Active Radar Reflector - My recent experience

[Roberto]

Tests have shown that the Echomax RTE (both the original single-band and the newer dual-band) gives a slightly better (more powerful?) response than the Sea-Me, however both work very well indeed and there is not much in it.

I fitted one of the first Echomax dual-band RTE's in the UK and it has performed faultlessly, including extended periods offshore when it was left on continuously.

I hope this helps.

Do they have a visual alert (led?) when the RTE is transmitting ? Is it possible to fit a buzzer or other audible alarm ?

r

 

[Georgio]

The Echomax has a LED that flickers away when it is being hit by a radar beam, it also has a buzzer/beeper that you can have switched on. I believe the Sea-Me has the same.

I tend not to have the buzzer on in the Solent or coastal sailing but it's good offshore when you may be down below for a period of time.

 

[Roberto]

The Echomax has a LED that flickers away when it is being hit by a radar beam, it also has a buzzer/beeper that you can have switched on. I believe the Sea-Me has the same.

I tend not to have the buzzer on in the Solent or coastal sailing but it's good offshore when you may be down below for a period of time.

Thank you Georgio, I too was thinking about the buzzer while offshore

regards
r

 

[PlankWalker]

OP's experience is a valuable lesson.

 

[lw395]

I have a SeaMe, and it's difficult to see what service it could require! Barring an on-off switch and an LED that flashes when it is "painted" by a radar, there's no controls and nothing to fail. The LED provides evidence that there's a signal path from the black box to the antenna; there's no way you can monitor whether it is actually transmitting short of asking another radar equipped vessel.

I don't think 'servicing' is the right word, perhaps periodic testing?