Product Introduction

The DX-RACON-02 is a marine Radar Beacon / Radar Transponder (RACON) designed to help vessels identify designated Aids to Navigation on radar.

Unlike a passive radar reflector that only returns reflected radar energy, a RACON responds to compatible radar interrogation with a coded signal that can be recognized on the vessel's radar display.

For projects using S-band marine radar, the DX-RACON-02 provides a dedicated S-band response while retaining X-band capability within the same unit.

Why S-Band?

Longer Wavelength for Long-Range and Demanding Conditions

S-band uses a longer wavelength than X-band.

In marine radar applications, this gives S-band an important advantage where reliable radar awareness needs to be maintained over longer distances or under challenging weather conditions.

It is particularly relevant for:

• Open-sea navigation
• Longer-range radar observation
• Areas with frequent heavy rain or changing weather
• Offshore and exposed marine environments
• Navigation routes where consistent radar identification is important

For larger vessels and projects that already rely on S-band radar, the RACON must be able to respond within that radar environment.

That is the practical value of the S-band function in the DX-RACON-02.

What Does the Vessel Actually See?

A Recognizable Morse-Coded Radar Response

When the vessel radar interrogates the RACON, the DX-RACON-02 returns a coded radar response that appears on the radar display.

The response can be configured using:

A–Z · 0–9 · NW · NE · SW · SE

This allows different navigation marks or locations to use different identification codes where required by the project.

Instead of seeing only an unidentified echo, the operator receives a recognizable radar mark associated with the designated AtoN.

All-Direction Radar Coverage

Designed for Different Approach Directions

A marine AtoN may be approached from different bearings.

The DX-RACON-02 uses an omnidirectional antenna design to provide full horizontal radar coverage, while standard and optional antenna configurations allow the vertical coverage and antenna gain to be selected according to project requirements.

This gives system designers greater flexibility when matching the radar beacon to the intended installation.

How Is the RACON Verified?

Laboratory Testing and Field Verification Serve Different Purposes

Laboratory testing can verify whether the RACON is operating correctly under controlled conditions.

Typical checks can include:

• Operating frequency
• Radar response
• Identification code
• Power condition
• Basic working status

However, practical radar detection performance also depends on the complete installation environment.

Factors such as radar type, antenna height, RACON mounting height, radar settings, weather, obstructions and surrounding targets can all influence what the vessel finally sees.

For this reason, shipboard or field verification is more representative when actual detection performance needs to be confirmed.

What Matters Most When Selecting a RACON?

Choosing a RACON is not only about whether the equipment can transmit a signal.

The project should confirm that the complete system can:

• Respond reliably to the intended marine radar
• Operate in the required radar band
• Provide the correct identification code
• Produce a clearly recognizable response on the radar display
• Achieve the required practical operating range after installation

These points should be considered together rather than evaluating one specification in isolation.

Built for Continuous Marine Service

The DX-RACON-02 is designed for long-term marine installation.

Its construction includes an engineering plastic radome and 316 stainless steel base, together with IP68 protection, waterproof connection, wide-voltage DC input and RS485 communication.

Low average power consumption also supports integration into continuously operating AtoN systems.

Before Ordering

To prepare the correct RACON configuration, confirm:

• Installation location
• Required radar band
• Single-band or dual-band requirement
• Identification code
• Power supply
• Mounting arrangement
• Required operating range
• Any project-owner or local authority requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a separate S-band-only RACON?

No. The hardware is the DX-RACON-02 dual-band RACON. This page specifically presents the operational value of its S-band capability.

Why would a project require S-band instead of relying only on X-band?

The two bands have different operating characteristics. S-band's longer wavelength is better suited to longer-range radar awareness and demanding weather conditions, while X-band is commonly valued for higher target detail and resolution.

What should be confirmed before ordering?

The project should confirm the required radar band, antenna configuration, identification code, power supply and system interface requirements before final configuration.