Homemade Radar Reflector?

[Tinman]

Does anybody know how to make a radar reflector for a boat? I would think somebody has a clever, collapsible design made of pie pans or cookie sheets.

[Onokai]

They make them commercially for cheap and I have picked them up at yard sales. They seem like foiled cardboard or plastic
They look like this
http://lifesavingequipment.com/Merch...egory_Code=sdv
Mark

[Chrome Bumper]

http://www.seagrant.umaine.edu/exten...tcom/raref.htm
The link has a home one mounted on a hat. And to think people still make fun of my tin foil hat.

For real performance you want a corner reflector, you could use cookie sheets, a good 90 angle is important and copy a Davis pattern. Are you putting this on an aluminum boat?

[edsr]

Hey Tinman - I think wooden dories are about invisible on radar. We have to look out for the other guys.

[Tinman]

Originally Posted by edsr

Hey Tinman - I think wooden dories are about invisible on radar. We have to look out for the other guys.

Yeah Ed, that's what I am worried about...we're invisible.

[yaknitup]

I know this thread is a little old, but this is the exact question I've had recently and doesn't quite answer all my questions.

I'm wanting to try and make my own since I spend a good amount of time in the ocean fishing from my kayak and want to be seen in foggy weather. I wanted to see if anyone has input on what kind of materials I could use. I realize I could cut up some old cookie sheets, but would a few layers of heavy duty aluminum foil also work? My idea was to wrap something in foil and seal it with duct tape or something. I'm assuming the key is to use the most dense metal possible. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

[Tinman]

Originally Posted by yaknitup

I know this thread is a little old, but this is the exact question I've had recently and doesn't quite answer all my questions.

I'm wanting to try and make my own since I spend a good amount of time in the ocean fishing from my kayak and want to be seen in foggy weather. I wanted to see if anyone has input on what kind of materials I could use. I realize I could cut up some old cookie sheets, but would a few layers of heavy duty aluminum foil also work? My idea was to wrap something in foil and seal it with duct tape or something. I'm assuming the key is to use the most dense metal possible. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Years ago I heard that a plastic bag with a few empty aluminum pop cans would work as an impromptu radar reflector, so you might be on the right track with some foil wrapped in plastic.

[yaknitup]

Thanks Tinman, that helps!

[kilchisfisher]

If you google home made radar reflector you'll find an article in Duckworks magazine on making one.

[Jrr]

Foil space blanket material or some call then survival blankets. Works great

[Fishnchips]

Try some of this tape. It should stick to smooth plastic like crazy. I would also put a stripe right next to it of this kind of tape. This way you will show up on radar and spot light.

Both would also be great on a flagpole, if you use one.

[yaknitup]

Awesome info, thanks eveyone!

I have a flagpole setup on my kayak and was thinking of having it affixed to the flagpole about half-way up in a way that will allow me to take it off when not on the ocean and for easy stowage of the flagpole. Here's a picture to show you what I'm working with.

[Jrr]

If you know someone that can sew, make a wind sock from space blanket. It is basically what was used for the box kites used on survival rafts in the old days to raise a long wire antenna for the old Gibson girl radios and work as a reflector for search aircraft.

[captcharles]

I've seen old CD's used. The flat surface mounted vertically will reflect the best. However the higher on the water the better.