Description
The FURUNO Model 1815 is a complete stand-alone 4 kW radar system that pairs an 8.4-inch colour display with a compact 19-inch radome. It is built for operators who want a dedicated radar instrument rather than sharing radar with a multifunction display. With a 36 NM maximum range, automatic clutter controls, target tracking and optional AIS/heading integration, the 1815 is suited to coastal cruising, commercial workboats and fishing vessels that value a permanently available radar screen.
- 4 kW, 36 NM radar: Traditional X-band magnetron transmitter provides proven coastal detection performance from a compact 19-inch radome.
- Dedicated 8.4-inch colour display: Radar remains visible full time and is not displaced by chart, sonar or other MFD applications.
- Fast Target Tracking: Can acquire and track up to ten targets, developing speed/course vectors within seconds after acquisition.
- Advanced automatic tuning: Auto Gain, Sea and Rain clutter functions reduce the amount of manual adjustment required as conditions change.
- AIS and true-motion capability with external data: Compatible heading/AIS inputs expand the system from raw radar into a more complete traffic-awareness tool.
Dedicated Radar Has Operational Advantages
A stand-alone radar display is still preferred on many workboats and serious cruising vessels because radar is always immediately available. The operator does not have to change an MFD page or sacrifice chart/sonar screen area. In restricted visibility, night operation or busy traffic, that dedicated view can simplify watchkeeping.
4 kW Magnetron and 19-Inch Radome
The 1815 uses a conventional 4 kW pulse radar transmitter and compact 19-inch dome. Furuno specifies range scales from approximately 0.0625 NM out to 36 NM. Short ranges are used for harbour work and collision avoidance; longer ranges help identify coastlines, weather and traffic earlier during coastal passages.
Fast Target Tracking
Fast Target Tracking can manually or automatically acquire up to ten radar contacts when the required sensor data is available. The system develops course and speed vectors shortly after acquisition, making it easier to judge whether another vessel is crossing, overtaking or creating a collision risk. Tracking should be used alongside visual observation and COLREGS judgement, not as an automatic collision-avoidance decision maker.
AIS Target Display
With a compatible AIS source, AIS targets can be overlaid on the radar display. Radar sees reflective targets whether or not they transmit AIS; AIS identifies cooperating vessels and provides reported navigation data. Displaying both together helps the operator correlate a radar echo with a named AIS vessel and quickly identify discrepancies.
Auto Gain, Sea and Rain
Radar interpretation depends on managing clutter. Sea returns can obscure small targets close to the vessel, while rain can fill the display with weather echoes. The 1815 includes advanced automatic settings for gain, sea clutter and rain clutter, helping less-experienced operators obtain a usable picture more quickly while still allowing manual adjustment when conditions demand it.
True Trails and True View
Furuno’s true-trail presentation allows moving objects to leave trails that reflect their movement over the ground when the required heading/position inputs are available. True View is intended to make the head-up radar presentation correspond more naturally to what the operator sees visually ahead of the vessel. These functions become most useful when the radar has a quality external heading source.
Colour and User Controls
Radar echoes can be displayed in several colours, and user-programmable function keys provide faster access to frequently used settings. The display is supplied with a swivel mounting bracket so the viewing angle can be adjusted at the helm. This physical control/display format is intentionally straightforward and remains attractive to operators who prefer dedicated marine instruments.
Installation and Heading Sensor
The radome should be mounted on a rigid, unobstructed surface with appropriate safety separation and a clear horizon. The display operates from the vessel’s DC system, and the radar cable must be routed carefully between antenna and display. To use heading-dependent functions such as true motion and enhanced target presentation, connect a suitable heading source such as PG700 or SCX20 through the supported interface.
What’s in the Box
- Model 1815 8.4-inch colour radar display
- 19-inch 4 kW radome radar antenna
- Standard radar interconnection / power cabling supplied with the package
- Display mounting bracket and installation hardware
- Protective cover / documentation as supplied
Specifications
- Radar type: Stand-alone X-band pulse radar
- Display: 8.4-inch colour LCD
- Antenna: 19-inch radome
- Transmit power: 4 kW
- Maximum range: 36 NM
- Minimum range scale: Approx. 0.0625 NM
- Antenna rotation: 24 rpm
- Target tracking: Up to 10 targets with required data
- Clutter controls: Automatic/manual gain, sea and rain
- AIS: Supported with compatible external AIS source
- True motion/trails: Supported with required heading/navigation inputs
- Echo colours: Multiple selectable colour palettes
- Power consumption: Approx. 38 W maximum according to Furuno catalog data
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