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How Do EPIRBs Work?
Home » Boating » EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Rescue Beacon) » How Do EPIRBs Work?The main purpose for an EPIRB is to provide a signal to someone to let that person or persons know that help is needed, that it is an emergency. Since their implementation in 1970, these radios have saved many lives. The main users of EPIRBs are people who use boats.
Just what makes up an EPIRB device? There are three different components:
• A 5-watt radio transmitter that operates at a frequency of 406 MHz
• A 0.25-watt radio transmitter that operates at the 121.5 MHz frequency range
• A GPS receiver (global position system)
When someone, who is in trouble, activates the radio, both radios start transmitting. This signal goes 24,000 miles into space where it reaches a GOES weather satellite. This satellite has been programmed to receive signals at 406 MHz. When the satellite receives the signal, it interprets the signal. Within the signal is a code that gives a unique serial number. This code also reveals the exact location of where the radio was transmitting from. The signal is then fed to the Coast Guard, who interprets the signal and checks to see who owns the signal (since all EPIRBs have to be registered). Once the Coast Guard interprets the code received from the satellite, they in turn send rescuers to the location where emergency help is required. They do this by homing in on the signal by tuning into the radio frequency of 406 MHz or 121.5 MHz.
Related EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Rescue Beacon) Articles
- EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Rescue Beacon) Overview
- What is an EPIRB and How Many Types Are There?
- How Do EPIRBs Work?
- How to Take Care of EPIRBs
- Where to Get EPIRBs