FURUNO RTR-078A 12kW X-Band Radar Transceiver – FAR-2117 / FAR-2817 RF Module, Spare Parts & Troubleshooting

Original SM MARINE SERVICE™ photograph showing the FURUNO radar antenna assembly and RF transceiver-related hardware.

Product Information

Identification note: The supplied photograph clearly shows RTR-078A and R184-8885. The second marking should be treated as an equipment identification label until its exact purpose is verified. It should not automatically be described as a manufacturer's serial number.

Product Introduction

The FURUNO RTR-078A Radar Transceiver is an X-band radio-frequency module used inside compatible FURUNO marine radar scanner assemblies.

It is associated with the 12 kW FAR-2117 and FAR-2817 radar families, which are used aboard commercial vessels to detect surrounding targets and support navigation, collision avoidance and situational awareness.

The radar transceiver produces microwave transmission pulses and processes the returning radar echoes before transmitting the relevant received information to the radar processor.

The complete scanner assembly also includes the antenna radiator, rotation mechanism, rotary joint, monitoring electronics and other associated components.

For marine engineers, electronics officers, service technicians and international spare-parts buyers, correctly identifying the RTR-078A, along with its internal board numbers and related scanner type, is essential when purchasing replacement equipment.

SM MARINE SERVICE™ supports enquiries for complete RTR-078A radar transceiver assemblies, compatible radar scanner equipment and individual internal components, subject to availability and compatibility confirmation.

Website: www.smmarineservice.com

Original RTR-078A Identification Photograph

Original photograph showing the RTR-078A identification label, R184-8885 marking, cooling fan, RF installation warning and associated connections.

The photograph includes a warning about correct installation of the RF unit against the circulator and rotary joint.

This warning is important because an incorrectly seated RF module can create microwave leakage and compromise radar performance.

What Is the FURUNO RTR-078A Radar Transceiver?

The RTR-078A is the radio-frequency transmission and reception section of a compatible FURUNO radar scanner.

During transmission, the transceiver generates high-power X-band radar pulses. The antenna radiator sends these pulses into the surrounding environment.

When radar echoes return from vessels, land, buoys and other reflective objects, the receiving circuitry processes these signals so that the radar display can present target information.

The transceiver is therefore a central part of radar performance, affecting transmission, echo reception and the quality of the signal delivered to the processor.

FURUNO documentation identifies the RTR-078 family with the 12 kW radar arrangement. The related RTR-079 family is associated with higher-power 25 kW configurations, and should not be treated as the same replacement unit.

 

Main Features

• 12 kW nominal peak-power X-band transmission.

• Associated with FURUNO FAR-2117 / FAR-2817 radar equipment.

• Installed within a compatible radar antenna/scanner assembly.

• RF controller and modulator electronics.

• Magnetron-based microwave transmission.

• Microwave receiving and intermediate-frequency amplification circuitry.

• Power supply and monitoring electronics.

• Compatibility with identified FURUNO scanner and radiator arrangements.

• Built-in cooling fan in the photographed RF assembly.

• Replaceable electronic boards subject to correct revision identification.

The exact hardware installed inside the photographed RTR-078A should be verified before supplying individual components.

Main Technical Specifications

FURUNO's available technical documentation identifies these RF assemblies and their component families, but board suffixes and installed magnetron versions can differ between production configurations. Confirm the exact fitted hardware rather than assuming compatibility from the base part number alone.

 

Main Components & Associated PCB Part Numbers

Individual PCB identifiers are particularly important for engineers repairing existing FURUNO radar transceivers.

RFC Board – 03P9346

The RFC board controls important radio-frequency transceiver functions and communicates with the radar processing equipment.

Its functions include coordinating transmission triggers, managing relevant RF control signals and monitoring selected operating parameters.

Applicable revisions may include 03P9346A or 03P9346B, depending on configuration.

MD Modulator Board – 03P9244

The modulator board produces high-voltage pulses used to operate the magnetron.

For a 12 kW X-band RTR-078 configuration, manufacturer service information identifies 03P9244A as the relevant MD board version. Other suffixes may be assigned to different radar power levels.

The MD board is a safety-critical high-voltage assembly and must not be replaced with an arbitrary board sharing the same base identifier.

 

IF Amplifier Board – 03P9335

The intermediate-frequency amplifier processes the converted received signal.

A fault in this section can cause poor radar echo reception or abnormal received-signal performance.

The exact board identification and adjustment requirements must be checked before replacement.

BP GEN Board – 03P9347

The Bearing Pulse Generator board provides signals associated with antenna position and rotation.

These signals support the alignment of radar target information with antenna direction.

A faulty bearing or heading signal can affect correct radar presentation, although other components and connections may produce similar symptoms.

RF Power Supply Board – 03P9348

The RF power board provides electrical supplies required by the relevant transceiver circuitry.

Electrical measurements and replacements must be carried out according to FURUNO service procedures.

MIC Assembly – RU-9601

The microwave integrated circuit assembly forms part of the receiving signal path.

It participates in frequency conversion so that received X-band radar echoes can be processed by the intermediate-frequency circuitry.

FURUNO documentation identifies RU-9601 in relevant RTR-078A configurations. Confirm the installed assembly label before ordering.

Magnetron – MAF1565N

The magnetron is the microwave-generating component in documented RTR-078A 12 kW configurations.

Magnetron performance can deteriorate with operating hours and condition, potentially affecting radar transmission and detection performance.

The actual fitted magnetron designation should be checked before ordering because radar production versions and earlier related models may use different components.

Additional RF and Mechanical Components

Other relevant components include the circulator, diode limiter, rotary joint, waveguide assembly, pulse transformer, cooling fan, antenna motor and scanner gearbox.

The photographed cooling fan and RF installation markings help identify the physical assembly but do not establish the electrical health of its internal components.

FURUNO RTR-078A Identification Details

Close-up from the original photograph showing the RTR-078A and R184-8885 identification labels.

The visible module identification should be retained when requesting replacement parts.

The warning label instructs installers to seat the RF assembly correctly against the rotary joint before securing it. Improper assembly can result in microwave leakage and affect radar operation.

Only authorized, trained radar service personnel should carry out this work.

Compatible Radar Models & Scanner Assemblies

These associations appear in FURUNO's radar system configuration documentation. They do not guarantee that every board revision or scanner assembly can be substituted directly.

 

The short radiator visible in the supplied product photograph may resemble an XN12AF, but its exact designation must be confirmed by its label or physical dimensions.

Marine & Industrial Applications

The RTR-078A is used in compatible marine navigation radar systems.

Typical applications include merchant ships, bulk carriers, container vessels, tankers, offshore support vessels and other commercial ships equipped with the specified FURUNO radar family.

Radar supports the detection and tracking of surrounding targets, coastline observation, navigation in restricted visibility and collision-avoidance decision-making.

It must be operated as part of the vessel's complete navigation procedures, not as the sole source of navigational information.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

These are realistic fault categories for the associated radar system, not a verified diagnosis of the photographed unit.

Recommended Troubleshooting Procedure

A qualified radar technician should first record the radar model, transceiver type, scanner identification and observed fault conditions.

The investigation should then follow the approved service procedures for the complete radar system, including its power supply, processor, antenna controls and RF unit.

Do not assume that a faulty radar presentation necessarily means the RTR-078A has failed. Similar symptoms may originate in the antenna motor, processor unit, display, cable connections or other radar assemblies.

Safety warning: Marine radar transmitters contain high-voltage circuits and generate microwave radiation. Internal inspection, electrical measurements and RF testing must only be carried out by qualified personnel using approved isolation and service procedures. Never operate an incompletely assembled RF unit.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance of compatible FURUNO marine radar systems should include:

• Checking scanner mounting and mechanical condition.

• Inspecting accessible electrical and signal connections.

• Monitoring antenna rotation and unusual mechanical noise.

• Ensuring cooling paths are clear.

• Recording operating faults and abnormal indications.

• Inspecting the radar transceiver enclosure for corrosion and moisture ingress.

• Reviewing magnetron operating condition through approved diagnostics.

• Confirming correct radar performance after authorized repairs.

Mechanical or RF-unit maintenance should not be attempted while the scanner is energized or capable of rotating.

Spare Parts & Replacement Availability

SM MARINE SERVICE™ supports worldwide enquiries for the FURUNO RTR-078A 12 kW X-band radar transceiver, complete radar scanner assemblies and compatible replacement components.

The supplied stock information identifies a complete RTR-078A antenna/transceiver assembly and states that internal RF boards and other components can also be supplied, subject to current stock confirmation.

Potential requirements include:

• Complete RTR-078A radar transceiver.

• Compatible RSB-096 / RSB-097 scanner assembly.

• RFC board 03P9346.

• MD board 03P9244.

• IF amplifier board 03P9335.

• BP GEN board 03P9347.

• RF power board 03P9348.

• RU-9601 MIC assembly.

• Compatible magnetron and pulse transformer.

• Cooling fan, cables, connectors and verified RF components.

• Related FAR-2117 and FAR-2817 equipment.

New, used, refurbished, reconditioned or tested-working alternatives may be sourced depending on availability. The photographed unit's actual test status and condition have not been independently confirmed.

Information Required for Quotation

International buyers should provide the complete radar model, transceiver type, scanner model, radiator designation, internal PCB identification and hardware revision where available.

For individual PCB replacement, provide a clear photograph of the board label rather than relying only on the equipment model.

For a complete scanner enquiry, confirm the required antenna length, rotation speed, mounting arrangement and destination country.

Worldwide enquiries: www.smmarineservice.com

Why Ships Still Require RTR-078A Radar Equipment

Vessels operating compatible FAR-2117 and FAR-2817 radar systems may need correctly matched replacement transceivers and internal boards to maintain the installed navigation arrangement.

Replacing an identified component can sometimes reduce the need for major changes to existing antennas, cabling, processors and operator controls.

However, the replacement must satisfy the radar system's configuration and applicable survey or approval requirements. The RTR-078A should not be automatically described as discontinued without confirming the manufacturer's current support status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FURUNO RTR-078A?

It is an X-band radar transceiver used within compatible FURUNO marine radar scanner assemblies.

What is the power output of RTR-078A?

It is associated with nominal 12 kW peak-power radar configurations.

Which FURUNO radars use the RTR-078A?

Relevant equipment includes FAR-2117, FAR-2117-BB and FAR-2817 configurations, subject to exact compatibility verification.

What does R184-8885 mean?

It is an identification marking visible on the supplied module. Its exact classification as a serial, assembly or other identifier has not been confirmed.

What is the RFC board number?

The associated RFC board family is 03P9346. The correct suffix and revision must be checked.

What is the modulator board number?

The MD board family is 03P9244. The correct 12 kW board version must be verified before replacement.

What magnetron is used in RTR-078A?

MAF1565N is identified in available documentation for documented RTR-078A configurations. Check the actual fitted magnetron label.

Is RTR-079A interchangeable with RTR-078A?

No direct interchangeability should be assumed. RTR-079A is associated with 25 kW radar configurations, while RTR-078A belongs to the 12 kW family.

What causes weak radar echoes?

Potential causes include magnetron deterioration, receiver faults, antenna-system issues or incorrect radar settings.

Where can I buy FURUNO RTR-078A spare parts?

Contact SM MARINE SERVICE™ for complete RF modules, scanner assemblies and compatible radar spare-parts enquiries.

Can I buy used or refurbished radar equipment?

SM MARINE SERVICE™ supports enquiries for different equipment conditions, subject to stock and suitability confirmation.

Can SM MARINE SERVICE™ supply internationally?

Worldwide shipping and international sourcing enquiries are accepted, subject to availability and destination arrangements.

Short Product Description

The FURUNO RTR-078A 12 kW X-band Radar Transceiver is an RF module associated with FURUNO FAR-2117, FAR-2117-BB and FAR-2817 marine radar installations. The unit forms part of the radar scanner arrangement and contains radio-frequency transmission, reception, monitoring and control electronics. Related components include RFC board 03P9346, MD board 03P9244, IF amplifier 03P9335, BP GEN board 03P9347, RF power board 03P9348 and other configuration-dependent assemblies. SM MARINE SERVICE™ supports worldwide enquiries for complete radar transceivers, replacement boards, magnetrons and compatible marine radar spare parts. Buyers should confirm exact part numbers, revisions, condition and system compatibility before ordering.

SM MARINE SERVICE™

Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier

Available Equipment Conditions:
New Equipment • Used Equipment • Refurbished Equipment • Reconditioned Equipment

Specific product condition and availability are subject to confirmation.

Stock Locations:
Bangladesh • China

Services:
Worldwide Shipping • Technical Support • Spare Parts Supply • Marine Equipment Sourcing

Contact Information

SM MARINE SERVICE™
Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: www.smmarineservice.com

For quotations regarding FURUNO RTR-078A radar transceivers, compatible scanner assemblies, internal PCB boards, radar magnetrons and other marine navigation spare parts, contact SM MARINE SERVICE™ with your equipment identification photographs and shipping destination.

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