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Tracking beacons, distress beacons and locators
This section of the website deals with devices that are used for covertly
tracking vehicles, items and persons. In many cases this is done by attaching
a small transmitter – typically a beacon – to the subject and following it
by means of Radio Direction Finding (RDF) or
GPS-based technology.
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Tracking beacons on this website
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- RF beacon
This is the oldest and most simple type of tracking beacon. It is built around
a small radio frequency (RF) transmitter that transmits a continuous or
intermittend signal, often modulated with an audio tone. It can be located by
means of a fixed, mobile or handheld
Radio Direction Finder (RDF).
RF Beacons are also known as old-school beacons, as they
require specialist equipment and a skilled operator to find its location.
The main advantage of an RF Beacon is that it cannot be jammed.
- Commandable RF beacon
This is similar to the RF beacon (above), but contains a built-in receiver
that allows it to be controlled remotely. It has the same (dis)advantages
as a regular RF Beacon, but has the added advantage that it can be switched
off by means of a Command Transmitter when it is not needed, or when the
party under surveillance is checking the RF spectrum.
- RF beacon with GPS
This is a variation of the RF Beacon, in which the location is determined
by means of a built-in GPS receiver. This location is then send digitally
by the RF transmitter. Although the location is determined faster and
more accurately, the GPS signal can be jammed.
- GSM beacon with GPS
Modern systems often consists of a GPS receiver, combined with an
embedded mobile phone (GSM). It can be accessed through the existing
GSM infrastructure and produces quick and accurate results at a fairly
low cost. The main disadvantage however is that both the GSM and GPS
signals can be jammed.
Many modern trackers are of this type.
- SATCOM beacon with GPS
This is a variation of the GSM/GPS beacon (above). Instead of the GSM
infrastructure, it uses a network of communication satellites.
Although it is much more difficult, it is
possible to jam the SATCOM signal. Another disadvantage is the
dependance on expensive infrastructure, which is generally controlled by
an external party.
- Bluetooth beacon
This is a low-cost type of beacon that depends on the presence of a network
of smart phones in its vicinity. It was first released in 2021 as the
AirTag by Apple, and relies on the company's 'FindMy' network. Similar
systems have since been released by other manufacturers. The latest
generation allows precision tracking by using ultra-wideband.
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Monday 06 September 2021. Last changed: Monday, 29 December 2025 - 09:18 CET.
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