Final Design

Buoy Station #155 off the coast of Imperial Beach, CA

Buoy Station #215 off the coast of Long Beach, CA

Design Components

Radar Reflector

The reflector is assembled from four individual components that are held together by friction and require no additional components for assembly. The design hold the faces perpendicular to one and other optimizing radar return due to the 90 degree angles.

Support

The radar reflector is attached to the buoy's fiber glass rod through the support. The reflector is clamped by two support components that both keep it attached to the rod and position the reflector at an optimal angle.

Wind Fairing Shell

The enclosure provides both protection for the reflector setup and reduces wind drag. The enclosure is made from vacuum formed high impact styrene and coated with paint for reinforcement and UV resistance.

Project Success

IMG_7270.MOV

The prototype reflector was installed on CDIP buoy #155 off the coast of Imperial Beach California. The reflector improved the visibility of the buoy. The stock buoy could be registered on radar at a maximum range of 100 meters. With the installation of the new reflector the buoy could be seen at 500 meters. Additionally the new radar reflector is 18.5% lighter than previous model attempted initially by CDIP. The new reflector has bright colors to be more visible and reflective stickers to reflect light.

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