Safety and Liability
Edit on GitHubWhat this device is, what it is not, and how to use it responsibly
Safety and Liability
Overview
Aegis-Beacon is an open-source, experimental tool for radio experimentation and supplementary emergency signaling. It is not a certified rescue device. Read this page before relying on it in a life-threatening situation.
What It Is
- An open-source ESP32 radio project you build yourself.
- A way to transmit a Morse SOS with optional name and GPS position.
- A receiver (SEARCH mode) that can locate another beacon on the same frequencies.
- A learning platform for radio, GPS, power management and firmware.
What It Is Not
| Not this | Certified alternative |
|---|---|
| A certified distress beacon | PLB / EPIRB (COSPAS-SARSAT) |
| A certified avalanche transceiver | 457 kHz avalanche beacon |
| A medical device | Professional rescue equipment |
| Guaranteed to work | Any commercial safety product |
Responsibility
- You build it, you test it, you know its limits.
- Test the full chain before any real use: transmit, receive, decode, plot.
- Never rely on it as your only safety layer in the backcountry.
- Verify local radio regulations before transmitting (see Regulatory Compliance).
The Legal Note
This device is an experimental emergency tool, not a certified distress beacon. In genuine life-threatening emergencies, use certified PLB/EPIRB equipment alongside this device. Always verify local regulations before operation.