Sea Me Better
Sea-me, the popular RTE (Radar Target Enhancer) or “active radar reflector” has been dramatically improved. The new Sea-Me Dual Band does exactly what its name suggests – it responds to both of the frequencies that are used by ships’ radars.
Until now, commercially-available RTE’s responded only to “X-band” radar transmissions. This meant that they showed up clearly on the radars used by small craft such as yachts and fishing boats, and on the radars that are used by ships in pilotage waters. But in more open water, and particularly in rough weather, or rain or fog, ships’ watchkeepers are more likely to turn their attention to their “S-band” displays. S-band radars are generally more powerful, and their lower frequency makes them better at cutting through a water-laden atmosphere and less susceptible to sea clutter than their X-band counterparts.
With a list price of £851.88, it’s a lot more expensive than most passive reflectors – but at least it works! The original X-band Sea-Me still gives you a better chance of being seen than a passive reflector, and is still in production, with a list price of £525.00.