This is off topic but then again it may not be.
I was just seeing a tv program and my brain got to thinking.

The program was about survival at sea.
And naturally they lit a flare.

From all we have seen on naval rescue.... the flare is the first thing you send off. Then again within certain hours depending on the amount of flares you have.

Which made me think.... why not make a flare with a GPS built in?

Anyone can send a flare... and your survival relies on someone seeing that flare.
Why not make a flare that goes high enough to trigger the GPS system and the radar system as well? Once fired... it would trigger a distress signal to both the GPS system and radar system at the same time.

This type of flare could be used in traffic accidents as well.
Once you pull the plug on the flare.... it sends a GPS signal under a emergency code. It's nothing more than a computer chip and some programming on the GPS system.

I just don't know who to contact about this idea.
This could be a new stage in instant emergency repsonse with precise co-ordinants.

Uhhh.... I'm expecting this one to get locked out.
But.... I just had a thought I wanted to share and maybe someone sees my view.

 

I'm not sure the chip could handle the heat. I think flares are phosphorous that is sealed in an airtight container. Once fired from a flare gun or ignited if the road type, they burn with tremendous heat and have to burn out. They can't be extinguished. Drop a lighted flare in a bucket of water and it will continue to burn actually pulling oxygen out of the water.

 

unless.... they had another airtight container with the gps unit in it that could sit below the flare, or even in the cap if the roadside ones are used... not cost effective because they would have to use some material that will not be destroyed by the flare, but possible...

 

Interesting idea, but I'm not sure how necessary it is in traffic accidents given today's current technology. The majority of people driving today carry a cell phone.

Then there's systems such OnStar. When you subscribe to OnStar GPS location is part of the package.

Plus, most traffic accidents occur in populated areas. Odds are high that there will be witnesses to offer or call for help.

Now, I can see a use for such a flare in a camping/hiking situation. We keep hearing all the time now about people who go off hiking on their own and get lost, get hurt or get trapped.

It then takes days and a large group of people to search out and find the lost party. Some type of GPS flare would be very useful in that situation.

 

Like the hunter in north SD county that got lost and started a signal fire. Burned a few thousand acres.


Flares and hiking dont work, but ones with parachutes in a boat would be nice.

It is suprising, but then I dont hike anymore, that no one makes a lo-jack for hikers. Get hurt, set it off and have a beer while you wait for rescue.

Surveyors use a hub and lath. When lost drive the small wood stake (hub) in the ground and then drive the lath stake next to it. When the contractor runs over it ask him for a ride home.

 

Its been out for years. They are called EPIRB. Its and emergency beacon that sends a signal to satelite with your emergency cordinates. I never leave the dock without mine. I even carry a PLB (Person Location Beacon) on me when I am underwater in the event they need to find me. Most boats have EPIRB on them, but I like my own in case I have to go in the drink a 2am off San Miguel Island in a heavy current and am separated from the rest of the passengers/EPRIB. My 3rd toy is an underwater transponder that takes me right back to the boat even in zero visibility frrom up to 4000ft away underwater.

I have owned these three for about 12 years. The military has had them for probably over 25 years. I first got mine through a buddy of mine who is a SWAT team member that has minimal access to military gear.

 

Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB)

Thanks for posting the acronym. Tons of usefull info on the subject available. If I were hiking, sailing, etc. then it would make sense to invest in one. A cell phone will suffice for anything I'd endeavor to do.

Lon

 

Thanks for letting me know something like this is already available. Come to think of it... I've heard of it before a long time ago, but I don't do much boating or hiking. I'm surprised more people don't invest in these things. I most definately would have one if I were going hiking or boating, ya never know what could happen and most cell phones don't work in the higher elevations... or at least mine don't.

So much more my million dollar patent.
Back to the drawing board.

And to just kinda make this thread on topic...
I hopefully might get my car back in a few weeks.
It's been in the body shop since June and I've posted several times crying for parts. Not to mention me going on and on about how much I love the car.

I bought some 17" TTII's and wrapped them in Goodyear Formula 1 tires and it do look sweet on the car and the tires just look flat Nasty when you look at it from behind.
I'll post some pics when she is done.

After I get her back she is going into the Upolstery shop for a new top and then after I save some more money... a new interior. Then start saving again for a crate motor, tranny and a good rear end.

On my way home tonight... a guy in a 4 door 56 Belair was at the light cammin like crazy. Thankfully he stomped on it when the light changed and he was gone!
Just makes me want that crate motor even more.

All in good time.