[MilCom] Evaluation -- Hobbyists Assistance with ELT Beacon Alerts

[Ken]

Recently, I had to opportunity to observe a training exercise involving 
ground DF teams finding a simulated ELT beacon.

By far the professional portable DF equipment is FAR SUPERIOR in performance 
to a typical consumer grade portable scanner in both acquisition of the 
signal at a distance as well as the more defined directivity of where the 
signal actual is.  Using my portable (Uniden BC296D, with telescoping 
antenna extended to approx 15 inches), I found that in the scanning mode I 
could not lock onto the signal.  With squelch off and individual selecting 
the ELT practice frequency (as well as checking the actual ELT freqs), I 
finally heard a signal at approx 1/4 to 1/8 of a mile.  The scanner could 
determine the general direction of the signal via body shielding but in a 
much wider direction range.  Perhaps I  may be given the opportunity in the 
future to observe additional training and may try an external magnetic mount 
on my vehicle and also try another radio with "signal stalker" capability.

BTW a better reference for what ELT transmitters sound like can be found at
http://tnwg.cap.gov/
Click on the SAR/ES button on the left side of the page
Than page down to:
ELT Sounds: #1 ; #2 ; #3 - wav files - Sample Emergency Locator Transmitter 
Sounds
This will give you 3 distinct sounds.  You can save them to your computer if 
you want

AGAIN I would emphasize that if you hear these ELT beacon sounds, in lieu of 
trying to track the signal down yourself, please consider contacting the 
nearest Federal Aviation Administration Facility such as your local Control 
Tower, Flight Service Station, Air Route Traffic Control Center and give 
your exact location from where you are monitoring the signal.  IF you use 
www.airnav.com you can look at airports within your state & pick the one 
closest to you and click on the information for the airport.  This should 
give you the information on which Flight Service Station, Air Route Traffic 
Control Center, or Local Approach/Departure Control covers your area.

Ken