The addition of the GEOSAR satellite system greatly improves the reaction time for a SAR event. This satellite system has no Doppler capabilities at 406 MHz, but will relay the distress alert to any of the LUT stations. When there is GPS data included in the distress message, SAR authorities instantly know your location to within 110 yards (100 m). This speeds up the reaction time by not having to wait for one of the LEOSAR satellite to pass overhead. Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home in on the 406 MHz Satellite beacon signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.
| Figure 7- Satellite Coverage | Figure 8- GEOSAR Satellite Orbits |
7.3 | Global Positioning System (GPS) |
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| The GPS system is a satellite group that enables a GPS | |
receiver to determine its exact position to within 30 m (100 ft.) anywhere on earth. With a minimum of 24 GPS satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of approximately 11,000 miles they provide users with accurate information on position, velocity, and time anywhere in the world and in all weather conditions. The ResQFix™ and MicrOFix™ store this data into its distress transmission allowing search and rescue forces to narrow the search into a very small area and thus minimize the resources required, dramatically increasing the
effectiveness of the overall operation.
SECTION 8 – TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Figure 9 – GPS Satellite Orbits
8.1Characteristics
The ResQFix™ and MicrOFix™ are battery operated Personal Locator Beacons. The beacon case, with its antenna, is waterproof, while semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly which also contains the battery power supply. Keypads with “self test” and “ON” buttons are installed on the case, along with an internal beeper and three LEDs. The beacon contains a GPS receiver that will acquire your LAT/LON located under the bottom of the front case.
The ResQFix™ and MicrOFix™ meet the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95 Subpart K; and European R&TTE Directive.
8.2Applicable Documents
COSPAS - SARSAT C/S T.001 | Specification for 406 MHz Distress Beacons |
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COSPAS - SARSAT C/S T.007 | 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval Standard |
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ETSI 302 | Technical Characteristics of 406 MHz Satellite PLBs |
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RTCM Paper | RTCM Recommended Standards for 406 MHz Satellite PLBs |
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Industry Canada | Radio Standards Specification for EPIRBs, ELTs and PLBs |
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Canadian | NSS Performance Standard fro 406 MHz PLB |
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Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS 4280.2 | 406 MHz Satellite Distress Beacons; Part 2: PLBs |
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NOTE: For all other type approval information, please visit our website at www.acrelectronics.com.
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