| For this reason, dome
antennas are not as adept at tracking
birds as a comparable open array antenna.
As the length of the antenna radiator
increases, beamwidth becomes narrower,
so a larger antenna will invariably
offer better target discrimination.
Experience and practice will make you a bird-finding machine, but to get there
you need to start with the basics. For the novice, it is best to practice these
techniques on a clear day with calm seas. It is easiest to first visually locate
a flock of birds that you want to target.
To target the birds, set the radar to mid or long-range. Next, increase the Gain
control until you see noise on the display. This will appear as a blanket of
small specks. You will need to leave the Gain turned all the way up, thus setting
the receiver for maximum sensitivity in order to detect birds. Resist the temptation
to turn up the AC/Sea or AC/Rain to drop out the noise. Flocks of birds may look
like dense, recurring noise rather than a solid target, but you should be able
to see them clearly. This is what you will be looking for when you don’t
have a visual cue as to where the birds are feeding.
If your radar is capable of operating in True Motion, then choose this mode.
You will be stabilizing the display, and you will be able to tell if the flock
is travelling in a straight line looking for bait pods or if they have found
their target school and are feeding.
When operating in Head Up or True Motion, be sure to turn on your target trail
function and set it for long trails to help track travelling flocks.
Practice these techniques, and soon you will be scouting your fishing spots just
like the pros. |
