Radar Reflector

Discussions regarding electronics, gear and other equipment of maintenance issues that ARE NOT SPECIFIC to a certain PDQ model yacht
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phild
skipper
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Location: Marblehead, MA (36094)

Radar Reflector

Post by phild »

Looking for opinions relative to the pros and cons of active versus passive radar reflectors.

Does anyone have any experience with the Tri-lens unit?

All thoughts are appreciated!
Phil and Mary DiDomenico
s/v Arabella
36094

"There is more to sailing than ropes and winches, cleats and bulging sails. There are faraway places and the everchanging light, and the silence, and a great peace at the bottom of your soul." - Mate
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Page 83
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Re: Radar Reflector

Post by Page 83 »

Radar reflectors are much less effective than previously supposed, according to Britain's MAIB (Maritime Accident Investigation Board, their NTSB) See http://www.maib.gov.uk/publications/inv ... 7/ouzo.cfm for the complete report of a fatal accident involving a 25 foot sailboat, the Ouzo, and a large radar equipped vessel. The MAIB did extensive testing of a very wide range of radar reflectors, and came to the conclusion they were inadequate. There was no discussion of AIS B, an obvious solution to the problem, and available everywhere but here. If you are interested in a very thorough discussion of AIS A and B radios, go to http://www.panbo.com and query AIS. The reason we can't buy and use this system in the United States lies in the FCC's inability to deal with small issues they didn't think of first.
Sandy Daugherty "Page 83" PDQ 36026
Bacchagato
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Re: Radar Reflector

Post by Bacchagato »

While Bacchagato has a mast-mounted reflector up high, I thought this was an interesting dual-purpose item: http://www.radarflag.com/facts.cfm
They're pricy, but nice flags to fly as well. Just my $.02
Bacchagato
36075
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phild
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Re: Radar Reflector

Post by phild »

http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Studies ... dar%20Flag

Check out the above link for an evalution by US Sailing - they do no think too highly of the Radar Flag's effectiveness under normal conditions!
Phil and Mary DiDomenico
s/v Arabella
36094

"There is more to sailing than ropes and winches, cleats and bulging sails. There are faraway places and the everchanging light, and the silence, and a great peace at the bottom of your soul." - Mate
Marc Gershel
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Re: Radar Reflector

Post by Marc Gershel »

For what it's worth, I have been conducting my own test of my Davis radar reflector, for the past 5-6 years. Whenever I encounter a tug, I call and ask how I look on his radar, and the respnse has always been "Good". I mounted it permanently by threading the baby stay thru the center of the reflector.
I think this was a fair test, don't you?
Marc
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Page 83
admiral
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Re: Radar Reflector

Post by Page 83 »

If it feels good....
But don't let it lead you to believe its doing any good. According to the AIB, The Davis is below the average of the inadequate. Your mast is a better reflector. I share your pain, I've got one too.
Sandy Daugherty "Page 83" PDQ 36026
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