PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic
Procedure; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings
I was working Local Control South on Runway 9R at TMB on an East configuration. I had an IFR practice approach a PA28 complete his low approach and was instructed to fly runway heading and maintain 2;000 FT. I had a successive IFR Departure a CL60 which was released by MIA Departure with a left turn to heading 300. Once I had more than 3 miles of separation from the PA28 off the departure end of the runway; I cleared the CL60 on runway heading initially in order to avoid Cessna's in the traffic pattern on 9L. After coordinating with Local North; I instructed the CL60 to start the left 300 turn and issued traffic of a Cessna in the left crosswind indicating 1;000 FT; the pilot replied he had the aircraft insight. Immediately after that traffic call; I issued the second traffic call which was the PA28 that was already talking to MIA Approach. The pilot first responded with 'looking' followed by 'got him insight.' Once I saw the CL60 in his turn I then switched him to MIA Approach. AT all times the operation was safe; no form of separation was broken; and I had all aircraft in sight at all times. This was also the first time on position I had to work with the new RADAR system 'FUSION'. I had to adapt to the new RADAR that I had never seen before prior to being on position this time. My recommendation is before implementing a new RADAR and having to use it without ever seen it before; familiarization time must be given to the Controller before getting on position and working traffic.
TMB Controller described a near separation loss when utilizing FUSION RADAR equipment for the first time. The reporter noted some familiarization with the new equipment should have been in place before usage.