|
Author
|
Topic: radar reflectors
|
sahulsizer
|
posted February 03, 2008 03:13 PM
I have been using the Davis Echomaster reflector for several years. Prior to the 2002 Swiftsure, I mounted it in the double catch rain position on the back stay. It worked this way for years, then suddenly last summer it started oscillating wildly in 25-30 knot winds, twisting the backstay (rod) rapidly. I could not find a way to stop the oscillation by changing the back stay tension or other means, so we ended up removing the reflector, which meant we had no reflector all summer to AK and back.
Another boat we know had a similar situation in the western Pacific; years of no problems then sudden oscillations. They destroyed a wire backstay before they could get it down.
I tried attaching the reflector to the flag halliard, but it dragged against the sail when we tacked, cutting the stitching on a seam.
I have the large trilens, heavy. I will be installing this on the mast if the rains ever stop.
There is an extensive report on reflectors from QinetiQ. I think the address is:
http://www.ybw.com/pbo/pdfs/radar_reflectors.pdf
Billy Gates and his cronies are screwing up the Web today and it won't download. I have a paper copy, and got the address off the web.
Also see www.MAIB.gov.UK for the accident investigation that initiated QinetiQ paper.
Steve Hulsizer
From: Ballard
|
|
David Burch
|
posted February 03, 2008 04:22 PM
Thanks very much Steve for that information. The pdf seems to download ok at this end. If anyone else has similar or related experiences, please let us know.
Please keep us posted on your experiences with the tri-lens.
From: Starpath, Seattle, WA
|
|
sahulsizer
|
posted February 03, 2008 09:52 PM
When looking up the MAIB report mentioned earlier, the boat name is Ouzo. The ship is Pride of Bilbao.
Steve
From: Ballard
|
|
|
