DeTect-Inc is a company that specializes in the use of Marine radar to detect birds and other small targets. We have built multiple bird detection systems, since 2003 when DeTect-Inc was formed, using JRC and Furuno Magnetron based systems. In 2009 we started to use The Kelvin Hughes SharpEye Solid State S Band radar systems in place of the magnetron systems we used previously.

Reduced power density, MTBF and reliability of solid state transmitters were factors in our decision making process, but in the end it is the performance at detecting small targets that was critical. The off the shelf  Kelvin Hughes SharpEye Solid State S Band radar system performed at a level consistent with other S band marine radars we have used for detection of larger targets such as ships and boats, for which the system was built.

For bird detection we have found that the Solid State transmitter opens up many benefits we did not enjoy with a magnetron based system. The transmitted pulse and pulse compression can be reprogrammed to optimize for specific target detection. For this reason we feel that the Kelvin Hughes Sharp Eye Solid State system is a better investment for the future than magnetron systems; the radar can be tweaked for specific applications, if the standard marine radar setup is not suitable.

The SharpEye systems delivered to DeTect-Inc have all worked out of the box and have an unmatched quality of finish and very robust construction in comparison to the competitor’s products.

In addition to state of the art technology we have received outstanding support from Kelvin Hughes and seen a level of professionalism and support we have not received from our previous vendors.  I therefore have no hesitation in recommending the Kelvin Hughes SharpEye product and the company behind it.

T. Adam Kelly

Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, DeTect-Inc