I would fit a seperate reflector if I were you and as Jono says attend a one day RYA course.
If doing a course try and ensure it with someone who specialises in small craft high speed naviagtion as opposed to a sailing only school. The theory is the same for all but the practical application fo both completely different
Radar target enhancer is what you need if I read your first post correct or one of the many types of radar reflectors on the market . The magazines run regular features on them and also Radar itself.
Agree with Doug shop around before/if you do a radar course as a sailing school will not appreciate the speeds a rib can do though the Instructor may be happy with both types of boating .Speak to them if you can or pre course reading would be the RYA An Introduction to Radar by Tim Bartlett and another quite good pocket size aid memoir is Radar Companion by Pat Manley printed by Fenhurst. Most schools are happy to do it on your boat so much more practical excercises can be set up.
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Tim Griffin
RYA Freelance YMI power Powerboat and PWC instructor trainer vhf first aid sea survival Diesel engine radar and navigation instructor
Hi
There has been much said about radar reflectors - so this question isn't about specific types and models etc.
the question then.
If I have a small radar, is the radar itself a radar reflector?
I suspect that when switched on and transmitting it may be 'seen', and that when switched off the boat would become invisible again.
hence require radar and seperate reflector and/or seame type device
thanks
PB
The radar itself is not a radar reflector and work as one.
When switched on and transmitting, its pulses can (or could on the relatively primitive radars I've used a long time ago on big ships) be seen on another set using the same frequency. However, the 'interference' appears as wavy lines of fine dots on the screen in a random pattern. These do not emanate from any of the targets shown on the screen, though the ships would be using their radar. No doubt modern sets with raster scan filter that out.
Hi
An update for you.
I spoke to SeaMe today and learnt that the dual ban (S and X) is under final development. This will solve all the previously discussed issues.
The date is not yet known as the unit is still being 'reduced in size' such that it is not too heavy/large for mast top mounting. Estimate is 6-9 months.
Bit of a tangent, but what are peoples' thoughts on radar as a health risk? I was always told that you have to mount the set high so that the transmissions are clear of everybodys heads or their brains would get fried and all that stuff. More and more people now seem to be saying that's not an issue and you can happily stand in front of an active radar set without worrying. I don't! Should I worry? Have the manufacturers changed the specs so much that it's become safe?
Bit of a tangent, but what are peoples' thoughts on radar as a health risk? I was always told that you have to mount the set high so that the transmissions are clear of everybodys heads or their brains would get fried and all that stuff. More and more people now seem to be saying that's not an issue and you can happily stand in front of an active radar set without worrying. I don't! Should I worry? Have the manufacturers changed the specs so much that it's become safe?
Ian this has been a recurring discussion here, including fairly recently http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...ighlight=radar apparently the small furuno unit makes no mention of safe working distance/height etc. in a world of litigation that might be an indication that they consider the risk negligeble.
