On Thu, Apr 23, 2009 at 6:31 PM, Martin, Jack <martin.jack_at_solute.us> wrote: > > Hard to prove a negative, but I've tried similar devices in at-sea tests > with the USCG, carrying various radar reflectors on top of locator > beacons -- there really was a reason for this! -- and neither of our two > Coast Guard 41' boats (UTBs) nor the H-65 helicopter assigned to us > could pick out our deflectors at any range.... My experience also over many years and many tries. Even a sailing yacht we could see with our eyes we could not pick out on a radar screen; both 10cm and 3cm radars. We had difficulties even on a calm sea picking out sailing yachts. It's common for aircraft to have transponders (that transmit a signal when triggered by the reception of a radar signal) and I've often wondered why this method has never made it into popularity among the maritime crowd. They are now going to separate transceivers which display received messages on the radar screen. Handy information for pirates since they can also receive that information which gives them ship name, type, size, speed, and course. As far as carrying a radar reflector on a kayak, you might as well wear a tinfoil hat for all the good it would do you. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Apr 23 2009 - 21:35:58 PDT
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