Simrad has launched the new SA50, what it claims to be the smallest SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) in the market. The Simrad SA50 can be used as a carry device or fit in liferaft and uses non-hazardous battery, which has a shelf life of five years, reducing shipping costs.
Other features include self- contained lanyard in easy to wind out spool and the option of automatic activation.
How does it work?
The Simrad SA50 is triggered by the search vessel's radar. Once activated and interrogated by a X-band radar it emits 12 pulses which show on the radar display as blips, with the nearest blip to the centre showing the transponder. The rescue vessel, which will always be closer than the apparent position displayed on the radar, travels along the bearing given by the echo returns to find the target.
The operation time is 96 hours in standby position and 8 hours, once it has been triggered.
Simrad says that it is so easy to use that can be operated by untrained personnel.
