AtoN House Nordic · Racon

Radar beacons (racons)

Radar beacons for identification on ship radar

A racon responds to compatible ship radar with a programmed Morse code identifying a structure or hazard. Vikingegaarden supplies HEKLEO 2 XS and Seabeacon 2 System 6, with advice on band configuration, programming and installation.

  • HEKLEO 2 XS
  • Seabeacon 2 System 6
  • Band configuration options
  • Programmed Morse identifier
  • Installation and support
Radar beacon bracket-mounted near the top of a mast on a rocky breakwater, with a ship passing behind.
AtoN House Nordic Explore this division
X band 9300 to 9500 MHz and S band 2900 to 3100 MHz
2 bands
rated housing with lightning protection
IP67
operating temperature range
-40 to +70 °C

Key features

Key features of the HEKLEO 2 XS radar beacon

The HEKLEO 2 XS combines a coded radar response with power saving modes and onboard diagnostics.

HEKLEO 2 XS racon mounted high on a mast along a long breakwater jetty with a lantern below.

Dual band, X and S

The HEKLEO 2 XS operates on S and X bands and provides a programmed identifier to compatible ship radar.

Low power consumption

Advanced power saving strategies with functioning periods and idle modes, and a quiescent period when no radar is detected, extend operational life.

Durable and robust

Built to withstand extreme weather in a UV resistant polyethylene housing, IP67 rated, highly resistant to corrosion and water ingress.

Automatic calibration

Built in diagnostics and automatic calibration support operation and maintenance checks.

Field programming

Programming is performed from a standard laptop using the supplied interface and model instructions.

Model compliance documentation

HEKLEO 2 XS is listed as IMO and IALA compliant. Confirm the applicable model documentation and installation requirements for the project.

Monitoring options

Remote monitoring can provide beacon status where the required connection and integration are configured.

Bluetooth interface

Easy programming and monitoring through a secure Bluetooth connection, which enhances operational flexibility on site.

How it works

How a racon marks a position on ship radar

A racon does not send light. It listens for radar pulses and answers with a coded echo that appears on the ship's screen.

Close view of the radar beacon radome on a white mounting bracket and galvanised pole.

The HEKLEO 2 XS listens for radar pulses on X and S bands and answers compatible radar with a programmed Morse identifier. Frequency agility, pulse detection and side lobe suppression support the coded response.

Power saving periods reduce consumption when the unit is not responding. Vikingegaarden helps specify the power supply, programme the identifier and install the racon at the required position.

  • The racon listens on X and S bands and detects incoming radar pulses

  • It answers with a user programmed Morse code that appears on the radar display

  • Side lobe suppression filters out non genuine pulses

  • The response length is matched to the ship's display range setting

  • Idle and quiescent modes save power when no radar is detected

  • Built in system test and automatic calibration keep it running unattended

Models

Two racon lines for radar identification

Compare the dual band HEKLEO 2 XS with the band variants available in the Seabeacon 2 System 6 range.

HEKLEO 2 XS radar beacon, the plain white radome with lifting handles, bracket-mounted against a coastal sky.

HEKLEO 2 XS

Second generation racon platform from the manufacturer, an upgraded version of the HEKLEO XS developed for the French lighthouse and navigation authorities (CEREMA).

  • X and S band, frequency agile
  • 9 to 36 V supply, IP67, -40 to +70 °C
  • Model dimensions and mounting details confirmed for the supplied unit
Discuss this configuration
Seabeacon 2 System 6 marine racon, a tall white cone with flared skirt base, mounted on a platform by the sea.

Seabeacon 2 System 6

Marine racon available in several band configurations for shipping routes and offshore installations.

  • X band only
  • X and S band
  • X and S band, dual polarised
Discuss this configuration

Ecosystem

Racons, supplied and supported by Vikingegaarden

Our partner manufacturer builds the HEKLEO 2 XS. Vikingegaarden supplies it through AtoN House Nordic and integrates it into your marking plan.

Vikingegaarden delivers the HEKLEO 2 XS radar beacon to harbors, offshore structures and hazard marks in the Nordic region. We help decide where radar identification is needed, programme the Morse code identifier, handle delivery and installation and support the unit afterwards together with your lanterns, beacons and buoys. Where remote monitoring is set up, the beacon's real time data can be followed on the Emiko platform alongside the rest of your aids to navigation.

  • HEKLEO 2 XS from the manufacturer through the AtoN House Nordic partner network
  • Seabeacon 2 System 6 as the alternative racon line
  • Help with placement, Morse code programming and installation
  • Remote monitoring data available on the Emiko platform where connected
HEKLEO 2 XS integrated with a marine lantern, solar panel and control enclosure on an offshore marking platform.

Technical details

Two racon lines for radar identification

Confirm the supplied HEKLEO or Seabeacon model, power consumption, dimensions and mass against its data sheet before specifying the mounting and power supply.

Ask for the selected model's current data sheet to confirm power consumption, dimensions, weight and mounting requirements.

Ask about a specification
HEKLEO 2 XS published specifications
SpecHEKLEO 2 XS
X band9300 to 9500 MHz
S band2900 to 3100 MHz
Supply voltage9 to 36 V
Standby currentOn request
Listening currentOn request
Operating currentOn request
Operating temperature-40 °C to +70 °C
EnclosureIP67, UV resistant polyethylene, lightning protection
DimensionsOn request
WeightOn request

Product guide

Selecting a racon for a navigation mark

Radar beacons add a coded identifier on ship radar. Specify the band configuration, power supply and installation alongside the visual marking.

Where a racon fits

Racons are used at lighthouse sites, harbor entrances, offshore structures and hazard marks. They complement marine lanterns and visual navigation beacons by adding identification on compatible radar displays.

HEKLEO 2 XS and Seabeacon 2 System 6

The HEKLEO 2 XS is frequency agile on S and X bands. The Seabeacon 2 System 6 range includes X band only, X and S band, and X and S band dual polarised versions. Vikingegaarden helps match the band configuration to the project and confirms the specifications for the supplied model.

Programming and commissioning

The racon identifier is programmed for the marking plan. HEKLEO 2 XS includes diagnostics and automatic calibration, with laptop programming and a Bluetooth interface available within the supplied configuration. Vikingegaarden supports placement, programming, installation and commissioning.

Power and monitoring

HEKLEO 2 XS has power saving operating periods for sites with a limited supply. The power budget should be confirmed against the supplied unit and expected operating conditions. Remote monitoring can be followed on the Emiko platform where the integration is configured.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions about the HEKLEO 2 XS radar beacon

What does a radar beacon or racon do?

It responds to compatible ship radar with a programmed Morse identifier marking its position. A racon supplements visual aids to navigation with radar identification.

Which radar bands are available?

HEKLEO 2 XS operates on X and S bands. Seabeacon 2 System 6 is offered in X band only, X and S band, and X and S band dual polarised variants. Confirm the required configuration with Vikingegaarden.

What is needed to specify a racon?

Provide the structure or hazard to identify, the radar bands required, mounting position and available power. Vikingegaarden helps select the model, programme the identifier and plan the installation.

Can a racon be used at a solar powered site?

The HEKLEO 2 XS uses power saving modes and is suited to limited power supplies. The complete solar and battery arrangement must be specified for the unit and operating conditions.

Can the beacon be monitored remotely?

Remote monitoring is available where the required connection is configured. Integration with the Emiko platform is confirmed for the selected installation.

Does a racon replace a marine lantern?

A racon identifies a mark on radar, while a marine lantern provides a visual signal. The marking plan can combine both functions.

Have a question about your project?

Talk to our team

Let’s talk about your project

Let's plan your radar beacon installation

Tell us which structure or hazard must be identifiable on radar and what power is available on site. We come back with a proposal for the right racon line and its identifier.

Talk to Vikingegaarden

Discuss your project

Radar beacons (racons)

Tell us what you need. We will help with the configuration and next steps.

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