Radar Software Development Kit

Radar Software Development Kit

Available for Quantum and Cyclone Radars.

Advanced Sensing Technologies for Custom Applications

Advanced Sensing Technologies for Custom Applications

Raymarine’s Radar Software Development Kit (SDK) empowers developers and OEMs to build custom control and display solutions for Raymarine’s leading radar platforms—including Quantum*, Quantum 2 Doppler, Cyclone, and Cyclone Pro. The SDK supports integration across both Microsoft Windows-based PCs and Linux systems, enabling flexible deployment for desktop, embedded, and industrial applications.

Designed with developers in mind, the SDK includes platform-specific libraries and sample code in C++ with compatibility for popular development environments such as Visual Studio, GCC, and CLion. It supports asynchronous data handling, multi-threaded operation, and real-time radar control, making it ideal for mission-critical marine applications.

Developers can access full radar functionality—from transmit control and Doppler data to ARPA target tracking and multi-radar management—through a well-documented API and example projects.

The Raymarine SDK requires the purchase of a USB key (Part Number A80631) which can be purchased from your local Raymarine Dealer. You can view & save the SDK Licence Agreement here.

*Note, the radar SDK is not compatible with Quantum Wi-Fi only models.  

Radar Features

Quantum Radar

Quantum Radar

Raymarine’s award-winning Quantum radar uses CHIRP pulse compression technology for superior imaging and target detection at both long and short ranges. Quantum radar can be installed in either a wired or wireless configuration utilizing its onboard Wi-Fi access point. Quantum is extremely energy-efficient and lightweight making it an excellent candidate for many remote-sensing applications.

Quantum 2 adds Doppler target tracking to an already impressive list of standard features. Doppler processing allows Quantum 2 to instantly detect moving radar contacts and highlight them on the PPI. This provides instant recognition to radar operators, improves situational awareness, and can dramatically reduce risk of collision when operating in congested waterways.

Cyclone Radar

Cyclone Radar

The ultimate expression of design, rugged performance, and unmatched situational awareness, Cyclone solid-state open array radars give mariners the confidence to tackle the harshest conditions, gain the upper hand in the hunt for fish, and navigate busy waterways with confidence. Cyclone radars are available with a 3, 4 or 6-foot antenna array and two high-power output options.

Cyclone radars deliver superior target separation and long-range resolution using CHIRP pulse compression and Raymarine beam sharpening technology. Each model features innovative detection capabilities, including Cyclone Bird Mode, RangeFusion™ technology and high speed 60 rpm imaging.

Key Benefits for your Integration Project

Key Benefits for your Integration Project

Our Quantum and Cyclone radars provide you with a powerful range of benefits, enabling you to create bespoke integration solutions:

  • CHIRP Pulse Compression technology for superior range resolution
  • Doppler target tracking
  • Multi-target, high-speed ARPA target tracking algorithm for course, speed, CPA and TCPA
  • Target detection range Quantum 24nm, Cyclone 72nm, Cyclone Pro 96nm
  • Integrated Ethernet for simple installation
  • Quantum low power consumption in standby and transmit (7/17 Watts)
  • Lightweight designs allow for installation flexibility
  • Low RF emissions for personnel safety
  • Fast boot-up, with instant-on. No warmup required for instant awareness
  • 256-color target display

Full Radar Functionality

Our full radar functionality details can be found below but if you have any questions, or would like to know more then please connect with a Raymarine SDK expert using the contact form below.

  • Transmit and stop transmitting Radar
  • Antenna Rotation Speed Control
  • Set blind sector(s)
  • Receive processed radar data
  • Range setting
  • Adjust pulse width
  • Interference suppression
  • Adjust MBS (main bang suppression)
  • Gain/Rain/Sea, clutter control (Auto or Manual)
  • Set Guard Zone alarm
  • Diagnostics
  • Auto Acquire zones
  • Target Tracking (ARPA & MARPA)
      • Start/stop target tracking
      • Receive target information
      • Set acquiring target (Auto or Manual)
      • Tracking target filter setting
  • Multi-Radar management
  • Multiple instances using the same PPI data
  • Set and get radar source/host and/or change radar host
  • Receive Radar alarm status
  • Doppler data (Approaching and Receding ID)

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the most frequently asked questions about our radar software development kit.

Yes. The USB key (Part Number A80631) is mandatory for all SDK operations—including initialization, radar control, data access, and visualization. Without it, the SDK will not function, even for development or testing.

The SDK supports wired Quantum and Cyclone radar systems. It does not support the Wi-Fi only Quantum model. Example programs demonstrate interfacing with both supported models.

Radar data is defined by:

  • SpokesPerScan: Number of directional beams per rotation.
  • SamplesPerSpoke: Number of range samples per beam.

Cyclone offers higher resolution and more data than Quantum, especially at slower RPMs and longer ranges. Applications must handle varying data sizes and adapt to different radar configurations.

No. Only one notify class can be registered at a time. Attempting to register a second will result in the error QuantumLib::eErrorNotifyAlreadyRegistered. To support multiple listeners, use design patterns like Observer, Event Bus, or Delegates within a single notify class.

No. The SDK does not directly receive external navigation data. Your application must collect data (e.g., from NMEA0183, NMEA2000, SeaTalk) and pass it to the radar via SDK commands. This is essential for features like MARPA and Doppler processing.

Are you ready to get started?

Connect with a Raymarine Radar SDK expert today to order your Software Development Kit.