Navico   

            Navico is a new company formed by investment brokers Altor 2003 AB, based in Stockholm, Denmark, which began its involvement in the MNR market in 2005 by acquiring a majority holding in the recreational marine electronics division of Kongsberg, which was known as Simrad Yachting at that time. In 2006 the umbrella company Navico was formed, combing Simrad with another MNR manufacturer, Lowrance. In 2007, Northstar and BNT Marine (Brunswick New Technology) were acquired from the Brunswick Corporation and added to this rapidly expanding alliance, which by then had also absorbed several other corporate recreational marine electronics assets. The result of this investment activity is a company that retains some roots with Kongsberg and with Koden, and that has become one of the largest providers of recreational marine electronics in Europe and possibly the western world.

            Many of Navico's MNR systems originate elsewhere, primarily with Simrad, but also from Koden. However, in December 2008, Navico embarked on a new design, its BR24 Broadband Radar system. This radar sweeps its radio frequency between 9300 and 9400 MHz and is claimed to have a peak power output of only 100 mW. Its antenna is enclosed in a 19.2inch radome, has a scan rate of 24 rpm, and is documented as having horizontal and vertical beamwidths of 5.2 and 30 degrees respectively. It is claimed to be a very low power non-pulsed radar system using a frequency-modulated continuous wave transmission that facilitates high resolution at short ranges and allows for discrimination between stationary objects, vessels under way, and surface or weather-based clutter. A summary of observed characteristics from the BR24 may be found in our lockbox, available only to subscribers, here.

            The BR24 Broadband Radar system may bear the logo of any Navico-associated company, but is most likely to be identified as a Simrad product. All other systems provided by Navico companies are described elsewhere in the Handbook, principally in the Koden section. Brands to look for: Anritsu, Simrad, Lowrance and Northstar.