North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

Which effect occurs when a two-piece RADAR unit's antenna points at its own counting unit?

1. Panning Effect

2. Scanning Effect

3. Harmonic Effect

4. Reflection Effect

The correct answer is: Panning Effect

The effect that occurs when a two-piece RADAR unit's antenna points at its own counting unit is known as the Panning Effect. This phenomenon arises due to the configuration of the RADAR unit, where the antenna is actively sending and receiving signals while simultaneously monitoring the data from its own counting unit. When the antenna points back at its own unit, it can lead to misleading readings or inaccuracies in velocity measurements. The Panning Effect may cause erroneous interpretations of the data, as the RADAR system struggles to differentiate between the reflections from legitimate targets and the signals bouncing back from its own components. Though other effects, such as the Scanning Effect, Harmonic Effect, and Reflection Effect, concern various phenomena in radar technology, they do not specifically describe the scenario of the antenna encountering its own signals in the context provided. Understanding this effect is crucial for users of RADAR systems as it influences how accurately they can monitor and interpret velocity data in practical applications.