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 Argos
is an emergency transmission and tracking system. It is utilized to follow the migration
of whales, but as it is very reliable, it's also popular with polar expeditions
and ocean rowers.
The terminal used by expeditions is TAT3, and for rent only. The fee
for a three
month rental is approximately $2.000. including airtime.
The unit has a switch with 16 different positions. Before leaving on the
expedition you will decide with the Argos people what each code
(position) will indicate; 01=problems, 02=hi mom, 03 all well...
There are two orbiting satellites that will pick up your signal 2-7
 times
per hour. Your position and the code set by you will be received
by the Argos office and relayed by e-mail to your home team.
The battery is non-removable and will last about 60 days when set in ON
position. Polar expeditions typically switch the Argos on at night, and
off in the day, for the juice to last longer. The Argos is
probably the most reliable positioning transmitter on the market today. It
is rugged, simple and will work down to -40C.
Argos has recently (summer 2003) introduced a new “Adventure”
Beacon with basically unchanged performance but considerable cuts in
weight and size.
The new beacon is down from 1000gr. to 600 gr.
and has 10 positions.
Jan 21, 2001 Antarctica.
The end was so unexpected, so abrupt.
We lay awake the whole night, talking, trying to cope with it.
In the small hours we so switched the Argos to 13, the
pre-assigned distress code: "Expedition terminated".
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