Re-inventing the wheel?

[Shanty]

Been thinking about radar reflector design:

For any given configuration, the bigger the better, and the higher its mounted the better. The technical limitations on mounting a huge reflector as high as possible are: reduction in stability due to the weight aloft, and windage. One way to reduce both of these might be to have lots of holes in the reflector surfaces. So, a question for any experts in the vicinity: How fine must a mesh be in order to act like a solid plate in reflecting radio waves?

No doubt this route has already been explored many times already - but its a hobby of mine - re-inventing the wheel

 

[AndrewB]

On a small GRP yacht, I'm told the thing that gives the most positive radar echo is the engine.

So there you are ... when fog threatens, hoist your engine to the top of the mast.

 

[Gaffer]

I have vague memories going back to when I first started sailing in the 1950's of radar reflectors made of fine galvanised steel mesh, which was I suppose was to accomodate both the windage and weight criteria.
They also folded up for stowage, but after a short time they rusted and disintergrated, and made a mess of the locker on which they were stored.

 

[Bergman]

What a good idea.

I think a slot type antenna may work.

Basically you need to know the frequency of the radar, then calculate the wavelength, allow for difference in velocity of radio wave in material (less than that in free space), then cut a slot in a metal tube half a wavelength long and about 10% of length wide.

Maybe the mast would serve.

Please give it a try I'd love to know how and if it works

 

[ianwright]

Anyone notice,,,,

,,,,,,how there were few, if any collisions between ships and yachts before ships had radar?
Fear and a litlle seamanship go a long way.

Ban radar, radar reflectors, electronic 'navigation' , epirbs and gmdss vhf. Bring back the lookouts,,,,,,,,

IanW.

Vertue 203, Patience