Operating Manual

Chapter 5 Radar Fine Tuning Accu-Wave
5-18 TN Technologies
by taking new clutter data, selecting “Do” disable clutter erase, or entering a clutter
distance of zero (which disables the clutter erase feature).
The need for clutter erase can be established by viewing the echo report. Look for echoes
within a few feet (up to 7 ft or 2 m). If the signal strength associated with these echoes is
more than 5% of the signal strength from the material surface, you should consider doing
clutter erase. If the signal strength associated with these echoes is more than 50% of the
signal strength from the material surface, you should verify the sensor mounting.
The clutter distance may be entered or changed before or after clutter data is taken.
However, the clutter distance must always be at least 30 cm (1 ft) less than the distance to
the material surface when clutter data was taken. In addition, the clutter distance must not
be extended to include any true physical sources of echoes (such as pipes) that might be
covered during normal operations.
Automatic Clutter Update
In most applications which require clutter erase, the clutter data is only taken once.
However, in applications where the clutter echoes are strong and the clutter can change
due to buildup or ambient temperature extremes, automatic timed clutter data may be
employed.
Timed clutter data is activated by entering a clutter update time from a minimum of 1
minute to a maximum value of 45 days (65000 minutes). At the end of each clutter update
interval, the system activates the clutter update process. The system waits to measure the
clutter data until the measured level is at least 30 cm (1 ft) beyond the value entered for the
clutter distance.