Simrad HALO 3004 Open Array Radar: The Ultimate Guide for Marine Navigation

In the world of advanced marine electronics, radar systems play a pivotal role in navigation, safety, and situational awareness. Among the latest innovations, the Simrad HALO 3004 Open Array Radar stands out as a top-tier solution for professional mariners and offshore enthusiasts. Whether you’re navigating in low visibility, dodging squalls, or tracking vessels, the HALO 3004 delivers unparalleled performance, precision, and range.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Simrad HALO 3004 in-depth, highlighting its specifications, features, benefits, and why it’s one of the best open-array marine radar systems in the market today.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Simrad HALO 3004 Radar?

2. Key Features of the HALO 3004

3. Technical Specifications

4. Benefits for Mariners

5. Installation and Compatibility

6. Use Cases in Recreational and Commercial Marine

7. Comparison: HALO 3004 vs HALO 2000 Series

8. Pricing and Availability

9. User Reviews and Feedback

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

11. Conclusion

What is the Simrad HALO 3004 Radar?

The Simrad HALO 3004 is a state-of-the-art open array radar system designed to offer best-in-class detection, target tracking, and weather monitoring. It is part of Simrad’s HALO 3000 series, boasting 96 nm range, pulse compression technology, and beam sharpening that rivals military-grade radars.

This 4-foot open array radar caters to serious offshore anglers, sailors, and commercial operators who require long-range performance and real-time target differentiation, even in the most challenging conditions.

Key Features of the HALO 3004

Let’s explore the cutting-edge features that make the HALO 3004 stand out:

1. Extended Detection Range (96 nm)

• The radar can detect targets from 6 meters to 96 nautical miles, providing both close-range and long-range performance in a single unit.

2. Dual Range Mode

• View short and long-range targets simultaneously on one screen—ideal for maintaining situational awareness of nearby boats and distant storm cells.

3. Beam Sharpening Technology

• Enhances resolution to clearly distinguish between tightly spaced objects and vessels, a critical feature for congested waterways.

4. InstantOn™ Technology

• Operates instantly from standby mode, ensuring radar coverage the moment you need it—perfect for fast-response applications.

5. VelocityTrack™ Doppler Technology

• Automatically identifies and color-codes approaching and receding targets to quickly identify potential collision threats.

6. High-speed Rotation (Up to 60 RPM)

• High-speed radar rotation is perfect for high-speed vessels or when navigating in tight quarters.

7. Bird Mode

• Ideal for anglers—detect flocks of birds feeding on baitfish, helping locate productive fishing zones.

8. MARPA Target Tracking

• Track up to 50 targets at once using Mini-Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (MARPA) when integrated with a compatible heading sensor.

Technical Specifications

Benefits for Mariners

✅ Enhanced Safety

By identifying vessels, buoys, landmasses, and weather fronts in real-time, the HALO 3004 significantly enhances maritime safety.

✅ Fuel and Time Efficiency

Bird mode and long-range detection reduce unnecessary cruising time, helping mariners find fish or safe passages faster.

✅ All-weather Operation

Whether navigating in fog, rain, or darkness, this radar ensures clear visibility and precise tracking.

✅ Reduced Power Consumption

The solid-state design ensures minimal power draw, ideal for vessels with limited power capacity.

Installation and Compatibility

The HALO 3004 is compatible with a wide range of Simrad multifunction displays (MFDs), including:

• NSSevo3 / evo3S

• NSX series

• GO series (limited support)

Mounting

The radar uses a standard open-array pedestal, and Simrad offers installation kits for various vessel types. A professional installation is highly recommended for optimal performance.

Use Cases in Recreational and Commercial Marine

The Simrad HALO 3004 is suitable for:

Recreational Boating

• Offshore fishing

• Cruising

• Sailing in fog or at night

Commercial Marine

• Ferry operators

• Charter boats

• Search and rescue vessels

• Patrol and law enforcement vessels

Its combination of speed, clarity, and range make it an invaluable tool for professionals and high-performance boaters.

Comparison: HALO 3004 vs HALO 2000 Series

Key Difference: The HALO 3004 offers double the power output, longer detection range, and faster rotation speeds, making it more suitable for professional and large-vessel applications.