"Typical" half power cone angle is roughly 30-40 deg included. So you will
illuminate the flag and will not see much side illumination.
BF

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote

The sun will probably will have no effect but that does mean that
the pattern is Lambertian. Most of the light will be projected
upward. You might look for a couple of LEDs with a batwing pattern
to change them out with. They project more light to the sides.

My test last night showed plenty of side lobe light. The idea of the
design is that the beams shine up on the pole and flag as well to make
the pole more recognizable if there are shore or other lights around.
This could help you figure out that the other blinking light is on a
lifejacket and that's where you want to be heading.


--

Roger Long

BF" wrote in message
... "Typical" half power
cone angle is roughly 30-40 deg included. So you will
illuminate the flag and will not see much side illumination.
BF

It depends what you mean by "much". I saw plenty last night. This is
for a boat that isn't racing under spinnaker at night so can start
back promptly. I didn't intend it to lead boats or aircraft to the
center of a several square mile search area. For a serious ocean
racer or fast power The primary purpose of the lights is to guide the
person in the water to the pole. I verified last night that they can
see it farther than anyone is likely to swim (in Maine temperatures
anyway).

For a serious ocean racer that might have to beat back a mile or two
after getting the spinnaker down, I probably would try for more side
illumination.

The key thing is getting the pole over very fast. Otherwise, it's just
a distraction leading you to the wrong place.

--

Roger Long