[FedCom] Re: Calif CAP over the weekend

[Andy]

>From what I hear, the VAST majority of these are false alerts where the
beacon was set off accidentally, then later corrected by the owner with no
follow-up action taken by them.  Yes, on 406 there aren't supposed to be
false alerts anymore because (a) no alert happens unless it includes digital
data (no more plasma TVs causing a wild goose chase), and (b) the beacon is
SUPPOSED to be registered so a quick phone call may confirm whether or not
it is real.

The fact that it was a 406 beacon and the AFRCC called it off "after 3
cycles" implies it was unregistered and had no GPS.  Two strikes down.
AFRCC typically waits for 3 or more LEO satellite passes before even
initiating an alert, and by then the owner might realize it and turn it off.
Then, if no signal is received for 3 satellite passes, and no registered
owner, the AFRCC assumes it was a false alarm and calls it off.  All without
any news from the owner.  So CAP starts the search after it was shut off and
finds nothing.

Andy