Raymarine Quantum vs Quantum 2, what are the differences?

What does Raymarine's Quantum 2 radar offer over the original Quantum?

Raymarine's Quantum series of radars revolutionized recreational marine navigation with its compact size, CHIRP pulse compression technology, and ease of installation. However, the Quantum 2 takes this innovation a step further with the addition of Doppler technology and several other enhancements.

Key Features

Feature	Raymarine Quantum Q24C	Raymarine Quantum 2 Q24D
Doppler Technology	No	Yes
Moving Target Identification	Limited	Enhanced with color-coded targets (red for approaching, green for receding)
Static Target Identification	Standard	Enhanced with Safety Sector feature, highlighting potential hazards within 200 meters
Target Acquisition and Tracking	Manual	Automatic with MARPA (Mini-Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)
True Trails	No	Yes, showing the historical "wake" of moving targets
MARPA	Basic	Doppler-assisted with 25 targets
Minimum Range	18 feet	18 feet
Maximum Range	Up to 24 nautical miles	Up to 24 nautical miles
Connectivity	Wi-Fi or wired	Wi-Fi or wired
Weight	12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)	13.9 lbs (6.3 kg)

Doppler Technology: A Game Changer

The most significant difference between the Quantum Q24C and Quantum 2 Q24D is the inclusion of Doppler technology in the latter. This allows the Quantum 2 to not only detect the presence of targets but also determine their movement relative to your vessel. Approaching targets are highlighted in red, while receding targets are shown in green, providing an instant understanding of potential collision risks.

Enhanced Target Awareness

In addition to Doppler, the Quantum 2 offers several features that enhance target awareness:

Safety Sector: This feature highlights and color-codes potentially dangerous static targets within 200 meters of your vessel, such as buoys, exposed hazards, and slow-moving vessels.
Automatic Target Acquisition and Tracking: The Quantum 2 automatically acquires and tracks targets that enter your configured safety zone, providing audible alerts and on-screen graphics.
True Trails: This feature displays a historical "wake" behind every moving contact, making it easier to interpret the motion of other vessels.
Doppler-Assisted MARPA: The Quantum 2's manual MARPA feature is enhanced with Doppler technology, allowing for more accurate tracking of up to 25 targets.

Conclusion

The Raymarine Quantum 2 represents a significant improvement over the original Quantum, primarily due to the addition of Doppler technology. This feature, combined with other enhancements like Safety Sector and True Trails, provides a superior level of situational awareness, especially in high-traffic areas or challenging conditions. While the Quantum remains a capable radar for many boaters, those seeking the latest in radar technology or who can make use of the enhanced features will find the Quantum 2 to be a worthwhile investment.