Lowrance Halo20, 20+, and 24 Dome Radars Installation Manual

Disclaimer and Warnings

Warning: Always refer to important safety information provided in the user app guides and product documentation before using this product. Proper training and seamanship are essential. The user is solely responsible for safe installation and operation, adhering to maritime safety practices. Navigational features are aids and should not be the sole source of navigation. Brunswick Corporation and its subsidiaries disclaim all liability for improper use that may cause accidents, damage, or violate the law.

Governing Language: In case of conflict between translations, the English version of the documentation is the official one.

Copyright: © 2023 Navico Group. All Rights Reserved. Navico Group is a division of Brunswick Corporation.

Warranty: The product warranty is supplied as a separate document.

Compliance: The product complies with CE (Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU) and UKCA (Radio Equipment Regulations 2017) standards in Europe and the United Kingdom, respectively. In the United States, it complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions that prevent harmful interference.

RF Emissions Notice: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits. The antenna must be installed according to instructions, maintaining a minimum spacing of 0.1 m (0.33 ft) from persons during operation. It has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to reorient/relocate the antenna, increase separation, connect to a different circuit, or consult a dealer/technician.

Japan Compliance: Specific statements apply to the Halo24 Radar regarding pulse emission types (VON, QON).

Canada Compliance: This product complies with ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development) Canada's license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to two conditions: no interference caused and acceptance of any received interference. Industry Canada regulations also apply to antenna type and gain selection for optimal performance.

Installation Guidelines

Wiring Guidelines

Safely pulling the interconnection cable: Use a mouse line attached to the outer jacket of the cable for pulling. Secure with cable ties. Tape the conductors and RJ45 connector to the mouse line. Avoid sharp bends, running cables where water can flow into connectors, or running data cables near high-current or high-frequency cables. Ensure cables do not interfere with mechanical systems or run over sharp edges.

Do: Make drip and service loops, use cable-ties, solder/crimp and insulate connections, use appropriate cable lengths, and leave room for connector access.

Do not: Make sharp bends, run cables where water can flow into connectors, run data cables near interference sources, run cables that interfere with mechanical systems, run cables over sharp edges, or attach a mouse line directly to the Ethernet cable or connector.

Warning: Ensure electrical power is turned OFF before installation to prevent fire, shock, or injury. The positive supply wire (red) must always be connected to (+) DC with a fuse or circuit breaker, and the power supply voltage must be compatible with the unit.

Choose the scanner location

The scanner's location significantly impacts target detection. Ideally, it should be mounted high above the vessel's keel line with no obstacles. Higher mounting increases range but also minimum range and can be affected by sea clutter. Ensure optional longer cables are available if needed. If mounting on a pedestal, ensure rain and sea spray can drain away and the breather hole is clear.

Do not install the scanner:

• Directly on a large flat roof area; use a pedestal to elevate it.
• Too high up (e.g., top of a mast), which can degrade short-range performance.
• Close to lamps or exhaust outlets, as heat and smoke can damage the dome and degrade performance.
• Close to other equipment antennas (VHF, GPS, direction finders) which may cause interference.
• Where obstructions at the same level as the beam can cause false echoes or shadow zones.
• Where it will be subjected to strong vibrations, which can degrade performance or service life.

Warning: Never store the Halo radar upside down in the rain without protection. For dual radar installations, ensure the Halo Radar is not installed in the beam of a pulse radar.

Considerations for roof mounting

The vertical radar beam extends 25° above and below horizontal for Halo20/20+ and 22° for Halo24. To avoid performance degradation due to the radar beam being blocked by a hard top, it is recommended to elevate the antenna. If the mounting surface is metal, elevation is crucial for complete beam clearance.

Determine scanner height: Measure the distance (A) from the Halo Radar to the furthest forward corner of the hard top. Use the provided diagrams to determine the necessary scanner height (B) based on distance (A) for Halo20/20+ and Halo24 radars to ensure optimal performance.

Halo20/20+ Radar: For every 200 mm (7.87”) increase in distance (A), increase height (B) by 45 mm (1.77”).

Halo24 Radar: For every 200 mm (7.87”) increase in distance (A), increase height (B) by 40 mm (1.57”).

Optimum performance: Position the radar to allow the full beam to clear the superstructure of the boat. For Halo20/20+, for every 200 mm (7.87”) of dimension (A), increase height (B) by 90 mm (3.54”). For Halo24, for every 200 mm (7.87”) of dimension (A), increase height (B) by 80 mm (3.14”).

Halo light

Note: Only available for Halo20+ and Halo24 Radars. The blue accent light can be activated via the display unit. Warning: Ensure compliance with local boating regulations before activating the blue accent lights.

Wiring overview

Run the interconnection cable between the scanner and the display unit or Ethernet switch. The diagram shows the connections for the Halo Radar, scanner connector, interconnection cable, Ethernet connector, power wires, and optional Ethernet adapter.

Scanner connection

The scanner connects using an 8-pin connector. Insert the connector, rotate the locking collar, and secure with retainers. Ensure proper cable routing and avoid pulling the cable tight. The pin-out details for the scanner socket and interconnection cable plug are provided.

Warnings: Retainers hold the cable but do not provide strain relief. Do not pull the cable tight or hang the scanner from it.

Scanner connection details: A table details the pin-out, wire color, and description for the scanner socket and interconnection cable plug.

Installing the scanner

Use the supplied mounting template, ensuring correct orientation and clearance. Drill four holes using a 9.5 mm (3/8”) drill bit. Connect the scanner interconnection cable. Use marine-grade sealant for bolt holes if penetrating a roof or cavity. Position the scanner, place lock and plain washers on bolts, apply sealant to threads if necessary, and tighten bolts securely. Torque settings are 12 Nm – 18 Nm (8.9 lb ft – 13.3 lb ft). Use Tef-Gel® or similar lubricant to prevent galling and corrosion.

Note: Any cable extensions should use appropriate marine-grade cable with tinned copper conductors.

Ethernet connection

The scanner can connect directly to an RJ45 Ethernet socket or to a 5-pin Ethernet socket via the supplied adapter. The diagram illustrates the connections. A table details the pin-out for the Ethernet switch socket and the interconnection cable (RJ45 plug).

Ethernet adapter cable: Use the waterproof cable boot to seal the connection between the interconnection cable and the Ethernet adapter cable. Connect the cables, then turn and lock the cable boot to the adapter cable. Tighten the boot gland. A table shows the pin-out details for the 5-pin plug and RJ45 socket.

Power connection

The unit operates on a 12 or 24 V DC system and is protected against reverse polarity, under-voltage, and over-voltage. A fuse should be fitted to the positive supply. Wiring directly to a vessel's battery bank is not recommended; connection via a switch panel and main isolator switch is assumed. The shield wire can be insulated or connected to a vessel hull ground if interference is encountered.

A table provides recommended wire gauges for extending power wire length for a 12 V system, considering interconnection cable length and minimum cross-section (mm²).

Power control connection

The yellow wire in the power cable controls the unit's on/off function. It can be connected for power control by supply power (unit turns on/off with power application), power on by switch (unit stays on while switch is closed), or power controlled via a master/slave bus system (unit turns on when power is applied to the bus by a display unit).

Diagrams and tables illustrate the connections for each power control method.

Setup and configuration

Setup and configuration are simplified compared to traditional pulse radars. No zero range adjustment, warm-up time, or burn-in is required.

Adjust bearing alignment

Align the heading marker on the screen with the vessel's center line for accurate MARPA target and EBL bearing display.

Antenna height adjustment

Set the antenna height correctly above the waterline, as it affects the sea clutter function. Do not set the height to zero.

Sector blanking

Used to prevent the radar from transmitting in directions that could cause unwanted reflections or interference. Four sectors can be set, measured from the bow.

Sidelobe suppression

Note: This control should only be adjusted by experienced users. Incorrect adjustment can lead to target loss. The default setting is Auto. Increase suppression if false targets appear as arcs. This typically occurs with large structures like ships or buildings.

Halo light

Note: Only available for Halo20+ and Halo24 Radars. Adjusts the LED accent light level. Warning: Check local boating regulations before turning on the blue accent lights.

Maintenance

Clean the radome using soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning products and solvents like gasoline or acetone, as they can damage the dome surface.

Replacing a Broadband 3G/4G Radar

Note: Some older displays may not be compatible with Halo 20, 20+, and 24 dome radars. Contact Navico customer service for information. An adapter cable is required if using a pre-existing Broadband radar interconnection cable.

Follow the steps for installing the adapter cable and connecting it to the existing interconnection cable at the mounting location.

RI-10 Radar interface box and wiring: It is recommended to remove the RI-10 Radar interface box. Reterminate the connector and use appropriate tools to strip the 4G cable. Connect the 4G cable wires to power as described in the Power Connection and Power Control Connection sections. If removal is difficult, the box may remain in place without detriment to performance. Check fuse/circuit breaker ratings against technical specifications.

Note: Halo dome radars do not require navigation data via Simnet or NMEA 2000 for MARPA or Velocity Track.

Troubleshooting

Status LED

A status LED at the back of the scanner indicates the scanner's status. Conditions include Booting-up/Upgrading, Fault, Low voltage, No Ethernet/Physical link, and Operating normally, each with a specific flash repeat sequence and priority. If multiple conditions occur, the highest priority is indicated.

Error messages

If problems persist, check for software updates on the respective websites (lowrance.com, simrad-yachting.com, bandg.com).

Unknown Radar

This message typically appears when overlaying radar on a chart or if the display software is too old to support the radar. Ensure the correct radar source is selected and configured in the display unit.

No radar

Indicates no network connection between the display and radar. Recommendations include checking the Radar Status LED, Ethernet light, radar source selection, power cycling the system, checking all connections for proper seating and corrosion, verifying voltage to the yellow power control wire, checking supply voltage/current, inspecting the Ethernet cable for faults, and trying another Ethernet port.

No scanner

Occurs when an Ethernet connection is established but an internal scanner error prevents normal operation. Check supply voltage/current. If persistent, power cycle the system and check the scanner cable/RJ45. A possible internal fault may require contacting service.

No spoke data

Similar to 'No scanner', this occurs with an established Ethernet connection but an internal scanner error. Recommendations are the same: check supply voltage/current, power cycle, check cable/RJ45, and contact service if the issue persists.

Error codes

A table lists various error codes (e.g., 0x00000001 for corrupted settings, 0x0001000C for scanner not detected, 0x0001000D/E for transmitter overheat, 0x0001000F for signal processing error, 0x00010017 for scanner failure) and provides corresponding recommendations, such as re-entering settings, checking connections, power cycling, checking input voltage, switching to STBY, or contacting service.

Power Supply Errors: Codes related to overheating, voltage errors, overload, hardware faults, communication faults, low battery voltage, and LED lighting faults are listed with recommendations to check connections, voltage, or contact service.

Mechanical Errors: Codes for zero bearing sensor fault, bearing sensor fault, mechanical transmission fault, motor drive fault, or stalled motor/antenna indicate the need to contact service.

Dimensional drawings

Diagrams provide the dimensions for the Halo dome radars (Halo20/20+ and Halo24) including dimensions A, B, C, and D. A note indicates that bolt holes are located in the same position for each radar. A bottom view diagram shows the cable entry area, cable retention channel, bolt holes, and LED accent light.

Technical specifications

Halo20/20+ Radar

Halo24 Radar

Accessories

The most up-to-date accessories list is available at:

• www.lowrance.com
• www.simrad-yachting.com
• www.bandg.com