. The new radars also feature Auto Bird Gain2, which lets you easily locate flocks of birds, as well as dual range for simultaneous short- and long-range views. Both will integrate with Garmin’s GPSMAP chart plotters, combo units or multifunction displays. $7,999.99 and $8,999.99, respectively; garmin.com
