What is difference between RACON and RAMARK ?

RACON

RACON is a radar transponder which emits a characteristic signal when triggered by a ship’s radar. The signal may be emitted on the same frequency as that of the triggering radar, in which case it is automatically superimposed on the ship’s radar display.

They respond to both 3 and 10 centimeter radars. The Racon signal appears on the PPI as a radial line originating at a point just beyond the position of the radar beacon or as a Morse code signal displayed radially from just beyond the beacon. Racons are being used as ranges or leading lines.

In the other words RACON can be briefly expressed in :

• A Racon is a radar responder beacon.
• Its name is derived from Radar beacon.
• When the ship’s pulse arrives at the Racon, the Racon amplifies and returns the pulse to the scanner as a fairly strong signal of the same frequency. This signal creates a short, bright line on the PPI.
• It gives Bearing and range of the Racon.

RAMARK

Ramark (RAdar MARKer) is a radar beacon used to mark navigational hazard which transmits either continuously or at intervals. The latter method of transmission is more used so that the PPI can be inspected without any clutter introduced by the Ramark signal on the scope. The Ramark  signal as it appears on the PPI is a radial line from the Center. The radial line may be a continuous narrow line, a series of dashes, a series of dots, or a series of dots and dashes.

• A Ramark is a radar beacon that may be regarded as a “Radar light house” because it works continuously, whether any ship nearby or not.
• It’s name derived from Radar marker.
• It transmits signals in all directions, covering the entire marine Radar bond (9200 to 9500 MHz if the Ramark is of the X band and 2900 to 3100 MHz if the S band).
• When the own ship’s radar scanner points to the Ramark beacon, signals of the Ramark are received and painted as a series of dots.
• It gives only the Bearing, Not the range.