Archive for April 21st, 2009
Treat yourself to a new piece of survival gear that will be useful for your next outdoor adventure. The PLB or personal locator beacon uses technology similar to the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) used in aircrafts. This compact and handy gadget is smaller and lighter and has already been approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It was designed primarily for hikers and enthusiasts of other outdoor activities.
A PLB uses the same 406 MHz technologies like its older counterparts. When activated, a PLB transmits a coded signal to one of the overhead satellite receiver. The distress signal is then down linked to one of the ground-based receivers located around the world. In the US, the information is processed by the US Mission Control Center which then coordinates the information with the appropriate search and rescue organization.