Electric beacon#Radio beacons
The term refers to a radio beacon Fixed Navigation radio station of the radionavigation service or a mobile radio station of the mobile service,
- A search and rescue support,
- Which is used for navigation or
- With which measurements can be made of the propagation of radio waves.
In the maritime and aviation, the EPIRB is denoted by the English expression Radio Beacon ( RBN ).
EPIRB to navigation
Main article: Beacon
Radio beacons have been introduced to complement optical navigation point. Today they are common for navigation in all types of traffic. Radio beacons are located at known locations, which are registered in maps as fixed points.
To be able to determine their own location with a vehicle or the location of a strange moving object, radio beacons are used. The sender of the beacon is then located on or in this object. Its position is determined by cross bearing or determined at a known position of the beacon (s) of your own site.
Beacon for localization
Radio beacons are mounted on movable objects. The position of the object can be determined using a plurality of radio receiver. So the EPIRB reveals the location of the object marked. Appropriate methods of multilateration are supported with mobile radio systems, such as RTLS technology, Bluetooth, active RFID technology, mobile communications and mobile phone.
In favor of buses and trains ( signal preemption ) at traffic lights beacon / radio systems are used, in which an infrared Sendebake a special control unit in the vehicle notifies approaching a traffic light and the control unit in the vehicle then by radio a green phase for its own direction of travel ( and track ) requests at the traffic light controller.
Beacon for identification
A beacon transmitter can transmit a fixed code sequence that identifies this transmitter. The transmission may be limited to short-range or be designed for long ranges. By cross bearing with a directional antenna, the direction can be determined at this station.
Beacon for emergency search
As a small radio transmitter locator beacon for moving objects and vehicles are referred to. This will send out a signal when the operating or idle position is exited or when the transmitter floating in water. By cross bearing at least two reference points, the object can be found.
Radio beacons use specific radio frequencies with which, for example, a search for people buried under avalanches is possible.
Underwater no bearing is possible with radio, therefore an ultrasonic beacon is there also, for example, the search for a black box used.
Beacon for tracking
In the satellite radio technology, the radio beacon ( beacon ) is a signal that is broadcast from the satellite on the so-called beacon frequency, and is used to identify the satellites, as well as for tracking of the receiving antennas.
Beacon for the determination of radio - propagation conditions
Propagation beacons allow commercial and non -commercial radio services, to measure the propagation of radio waves.