I just purchased a 3 x 5 StarFlash signal mirror and was a little surprised to see how easy the platic on the front of the mirror gets scratched up. While watching a TV comercial for "Glad Press & Seal" wrap it occured to me that any of the standard kitchen platic wraps could provide a scratch resistant shield to protect the face of the mirror while it's in storage. Unlike a ziplock bag the plastic wrap clings to the mirror, so it's more likely to prevent scratches. I thought I'd mention it in case this solution would be useful to someone else.

On a related note, can anyone suggest a good source for a 3 x 5 glass signal mirror? I've got an old Air Force signal mirror, but it's suffering from water leakage and is corroding internally.

Dennis

Hi DTM,

The best source for a signal mirror is from Rescue Reflectors. Doug has an excelent review of the mirrors, and he makes plastic and glass mirrors that can be made with the option of being able to float. I bought one and was highly impressed. He is a one man outfit in Texas, and doesn't take credit cards, so you will have to send him a check. A really nice guy. You can find his web site under the links section. His mirrors are more expensive than most others, but well worth it.

Thank you! I thought Rescue Reflector's product line was limited to high grade plastic mirrors. When I took a closer look I discovered they also offer glass mirrors. Time for more shopping.

Dennis

I recently used my Rescue Reflectors mirror (not emergency use). It was absolutely amazingly easy to place the light right on target, and according to my wife was lazer bright. The fireball was super easy to acquire and site...Great product in plastic or glass.

I was climbing around Crater Lake OR, and my wife was at the lodge. We were in contact by HAM radio but she could not see where I was at all. So I layed a mirror spot right on her location from about a mile away, and shezam she could find me. I was very impressed with the ease of use, she was impressed with the ability to send such a locator signal.

I highly recommend Rescue Reflectors and Malcolm Murray is worth calling just to chat.

I imagine the rubber from a bicycle inner tube will stretch around the perimeter of a glass mirror to protect it. I intend to try this with a glass survival mirror from REI.

Steve

Hi everyone,
Do you know this product form ARC electronics I think... Is it good?
http://www.sirmailorder.ca/show_prod.php...b758f9b05b47702

Frankie,

According to the ACR web site the mirror is 4.24 x 2.75 inches. So it's in between the 'standard' 2x3 & 3x5 sizes. ACR has a good reputation so I think it's safe to assume their mirror is a reliable product. That it also includes a whistle is a bonus. Though the whistle is not as loud as the Fox 40 I wouldn't feel underequipped if I were carrying it.

Dennis

I was trained on the old military signal mirrors that had a double sided mirror. The new mirrors I see have a sort of grid in the center, but no mirror on the "back" side.

How do you use these? Can you target well if the sun is behind you at 30 degrees elevation and the target in front of you at 30 degrees?

It seems like they would work ok if both the target and sun are in the same quadrent.

I have used a signal mirror a lot in "serious" situations and would not be without one. But using one without the "back" mirror is a mystery to me. Anyone know of a link to a direction sheet for the "grid" type mirrors??

Nomad:

How do you use a double-sided mirror?

Thanks!

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

How to use a double sided mirror. This will be hard to describe...easy to do, but hard to describe.

Assume the target and the sun are both in front of you. Hold the mirror up in front of your face and look in the "back" mirror for the spot caused by the sun coming thru the hole.

Now line up the reflected spot with the hole, and the target. You will have the sun reflected directly on the target and will be able to hold it there.

It is a bit more complicated if the sun is low behind you and the target is in front of you. Then hold the mirror sort of flat and look for the sun spot on your hand. Line up the sun spot, hole and targer and you got it. Takes a bit of practice (about 10 minutes) to get it, but simple thereafter.

Having been on both ends of a signal mirror, it is important to be able to hold the mirror on target. Under some conditions (at sea or over melting ice or snow) there are thousands of sparklie reflections. Finding the right one is a real problem. After a bit, the observer may notice that one light is not flashing but steady. If you can't hold the mirror on target under these or similar circumstances, the mirror won't look much different than the snow melt or wave reflections.