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6

RADAR REFLECTOR DESIGN

A professional radar reflector produces a much stronger return of the radar signal

than might be expected from its modest dimensions.

The 

conventional radar reflector

consists

of three mutually perpendicular metal

plates which, viewed together, form a

pocket (Fig. 1). If one of these pockets

were to be placed on a flat surface (Fig.

2), a line rising perpendicularly from the

flat surface to the peaked junction of the

three sides of the plates would be called

the “axis of symmetry.” The inner sides of

the pocket, which form the corners of the reflector, reflect the radar signal back to its

originating source with high levels of effectiveness over angles that vary from the

axis of symmetry by 20° or more.

Figure 1

Figure 2

The 

Echomaster radar reflector

, an octahedral cluster of eight pockets, uses the

principle of the axis of symmetry to full advantage (Fig. 3). In the “catch rain” posi-

tion, it allows three of the pockets of the

reflector to be depressed 20° and three

of the pockets to be elevated 20°. With

the radar reflector oriented in this man-

ner, the Echomaster assures the highest

probability of detection from all points

surrounding the boat.

Figure 3

Deluxe Echomaster 153 in the
“catch rain” position (automat-
ically obtained by using the
harness system).

In the 

“catch rain” position,

optimum 360°

azimuth coverage is provided, azimuth being the

great circle about a fixed refence point (the

reflector).

An understanding of the radar echo pattern for

an Echomaster mounted in the “catch rain” posi-

tion may be gained from Figure 4.

Summary of Contents for ECHOMASTER RADAR REFLECTOR

Page 1: ...Features Installation Design Principles R155E 1 00 Echomaster User s Manual 00155 010 Rev G January 2009 Total pages 16 Trim to 5 5 x 8 5 Black ink only Page 1 front cover...

Page 2: ...sea clutter do not possess enough reflective qualities to make the boat highly visible to radar And container vessels and tankers require long stopping time and wide turning radius Ensuring the detec...

Page 3: ...orns propellers or the mighty bowwave from an onrushing skyscraper of steel Even if you did spot them or detect them on your radar which way would you turn Best to let them see you instead Furtherrnor...

Page 4: ...RGENCY RADAR REFLECTOR 151 MOBRI RADAR REFLECTOR FIRDELL BLIPPER RADAR FLAG Admiralty surface weapons test England 4 How a Ship s Radar Sees Your Boat The radar of a ship making a complete circle arou...

Page 5: ...e and hang from holes drilled in corner latches 157 Surface Mount System can be purchased separately 153 Deluxe Hanging Echomaster Anodized aluminum plates Comes with hanging mount system to suspend u...

Page 6: ...s that vary from the axis of symmetry by 20 or more Figure 1 Figure 2 The Echomaster radar reflector an octahedral cluster of eight pockets uses the principle of the axis of symmetry to full advantage...

Page 7: ...Curved surfaces will reflect much less and the effectiveness deteriorates as the curve becomes more acute A slanted surface will reflect much less due to reflection of most of the signal in a directio...

Page 8: ...eflective surfaces the effective radar cross section referred to as m This value m is useful in stating a figure of merit for the per formance of radar reflectors A reflector s performance the amount...

Page 9: ...reflector dimensions For practical purposes however doubling the size of the radar reflector will not usu ally double the detection Alignment of reflector plates An essential design feature of any ref...

Page 10: ...on Values in the table are approximate reliable detection ranges for common radar reflectors seldom equal the radar horizon distances indicated above If you have a radar installation on your boat it m...

Page 11: ...o a mast structure Suspended by halyard or harness The orientation shown is the perfect catch rain position Rigid mounting on a mast struc ture using pipe fittings The 157 Surface Mount System could a...

Page 12: ...support lines to a downhaul halyard Suspend the reflector vertical ly as high as possible Mounting Echomaster 152 The standard Echomaster 152 does not include a mounting system The best way to instal...

Page 13: ...p position Assemble one flat washer and one mounting block onto a harness wire as shown below Push the wire up through the center hole of the radar reflector Step 2 Assemble the other mounting block a...

Page 14: ...in 10 25 cm of the spreader Many other solutions are equally satisfactory however to minimize wear and chafing on the suspension lines we recommend the system shown here Although rotation and bouncing...

Page 15: ...m The Davis 157 allows permanent installation of an Echomaster reflector on a hard surface or a railing up to 1 25 32 mm in diameter Fasteners are not included 11 2 U bolts required for rail fastening...

Page 16: ...e that no condition is developing which could lead to mounting failure and possible injury Davis Instruments wishes you many years of happy and safe boating with your advanced design Echomaster Radar...

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