Overview

The Simrad HALO Radar is a solid-state open-array pulse compression radar offered in 50 W HALO 2000 and 130 W HALO 3000 versions, showing targets from 6 m out to 72 nm or 96 nm depending on the series. The range is available with 3 ft, 4 ft, and 6 ft open arrays (availability depends on the radar series).

Power is fed through the RI-50 and supports 12 V or 24 V DC (10.8 to 15 V on 12 V systems, 20 to 31.2 V on 24 V systems), with a recommended fuse of 25 A at 12 V or 15 A at 24 V. The radar is ready instantly from standby and typically takes 16 to 25 seconds from power-on.

Connection to the display is over Ethernet via the RI-50, and the kits include a 20 m power and Ethernet cable. There is no direct NMEA 2000 connection, so heading and navigation data are carried to the radar over the Ethernet network. It works with Simrad chartplotters including NSS, NSX, NSO, and GO.

Key features

• 50 W HALO 2000 (up to 72 nm) and 130 W HALO 3000 (up to 96 nm) options, with targets visible from as close as 6 m
• Pulse compression radar with beam sharpening to help separate small targets that sit close together
• Simultaneous Dual Range view for watching distant weather while keeping an eye on nearby traffic and markers
• Preset modes for Harbour, Offshore, Weather, and Bird to get a usable picture without manual tuning
• ZoneTrack tracking for up to 50 targets in defined areas
• VelocityTrack Doppler and Dangerous Target Alerts for radar and AIS targets to help spot collision risks sooner
• Bird+ mode on HALO 3000 variants, with birds detectable up to 8 nm
• Runs on 12 V or 24 V DC through the RI-50 (25 A fuse at 12 V, 15 A fuse at 24 V)
• IPX6 water rating and IEC60945 shock and vibration rating for exposed marine installations

Variants

This radar is offered in multiple configurations that vary by radar series (HALO 2000 vs HALO 3000) and open-array length.

Across the listed kits, the core system setup stays consistent: the RI-50 interfaces the radar to the display over Ethernet and supplies power, and a 20 m power and Ethernet cable is included. The key differences are transmit power and maximum range between HALO 2000 and HALO 3000, plus the physical array length you need to mount.

• 000-15764-001: Radar 6 ft, Array Size HALO 3000. This is the 130 W series with a maximum range up to 96 nm and includes Bird+ mode for bird finding out to 8 nm.
• 000-15763-001: Radar 4 ft, Array Size HALO 3000. This keeps the HALO 3000 feature set in a shorter array that is easier to fit on hardtops and masts with limited fore and aft clearance.
• 000-15760-001: Radar 6 ft, Array Size HALO 2000. This is the 50 W series with a maximum range up to 72 nm, paired with the longest array option in the HALO 2000 line.
• 000-15758-001: Radar 3 ft, Array Size HALO 2000. The shortest array reduces mounting length, which can help on smaller boats while keeping the same operating modes and target tracking features.
• 000-15759-001: Radar 4 ft, Array Size HALO 2000. This mid-length array is a common fit when you want open-array coverage without committing to the full 6 ft mounting space.

Installation and setup

Open-array radars need a rigid mounting surface with clear space for the antenna to rotate without fouling rigging, lights, outriggers, or antennas. Plan cable routing so the 20 m run reaches from the mounting location down to the RI-50 and the helm without tight bends, and add strain relief where the cable passes through hardtops and masts.

For compass placement, allow 1.0 m clearance to a standard compass and 0.5 m to a steering compass. The housing is rated IPX6, so it tolerates washdowns, but it still pays to avoid spots where it will sit in standing water or take constant spray.

Electrical and system integration

The RI-50 takes 12 V or 24 V DC and generates pedestal power internally, so the supply side is where you size wiring and protection. Use the recommended fuse rating (25 A at 12 V or 15 A at 24 V) and keep connections clean and protected from corrosion, especially in saltwater environments.

The radar interfaces to a Simrad MFD over Ethernet. It does not connect directly to NMEA 2000, so make sure your network setup provides heading and navigation data to the display so those inputs can be passed to the radar over Ethernet.

Use on board

This setup suits boats that run a Simrad chartplotter and want an open-array radar for night running, low-visibility transits, and keeping a watch on weather cells and traffic at the same time. HALO 3000 variants are a better fit when maximum range and Bird+ mode matter for offshore fishing and bird activity.