| Description: | A combination long-range communicator and signal transponder, the commlink beacon is a very sophisticated emergency signaling device. The internal transponder monitors common emergency search-and-rescue channels (one at a time). When traffic is picked up on this channel, the device simultaneously emits a shrill warning tone to alert users to the possibility that help is at hand and transmits a coded distress signal. Some more expensive models have provision for a taped, auto-repeat distress call, instead of the automatic code signal. In either event, the commlink beacon serves as a means of establishing contact when there is any search being mounted within 500 kilometers, and then it serves to continue communications after that initial contact. The transponder operates for 30 days. |