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Your cart is empty.Heliography is the use of the sun’s light to transmit messages dating back to ancient Greek & Roman times. This mirror is made of ¼” laminated glass, and instructions are printed on the back. The sighting hole features a special reflectorized screen that directs a beam of sunlight onto the target. Reflect sunlight from mirror onto a nearby surface (raft, hand etc.) Slowly bring mirror up to eye level and look through sighting hole. You will see a bright spot: this is the aim indicator. Hold mirror close to the eye and slowly turn and manipulate it so that the bright light spot is on the target. Even if no potential rescuers are in sight, continue sweeping the horizon or other possible rescuer locations, as mirror flashes can be seen for distances up to 20 miles.
kc
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
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Paul Franke
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2024
I bought this signal mirror for my great nephew (age 11) who is interested in the outdoors. The signal mirror is just like the official military type except it is smaller (approx. 2"x3" x1/4"). It is made of 2 layers of sandwiched glass with a mirrored front, the back has directions printed in orange on black, the center viewing hole also has a mesh targeting screen. It also has a hole in the corner for a lanyard. It came in a foam pouch. It was made in Japan and imported by Coghlans. This is the second one I bought. There is a tiny amount is misalignment of the 2 glass plates, barely noticeable and will not affect its function. That is a little picky but that is the reason for 4 stars, not 5. Some mirrors have metal grommets on the lanyard hole to prevent wearing the lanyard, this one does not but I don't think it is necessary on something as small and light as this item. I am pleased with this item; the price is good, and I am sure my nephew will have fun learning to use it.
So Cal Larry
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2017
Yes, I highly recommend this signal mirror. I am an avid hiker, venturing out nearly every weekend in the Los Padres, San Gabriel, and San Bernardino mountains in Southern California. It's compact design easily fits into my survival pouch that I always carry while hiking. The mirror has excellent reflectivity and it's aiming method is incredibly precise. On a recent outing, my hiking party encountered a group of mountain bikers, one of which had crashed his bike and needed an immediate evacuation. We were fortunate to be able to get out a spotty cell call, but were not able to provide our GPS coordinates before losing contact. When the SAR helicopter arrived it began searching the wrong part of the mountain high above us and a couple miles away. Using this signal mirror, I was able to bring them to our location swiftly. Would they have found us without the signal? Probably, but it would have taken significantly more time, with the added complication of other hiking parties on the mountain at the same time. I never venture out without this handy unit. A word of caution, be sure you attach a lanyard and buy a lined soft pouch to keep it in, as any mirror can be easily scratched or chipped.
Trevor Staff
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2015
This signal mirror is made of high quality glass and is a great rival to the standard issue GI signal mirror sold here on Amazon (my buddy bought the GI model). It provides detailed easy to read instructions on the back side of the mirror. The glass mirror is laminated which provides greater durability to the structure of the mirror. The sighting hole for the mirror is clear and easy to aim onto your target you wish to signal. Unfortunately, there is no case provided however, I used an idea from Cody Lundin's book. I used the sleeve it came with and beefed it up with blaze orange duck tape. It is holding up quite nicely, but you could also buy the OD green case that is sold on Amazon (same buddy bought that to protect his standard issue mirror). Great Price and Great product!
Bruce Warrington
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2015
This model does look to be the actual Vector model made in Japan. Looks fairly well sealed and built, and testing it in the sun, the aiming circle actually works as it's supposed to, so it's not a cheap knock-off. I've not exposed mine to salt water or anything that truly tests the seal yet. I also bought one of the S.I. Howard signal mirrors to compare it to, and I have to say they both look, and work, almost exactly the same. They both appear to be about the same quality and durability of construction, but the Vector looks to be a bit better tolerance and finish on edges and the lanyard hole than the S.I. Howard one does, which is purely nit-picking, as neither one has any real faults. This Vector one works fine, but if you're set on S.I. Howard because they got the military contract, you won't go wrong either way.
Old Corpsman
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2013
Polishing up a metal box or using a plastic mirror for signaling isn't as effective as a real glass mirror. This is a convenient size, weight and a sturdy alternative to other mirrors. Great price too.March 2014. Back from a tour overseas, this was in my E&E pack the whole time so it got bumped and knocked around quite a bit. It is holding up very well - NO damage! I keep it wrapped in a folded bandanna which I keep next to my abdomen in a fanny pack. I think I will pick up the small pouch for this (it is available on Amazon). I am worried that if I go to unwrap this from the bandanna I might drop it. With the pouch and maybe some cotton for padding the mirror should be safe if I drop it. I am thinking I will continue to use the bandanna to pad the pouch and mirror when it is in the fanny pack. The vendor, Helenbac, seems to have done his homework in selecting this device; I am very pleased (I bought 3, one for each of my packs: E&E, Main Pack and Assault Pack.
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