406 MHz Beacon Decode Program

Click here to access a 406 MHz beacon decode program. The program is written in the JScript programming language and requires Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4 or higher to operate, it is not compatible with Netscape. For faster operation it is recommended that the decode program html page be saved to your computer and run locally. This will eliminate the requirement to re-download the program each time it is required.

The program is offered for use "as is", please report any anomalies or errors to the Cospas Sarsat secretariat at mail@cospas-sarsat.int.

Operating Instructions

Enter the beacon hexadecimal information in the field provided, ensuring that there are no blank spaces before, after or between the hexadecimal characters.
Select the decode option relating to the number of characters entered.
Press "Process".

Note:

If the program issues a warning that a character is out of range, check the data entered to ensure that all digits are hexadecimal characters. For example ensure that the numerical digit 0 was not mistakenly entered as the letter O; if all appears correct, then
verify that that blank spaces have not been entered either before the first character, after the last character, or in between the characters of the beacon message. Place the cursor before the first character and depress the back space key until the characters are flush against the left edge of the input box, then place the cursor immediately after the last character and press the delete key (this will remove any blank spaces that were copied into the decode box before or after the beacon message).