wrote in message
oups.com...
of RF that will appear on the radar scope. Maybe it could also fire a
cloud of chaff into the air to make a longer lasting return. The idea
is that the initial pulse will get the operators attention and then the
chaff would allow him to see the source.


Your proposal makes the assumption that someone is watching the radar screen
at the time of the RF burst. This is normally not the case on pleasure or
commercial vessels. Most watch standers only take a quick scan of the radar
display at infrequent intervals or at best, when they are in close proximity
of another vessel or tricky navigation situations. It is possible to set a
radar to trigger a zone alarm but this frequently 'false triggers' and is
seldom used (in my experience).

I have sailed as crew on recreational, commercial and Navy vessels and only
the latter has a dedicated radar watch (combat information center, CIC).
Generally the watch(person) only 'concentrates' on the radar information in
the extreme information mentioned earlier. Monitoring the radar is only one
of many equally important responsibilities of a watch(person).

I believe that a good selection of flares is the best way to attract
attention (assuming the other vessel has a proper watch 'on deck'.

My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions