IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance

December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

International Association of Marine Aids to

Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities IALA Guideline No. 1010

On

Racon Range Performance

Edition 2

June 2005
Edition 1 – December 1999
AISM Association of Internationale de Signalisation Maritime IALA

20ter, rue Schnapper

78100, Saint Germain en Laye, France
Telephone +33 1 34 51 70 0 fax +33 1 34 51 82 05
E-mail – [email protected] Website – www.iala-aism.org

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

Document Revisions
Revisions to the IALA Document are to be noted in the table prior to the issue of a
revised document.
Date Page / Section Revised Requirement for Revision
March 2005 • Section 1 – Introduction Reflect changes in ITU and IMO
• Section 2.1 – Radar regarding radar performance and
Operating Band spectrum use.
• Section 3.4 – Racon Tracking
Accuracy
• Section 3.5 – Radar
Performance Standards
• Formatting - General

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION 4

2 FACTORS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE RADAR OPERATOR. 5

2.1 Radar Operating Band 5
2.2 Display settings 5
2.3 Awareness of certain operating characteristics of racons 5

3 FACTORS NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE RADAR OPERATOR

5
3.1 The propagation characteristics of the intervening atmosphere 5
3.2 Fading due to Multi-path interference 6
3.3 Blind arcs 6
3.4 Racon Tracking Accuracy 6
3.5 Radar Performance Standards 7

4 ESTIMATION OF RACON RANGES 7

4.1 Cautionary Note 7
4.2 Sample Result Graphs 7

5 EXAMPLES 8
5.1 Radar-racon analysis 8
5.2 Racon site evaluation 9

6 CONCLUSIONS 9

7 DATA SOURCES. 10

ANNEX 1 - DISCUSSION ON TRACKING ACCURACY AND EFFECT ON

RACON RANGE 20

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

Guidelines on racon range performance.

1 INTRODUCTION
The method recommended by the International Association of Marine Aids to
Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) for publishing the nominal range of a
radar beacon (racon) installation, is to quote the distance at which the racon is likely
to be first detected, with assumed values for heights and powers of radars as fitted
typically to a range of vessels.
Four vessel type / radar size combinations, each capable of being installed at two
different heights, are considered:
IMO MSC79 has approved radar performance Resolution 192(79) which has removed
the requirement for 3 GHz (S-Band) radars to trigger racons. Because of this, 3 GHz
operation is not discussed explicitly. However, 3 GHz radar signal behaviour is
similar to 9 GHz and many of the same effects can be observed.

Vessel type Band1 Power Antenna Height

Above Sea Level
(ASL), metres
Gain dBi Size (A) (B)
metres
(1) Pleasure/small 9 GHz 4 kW 25 0.9 3 6
(2) Small 9 GHz 10 kW 29 1.2 5 10
commercial
(3) Large 9 GHz 25 kW 31 2.4 15 35
commercial
Table 1 Radar types

Apart from the effective power output of the radar, the most significant parameters
affecting the nominal range are the heights of the racon and the radar scanner above
sea level.2 In all the combinations of Table 1, the strength of the radar signal received
at the racon is more critical than the return path and determines whether the racon will
transmit a response.
The racon nominal ranges given in this note should be taken only as an approximate
guide. In addition to the effective output power of the radar and the heights of the
radar and racon, the following factors have a major influence on whether the racon
can be seen on the radar display.

1
The 9 GHz band was previously known as X-band. It is also known as the 3 cm band. The 3 GHz band was
previously known as S-band. It is also known as the 10 cm band.
2
Throughout this note, racon and radar heights may be interchanged. For example, the performance of a racon at
6 m ASL on a radar at 35 m ASL would be identical to that of the same racon at 35 m ASL on the same type of
radar at 6 m ASL.

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

2 FACTORS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE RADAR

OPERATOR.
2.1 Radar Operating Band
Some racons are only single-band. The radar display being observed must be
connected to a radar head operating on the correct band for such a racon. If a
shipborne radar system has interswitching capability, it may not be immediately
obvious which transmitter / receiver unit is connected to a particular display. In
addition, the operator should be aware that some new 3 GHz radars might not trigger
or detect racons (section 3.5 refers).
2.2 Display settings
The radar must be switched to a display range scale appropriate for the distance of the
racon from the vessel. It must be correctly adjusted, particularly the anti-clutter
settings
2.3 Awareness of certain operating characteristics of racons
The observer must be aware that racons are programmed and are active for only
(typically) 15 seconds in each minute.

3 FACTORS NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE RADAR

OPERATOR
3.1 The propagation characteristics of the intervening atmosphere
The propagation characteristics of the atmosphere between radar and racon at the time
have a major influence on the performance of a racon, particularly at distances greater
than about 10 nm. The usual effect of the vertical profile of the refractive index is to
cause the radar frequency energy to follow a path that is curved very slightly
downwards. This curvature is taken into account in calculations of range performance
by using a hypothetical value for the radius of the earth of ‘k’ times its true value.
The normal3 value of factor ‘k’ is taken to be (4/3) = 1.33. At night and in bad weather
conditions the assumed value of ‘k’ should often be considerably lower than this.
Conversely, in good daytime conditions a higher value should be taken. In temperate
climate areas ‘k’ is typically between 1.0 and 2.0. However it can be as low as 0.8
which may reduce racon range performance by more than 50%. Alternatively it may
be as high as 10 possibly increasing racon range performance by a similar factor.
These conditions are often referred to as “anomalous propagation” – colloquially as
“anaprop”.4 Unfortunately there is no practical way to find an appropriate value for
‘k’ other than retrospectively, either by calculation from detailed atmospheric profile
measurements or by empirical matching to observed radar performance.
Precipitation, either at the racon site where it may produce obscuring clutter at
medium to short range, or in a significant portion of the path between radar and racon
where it may introduce significant signal attenuation on a 9 GHz radar, will reduce

3
The word “normal” is used here to follow the practice of most textbooks on the subject. “World-wide annual
average” would be a better term because the value which should be used varies significantly with location and
from hour to hour.
4
Ducting, an extreme form of anaprop in which radar rays become trapped within a height band of a few tens of
metres either at, or a few metres above, the sea surface, may be encountered occasionally. This results in severe
radar performance loss.

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

the effective detection range of a racon. The presence on the radar display of sea, rain
or land clutter in the vicinity of the racon will reduce the ability to detect its response
due to obscuration.
All these propagation characteristics also affect detection of normal radar targets such
as ships and coastlines.
3.2 Fading due to Multi-path interference
The second external factor, which is seldom experienced in detection of normal radar
targets5, is fading due to multi-path interference. Figure 1 shows a typical example of
the variation of the received signal with distance. The smooth curve represents the
signal that would be received in the absence of any sea-surface reflection - the “free-
space” condition.
In practice the signal received is the vector sum of the direct path signal and its
reflection in the sea surface. For given heights of radar and racon, the difference in
length between the direct and indirect paths varies with the distance between radar
and racon, and hence the phase of the two signals also varies. When they arrive in-
phase6 the vector addition gives up to 6 dB uplift. When they arrive in opposite
phase, there is (theoretically) almost total cancellation, a null. This condition is most
marked when the sea is calm and is commonly called “multi-path fading”7. This
modulation of the free-space propagation curve is shown in Figure 1.
The racon will be triggered only if the combined signal received (i.e. the resultant
vector sum of the direct and reflected rays) is above its receiver threshold. At radar-
racon separations where the combined signal is below the threshold, the racon will not
be triggered. By convention, the active zones are called “lobes”, from the shape of
vertical profile plots as shown in Figures 2 to 7. Between the lobes are “fade zones”
or “nulls”, in which the racon is not triggered. The extent of a fade zone is typically in
the order of 3 to 10% of its range the first (longest range) being the widest and
deepest. A fade will seldom persist on the radar of a moving vessel because the
distance between radar and racon will usually be changing but could be of
significance when planning the siting of a racon especially in the vicinity of a Traffic
Separation Scheme.
3.3 Blind arcs
A final factor, which applies equally to normal radar working, is the possible
influence of the vessel superstructure and the siting of the radar antenna. On many
vessels the strength of signal received from racons, and echoes from other targets,
may vary according to the relative bearing of the racon or target, - “blind or semi-
blind arcs”. Likewise, the racon must be installed with a clear view of the sea area of
interest.
3.4 Racon Tracking Accuracy
Individual radars transmit at various frequencies within the band. For a racon to be
detected by a radar, the racon needs to respond at that radar’s frequency. The process
of measuring the radar frequency and adjusting the racon transmission frequency to

5
Because such targets consist of many uncorrelated individual reflectors whereas a racon antenna is effectively a
single point.
6
Note that there is a 180°phase shift at the point of reflection.
7
The geometry of the ray diagram depends on the value of ‘k’, hence so do the positions of the lobes and nulls.

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

match is not perfect, and some error in frequency tracking can be expected. Radar
receivers have narrow band pass filters to exclude signals that are not wanted. Thus,
racon tracking error appears to degrade the racon’s signal strength.
The effect of tracking error can be quantified. ANNEX 1, Discussion on Tracking
Accuracy and Effect on Racon Range, refers.
3.5 Radar Performance Standards
IMO performance standards do not require 3 GHz radars to trigger or detect racons.
Because of changing ITU requirements, new generation radars must have reduced
emissions and might not trigger or detect existing racons. It is unlikely that
regulations will change again before 2012.

4 ESTIMATION OF RACON RANGES

4.1 Cautionary Note
Computer programs can be written which calculate and plot the relationships between
received signal strength and distance from radar to racon for any set of equipment
parameters and assumed propagation characteristics. Such a set of programs (see
section 7) has been used to produce the tables and graphs that follow. However,
because of all the variables involved and the unpredictability of some of them, notably
‘k’, it would not be of great value, and indeed could be misleading, to attempt to
define with any precision the detection ranges and the positions of the fade zones of
racons.
4.2 Sample Result Graphs
Sample result graphs are provided in Figures 1 – 7 (pgs 10-16).

4.2.1 Figure 1
This shows the variation with distance of the radar signal at the racon receiver for one
set of radar parameters (3 A in Table 1), racon height of 60 m and an assumed value
‘k’ = 1.33. The variation as it would be in free-space is shown as well as the practical
case with multipath interference. The standard triggering threshold for a 9 GHz racon
(-40 dBm) is shown. The effect of homogenous rainfall over the whole path length,
which introduces attenuation increasing linearly with distance, can be simulated by
drawing a threshold line that rises at the appropriate rate. An example line is shown
at 0.1 dB/mile, which corresponds very approximately to moderate rain of 4 mm/hour
on a 9 GHz system.
Indications of the variation of nominal range and the position and shape of the first
(i.e. longest range) three lobes for a variety of radar/racon combinations, with racon
height as the independent variable, are shown in graphical form in Figures 2 to 9.
“Outside” the solid line lobe-shaped areas are the height and distance combinations
where the racon does not respond to the radar, “Inside” the lobes are where the racon
responds to the radar. Also shown in each figure are the dotted line lobe-shaped areas
that illustrate the effects of a combined reduction of 6 dB in the effective radar power
output and racon sensitivity due to service deterioration.

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

4.2.2 Figure 2
Typical pleasure or similar small craft with a 4 kW 9 GHz-band radar installed
3 metres above sea level (1 A in Table 1).

4.2.3 Figure 3
As figure 2, but with the radar installed 6 metres above sea level (1 B in Table 1).

4.2.4 Figure 4
Typical small commercial ship or fishing vessel with a 10 kW 9 GHz-band radar
installed 5 metres above sea level (2 A in Table 1).

4.2.5 Figure 5
As Figure 4, but with the radar installed 10 metres above sea level (2 B in Table 1).

4.2.6 Figure 6
Typical large commercial ship with a 25 kW 9 GHz-band radar installed 15 metres
above sea level (3 A in Table 1).

4.2.7 Figure 7
As Figure 6, but with the radar installed 35 metres above sea level (3 B in Table 1).

5 EXAMPLES
To aid in using the Racon Range Diagrams (Figures 2 to 7), two examples are given.
The first example presents the general technique for using the diagrams. This is done
by showing how to analyze the performance of a radar for a particular racon
installation. The second example builds on the general technique and outlines a
procedure for evaluating a potential racon site for the expected vessel (and thus, radar)
traffic.
5.1 Radar-racon analysis
The expected maximum range of the radar-racon combination and the location of any
nulls that might be encountered can be read from the diagrams. The general procedure
for determining range and null locations is as follows:
1 Using the appropriate diagram for the vessel type, draw a line across the
diagram at the racon height
2 follow the line just drawn from the right hand side of the diagram until the first
lobe is reached; this point is the maximum racon range
3 continue following the line to the left until the first lobe is cleared; this point is
the distance to the first null
4 continue following the line to the left until the next lobe is reached; the
difference in distance between this point and the last is the width of the first
null area
5 steps 3 and 4 can be followed again to determine the second null area

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

There are other nulls further to the left (closer distances to the racon), but they are
very narrow. In actual practice, these nulls are effectively non-existent for a moving
vessel.
Figure 8 (pg 17) is an example using a racon height of 60 meters and a vessel type of
1A. In this example, the maximum range is about 12.0 miles, the first null is from
about 6.1 miles to about 5.0 miles and the second null is from about 3.0 to 2.8 miles.
5.2 Racon site evaluation
There are two racon siting issues considered. The first issue is to determine that the
maximum ranges for the expected radar types are adequate for the location. The
second issue is to determine that none of the null areas fall over an inconvenient point.
The following steps are used:
1 select a candidate racon height
2 for each vessel type, determine, from the diagrams, the maximum range, and
the locations and width of the first two null areas; enter these values into a
table
3 for each vessel-type table entry, determine if the maximum range is adequate
for the intended service; if any table entry is inadequate, then a new height
must be chosen and this procedure redone
4 for each vessel-type table entry, determine if any of the null areas fall over
an inconvenient point; if any null point is inconvenient, then a new height
must be chosen and this procedure redone
Table 2, below, is an example of this technique for a potential racon height of 60
meters for all eight radar types.

Vessel Maximum First Null Second Null

Type Range Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum
1A 12.0 6.1 5.0 3.0 2.6
1B 14.0 10.8 8.4 5.9 5.2
2A 16.5 8.5 7.5 4.9 4.5
2B 19.0 12.7 11.7 7.5 7.0
3A 22.5 15.0 14.5 11.0 10.8
3B 27.5 21.5 20.5 17.5 17.0

Table 2 Ranges and Nulls

In any case, the cautions of Section 4.1 must be kept in mind.

6 CONCLUSIONS
The complexity inherent in predicting propagation of radio waves at the frequencies
used in marine radar is emphasised in sections 3.1, 3.2 and 4.1 above. Noting this, the
expected detection ranges of racons at various heights above sea level, derived from
Figures 2 to 7, are shown in Figure 9 and may be sufficient guidance in many cases.

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

The providing authority should be aware that, for the reasons demonstrated in
paragraphs 3 and 4, fade zones occur at distances within the nominal detection range.
In those circumstances where the reception of a racon is particularly important and
where the distance from the vessel to the racon remains nearly constant, for example
in a Traffic Separation Scheme, the installation of two racons at different heights, to
provide space diversity, should be considered.
In cases where a more detailed analysis of the structure of the lobe and fade zones is
required, computer programs such as those used to compile the data and graphs for
this note should be used.

7 DATA SOURCES.
Private communication and computer programs, G F M Walker (Australian Maritime Safety
Authority)
The Radar Handbook, edited by Merrill Skolnik, Published by McGraw-Hill, 1970 & 1990
editions.
Estimated Range of Radar Beacons, P Blaise, IALA 1985 Conference, Paper 6.3.1.

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

TYPICAL RACON PERFORMANCE

From Table 1, 3A

Radar & Racon Parameters: Geometry & Environment:

Frequency: 9.40 GHz Radar Height: 15.0 m
W avelength: 3.19 cm Racon Height: 50.0 m
Polarisation (V or H): H Refraction Constant 'k': 1.33
W ave Height: 0 m (crest to trough)
Radar Transmitter Power: 25 kW
Radar Antenna Gain: 31 dBi Transition Range: 19.13 nautical miles
Radar Receiver Sensitivity: -95.5 dBm Maximum Geometric Range: 24.36 nautical miles
Calculation Range Limit: 26.79 nautical miles
Racon Transmitter Power: 1 watt
Racon Antenna Gain: 4.5 dBi
Racon Receiver Sensitivity: -40 dBm Critical Path: Radar to Racon

RANGE (Nautical Miles)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
-10

Maximum
Geometric Range

-20
Signal Strength at Racon

Free Space Multipath

2.65
2.70
Receiver Power (dBm)

-30
2.75
2.80
2.85
2.90
2.95
3.00
-40 3.05
3.10
Equivalent 3.15
Threshold in 3.20
Racon Moderate Rain 3.25
Threshold 4 mm/hr 3.30
3.35
-50 3.40

-60

Figure 1

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

RACON RANGE DIAGRAM - 9.4 GHz

From Table 1, 1A

Vessel Type: Small Craft (Radar Antenna Height 3 metres)

Radar Parameters: Racon Parameters:

Power 4 kW Power 1 watt
Antenna Gain 25 dBi Antenna Gain 4.5 dBi
Receiver Sensitivity -95.5 dBm Receiver Sensitivity -40 dBm

Critical Path: Radar to Racon Environment:

Refraction Constant (k) 1.33
W ave Height 0 metres (crest to trough)

300
These curves are valid only for the particular conditions detailed above.

There are many

closely spaced lobes
250 in this region.

200
Racon Height (metres)

These curves are valid

only for the particular
conditions detailed above.

150

100

Maximum
Geometric Range
50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Range (nautical miles)

The graph shows the maximum geometric range and the first three lobes caused by multipath effects due to reflection at the sea surface,
plotted as a function of racon height above sea level. Interference nulls are also present above the third lobe, but are generally only of small
range duration. To use the graph, enter with racon height (assumed to be the same as the associated light if not specifically quoted) and
read off the maximum detection range and the ranges at which signal loss due to the multipath effects will be experienced. The curves
inside the main lobes are calculated for a 6 dB loss of performance and indicate the range reduction if such losses are present.

FIGURE 2

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

RACON RANGE DIAGRAM - 9.4 GHz

From Table 1, 1B

Vessel Type: Small Craft (Radar Antenna Height 6 metres)

Radar Parameters: Racon Parameters:

Power 4 kW Power 1 watt
Antenna Gain 25 dBi Antenna Gain 4.5 dBi
Receiver Sensitivity -95.5 dBm Receiver Sensitivity -40 dBm

Critical Path: Radar to Racon Environment:

Refraction Constant (k) 1.33
W ave Height 0 metres (crest to trough)

300

250
There are many closely
spaced lobes in this
region.

200
Racon Height (metres)

150

These curves are valid only

for the particular conditions
100 detailed above.

50 Maximum Geometric
Range.

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Range (nautical miles)

The graph shows the maximum geometric range and the first three lobes caused by multipath effects due to reflection at the sea surface,
plotted as a function of racon height above sea level. Interference nulls are also present above the third lobe, but are generally only of small
range duration. To use the graph, enter with racon height (assumed to be the same as the associated light if not specifically quoted) and read
off the maximum detection range and the ranges at which signal loss due to the multipath effects will be experienced. The curves inside the
main lobes are calculated for a 6 dB loss of performance and indicate the range reduction if such losses are present.

FIGURE 3

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

RACON RANGE DIAGRAM - 9.4 GHz

From Table 1, 2A

Vessel Type: Small Commercial (Radar Antenna Height 5 metres)

Radar Parameters: Racon Parameters:

Power 10 kW Power 1 watt
Antenna Gain 29 dBi Antenna Gain 4.5 dBi
Receiver Sensitivity -95.5 dBm Receiver Sensitivity -40 dBm

Critical Path: Radar to Racon Environment:

Refraction Constant (k) 1.33
W ave Height 0 metres (crest to trough)

300

These curves are valid only for

the particular conditions detailed
above.

250

There are many closely

spaced lobes in this
region.
200
Racon Height (metres)

150

100

50

Maximum
Geometric Range.

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Range (nautical miles)

The graph shows the maximum geometric range and the first three lobes caused by multipath effects due to reflection at the sea surface,
plotted as a function of racon height above sea level. Interference nulls are also present above the third lobe, but are generally only of small
range duration. To use the graph, enter with racon height (assumed to be the same as the associated light if not specifically quoted) and
read off the maximum detection range and the ranges at which signal loss due to the multipath effects will be experienced. The curves
inside the main lobes are calculated for a 6 dB loss of performance and indicate the range reduction if such losses are present.

FIGURE 4

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

RACON RANGE DIAGRAM - 9.4 GHz

From Table 1, 2B

Vessel Type: Small Commercial (Radar Antenna Height 10 metres)

Radar Parameters: Racon Parameters:

Power 10 kW Power 1 watt
Antenna Gain 29 dBi Antenna Gain 4.5 dBi
Receiver Sensitivity -95.5 dBm Receiver Sensitivity -40 dBm

Critical Path: Radar to Racon Environment:

Refraction Constant (k) 1.33
W ave Height 0 metres (crest to trough)

300
These curves are valid only for the
particular conditions detailed
above.

250

There are many closely

spaced lobes in this
region.

200
Racon Height (metres)

150

100

50

Maximum Geometric
Range.

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Range (nautical miles)

The graph shows the maximum geometric range and the first three lobes caused by multipath effects due to reflection at the sea surface,
plotted as a function of racon height above sea level. Interference nulls are also present above the third lobe, but are generally only of small
range duration. To use the graph, enter with racon height (assumed to be the same as the associated light if not specifically quoted) and read
off the maximum detection range and the ranges at which signal loss due to the multipath effects will be experienced. The curves inside the
main lobes are calculated for a 6 dB loss of performance and indicate the range reduction if such losses are present.

FIGURE 5

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

RACON RANGE DIAGRAM - 9.4 GHz

From Table 1,3A

Vessel Type: Large Commercial (Radar Antenna Height 15 metres)

Radar Parameters: Racon Parameters:

Power 25 kW Power 1 watt
Antenna Gain 31 dBi Antenna Gain 4.5 dBi
Receiver Sensitivity -95.5 dBm Receiver Sensitivity -40 dBm

Critical Path: Radar to Racon Environment:

Refraction Constant (k) 1.33
W ave Height 0 metres (crest to trough)

300

These curves are valid only for the particular

conditions detailed above.

250

There are many closely spaced

200 lobes in this region.
Racon Height (metres)

150

100

50

Maximum
Geometric Range.

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Range (nautical miles)

The graph shows the maximum geometric range and the first three lobes caused by multipath effects due to reflection at the sea surface,
plotted as a function of racon height above sea level. Interference nulls are also present above the third lobe, but are generally only of small
range duration. To use the graph, enter with racon height (assumed to be the same as the associated light if not specifically quoted) and
read off the maximum detection range and the ranges at which signal loss due to the multipath effects will be experienced. The curves
inside the main lobes are calculated for a 6 dB loss of performance and indicate the range reduction if such losses are present.

FIGURE 6

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

RACON RANGE DIAGRAM - 9.4 GHz

From Table 1,3B

Vessel Type: Large Commercial (Radar Antenna Height 35 metres)

Radar Parameters: Racon Parameters:

Power 25 kW Power 1 watt
Antenna Gain 31 dBi Antenna Gain 4.5 dBi
Receiver Sensitivity -95.5 dBm Receiver Sensitivity -40 dBm

Critical Path: Radar to Racon Environment:

Refraction Constant (k) 1.33
W ave Height 0 metres (crest to trough)

300

These curves are valid only for the particular

conditions detailed above.

250

There are many closely spaced

200 lobes in this region.
Racon Height (metres)

150

100

50

Maximum Geometric
Range.

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
RANGE (nautical miles)

The graph shows the maximum geometric range and the first three lobes caused by multipath effects due to reflection at the sea surface,
plotted as a function of racon height above sea level. Interference nulls are also present above the third lobe, but are generally only of small
range duration. To use the graph, enter with racon height (assumed to be the same as the associated light if not specifically quoted) and
read off the maximum detection range and the ranges at which signal loss due to the multipath effects will be experienced. The curves inside
the main lobes are calculated for a 6 dB loss of performance and indicate the range reduction if such losses are present.

FIGURE 7

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

RACON RANGE DIAGRAM - 9.4 GHz

From Table 1, 1A

Vessel Type: Small Craft (Radar Antenna Height 3 metres)

Radar Parameters: Racon Parameters:

Power 4 kW Power 1 watt
Antenna Gain 25 dBi Antenna Gain 4.5 dBi
Receiver Sensitivity -95.5 dBm Receiver Sensitivity -40 dBm

Critical Path: Radar to Racon Environment:

Refraction Constant (k) 1.33
Wave Height 0 metres (crest to trough)

300

There are many

closely spaced lobes
250 in this region.

200
Racon Height (metres)

These curves are valid

only for the particular
conditions detailed above.

150

100

Maximum
Geometric Range
60
50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

2.8 3.0 6.1 12.0

Range (nautical miles)
5.0

Example of Finding Maximum Range and First Two Null Areas

FIGURE 8

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

EXPECTED RACON RANGE, IN NAUTICAL MILES

140
130
120

Racon Height, in Metres

110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 10 20 30 40
Expected Racon Range,
FIGURE 9 in Nautical Miles

The left edge of the shaded area represents the expected distance for a small vessel
using a 4 kW radar with its antenna mounted at 3 meters above sea level. The right
edge of the shaded area represents the expected distance for a large vessel using a 25
kW radar with its antenna mounted at 35 meters above sea level. Figure 9 can be used
in two ways. The first is for determining range for a racon that is already installed. For
example, a racon height of 60 metres would yield an expected range of 12 miles to
about 26 miles. The second use of the chart is for planning. For example, the goal is to
service primarily large vessels at 25 miles and secondarily small vessels at 10 miles.
Racon mounting height of greater than 40 metres would be expected to accomplish
both goals.

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

ANNEX 1 - Discussion on Tracking Accuracy and Effect on Racon Range

The Guidelines state “the strength of the radar signal received at the racon is more
critical than the return path and determines whether the racon will transmit a
response.”
In determining the critical path, figures-of-merit (FOM) are computed. FOM have
very little absolute value (for example, they cannot tell you maximum range), but are
useful for comparison. For the interrogation path, FOM is calculated using radar
power, gain for both radar and racon antennas and racon receiver threshold values.
For the response path, FOM is calculated using racon power, gain for both radar and
racon antennas and radar receiver threshold.
For example, assume the following racon characteristics:
Receiver Threshold: -40 dBm
Transmitter Power: 1 Watt
Antenna Gain: 4.5 dBi
Further assume the following radar characteristics (Table 1, 3A):
Receiver Threshold: -95.5 dBm
Transmitter Power: 25 kWatt
Antenna Gain: 31 dBi
For this radar/ racon combination, calculated FOM values are:
Interrogation FOM: 149.5 dB
Response FOM: 161 dB
These FOM indicate that the response path is 11.5 dB “better” than the interrogation
path. This means that if the interrogation is detected by the racon, the radar will detect
the response. Racon manufacturers ensure this by design, with a combination of racon
transmission characteristics such as transmitter power, antenna gain and transmitted
frequency (or, tracking) accuracy
There is an implication that the response path can “degrade” by as much as 11.5 dB
and the radar will still detect the racon’s response. For example, changing the racon
transmitter power from 1 Watt to 100 mWatt (30 dBm to 20 dBm) reduces the
response FOM by 10 dB, but does not change the racon operating range because the
response FOM is still greater than the interrogation FOM.
To this point, perfect tracking accuracy has been assumed. Individual radars transmit
at various frequencies within the band. For a racon to be detected by a radar, the racon
needs to respond at that radar’s frequency. The process of measuring the radar
frequency and adjusting the racon transmission frequency to match is not perfect and
some error in frequency tracking can be expected.
Racon tracking error appears to degrade the response signal at the radar receiver. In
order to quantify the amount of degradation, the input filter parameters of the radar
receiver input characteristics are needed.
Radar receivers have narrow band pass filters to exclude signals that are not wanted.
A typical radar might have the following input filter parameters (when using long
radar pulses, which is the worst case, as the narrowest receiver filter is used):

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 IALA Guideline 1010 on Racon Range Performance
December 1999 – Edition 2 June 2005

3 dB down at 1.5 MHz away from centre frequency

Roll-off of 2.5 dB/MHz

As an approximation, the roll-off value is used. This means that for every 1 MHz of
tracking error, the racon signal is degraded by 2.5 dB. Referring to the comparison
between interrogation and response FOM, this implies that a tracking error of 4.6
MHz [11.5 dB/(2.5dB/MHz)] could be tolerated with no loss in racon range. As
another example, a tracking error of 10 MHz could result in a loss of range of about
13.5 dB [(10 MHz)(2.5 dB/MHz) – 11.5 dB], or more than 75%.
These problems essentially disappear when using short radar pulses or operating at
close distances. When operating with short radar pulses, radar receiver filters are
wider in order to accept the short pulse returns. This one reason why IALA R-101
Recommendation on Radar Beacons (Racons) recommends a larger tolerance for
tracking accuracy for short pulses compared to long pulses. And, in all cases, the
power of the response from the racon is huge in comparison to radar target reflections.
The following chart lists the FOM for the three different X Band radars from the
Guidelines, and shows the calculated loss in range for various tracking errors.
Receiver filter characteristics are assumed to be as used above.

Loss of Range
Power Antenna Interrogate Response 2 MHz 5 MHz 10 MHz
Gain FOM FOM Error Error Error
4 kW 25 dBi 135.5 155 NONE NONE 41%
10 kW 29 dBi 143.5 159 NONE NONE 68%
25 kW 31 dBI 149.5 161 NONE 11% 79%

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