Raymarine Magnum 12kW Open Array Radar, 96nm Range

Overview

The Raymarine Magnum 12 kW is an open array marine radar for boats that need long-range target awareness, bird finding, and dependable performance in offshore conditions. It uses a 12 kW magnetron transmitter with a maximum range scale of 96 NM, giving captains a wider view around the vessel when running offshore, tracking weather, or working distant structure and bird activity.

The radar is available with 4 ft and 6 ft array options. The 4 ft array keeps the installation more compact, while the 6 ft array gives a narrower horizontal beamwidth for better target separation. With the VCM100 voltage converter module, the system supports 12 V dc and 24 V dc vessel power systems across a 10.8 V dc to 31.2 V dc operating range.

This is a good match for larger center consoles, sportfishing boats, cruising yachts, and light commercial vessels already built around compatible Raymarine multifunction displays. The IPx6 waterproof rating, 24 RPM and 48 RPM rotation speeds, and operating temperature range of -25°C to +55°C suit exposed radar arch, hardtop, and mast installations where spray, sun, vibration, and weather are part of normal use.

Key features

• 12 kW magnetron radar with a maximum range scale of 96 NM for offshore navigation, weather awareness, and distant target detection.
• Available with 4 ft or 6 ft open array antennas to match the vessel size, mounting space, and desired target separation.
• 4 ft array has a nominal 1.85° horizontal beamwidth, while the 6 ft array has a nominal 1.15° horizontal beamwidth.
• Bird Mode supports anglers who use radar to locate bird activity beyond visual range.
• Works with the VCM100 voltage converter module for 12 V dc and 24 V dc electrical systems.
• Typical power consumption is under 110 W, with standby consumption under 30 W and sleep consumption under 1.2 W.
• IPx6 waterproof rating and an 85 knot maximum wind speed rating for exposed marine installations.
• Compatible with a broad range of Raymarine Axiom, Axiom Pro, Axiom XL, Axiom 2 Pro, Axiom 2 XL, gS-Series, eS-Series, e-Series, c-Series, a-Series, E-Series Widescreen, C-Series Widescreen, and G-Series Classic displays.

Variants

The Magnum 12 kW range is offered as complete radar packs, a pedestal-only option, and array-only replacement options. This makes the product family useful for a new installation, a system upgrade, or a component replacement where the rest of the radar system is already in place.

The main differences are the configuration type and the array length. The complete radar packs include the pedestal, selected array, 15 m cable kit, and VCM100 voltage converter module. The pedestal-only version includes the 12 kW pedestal with VCM100, while the array-only versions are for matching Magnum open array installations.

• T70412: Radar Pack with 4 ft array. This configuration suits installations where the complete 12 kW radar system is needed and a shorter open array is preferred for tighter hardtop, arch, or tower layouts.
• T70414: Radar Pack with 6 ft array. This configuration keeps the complete radar pack format and adds the longer array for a narrower beam and improved target separation.
• E70487: Pedestal Only with no array. This option is for replacing or building around the 12 kW Magnum pedestal while selecting the array separately.
• E70490: Array Only with 4 ft array. This is the 4 ft open array component for a compatible Magnum pedestal installation.
• E70491: Array Only with 6 ft array. This is the 6 ft open array component for a compatible Magnum pedestal installation where the longer antenna is required.

Electrical and system integration

The Magnum 12 kW radar connects into Raymarine navigation systems and is meant to be viewed and controlled from compatible Raymarine multifunction displays. For complete radar pack configurations, the included 15 m RayNet radar and power cable gives installers a practical starting point for routing from the scanner location down to the helm electronics area.

The VCM100 is an important part of the power installation because it allows use on both 12 V dc and 24 V dc vessel systems. As with any high-power radar, cable routing, circuit protection, bonding, and scanner placement should be planned before installation so the radar has clean power and a clear view around the boat.

Installation and mounting

The scanner should be mounted as high as practical with a clear sweep around the vessel. A higher position improves line-of-sight radar coverage, while mounting above head height also helps keep crew and passengers away from the rotating array and the radar beam path.

The pedestal height with antenna is 430 mm, with a pedestal length of 409 mm and width of 314 mm. Array length is 1306 mm for the 4 ft version and 1918 mm for the 6 ft version, so deck hardware, antennas, outriggers, rigging, and canvas clearance should be checked before choosing between the two array sizes.

Use cases on board

For offshore fishing crews, the 12 kW output and Bird Mode are especially useful when looking for bird activity tied to feeding fish. For cruising and passagemaking, the same long-range radar picture helps with traffic awareness, rain tracking, and route decisions when visibility or sea conditions change.

The 4 ft array fits boats where space and weight matter, while the 6 ft array better suits larger vessels that can carry the longer antenna and benefit from finer bearing resolution. Both options are aimed at vessels that need more radar reach than a compact radome can provide.