CMRT Radar Performance Testing & Monitoring 3

Question 1

What symptom most commonly indicates a failing magnetron in a marine radar?

Accepted Answer

Decreased transmitter output power and progressively reduced detection range

Answer

Reduced antenna rotation speed and mechanical noise

Answer

Display flickering and loss of video synchronization

Answer

Erratic and inconsistent bearing readout errors

Question 2

Per SOLAS requirements, how often must a ship's radar be tested for proper operation?

Accepted Answer

Before each voyage and during each navigational watch as appropriate

Answer

Annually by a certified shore-based technician only

Answer

Once per month regardless of voyage frequency

Answer

Only when navigational performance issues are reported by the watch officer

Question 3

What does a high noise figure in a radar receiver indicate?

Accepted Answer

Poor receiver sensitivity due to significant internally generated noise

Answer

Excellent receiver sensitivity and low internal noise

Answer

High transmitter peak power output

Answer

Strong target return signals being received

Question 4

Which technique is used to verify the accuracy of a radar's heading marker alignment?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the radar heading marker against the ship's gyrocompass bearing

Answer

Using a spectrum analyzer to measure transmitted signal frequency

Answer

Measuring received signal strength at multiple bearings around the compass

Answer

Checking pulse width with an oscilloscope connected to the modulator output

Question 5

What information must be recorded in a ship's radar maintenance log?

Accepted Answer

Dates of tests, test results, faults found, and corrective actions taken

Answer

Only the names of crew members on navigational watch duty

Answer

Weather conditions and sea state observed during each watch

Answer

Voyage destinations, port calls, and cargo manifest data

Question 6

A radar performance monitor showing a reduction of more than 4 dB from the established baseline typically indicates:

Accepted Answer

Significant performance degradation requiring technical investigation

Answer

Normal and acceptable day-to-day operational variation

Answer

Improved system sensitivity from favorable atmospheric propagation

Answer

An increase in antenna rotation speed beyond specification

Question 7

What is the function of Sensitivity Time Control (STC) in a marine radar receiver?

Accepted Answer

To reduce receiver gain for close-range returns in order to suppress sea clutter while maintaining target detection at longer ranges

Answer

To increase maximum detection range by boosting receiver gain uniformly

Answer

To calibrate the magnetron output frequency against a reference oscillator

Answer

To automatically adjust antenna rotation speed based on detected weather conditions