Though mostly associated with sonar, CHIRP is actually the acronym for compressed high-intensity radar pulse. As the name implies, the technology started with radar, and now, with the new Quantum CHIRP Wireless Radar from Raymarine, it has come full circle.
Quantum is the only radar featuring a solid-state pulse-compressed radome, according to Raymarine. Exclusive ATX technology places up to 10 times more energy on targets but uses a fraction of the power required by conventional radars, the company claims.
This results in better target separation at greater distances with less screen clutter. With a maximum range of 24 miles, it can also detect targets as close as 18 feet from the boat. The technology rejects interference from other radars, ensuring noise-free images in congested waters, Raymarine says.
Amazingly, the radome connects wirelessly to Raymarine MFDs running the latest LightHouse II operating software system, eliminating the need for bulky, hard-to-route cabling.
At 12 pounds, the 21.3-inch-diameter radar dome weighs 50 percent less than comparable sizes of domes with conventional magnetron technology. $1,599.99 MSRP; flir.com
