KELVIN HUGHES SHIP RADAR NUCLEUS NAVCARD KH-6000 NUCLEUS FUJISOKU USPAT4780791

The Kelvin Hughes Nucleus 6000 Series was a range of high-resolution color radar and ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) systems designed for commercial shipping. Introduced in the early 1990s, the series was marketed as a redefinition of modern radar for the shipping industry due to its ergonomic design and computer-driven controls.

Key Features & Operation

• User Interface: Unlike traditional radar systems with rows of buttons, the Nucleus series utilized a trackball (roller ball) and only three push buttons. All functions were controlled via on-screen menus, making it one of the most user-friendly systems of its era.
• Display: It featured a high-resolution color display (1360 x 1024 lines on the 26″ model) using IMO-recommended colors to differentiate radar echoes, warnings, and navigational data.
• Model Variants: The 6000 series was available in three primary display configurations:
  • Nucleus 6000A (ARPA): Included automatic target tracking and plotting capabilities.
  • Nucleus 6000T: True Motion display.
  • Nucleus 6000R: Relative Motion display.
• Technical Specs: The system supported both X-Band (3 cm) and S-Band (10 cm) transmitters with selectable power outputs (5, 10, or 25 kW) and antenna sizes (4 to 12.5 ft).

NAVCARD Feature

The NAVCARD was a proprietary memory card system used by the Nucleus series. It allowed for the storage and retrieval of :

• Custom electronic charts and maps.
• Waypoints and sailing routes (ferlur/courses).
• Other miscellaneous navigation data.