Raymarine Cyclone Open Array Radar, 55W, CHIRP, 72 NM, IPX6

Overview

The Raymarine Cyclone Radar is a 55 W solid-state open array marine radar for boats that need long-range awareness, clean target separation, and fast updates from a low-profile scanner. It uses CHIRP pulse compression and Raymarine beam sharpening technology, with range scale up to 72 NM and selectable rotation speeds from 12 to 60 rpm.

Cyclone works with 3, 4, or 6 foot open arrays, letting the radar installation match the size of the boat, hardtop, arch, or radar mast. The pedestal is 13.1 inches tall and uses concealed cable connections, which helps keep the install tidy on visible mounting points.

For electrical planning, the radar operates through the VCM100 with nominal 12 V dc or 24 V dc supply, a supported voltage range of 10.2 to 31.2 V dc, and RayNet data connection to compatible Raymarine Axiom displays. It is IPX6 rated, has a 100 knot wind rating, and is built for exposed topside locations where spray, weather, and vibration are part of normal use.

Key features

• 55 W solid-state transmitter with CHIRP pulse compression for radar returns that remain useful at short and long range.
• Up to 72 NM range scale for coastal cruising, offshore runs, fishing, and traffic awareness in open water.
• Available with 3, 4, or 6 foot open arrays, with horizontal beamwidths of 2.83 degrees, 1.99 degrees, and 1.32 degrees respectively.
• Selectable 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 rpm rotation speeds, allowing fast screen updates when operating close to other boats or moving at speed.
• RangeFusion technology combines short and long pulses into one radar image, helping nearby and distant targets stay visible without constant range changes.
• Doppler target tracking helps separate inbound and outbound moving targets for easier interpretation in busy harbors and shipping lanes.
• Tracks up to 100 ARPA targets when paired with a compatible Raymarine display and system setup.
• IPX6 waterproof rating and operating temperature range from -25°C to +55°C for exposed marine installations.
• Compatible with Raymarine Axiom, Axiom+, Axiom Pro, Axiom XL, Axiom 2 Pro, and Axiom 2 XL multifunction displays.

Variants

The Cyclone range is split between complete radar packs, a pedestal-only option, and open-array-only assemblies. Where an array is included, the available antenna lengths are 3, 4, or 6 feet, so the main configuration difference is whether the order includes the full radar pack or only the replacement or build-out component.

Complete packs include the matching array and pedestal, along with a 15 m cable kit and VCM100 voltage converter. Pedestal-only and array-only configurations are meant for installations where the matching Cyclone component is already present or being sourced separately.

Installation and setup

This radar should be mounted as high as practical with a clear sweep around the open array. A hardtop, radar arch, tower, or mast location gives the scanner better line of sight and helps improve target detection at distance. The open array should also be kept above normal crew head height for mechanical clearance and safe operation.

The pedestal uses a power connector and a RayNet data connector, so planning the cable route before mounting is important. The concealed cable design helps reduce exposed wiring, but the installer still needs room below the mounting surface for routing, sealing, and service access.

Electrical and system integration

The Cyclone Radar is a Raymarine network radar and should be matched with a compatible Raymarine multifunction display. It is not intended for older Raymarine display families that do not support Cyclone radar integration.

Typical power consumption is 70 W, maximum power consumption is 170 W, and standby consumption is 30 W. The system is a good match for vessels already using Raymarine Axiom displays and needing a radar upgrade for fishing, cruising, weather monitoring, or navigation in reduced visibility.

Array selection and on-water use

A longer open array narrows the horizontal beam and improves the radar’s ability to separate targets that are close together on screen. The 3 foot array suits installations where space and weight matter, while the 4 and 6 foot arrays give progressively tighter beamwidth for larger boats with more mounting room.

For anglers, Bird Mode can help with finding bird activity over bait. For cruising and offshore passages, the combination of Doppler tracking, ARPA target tracking, and fast rotation speeds helps the operator read traffic, squalls, land returns, buoys, and other radar targets with less guesswork.