Heliography

(Communicating with Mirrors)

by James Riddle - KD7AOI

TIPS

When using the heliograph you will want to first determine whether one or two mirrors will be used.  Use one mirror (the "signaling" or "sun" mirror) and the sight if both the targeted station and the sun are in front of you.  Replace the sight with a second mirror (the "duplex" or "station" mirror - it reflects the station) if you find the sun behind you.  Either way, the signaling mirror, is ALWAYS directed towards the sun (except with the Portuguese model).

With the use of a reflector, one heliograph is all that is needed for one or more people to practice aligning the instrument, and sending and receiving code.  I have successfully used 3" red reflectors at 150 yards and suspect they are still visible at twice the distance, but be sure they are well directed towards the heliograph.  By the way, you can also practice using a hand-held signaling mirror with a reflector.  I discovered using reflectors when I happened to align a heliograph on the red reflector of a parked car!