Radar Reflector

There was much thought and time spent trying to find a suitable design/construction procedure for a radar reflector. There are several ones on the Internet, e.g. Instructables one, but they did not seem that practical/suitable. This post describes how our Radar Reflector was built.

The requirements of a reflector are:-

  • It is light weight
  • It is able to perform its function regardless of the orientation
  • It is strong (rigid)
  • It is easy to construct and not overly expensive.

For materials I decided to use core-flute material (Sold at companies that create signs) and Aluminium tape (50mm x 5metre) from Jaycar and two cable ties.

The construction is best illustrated I think using some photos. Please see below:-

 

Measuring up - 3 squares - each with side of 250mm
Measuring up – 3 squares – each with side of 250mm

 

Cut out the squares using a blade. Dark lines indicate where we need to create incisions later on
Cut out the squares using a blade. Dark lines indicate where we need to create incisions later on

 

Incisions are made. Incisions are just a little narrower than the width of the Coreflute
Incisions are made. Incisions are just a little narrower than the width of the Coreflute

 

Assemble the three squares
Assemble the three squares. Cables ties later connect two ‘right-angle’ pieces together.
Apply Aluminium tape to all faces
Apply Aluminium tape to all faces. Weight is 250grams

We will drill a hole later on in a corner for the thread. Will re-enforce this hole with additional Aluminium tape.

It became obvious that there are probably some ways to make the build process a lot easier. Possibly putting tape on initially before cutting and putting together.

I do also wonder if we “really” need to have Aluminium tape on both sides of the Coreflute; but decided in the end to apply it to both anyhow.

But it is strong/rigid, light, not too difficult to make and inexpensive.