Radar reflector

[Dek]

I am about to put a radar reflector on my 38` sloop. In researching which one is best I have had all sorts of advice with no common recommendation, I have friends that say not to bother for what use they are but I don't think my insurance company would be very impressed if I got run down by something big and solid.

Does anyone have any proof of a type that is effective?

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[Talbot]

There are two effective radar reflectors. The Firdell Blipper and the newer design (and supposed to be better) EchoMax. Apart from these 2, and the old fashioned octohedron (which is about 50% as effective as the first 2), the rest are not in the same league.

The new solas regulations require that you carry one.

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[Dek]

Thanks for the advice. Have you heard about one called the "Tri-lens" sold by Viking?

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[kesey]

Have a look at the Sea-Me active radar transponder.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.eircom.net/~ajpower>http://homepage.eircom.net/~ajpower

 

[nordic_ranger]

PBO did a series on then a while back testing their efficency it made interesting reading. From memory a large scrunched up 'ball' of tin foil performed as well as some of the better known makes.

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[l'escargot]

Not required in The Solent under SOLAS

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[Sunnyseeker]

They do work! we had a Maxi Blip, think that was the name, at the top of our 16m mast Fortunately it was a 7/8 rig so had a space right at the top. When we radio'd a super tanker in Biscay in a big storm, we could just see his steaming lights every 10mins in swell of 10m, he obviously couldn't see our lights but had had us on radar for half an hour and wondered what we doing out there in such a silly little boat.....Maybe in the channel the ships are too busy avoiding other ships to notice us...but they do work and I'm all for putting one at the top!

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[Roberto]

this <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ussailing.org/safety/studies/radar_reflector_test.htm>radar reflector test</A> may be of some interest

these are the
Conclusions
The first conclusion is that there is no substitute for size when it comes to radar reflectors. The devices that offer smaller size and lower windage simply don’t work as well. With regard to the Firdell Blipper, it is a well packaged and clever device, but the models tested were not large enough to have much real value aboard a vessel. Larger versions would accomplish what GEC Marconi claims, but are not practical on small vessels.
The Davis Echomaster (in the "Double Catch Rain" position) and the Lensref performed the best of all of the devices tested. The Lensref has no nulls, which is a tremendous advantage in terms of being seen, but the overall reflectance is marginal. If a Lensref is fitted on a sailing vessel, it should be gimbaled or made adjustable. The Davis Echomaster had stronger peak reflectance, but also large holes, which means that a large target would not consistently be presented on a ship’s radar.
None of the reflectors would be more than marginally useful in offshore situations where only S-band were being used, except perhaps in calm sea conditions.
The marginal performance of radar reflectors in general does not mean that they should not be carried. On the contrary, anything that improves a vessels radar visibility is worthwhile, particularly short-handed vessels and those without radar themselves.
Beyond that, it needs to be again pointed out that the best defense where shipping is concerned is a good offense. A ship’s radar may only see a sailboat three or four miles away, but that same sailboat can typically see the ship 12 miles away by radar, and visually at least 8 miles away in clear weather. The small boat is both better equipped and more highly motivated to avoid the potential collision.



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[bedouin]

Unfortunately that test was done some time ago and so does not include the EchoMax.

The EchoMax is really an updated version of the Firdell and out-performs it by having a much more even response (no nulls).

With Passive reflectors there is no substitute for size - and an Octohedral type will always have better maximum image than any other configuration. Where ones like the Firdell and EchoMax gain is by having better all round image.


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[DRJO]

We use two MOBRI reflectors, attached just above each crosstree on the outer shrouds. Both tests from friendly yachts and calling up a cargo vessel off the Scillies indicate an excellent all-round blip is received. Very compact and incompicuous but apparently very efficient


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[Oldhand]

But it only works on X band and not S band which is really stupid!

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[bruce]

just a thought, as a cop using radar, i found that motorcycles would get much closer before showing up on radar. when they went to multiple headlights, they were almost like cars.more lights, stronger image returned to radar gun. all that to say this, what about assembling several, old sealed beams in a circular 'log/post' like structure as a radar reflector. would use prob 8/12 old bulbs. basic idea being that radar acts like light and would be reflected by the bulb reflectors. just a thought....

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