Do I need a radar reflector if I have radar?

[wonkywinch]

I just noticed there is something on the mast above the radar. Could this be an ATE? Boat not in my possession yet so can't get a closer look.

 

[st599]

Figuratively speaking of course. I'll use an electronics firm (probably A1 Marine in Hamble) to do the fit as the manual for the V60B (easiest, most cost effective route from existing V50 AIS receive only to AIS transceive) says:

NOTE: Two VHF antennas are needed for V60-B, one for VHF and one for AIS.

It does need 2 antennas, but they can't be next to each other.

 

[wonkywinch]

I may mount the second one facing down on the underside of the upper spreader so it's well out of the way of anything.

 

[jac]

I just noticed there is something on the mast above the radar. Could this be an ATE? Boat not in my possession yet so can't get a closer look.

View attachment 158256

COuld that be a Television antenna?

 

[wonkywinch]

COuld that be a Television antenna?

The disc at the top is a TV antenna but I was wondering about the tubular thing on the front of the mast.

 

[jac]

The disc at the top is a TV antenna but I was wondering about the tubular thing on the front of the mast.

I hadn't even noticed that!!!

 

[john_morris_uk]

The disc at the top is a TV antenna but I was wondering about the tubular thing on the front of the mast.

What tubular thing? I can only see a radar and what looks like an LED nav light. (Doesn’t look like a steaming light which is odd?)

 

[greeny]

Switch the steaming lights on at night and watch it light up. 99% certain that's what it is. TV at the mast head, all as John said. No sign of any radar reflector that I can see.

 

[Stingo]

What tubular thing? I can only see a radar and what looks like an LED nav light. (Doesn’t look like a steaming light which is odd?)

Perhaps a deck light below the radar and the steaming light slightly lower than the spreaders

 

[wonkywinch]

Thank you all. The mast is being removed for road haulage so just making a list of jobs to attend to before it is restepped.

 

[Daydream believer]

Anything at spreader level needs to have closed ends. An aerial pointing down would be fine for spearing a sail during the hoist. Pointing it up would be good for a spinnaker on the drop.
If you need an AIS aerial put it on the stern where it can double as an emergency VHF aerial . On a short pole you will get 10NM range & more with a large ship. This is ample. I can get 50 miles on some days & my one is on one half of an extending sailboard boon on the pushpit on the port side. The Echomax reflector is on the stbd side in the other half of the boom. In foggy weather I extend the booms to give an extra 2ft of height

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Figuratively speaking of course. I'll use an electronics firm (probably A1 Marine in Hamble) to do the fit as the manual for the V60B (easiest, most cost effective route from existing V50 AIS receive only to AIS transceive) says:

NOTE: Two VHF antennas are needed for V60-B, one for VHF and one for AIS.

Or a splitter.
Don’t mount two antennas next to each other. There are specified separation requirements

 

[Clancy Moped]

If you do fit one of those lightweight tube affairs, get as high as you can and fix on with zip-lock ties, that way when the sun destroys the ties and it drops on your head you'll know it's time for a new one.

 

[Daydream believer]

If you do fit one of those lightweight tube affairs, get as high as you can and fix on with zip-lock ties, that way when the sun destroys the ties and it drops on your head you'll know it's time for a new one.

Mine missed me by inches-- en route between Newlyn & Milford haven. Smashed onto the deck & bounced over the side. It was a 100mm diam job so came down with a fair old crash.

 

[Clancy Moped]

Decks cost money to repair, heads are free.

 

[Daedelus]

Just look it up. Here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c705540f0b6024400008d/Radar_reflectors_report.pdf

It is a very technical document so best go to sections 5 and 6 Conclusions and recommendations which is in simple and definitive language.

Keep safe guys and remember "Ouzo" and "P&O Nedlloyd Vespucci and sailing yacht Wahkuna",

 

[LittleSister]

I can only see a radar and what looks like an LED nav light. (Doesn’t look like a steaming light which is odd?)

I suspect you say it doesn't look like a steaming light because there appears to be a central divider between the port and starboard sides, but I think that 'divider' is just a reflection by the lens of the sunlight (which is behind the camera, almost but not quite in line with the boat hence the seeming 'lens divider' is slightly off-centre). My money's on it being a steaming light.

It certainly isn't a radar reflector!

 

[wonkywinch]

The boat needs some additions, I will buy an active device. The mast is being removed for transport to the Solent so these jobs can be attended to then.

Appreciate all the tips & links!

 

[jackho]

None whatsoever. Radar has wavelengths measured in centimetres or tens of centimetres; light has wavelengths of 400-700 nanometres. The reflecting element has to have a length of at least a half wavelength to work at all; many times that to make an effective retroreflector. The individual reflecting elements on reflective tape are sub-millimetre in size; radar wavelengths won't see them, let alone be reflected by them.

Just to add to the debate 3G and 4G Radars which are quite common now do not work on a pulse echo so radar reflectors etc not effect to the same extent. !!!???

 

[jackho]

I just noticed there is something on the mast above the radar. Could this be an ATE? Boat not in my possession yet so can't get a closer look.

View attachment 158256

I note you have either 3 or 4G Broadband radar which does not work on a pulse echo !!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????