BridgeMaster E 180 and 250 EPA (L) Series of Marine Radars

BridgeMaster E 180 and 250 EPA (L) Series of Marine Radars

Since Decca radar pioneered maritime navigation, Sperry Marine has inherited over 50 years of innovative tradition and continuously launched advanced radar systems that meet the needs of modern ships. The BridgeMaster E EPA (L) series marine radar is a continuation of this tradition, designed specifically for workboats, tugboats, fishing boats, and commercial ships that require EPA radar, meeting the mandatory IMO equipment requirements. This article will comprehensively analyze how this series of radars can become reliable partners in harsh marine environments from the aspects of technical characteristics, performance advantages, installation convenience, and global support.

Product Series Overview

The BridgeMaster E EPA (L) series offers two display size options:

180mm flat panel display: suitable for compact driving platforms

250mm flat panel display: provides a larger observation area, suitable for the main radar station

Both models use high-resolution TFT color flat panel display technology to ensure clear readability even under strong light. The system is based on the widely validated BridgeMaster E platform. Since its launch in 1999, thousands of systems have been successfully installed on various types of ships worldwide, proving its excellent reliability.

Core functions and performance

Excellent clutter suppression capability

The EPA (L) series radar has particularly outstanding target detection performance in adverse weather conditions. Through advanced signal processing technology, it effectively suppresses rain, snow, and sea clutter, ensuring clear display of small and long-range targets. This is crucial for fishing boats and workboats operating in complex sea conditions.

Electronic plotting function

As a core requirement of EPA radar, this series supports manual plotting of up to 10 simultaneous targets. Operators can easily obtain detailed data for each target, including distance, orientation, heading, speed, and CPA/TCPA, to assist in collision avoidance decisions. The plotting operation is simple and intuitive, in compliance with the IEC 60872-3 standard.

Navigation data integration

BridgeMaster E radar can directly access data from compatible navigation sensors, including:

The position of the ship and the latitude and longitude of the cursor

Navigation plan display, real-time judgment of whether there is deviation

Pre sequence and subsequent 9 waypoints (when using Sperry navigation sensors)

This feature is particularly valuable for independent radar installations without electronic chart systems (ECS), as operators can grasp the route situation without switching devices.

Radar map construction

Operators can construct multi-layered radar maps and selectively display different layers of information. The map colors and symbols comply with the IEC radar map specifications, automatically calibrated through navigation input, and stored internally in the system. This facilitates the marking of key information such as waterways, obstacles, fishing areas, etc., and enhances situational awareness.

Durable design suitable for harsh environments

The EPA (L) series is designed specifically for rough working environments, taking into account the common vibrations, temperature changes, and power fluctuations of workboats and fishing vessels.

Extreme temperature adaptability

The radar antenna unit (Turning Unit) and transceiver meet the minimum operating temperature requirement of -40 ° C by the Russian Register of Shipping. This means that even in polar or frigid waters, the radar can reliably start and operate. The display unit is also suitable for wide temperature operation.

Wide voltage power supply

Adopting advanced power factor correction technology, the power module is extremely robust and can operate within a wide voltage range of AC 92V to 276V and 47 to 64Hz. Even if there are serious fluctuations in the ship's power grid, the radar can maintain normal operation, avoiding shutdown or restart caused by unstable voltage.

Durable construction

The antenna and transceiver unit are made of high-strength materials with high protection level, which can resist salt spray, rain, snow, and mechanical impact. The optional performance monitor is built into the antenna unit and does not require additional installation kits.

Detailed explanation of technical specifications

Antenna and transceiver

Antenna size: Available in 4-foot (1310mm), 6-foot (1920mm), or 8-foot (2535mm) antennas

Transmission power: X-band, optional 10kW or 25kW

Weight: 8ft antenna unit maximum 55kg, 6ft 52kg, 4ft 50kg

Power consumption of transceiver

10kW standard speed: 210W

10kW high speed: 330W

25kW standard speed: 250W

25kW high speed: 370W

display unit

Power supply: AC 92-276V, 47-64Hz; DC 24-32V (180 type only)

Power consumption: Maximum 280W for all models

Weight: 28kg

interface

Two NMEA 0183 serial inputs

Compatible with most standard compass interfaces

Optional performance monitor (meets SOLAS requirements)

Built in map storage

Track ball or joystick control

Installation and maintenance convenience

The BridgeMaster E series was designed with ease of installation as an important consideration. Serial data communication is used between the transceiver and the display, significantly reducing the number of cables required and wiring complexity. The antenna unit is equipped with an optional performance monitor, eliminating the need for a separate installation kit, saving time and cost.

The display unit supports AC or DC power supply and adapts to different ship power distribution systems. The menu system has clear logic, easy to set debugging parameters, and can quickly complete installation and debugging.

Compliance and Certification

The EPA (L) series has obtained complete type approval and complies with the following international standards:

IEC 60945 (Environmental Testing)

IEC 60936-1 (Radar Performance)

IEC 60872-3 (EPA Performance)

Therefore, the radar can meet the legal requirements of the SOLAS Convention for ships equipped with EPA equipment, and the corresponding wheel mark can be hung on the bridge.

Application scenarios

Workboats and tugboats

These types of ships often operate in narrow waters and near ports, requiring high requirements for radar's close range resolution and fast update rate. BridgeMaster E EPA provides clear small target display and manual plotting to assist with safe towing and berthing.

fishing boat

Fishing operations require identifying fishing nets, buoys, and other fishing vessels. The radar map function can mark fishing areas, manually plot and track the movements of surrounding ships, and avoid entanglement and collision of fishing gear.

Small commercial ships

For ships that do not require ARPA, EPA radar is an economical and compliant choice. Combined with the navigation plan display, it can effectively assist in route monitoring.

Backup radar system

On large commercial ships, the EPA (L) series can serve as a backup or secondary radar for ARPA radar, ensuring basic navigation capabilities in the event of a main radar failure.