SCANTER 4100 Reflector

Common issues

• Antenna/reflector drive motor or gearbox wear causing uneven rotation speed or increased noise
• Azimuth encoder faults giving heading/bearing errors on the radar picture despite a correctly rotating antenna
• Radome or reflector housing weatherproofing failure allowing moisture ingress into the turning unit
• Waveguide or RF cable/connector degradation reducing transmit power and picture range
• Slip ring or rotary joint wear causing intermittent picture dropout or noise on the display
• Bearing wear in the turning unit from prolonged exposure to vibration and weather at the masthead

Inspection checklist

• Check antenna rotation for smoothness and correct speed; listen/feel for bearing or gearbox roughness
• Inspect radome/reflector housing seals and drain points for water ingress
• Check waveguide/cable runs and connectors at the mast for corrosion or physical damage
• Verify transmitted power and picture range/quality against commissioning baseline where a test set is available
• Check heading line and bearing accuracy against a known reference (e.g. gyro/compass alignment)
• Inspect turning-unit lubrication where the maker specifies a serviceable gearbox

Service intervals

Typical wear limits

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

• Antenna drive motor
• Turning unit gearbox/bearing set
• Azimuth encoder/pulse generator
• Rotary joint/slip ring assembly
• Radome seal kit or replacement radome section

Safety

• RF exposure - do not work in front of an energised antenna; follow the maker's safe-working-distance guidance for X-band emissions
• Working aloft on the mast to access the antenna requires proper fall protection and a permit-to-work
• Isolate and tag the transmitter before any hands-on work at the antenna
• Rotating antenna presents a mechanical strike/entanglement hazard during maintenance if not locked out

Class survey

This entry covers the SCANTER 4100 antenna/reflector unit specifically, not the full radar transceiver and processor - inspect and service the antenna as a mechanical/RF assembly distinct from the below-deck electronics. As SOLAS navigational equipment, class/flag wants evidence of the required annual functional test and, where fitted, records of any radar performance monitor checks.