Echomax radar reflector full of water

[Spyro]

Something else to check, I'd never have thought of it. I discovered today that reflector which is mounted 3/4 of the way up the mast is cracked around the top fixing and was full of water. I don't know how long it's been like that but I'm sure I've been carrying around an extra couple of stone around 3/4 of the way up the mast for some time.

 

[sailorman]

Mine lives in a locker below decks

 

[Jokani]

Something else to check, I'd never have thought of it. I discovered today that reflector which is mounted 3/4 of the way up the mast is cracked around the top fixing and was full of water.

A few years back a surveyor noted I ahd a similar problem. His recommendation was to remove the reflector, repair the reflector with epoxy ,and then fix back on the mast with repaired end at the bottom.

 

[Spyro]

A few years back a surveyor noted I ahd a similar problem. His recommendation was to remove the reflector, repair the reflector with epoxy ,and then fix back on the mast with repaired end at the bottom.

Or even easier just drill a hole at the bottom to let the water out.

 

[dom]

Or even easier just drill a hole at the bottom to let the water out.

Are you sure there's not a drain/venting hole already?

 

[[70521]]

Or even easier just drill a hole at the bottom to let the water out.

+1

2Omm diameter

 

[Spyro]

Are you sure there's not a drain/venting hole already?

I don't think so unless it has some sort of plug , water poured out when the mast was removed and layed flat

 

[dom]

I don't think so unless it has some sort of plug , water poured out when the mast was removed and layed flat

I'm not certain, but I think mine (EM230) has a small hole in the bottom.

Either way, the plastic expands and contracts a little with temperature and if the unit had insufficient expansion washers fitted it might have cracked? I'd certainly give it a good check to see where the water got in.

It might also be a good idea next season to ask a mate/ship/HM to check the return signal as these units can be subject to corrosion.

 

[Bobc]

Or even easier just drill a hole at the bottom to let the water out.

That's the one.

 

[ghostlymoron]

If water gets in, it would play havoc with the internal baffles which are possibly aluminum. I'd ask advice from Echomax for advice. Also they'll know if there's an existing drain (which may be blocked).

 

[Muddy32]

One presumes that it was mounted the correct way up, and the expansion/drain hole isn't at your "top".

 

[Spyro]

One presumes that it was mounted the correct way up, and the expansion/drain hole isn't at your "top".

It was on the boat when I got it and that was 10 years ago. It may not be Echomax I just used that as some sort of generic name. I take it there are other makes?

 

[dom]

It was on the boat when I got it and that was 10 years ago. It may not be Echomax I just used that as some sort of generic name. I take it there are other makes?

Whatever it is, the good old "shake test" might help

....give it a good shake and if you hear the sound of loose bits/dust inside then chuck it!

 

[Topcat47]

This is quite a common problem with stacked arrays. I'm not aware of any that have drain holes as part of their Original design, although things may have changed since I last looked at a few. I first became aware of the problem when one fell from a mast and hit a colleague on the shoulder. We mocked him for the fuss he was making until we picked it up and discovered how heavy it had become. It wasn't an Ecomax but we spilt it apart to see what it was like inside, which encouraged my professional interest in the subject. I've not been a fan ever since.....

By the way, a stacked array full of water doesn't work very well, we tried it in an anechoic chamber.

 

[MoodySabre]

It was on the boat when I got it and that was 10 years ago. It may not be Echomax I just used that as some sort of generic name. I take it there are other makes?

The Firdell Blipper was very common. The Echomax was a replacement when Firdells stopped. The Echomax was made so as to use the old Blipper brackets.

There are others too.

 

[Spyro]

The Firdell Blipper was very common. The Echomax was a replacement when Firdells stopped. The Echomax was made so as to use the old Blipper brackets.

There are others too.

After googling some images I'm pretty sure that's what it is. Thanks

 

[Graham_Wright]

My Echomax has a drain hole (original).

 

[Spyro]

I can confirm it's a Firdell and it's had its day. There is no drain hole