Monitoring of EPIRB freq?

[Olive Drab]

I Was wondering if the individual birds monitor 121.5/243mhz emergency frequency transmitted by epirds or if higher monitors them and then reports to you guys. Also is this being monitored in Iraq? Reason I ask is I recently came across a watch, the Breitling Emergency, that transmits on this freq with a range of around 100km. Seems like a good feature to have in the box but is worthless if no one is listening.

[Class29wc]

$5,285 is pricey but if it does the job like they claim.......................
RD





May 08, 2005
Breitling Emergency Watch ? Don't Test It!

[M_26]

No, you want to trust that it will do what it is supposed to do if and when the time comes.

The Breitling Emergency Watch (above) runs $5,285 (£2,775) and up.

Since it appeared in 1995 it has saved the lives of at least 17 people.

Though very large, it needs to be to incorporate a micro?transmitter that acts as a homing beacon for SOS signals to rescuers.

The transmitter is activated by unscrewing a protective cap and pulling out the antenna within.

It will then broadcast for 48 hours a signal on the 121.5 MHz aircraft emergency frequency, with a range of about 100 miles (160 km) over calm seas or flat terrain.

Each watch comes with a no?nonsense warning that if the signal is activated without reason, you will have to pay the cost of any emergency services summoned plus half the retail value of the watch to have it reset.

[busdriver]

All AF aircraft are supposed to monitor 243.0, don't know who else listens in.

[Class29wc]

What happens when the Bad Guys take one of these things off an incapacitated aviatior or they just buy one and turn it on?
Ambush city.

[Square]

What happens when the Bad Guys take one of these things off an incapacitated aviatior or they just buy one and turn it on?
Ambush city.

They wouldn't need a five thousand dollar watch to transmit a beacon on guard.

[johca]

$5,285 is pricey but if it does the job like they .

The transmitter is activated by unscrewing a protective cap and pulling out the antenna within.

It will then broadcast for 48 hours a signal on the 121.5 MHz aircraft emergency frequency, with a range of about 100 miles (160 km) over calm seas or flat terrain.

Nobody is going to run to a distress signal in a combat operations area without a clue of what aircraft operating in the area that is missing or unit maneuvering in the area that has somebody who might be broadcasting. There typically is no expectation of each or even any member of a ground combatant unit having a distress beacon capability. Consequently, Mr. James Bond (007) with the cool toys, your EPA should be more than have-watch-with-beacon, come save me.

Civilian non-combat situations, this watch could be useful, but I could think of more likely to keep me alive to be rescued safety equipment to spend the money on.

[Class29wc]

"Since it appeared in 1995 it has saved the lives of at least 17 people."

I would like to see the reports on those 17 rescues.

[Rotor Strike please]

But Steven Seagal has one with diamonds all over the bezel...it's gotta be good shit. (I've seen Steven wearing it in person and it's every bit as gaudy as you could possibly imagine. Think cartoon pimp.)

[Olive Drab]

But Steven Seagal has one with diamonds all over the bezel...it's gotta be good shit. (I've seen Steven wearing it in person and it's every bit as gaudy as you could possibly imagine. Think cartoon pimp.)
wow.


thanks for the info everyone. Johca I dont think I would be 007. I only wish I had that kind of money to throw around for watches. For situations like this, I think I would resort to using my SPITFIRE to reach out and touch someone.

[0699]

Casio G-Shock - $50
Handheld Aircraft Radio on EBay - $66

That leaves $5,100 towards the boat. :)

[Doogie320]

It will then broadcast for 48 hours a signal on the 121.5 MHz aircraft emergency frequency, with a range of about 100 miles (160 km) over calm seas or flat terrain.

I know RD is quoting from the website, but that far from a watch? I know of some UHF/ VHF systems the AF uses on the ground....and to get that distance they have some "simple" things going for them like power and transmitter altitude that this watch doesn't have. I'd have to call BS on their claims.

ALL AF a/c are required to monitor Guard 243....reality is that they don't always pay attention. The birds are hardwired/ programmed to have Guard step on or override all other traffic in the a/c so the crew hears it. Some airframes are better at responding than others, but the "why" behind that is part conjecture, part whining by other blue suiters so I won't get into it....but ALL fixed-wing folks are supposed to monitor Guard 243. RW players typically use VHF 121.5 and I've only seen Army TOCs monitor that freq, but I'd presume a larger airframe like a AWACS, JSTARS, or RJ-135 has a receiver tuned to 121.5, but I'm not certain of that.

[Jules]

I have an Emergency Mission and can help with some info. First of all on price, the retail price is around $5,000 but I know a jeweler who can get you one for about $3,300. You sign a contract with Breitling when you make the purchase and agree not to use the transmitter unless in a real emergency. The company takes a personal profile and the transmitter is serialized so they know who is activating a signal. I talked to the company before purchasing and asked about use in the box since they obviously aren’t coming themselves for a rescue. I was told they would pass along all pertinent information to the military if it was activated in a war zone.


On the down side the watch is huge and you may need to drop a weight from your belt if diving with the watch... I’m just kidding but I also have a Rolex and in comparison it’s like stacking two Submariners on top of each other and wearing them. The watch is made for aviators and while the chronograph would be great for a pilot it is next to useless to me. I have a stainless version of the watch and being so large it is a bit flashy which can be bad in poor third world countries. I plan on leaving the watch at home in favor of my G-Shock when heading to Africa on my new gig because it’s so large and flashy that it could cause more problems with street crime than the good it may do in an E&R situation. Overall I love the watch and feel it is a very valuable piece of kit but like anything it has its limitations. I hope this helps and if you are interested in one drop me a line and I’ll hook you up with my guy who sells them.

Jules

[johca]

The company takes a personal profile and the transmitter is serialized so they know who is activating a signal. I talked to the company before purchasing and asked about use in the box since they obviously aren’t coming themselves for a rescue. I was told they would pass along all pertinent information to the military if it was activated in a war zone.
A transmitter ID is only half the authentication issue in a combat area of operations as it only identifies who it was given to, not who has it now and why it’s being activated in the combat operations area.

The bigger question is what is the real time ability for Breitling operations staff (if there is a 24/7 dedicated operations staff monitoring request for such information) to determine a signal from one of their watches has been activated, then determine the serial number of the transmitting watch, then get the pertinent personal information it to the rescue operations level being there doing the rescue in a reasonable time. BTW—the personal information might include name, rank, and serial number, but specifics of the actual combat activities you are participating in at the time you activate the transmitter is unlikely. Consequently no rescue is happening until it is figured out who and why the signal is being transmitted. If who is not readily available, figuring out why and what to do about the why will take longer than expected as a CSAR trap (ambush) has to be considered.

[Jules]

A transmitter ID is only half the authentication issue in a combat area of operations as it only identifies who it was given to, not who has it now and why it’s being activated in the combat operations area.

Agreed

I took a look at the dvd that came with my watch and it clearly states the transmitter is only designed to locate people reported missing and does not necessarily trigger a rescue mission. The dvd also states the watch is for aviation related emergency only. I knew this when I purchased the watch but I'm sure if I truly need it there won't be an issue. They say this is only to compliment the emergency distress signal aboard an aircraft and the main advantage is it's always on your arm. Bottom line for me is if I am down to my first line of gear it's with me on my arm. It's an expensive watch and not for everyone but I like nice watches and toys and since I'm single only had to justify the need to myself.

As for range the dvd also states the max range they measured the signal was from a mountain top and up to 220 NM. On flat terrain or seas it was 90 NM for an aircraft flying at 20,000 ft. In undulating regions they recommend getting to high ground but the range is about 10 NM. They also mentioned the transmitter is powered by two lithium batteries and in optimum conditions will send a signal for up to 48 hours. The dvd stated when transmitting the signal a Morse "B" is transmitted in the signal to differentiate between other signals. Let me know if I can answer anything else and I'll be glad to help where I can.

Jules

[shadowflyer]

I my experience, (94-99) both combat and non combat SAR we always monitored 243 and 121.5 . Our aircraft the ES-3A (now decomissioned) was unique with respect to CSAR and SAR as we had numerous RCVRS we could use as well as 3 VHF/UHF R/T on board as well as a dedicated SATCOM platform. Our aircrewman(myself included) always had a constant scan running for SAR freq's in at least one ear.

JJ

[soup82]

Spend $1041.87 on this, and you get worldwide coverage, a GPS, etc.
http://www.pyacht.net/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/h-acr_globalfix_406.htm?L+scstore+xtkz6929ff9fcb9f+1 142527254

It transmits on both satellite and SAR freqs (406 and 121.5).

These are in wide use by bluewater sailors, and come in various sizes and prices.

Cheers,

Patrick LaRocque

[python52]

Sounds great for civilian use but remember a distress signal is not the only criterion for recovery. Get with your S-2 for more info before you put out 5K on a watch.

And Yes, most military aircraft monitor those freqs in peace time.

[Typhoon]

Casio G-Shock - $50
Handheld Aircraft Radio on EBay - $66
That leaves $5,100 towards the boat.
Yep, that works for me. Just give me something that will get my sorry ass hauled out of The Race before I end up floating around somewhere south of "The Block"...

[SN]

You don't need horizontal distance, you need verticle. There is a civillian satellite system (SARSAT/COSPAS if I remember correctly) that uses doppler shift to pinpoint your location.

[BKK]

Airliners and All Control towers Monitor 121.5. Airliners might pick you up by chance and report it. If people are looking for you they should/might be monitoring it.