GPS based beacon promises accuracy

The MT406G. Photo / Supplied.

Australian electronics manufacturer GME has released a new Class 2 EPIRB, complete with a fully integrated 16-Channel GPS receiver, with a recommended retail price in New Zealand of $649, including GST.

The MT406G is a totally compliant Class 2 EPIRB that, because it is GPS-equipped, is detected more quickly by geo-stationary satellites.

The company says this typically means detection in less than 10 minutes anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.

This compares with non-GPS beacons that use low earth-orbiting satellites and can take up to two hours to detect an emergency signal, depending on the time of day and position.

GPS-equipped EPIRBs like the MT406G also send an extremely accurate location through the satellites to the receiving stations.

Because they transmit latitude and longitudinal co-ordinates as part of the emergency message, search and rescue authorities can pinpoint the distress message down to about 100m (as opposed to about 5km with a standard non-GPS EPIRB).

The company says the low price does not mean it is a budget EPIRB.

"The MT406G uses the latest microprocessor-based technology, is engineered to the exacting Australian/New Zealand 4280.1 EPIRB standard and is backed by GME's legendary 6-year warranty," it says.

"In an emergency, the MT406G could be the difference between a successful rescue and a tragedy."