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Plate Design.
Radar reflector plates can be triangular, circular, or square. The
table below shows relative performance:
Note that a reflector with a circular plate, such as Echomaster, has four times the effective radar
cross-section as the triangular reflector, the most commonly seen type. While the square plate
design is even more effective, it is seldom used in marine systems due to its non-compatibility with
sails and rigging, which must survive in a chafe-free environment, and also due to its extra weight
and high vulnerability to windage.
σ
The definition of
radar reflector dimensions are increased (
detection range, Rm, increases much more slowly (Rm varies directly with the radar reflector
dimensions). For practical purposes, however, doubling the size of the radar reflector will not usu-
ally double the detection.
Alignment of reflector plates.
one which greatly enhances the effective amount of signal returned, is the flatness of
the plates and the accuracy of the right angles formed between them. Alignment of
each angle must be within 3° of a right angle or half of the reflected signal will be
lost. A misalignment of all three plates by as much as 2° will have the same effect.
Davis Echomaster plates resist flexing and warping, and the corner latching system
ensures minimal angular distortion.
Conclusion.
The use of a professional radar reflector enhances your boating fun,
knowing that safety has been part of your cruise preparation. The Davis Echomaster
advanced octahedral design
utilizes
The plates erect quickly and easily in correct "catch rain" position—and require little
room for stowage.
m is arbitrary, and can be somewhat misleading.
σ
m varies as the 4th power of dimensions). Radar
An essential design feature of any reflector,
for maximum effectiveness of signal return.
9
σ
m increases very rapidly as
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