Mounted search and rescue

["IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

The GPS signal is a highly complex digital message, not just a radio wave. However, due to its very low signal strength and proximity to other services in its band it can easily be jammed or rendered unusable.  Batteries are also needed.  Solar flares can take out any RF or Electricity based system, not just GPS.  You will see disruption in terrestrial microwave, cell phones, even broadcast TV, and utility power.  The only systems that may have some immunity are fiber optic cables with heavily shielded electronics.

 

Whether you use or used GPS, LORAN, OMEGA, DECCA, TACAN, or just HFDF it not wise to rely on only one system or type of system. Even without active or malicious interference most systems are vulnerable.  We used to kill VW’s with early Bosch electronic fuel injection systems on the radar range with one pulse in 1985 and one reportedly was done in by a 27 MHz CB transmitter.

 

Irv Lichtenstein      

 

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From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of ALLEN SNYDER
Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008 11:04 AM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: [MSAR] FYI: Space storms article and their effect on GPS technology

 

There is a front page article in the Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008 Kansas City Star you can access I believe by going to www.kansascity.com   It predicts that solar flares will start scrambling GPS satellites in an 11 year cycle beginning this March.  The gist of it is we will still need to navigate to some degree by map, trail marking and compass because GPS technology will not always be reliable or available.  So always have a back-up method. 

 

Dana Snyder