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Navigation & chartwork

What does gain primarily affect?

Short answer

Receiver sensitivity and noise-to-echo balance

Gain governs receiver sensitivity and must balance usable noise against weak-target detection; tuning is a separate equipment-specific function. Revisit Release Gain and Tuning.

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to international collision-avoidance and small-craft radar practice; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

Quick check

What does gain primarily affect?