BCB INTERNATIONAL LTD.2008-09-17 08:35:15
BCB Have Developed The MAYDAY Of Range HELIOGRAPHS
Reflected sun light can be seen over a considerable distance. It can be achieved by any mirrored surface; however, to be effective it must be focused or aimed to direct the reflective bean to the intended target.
Household glass faced mirrors are a hazard if included in, say, an inflatable life raft or part of a soldiers equipment.
A heliograph is mandatory in both life rafts and lifeboats.
The size has to be 4" or 2" square and made of highly polished stainless steel plate. The plate has to have a blackened sighting hole and some models need a separate string attached foresight. Focusing ones eyesight through the hole or through the foresight directs the reflected beam towards the target. These need two lands to achieve its purpose. All this calls for is some practice as well as a steady platform to work from.
Over the years many firms have developed improvements to this simplistic format. This means that we, BCB International Ltd, have several varying shapes and products and modes of operation. All are needful to fulfil the different mandatory requirements of various spheres of use and differing authorities.
We stock six or more types which encouraged us to spend time and money on developing the ultimate model, which we call the MAYDAY Helio. We have two sizes only, 2" and 42, which we further, describe as the Compact and Advanced Helios.
Both have the advantage of needing only one hand to operate. Even the small model can on a sunlit day, flash a signal over 10 miles.
The MAYDAY models are both accurate and robust. They will float if accidentally dropped in water and compared with other forms are very easy to use. Furthermore they have a more extensive visual signalling arc.
Not being made of stainless steel they are very light in weight.
The MAYDAY mirror should be carried by anyone to use in daylight whether on land or at sea to attract attention or pass a basic signal.
Although it is an optical instrument it is surprisingly robust bearing in mind their very low weight.
If there is a fire and you are holding a fire extinguisher in your hand it is not good practice to read the instructions as to how you should use it. Likewise we do advise the owner of the MAYDAY to practice its targeting features even on the back of your hand; then against a distant wall or even with a friend standing on raised ground a mile or so away. Instructions for use are printed on the reverse of each Helio.
In warfare you can signal backwards to give your location, thus avoiding "friendly fire" which we all know is never "friendly"
In any situation when the sun is up your location can be pin pointed by any rescue team or searching aircraft on land or sea.
With practice a skilled operator can signal in Morse code by sending long and short flashes. Dark objects in recesses can be illuminated.
All who venture "outdoors2 should carry such a wee thing. Children should be encouraged and shown how to use it, especially those playing with inflatable at the seaside. Truly a fun thing for them but it could also be a real lifesaver. A must for mountain climbers who are always difficult to locate. They only have one hand to spare, which is all you need to use the MAYDAY model.
If the sun is too strong to state at then you have a life saving friend in a reflective mode. You could be lost without it!
Reflected sun light can be seen over a considerable distance. It can be achieved by any mirrored surface; however, to be effective it must be focused or aimed to direct the reflective bean to the intended target.
Household glass faced mirrors are a hazard if included in, say, an inflatable life raft or part of a soldiers equipment.
A heliograph is mandatory in both life rafts and lifeboats.
The size has to be 4" or 2" square and made of highly polished stainless steel plate. The plate has to have a blackened sighting hole and some models need a separate string attached foresight. Focusing ones eyesight through the hole or through the foresight directs the reflected beam towards the target. These need two lands to achieve its purpose. All this calls for is some practice as well as a steady platform to work from.
Over the years many firms have developed improvements to this simplistic format. This means that we, BCB International Ltd, have several varying shapes and products and modes of operation. All are needful to fulfil the different mandatory requirements of various spheres of use and differing authorities.
We stock six or more types which encouraged us to spend time and money on developing the ultimate model, which we call the MAYDAY Helio. We have two sizes only, 2" and 42, which we further, describe as the Compact and Advanced Helios.
Both have the advantage of needing only one hand to operate. Even the small model can on a sunlit day, flash a signal over 10 miles.
The MAYDAY models are both accurate and robust. They will float if accidentally dropped in water and compared with other forms are very easy to use. Furthermore they have a more extensive visual signalling arc.
Not being made of stainless steel they are very light in weight.
The MAYDAY mirror should be carried by anyone to use in daylight whether on land or at sea to attract attention or pass a basic signal.
Although it is an optical instrument it is surprisingly robust bearing in mind their very low weight.
If there is a fire and you are holding a fire extinguisher in your hand it is not good practice to read the instructions as to how you should use it. Likewise we do advise the owner of the MAYDAY to practice its targeting features even on the back of your hand; then against a distant wall or even with a friend standing on raised ground a mile or so away. Instructions for use are printed on the reverse of each Helio.
In warfare you can signal backwards to give your location, thus avoiding "friendly fire" which we all know is never "friendly"
In any situation when the sun is up your location can be pin pointed by any rescue team or searching aircraft on land or sea.
With practice a skilled operator can signal in Morse code by sending long and short flashes. Dark objects in recesses can be illuminated.
All who venture "outdoors2 should carry such a wee thing. Children should be encouraged and shown how to use it, especially those playing with inflatable at the seaside. Truly a fun thing for them but it could also be a real lifesaver. A must for mountain climbers who are always difficult to locate. They only have one hand to spare, which is all you need to use the MAYDAY model.
If the sun is too strong to state at then you have a life saving friend in a reflective mode. You could be lost without it!
For more information contact:
Clydesmuir Road
Cardiff
CF24 2QS
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 2920 433700
Fax: +44 2920 433 701
