|
|
 Transmitting
position is useful for several situations: Emergency, tracking wildlife, or to follow an expedition's progress from home.
The
Argos system is one such system for automatic position
transmissions. It's reliable but expensive. The data can be used for
safety or as a Web application.
EPIRB
 The
EPIRB emergency system is handled by Canada, France, the US and Russia and
uses a set of low orbit satellites to transmit distress signals to
manned ground stations (Local User Terminals).
The EPIRB (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacons), is a small,
handheld plastic unit. You release a safety hatch, press a button and
the EPIRB will start sending the distress signal on the 406 MHz
frequency (also called GEPIRB). Every unit has to be registered with the authorities and is
then provided an identification number.
Avoid the cheaper units that send on
121.5 MHz, which don't use satellites or give the ID of the sender. A
distress call on that frequency might not get attended.
 An EPIRB is a must for an ocean-going yacht. For more information, check
COSPAS/SARSAT,
the organization that runs the system. The unit will run at app. $300 and
typically need service every 5 years (check the manual).
EPIRB doesn't cover the polar regions, and will have selective
coverage in the Southern oceans. Plenty of paradise islands to hang out
on around there though... Not.
|
|
