Posted 09.30.2011 at 4:00 pm
5 Comments
Wearable, Stretchable Antenna
This wearable antenna is able to send a signal to satellites using the Cospas-Sarsat worldwide search and rescue satellite system.
ESA - J. Makinen
Adventure-seekers can use all kinds of emergency beacon tech to help themselves get found in case they go missing — but in many cases, this requires sticking something in your pocket, from which it could conceivably fall out. A new antenna could instead be sewn right into your clothes, ensuring rescuers can find you so long as you’re wearing something.
Researchers at the European Space Agency worked with a private Finnish company to develop the stretchable, water-resistant antenna seen here. Click here to see a .GIF showing how well it holds up to scrunching.
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Gadgets, Rebecca Boyle, antenna, emergency gear, esa, fabric, rf transmitter, search and rescue, tactical vests, textile tech, textilesThe wearable antenna would transmit a distress signal if the user activates it. It transmits a low-frequency signal, which is an impressive feat for such a small antenna. In field trials, a person wearing the life vest who was marooned at sea could be pinpointed within a few minutes, the ESA says.
The antenna is water- and tear-resistant, and it's been integrated into a suite of life vests made by a Danish outdoor equipment company called Viking. Another attachable version can be integrated into a typical life vest or dive vest, ESA says.
[ESA]
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Radio City patch works radio station is proudly broadcasting to you. Please come save my butt and hurry! I am drowning in the ocean. I beacon you come as soon as possible! You will know when you find me. I am the one screaming a low-frequency signal to you via my wearable stretchable, water-resistant antenna.
@mp- you say this now... until the lightning strikes...ooohh and it will. ;)
I have to admit, if this works I would have those patches sewn all over my lifejacket. If it helps the Coast Guard find me - Lite me up baby!
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This seems like useful and promising technology. I like to see it get develop further!
I can see a rescue mission to Mars and we find this lost old astronaut in a very torn worn space suit who covers all the holes in his space suit with these! Not to forget, YES he wants to be found too! ;)
This is great, but keep in mind that this is ONLY THE ANTENNA. The reports on this new antenna are very misleading, even stating that one does not need to remember anything special, just wear something with this antenna sewn into it. NOT TRUE!
According to the ESA this is not a stand alone rescue unit:
"This new antenna works as part of the Cospas-Sarsat distress transmitter".
So where does one carry the necessary transmitter?? What about the batteries??