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In article .com,
wrote:

I have no experience with radar but I do have some questions for those
of you who do.

Is there a device that detects radar so that you can tell from a long
distance if someone with radar is illuminating you? This would be
sorta like a police radar detector.

What is the time average power of most consumer radar systems?
Do they have a "warm-up" time?
Do you use it continously?
How far away will it detect:
1. A ship
2. A buoy with a corner reflector
3. A small sailboat with radar reflector
4. A small sailboat WITHOUT radar reflector
How does chop affect its performance?
Does bad weather affect it?

Well, lets see.....

Yes, there are Radar Detectors that will signal when lite up by an
XBand Marine Radar. No, I don't know of any off hand but "Goggle is your
friend".

That would depend on the values of PRR (Pulse Repition Rate), PW
(Pulse Width), PV (Peak Voltage), and PA (Peak Current) of the
Modulator and Magnitron of the Radar in question. For Radars less
10Kw PPP (Peak Pulse Power), it would be in the 5 - 10 Watt Range.

Yes, most small boat, and Commercial Xband Radars have a 3 minute Warmup
cycle.

Depends on who "You" is......

1. Depends on Tx PPP, Antenna Gain (Size), Receive Noise Floor, Size of
Target, Height of antenna above water. Typically 5 to 10 Nautical Miles.

2. Same as above, but not more than 5 NM, typical.

3. Same as above, but around 5 Nautical Miles, typical.

4. Same as above, but less than with a Radar Reflector.

Sea Return can effect Target display, but usually can be compensated for.

Xband is known for some Water Vapor dispersion, and really doesn't like
Snow much. Sband is really good for looking for Rain Squalls, and used
a lot in Doppler Radar Wx Imaging.

Me be more specific, and get better answers......