Approved product information
Technical Specifications
Current specifications for Guardian, Overwatch406, and Guardian Pro.
Product configurations
| System | Primary function | Standard package |
|---|---|---|
| Guardian | Live 121.5 MHz radio direction finding and homing, with 121.775 MHz as the standard training frequency. | Base unit, four antennas, pistol grip, and storage case. |
| Overwatch406 | Receives and decodes 406 MHz digital beacon bursts. It is not a traditional bearing-producing RDF unit. | Receiver, connection cord, configured Android phone, application, 406 MHz quarter-wave whip antenna, and storage case. |
| Guardian Pro | Combined Guardian and Overwatch406 system. | Both complete packages, configured phone, application, cord, phone holder, antennas, pistol grip, and supplied cases or cutouts. |
Guardian
| Operating frequencies | 121.5 MHz and 121.775 MHz training frequency. |
| Direction-finding method | Directional antenna method using the tuned directional dipole antenna. |
| Expected bearing accuracy | Approximately ±3° to ±5° under suitable operating conditions. |
| Useful range | Terrain and line-of-sight dependent; up to 10+ miles under favorable conditions. |
| Dimensions | 10.629 in × 4.665 in × 3.357 in. |
| Weight | 1.24 kg. |
| Power | Replaceable AA batteries. Performance and operating duration depend on battery type, quality, condition, temperature, and use. |
| Environmental protection | IP54-rated enclosure with conformally coated electronics. Protected against limited dust ingress and water spray; not designed for submersion. |
| Configurable frequencies | Airband 119–125 MHz. Software configuration is required to add or change supported frequencies. |
The 121.5 MHz signal may be reflected, redirected, weakened, or blocked by terrain, buildings, aircraft, and other solid objects. Actual performance depends on signal strength, terrain, reflections, surrounding obstructions, antenna handling, and operator technique.
Overwatch406
| Primary function | Receives and decodes 406 MHz digital beacon bursts. |
| Direction finding | Does not provide a traditional bearing-producing RDF display. |
| Power | Powered by the connected configured Android phone through the supplied cord; no separate receiver battery is required. |
| Display | Received information is displayed through the Overwatch406 application on the configured Android phone. |
| Beacon support | Standard configuration supports 406 MHz ELTs, PLBs, and EPIRBs. Displayed information depends on the beacon’s design, programming, and build standard. |
| Antenna | 406 MHz quarter-wave whip antenna. |
| Reception | Line-of-sight and may be affected by terrain, structures, vegetation, and other obstructions. |
Real-world performance
- These systems assist trained personnel in detecting, decoding, and locating beacon transmissions.
- Performance varies with terrain, elevation, signal strength, interference, multipath reflections, obstructions, antenna orientation, operator technique, and beacon design.
- Users remain responsible for training, battery selection and condition, equipment inspection, and operation in accordance with approved instructions.
- No radio receiver can guarantee reception, bearing accuracy, beacon location, successful rescue, or uninterrupted operation.