Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion A real signal mirror

On WPSMB, Bob R wrote:
The reason a real signal mirror works so well is the "retro-reflective aiming aid" in the hole (so it's not really a hole). Looking through it, with the mirror held close to your eye, the location of the spot is vividly obvious even if it's too far away to actually see it hit. Move the image of this spot over to your target, and you're "spot on." No guessing as to where the reflected light is going, and--for the people in the helicopter--no guessing where it is coming from.

...(For example, Adventure Medical's mirror is $9, weighs 0.3 oz)

Bob, I have never seen a mirror like that. I'm going to order one soon. It sounds like a much better option than anything I have seen.

So many times, I have seen a mirror with a hole for a string or whatever, but NO aiming aid. I think most people would be unable to aim one of those effectively.

REI link: mirror
Adventure Medical link

On an added note:
Some of the mirrors are made in China - they use a cheaper fillament which does not react correctly in the sun. If possible I would recommend testing the unit before purchase. If you cannot test, be leary of the "made in China" knockoffs. With a properly working signal mirror, you can be spotted easily to 50 miles.

A fun way to test them is to take up to a peak and call a friend from the summit. Then allow them to spot you from in town. I have also flashed people on Whitney from the summit of Keynot(Inyos) and other cross range options.

Okay, after all this talk about signal mirrors and aiming the flash, I decided to try mine(el Cheapo) out using the brightest light in the house -- the bathroom -- and unless I could actually SEE the reflection against the far wall, I had no clue as to which way it was shining, or whether I even "captured" the sun at all...trashed the mirror with no hole and I am gonna look the for the one with a peek-a-boo hole!

b

I see that the REI model is made of Lexan. Lexan is the trade name for polycarbonate plastic which is unbreakable but very soft. Looks like a great product, but would require special handling and storage to keep from scratching the surface.

Gary

With all this talk of mirrors, I dug into my McGyver kit to see what I've been lugging around all these years, and it turns out I have two mirrors - one of my compasses is the type with a mirror, and I also have the top lid of an old make-up case my wife gave me. It's an old lid, so I think it's real glass.

Still - I didn't realize that so much time and though has been invested in signal mirrors. Maybe it's time to spend 10 bucks on one of them.

I just remembered this remarkable picture, courtesy of JayD from the first WPSMB group hike, in 2007. Shows the mirror flash from Mt. Russell to the folks on Thor Peak.

Thor Peak climb

Astonishing! Helicopter catnip?

My CD "mirror" now resides in the recycle bin.

BobR point well taken. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words.Guess what is gonna be my next equipment purchase?

From China Lake via Boeing:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/archives/185533.asp?source=mypi

Now that's a signaling device.

Bob R. hails from CL, I see...