I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

"Carl" wrote in message
oups.com...

I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

Why do you have the feeling it's not strictly legal in the US?

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

In article ,
"Capt. JG" wrote:

"Carl" wrote in message
oups.com...

I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

Why do you have the feeling it's not strictly legal in the US?

For the simple reason that there haven't been many of these type units
Type Accepted in the USA. Type Acceptance is REQUIRED for any
electronic emiting device sold in the US. The process of Type Acceptance
will decide if the device is Licenseable or would come under the Part 15
Rules.

Bruce in alaska
--
add a 2 before @

"Bruce in Alaska" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Capt. JG" wrote:

"Carl" wrote in message
oups.com...

I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

Why do you have the feeling it's not strictly legal in the US?

For the simple reason that there haven't been many of these type units
Type Accepted in the USA. Type Acceptance is REQUIRED for any
electronic emiting device sold in the US. The process of Type Acceptance
will decide if the device is Licenseable or would come under the Part 15
Rules.

Bruce in alaska
--

Checked their home page and it seems they have vendors all over the planet
including San Diego:

Honor Marine Communications
2120 Main Street
San Diego
CA 92113

Tel: 619-233-7666

On 23 Oct 2005 09:33:24 -0700, "Carl" wrote:


I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.
///
I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore.
///
Carl

I can't imagine why this device would be legislated against.
It is quite analogous to wearing reflective garments at night when
riding a bike.

Brian Whatcott Altus OK

excellent ... than you carl

The enhanced reflector is nice but not on my wishlist.
I think it's much more important to see others early than being seen
by others. The interesting part is the radar-detection-feature.
That made me think... why not use a police-radar-detector that costs
like usd 50,= ? Ok, add a few bucks to make it waterproof...
Thanks for getting me started.

Len
S/v Present


On 23 Oct 2005 09:33:24 -0700, "Carl" wrote:


I would take a look at installing an "active radar reflector" such as
the Sea-Me unit ( http://www.sea-me.co.uk/index.html ). It amplifies
and retransmit received radar signals to make you a much bigger target
on the other ship's radar. That way the other ship's computerized
anti-collision systems will wake up and take notice.

These are quite popular in the UK and really seem to work. I've got one
on my boat (British built). I have a feeling these are not strictly
legal in the US and I don't turn mine on except when offshore. The unit
also has a red light at the nav station that lights (and can be hooked
to an alarm) whenever radar is sweeping the boat. Cost is about $700,
it uses little power, and requires just a 12"x1" antenna at the top of
the mast.

I have no connection with this company other than being a happy
customer (it's really fun to look like a 300' ship). I also keep a good
watch!

Carl

i would state "see and be seen" is a logical
goal...some of my bias will be from my flying
expierences....the tool looks good to me...(see-me-unit)...

Brian,

I agree that I want to see him early and your radar detector idea might
work. Still, if a 600 ft ship is approaching at 22 knots, I don't want
to be the only guy trying to get out of the way.

On the "legal" issue. I'm probably overly suspicious of the FCC's
interest in anything that transmits (although my radar transmits on the
same frequency). I just can't figure out why you don't see these things
around. I've never had any faith that a radar reflector that's small
enough to put up in the rigging can do much good.

Carl

On 23 Oct 2005 17:48:19 -0700, "Carl" wrote:
I agree that I want to see him early and your radar detector idea might
work. Still, if a 600 ft ship is approaching at 22 knots, I don't want
to be the only guy trying to get out of the way.

Ok, forgive my being a bit persistent but: not having this enhanced
reflector (btw: I was always clearly visible using a cheap passive
one, mounted correctly) doesn't mean you'll be the only guy trying to
get out of the way.

After sighting by eyes or radar (or,thanks to your post,my new 50usd
radardetector) I'll turn on my marine-pc and my 250usd ais-receiver.

I'll be able to see the 600ft ship's course and speed and when needed
I'll hail this ship by it's right name on vhf70 or call it by dsc
using it's unique mmsi-number. After identyfying myself and my
position we'll discuss and verify the probably one and only right way
to avoid any risk of a collision-course.

Here in the Netherlands the government is contemplating making ais
mandatory (also for 300t vessels and indeed also for yachts) cause
freigthers increasingly tend to use ais as sole informationsource over
radar. This is imo a good development. Ais will work 100% when
everybody, everywhere uses it. One might expect these rules will find
their way into supernational legislation.

Just my 2 cts.
Len
S/v Present