Radar Observer · Controls — Tuning and Gain
Correct procedure for setting up gain and tuning in clear conditions is to:
- ATune for the strongest echoes, then set gain so a light speckle of background noise is just visible✓ Correct
- BSet gain to maximum and leave tuning at minimum
- CTurn gain fully down to remove all noise
- DTune only after clutter appears
Explanation
Tuning maximizes echo strength; gain is then set so a faint background speckle of receiver noise just shows, ensuring weak targets are not lost. Too little gain drops weak targets; too much fills the screen with noise. Gain is readjusted when changing range scales.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9); Radar Observer curriculum
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