There are many different beacon message protocols available. However, different protocols are defined for specific types of distress beacons. For example, a given protocol may be authorised for use with beacons installed on aircraft, but should not be used for beacons installed on maritime vessels.
The choice of protocols is narrowed by the type of beacon to be coded. Select the type of beacon from the list below to proceed to step 3:
- ELT – Emergency Locator Transmitter designed for installation on aircraft;
- EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon designed for installation on maritime vessels;
- PLB – Personal Locator Beacon designed to be carried by a person.
Although it does not impact upon the selection of a beacon message protocol, beacon types can be further subdivided by their method of activation. In the aviation domain there are automatic and manual ELTs. Automatic ELTs are designed to be activated automatically using a crash sensor or G-switch, whereas manual ELTs can only be activated by the ELT operator. Similarly, in the maritime domain there are float free and non-float free beacons. Float-free beacons are designed to float away from a sinking vessel and activate automatically, whereas non-float-free beacons are activated manually.
Later in the tutorial a detailed explanation of all beacon message protocols will be provided.