Ratheon R20X/40X scanner - how can it be used?

[Bluebeard]

As part of a long overdue clear out I have this Radar set, the scanner is 24in diameter and the console/screen both unused and in the original sealed packaging.
I know it's obsolete now so please don't tell me that,

but in particular the scanner, how is it different from current radar? I understand that the console won't integrate with chart plotters etc like current stuff but that scanner is impressive, how can it be sensibly be used or is it effectively junk?

I have photos but don't understand how to add them.

[skipmac]

In addition to not integrating or overlaying on a chart plotter, in general older radars will

- use more power
- have lower resolution
- take more tweaking and skill with settings to eliminate sea clutter etc.
- isn't visible in direct sunlight without a hood
- the screen may not be water or weather proof so used only below or under cover.

All that being said, if it still works it will still be a useful tool. If you're planning to go with something modern it would have value on the used market. Maybe only a few hundred bucks but that would buy a lot of coffee.

[svHyLyte]

For what its worth, we have a R20x radar and have found it to be an excellent piece of equipment, so much so that I have been unwilling to "up-grade" to one of the newer radars with all the bells'n whistles. It will take GPS input as to position and headings and does "talk" to our Garmin chart-plotter to display way-points, and bearings to same, while following a route on the plotter. Our unit is installed at the Navigation table below deck so one does have to duck down to check the screen from time to time but we haven't found that to be much of a problem. Considering how useful the gear is, verses how little it's worth in the used equipment market, in you shoes I'd make use of it myself.

Again, FWIW...

[Bluebeard]

Thank you s v HyLyte, that is the feedback I was hoping for.


Ian

[stormalong]

As long as it works - use it. When it breaks throw it away.

Couple of things:

When you first turn it on leave it in standby for at least an hour. The magnetron tube needs to be gettered - the air that has leaked through the seals over the years needs to be burned up before high voltage is applied to the tube.

These were manufactured by JRC for Raytheon. No one has parts or cables for them. I liked my R20X but 20 years ago Raytheon (predecessor to today's Raymarine) would not fix it. Today???

[Dooglas]

Originally Posted by stormalong

These were manufactured by JRC for Raytheon. No one has parts or cables for them. I liked my R20X but 20 years ago Raytheon (predecessor to today's Raymarine) would not fix it. Today???

Correct. Once something fails - you are done.

[svHyLyte]

We've had repair work done on our Radar twice over the last 17 years by Jaytron Electronics in Bradenton, Florida. Both times the technician, Steve, whom we've known for 20+ years, had no difficulty obtaining the necessary parts, most of which are generic. I have never heard about letting the unit sit for an hour, or any time, after having been turned on once the screen timer goes off, usually a minute or so, after which it defaults into "Stand-by" mode and the unit works normally when activated. Raytheon in its day seemed to be far better than "RayMarine" today.

FWIW...