Definition

Noun: A racon is a type of radio beacon that automatically responds to a radar signal by transmitting a coded signal. This response helps ships and aircraft accurately determine their own position and identify the location of the beacon.

Usage

The word "racon" is a technical term used primarily in the fields of maritime navigation, aviation, and radar systems. It refers to the specific electronic device itself.

Examples

• The ship's officer used the signal from the racon on the buoy to verify the vessel's exact location in the fog.
• Aviation charts indicate which towers are equipped with a racon for positive identification.
• The harbor's entrance is marked by a lighthouse fitted with a racon.

Advanced Usage

• As a navigational aid: Racons are categorized as active navigational aids because they transmit a signal only when interrogated by a radar, unlike passive buoys or lighthouses.
  • Example: The new navigational system integrates data from both passive markers and active racons.

Variants and Related Words

• Radar Beacon: This is the full, non-abbreviated term for a racon. The word "racon" is a portmanteau of "radar" and "beacon".

Synonyms

• Radar beacon
• Radar transponder beacon (a more precise technical synonym)

Notes on Meaning

The term "racon" refers exclusively to this specific navigational device. It is not used as a verb or in a general sense. Its function is distinct from a simple reflector or a continuously transmitting radio beacon.

Noun

1. a device that, on receiving radar signals, transmits coded signals in response to help navigators determine their position