Furuno DRS12AX 12kW UHD Magnetron Radar Pedestal for TZtouch

The DRS12AX is Furuno's X-Class 12-kilowatt magnetron radar pedestal, sold without antenna so the owner can spec the 3.5-foot, 4-foot, or 6-foot open array that fits their radar mast or arch. It pushes traditional X-band magnetron radar to its practical envelope: 96-nautical-mile long-range detection, 20-meter close-range detection, and enhanced target separation thanks to Furuno's UHD (Ultra-High Definition) digital signal processing.

The 12-kilowatt magnetron output is the architectural choice. Where solid-state pulse-compression radars (like the DRS6ANXT) trade peak power for sustained-pulse energy efficiency, the DRS12AX uses traditional high-peak-power magnetron pulses, which gives it the kind of long-range hits on small targets in clean weather conditions that solid-state radars work harder to match. For owners running offshore and routinely tracking shipping traffic, weather cells, or shoreline returns at 40-90 nautical miles, the magnetron's energy-per-pulse profile is the right tool.

Fast Target Tracking is the operational feature carried over from Furuno's commercial FAR3000 radar series. Selecting any radar return with a button press instantly displays course and speed vectors for that target, with no waiting for the radar to build a track over multiple sweeps. This dramatically reduces the time between identifying a potential collision concern and getting actionable data on it, which is the core safety benefit of any radar tracking system.

Bird Mode is the standard NavNet angler-targeted feature. One-tap selection switches the radar's signal processing to highlight flocks of feeding seabirds, which sport-fishermen use to locate bait schools at distance. The DRS12AX's Bird Mode is particularly effective because the 12-kilowatt peak power delivers strong returns from small, low-altitude bird groups that lower-power radars would lose in the clutter.

The pedestal redesign in this generation is the practical install advantage. The new pedestal unit is 20 percent lighter than the previous generation, which matters when the radar mast or arch was sized for the older pedestal weight. The new motor is significantly quieter, which is the difference between background radar drone audible at the helm versus essentially silent operation. The smart-connector cable design lets you connect and disconnect the radar without opening the pedestal unit, which simplifies service and removal for winter storage.

One important architectural detail: the DRS12AX does not require an external power supply unit (PSU). Older Furuno UHD radars in this class needed a separate PSU module that took up space and added cost. The DRS12AX accepts 24V DC directly, eliminating the PSU. For boats with 12V house systems, an external 12V-to-24V DC-DC converter (sold separately) is required between the bank and the pedestal.

Compatibility is exclusive to current-generation NavNet displays. The DRS12AX works with NavNet TZtouch (original) and NavNet TZtouch2 multifunction displays only. It is NOT compatible with NavNet 3D or older NavNet displays, even though those older displays drove the previous-generation DRS6A/DRS12A radars. If you're running NavNet 3D and want to upgrade radar, you'll need to upgrade the chartplotter side first. The newer NavNet TZtouch3 and TZtouchXL series are also supported.

Antenna compatibility covers three sizes. The 3.5-foot open array gives the smallest swing circle for boats with tight radar arches, with the widest beamwidth (about 2.3 degrees). The 4-foot open array delivers 1.9 degrees horizontal beamwidth, the typical mid-size choice. The 6-foot open array delivers 1.4 degrees horizontal beamwidth for the tightest target resolution at long range. Each antenna is sold separately under its own Furuno part number.

Vertical beamwidth is 22 degrees with any of the antenna choices, which keeps targets in the picture through normal cruiser roll and pitch underway. Dual-range scanning is supported, so the chartplotter can show a short-range picture and a long-range picture simultaneously from the same radar pedestal.

What's in the box: the DRS12AX scanner pedestal unit, an ATV10A60V fuse, four corrosion-proof mounting pads, M12 hardware (8 hex nuts, 4 spring washers, 4 flat washers, 4 hex studs), the 15-meter signal/power cable assembly with the smart connector, the installation manual, mounting template, and environmental data sheet. Antenna is sold separately. 12V-to-24V converter (if needed) is sold separately.