Radar Detector for Sailboats

[Pacman]

Here is my question;

Can a standard automotive radar detector be used to alert a sailor to the presence of other larger vessels that are using radar?

I would think so if the bands (frequency) used are similar but I don't know if they are the same.

I would appreciate any related information.

Thanks,

Dave

[CaptRon28]

The cops use certain frequencies on 3 or 4 different radar bands for their guns - usually X, K, and Ka. The detectors are set up to monitor some of all of these distinct frequencies. Other types of radar (marine, etc.) use different frequencies and/or bands depending on how far out they have to reach. One can probably modify a detector to scan these frequencies but it would take some work and expertise to do it.

[NateD]

When I have looked into this before regular automotive ones would not work. There was (is?) a company that makes a marine radar detector, but the consensus seems to be that you're better off with an AIS receiver if you're looking to detect large ships. Doesn't help you with the small ones in fog though.

[skip1930]

Reading in The Navy Times years ago, when the military ran out of money [again] for airborne radar detection devices on aircraft some pilots ran out a purchased there own automotive radar detectors and mounted said items on there own aircraft. It worked. That's all I can say.

I think it's better to have a tubular radar reflector sitting atop a spreader and fastened to the standing rigging. Of course those only work if someone in a ship's pilothouse is watching the scope.  

skip.