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Die EPIRB-Seite gibt es auch in Deutsch.

The EPIRB-page is also available in Danish.

Description:  The navtec EPIRB is a lightweight, portable emergency transmitter for aeronautical and maritime use. It operates in conjunction with the geo-stationary Inmarsat satellites and guarantees rapid transmission of position information in the event of an accident. Four satellites cover about 97 % of the earth's surface. Only one satellite is required for satisfactory operation and three of the four satellites can be reached from Europe at any time. This guarantees that the distress call is forwarded without delay and minimizes the probability of data loss during transmission. A remote control unit (RCU) is available.

	The navtec EPIRB global-3 can be used as a stand-alone unit without a cradle. In this case only a manual activation is possible.
	The picture shows the switch and its protection against unintended use.
	The cradle with the hydrostatic release mechanism can be purchased together with the beacon or later if needed.
	The navtec EPIRB global-3 can be fitted with an optional Remote Control Unit (RCU). Using the RCU the type of emergency can be specified. The RCU outputs GPS position on its display and its NMEA output. Click on the photo to get an enlarged view (30 kByte).
	Download a 21 second video-clip from our download page and see worldwide for the first time, how an EPIRB (global-3) is released in 4m depth using the hydrostatic release unit.

In the maritime version the navtec EPIRB comes as a floating buoy. In case of an accident it automatically ejects from its cradle, surfaces and transmits a distress signal. The navtec EPIRB can also be activated by remote control from a ship's bridge. Furthermore, it can be taken along as a separate unit and activated manually.

In the event of an emergency, the navtec EPIRB automatically transmits data via the satellites to the base stations. This data contains the unique EPIRBs system code ()serial number), the nature of distress, the last position with the actual time as well as the direction in which the vehicle is moving and its speed. An elaborate CRC defect protection guarantees transmission and decoding even in case of disturbances on the transmission path. Tests have shown that all base stations can receive the signals even with only 100 mW transmission power (1/10 of the nominal transmission power).
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Technical Data of the navtec 1,6-GHz EPIRB (click here to get to the Inmarsat-E system description, back to product description or to abbreviations)

type	Inmarsat-E
Inmarsat type approval number SOLAS / GMDSS type approval number	IE-08 0735-00 (wheelmark sign)
housing measures (in mm), see figure	220 high x 210 (diameter)
weight	< 1200 g
material	polycarbonate
maintenance interval/change of battery	4 years (IMO regulation)
maintenance interval of the water pressure ejection in the holder	2 years (IMO regulation)
ejection methods	manually automatically in case of ship's emergency remote controlled from a ship's bridge
ejection level (depth)	1,5 to 4m
primary frequencies	667 channels, 300 Hz spacing from 1,645 GHz
type of modulation	carrier-FSK
transmission power at the antenna, EPIRB	30 dBm = 1 W
secondary frequency, optional beacon (ELT)	121,5 MHz
type of modulation	AM / A9 / LF sweep
transmission power, beacon	17 dBm = 50 mW
frequency error	< 50 ppm
integrated flash	red, ca. 2 cd,  ca. 30 flashes/min.  increased flash rate during transmission
velocity	2g to 50 Hz, all axes
temperature range	253 ... 328 K (-20 to +55 oC)
test function	self test with checking of all functions
period of transmission after triggering	min. 48h
range, operational range	world-wide, except polar caps, 97% of earth's surface
position finding, acquisition time	GPS-RX, 12-channel, cold start 40-100 seconds (!)
period of time between triggering and alarming	3-10 min

Dimensions (in mm) :