Originally Posted by
rkumetz
Ron.
I think there may be some confusion as to how satellites are involved.
The unit on the bird (GPS receiver + UHF Transmitter) RECEIVES signals from a number of different satellites. It is able to use the incoming signals to mathematically determine where it is with respect to the location of those satellites. That gives it your latitude, longitude and altitude.
The position data is then transmitted via the UHF link directly to your receiver.
So in part you are right. The position of the bird IS determined by the "direct from the satellite" transmissions.
That position information is NOT however transmitted to you via satellite as it would be with an Argos tag. The signal goes direct from the transmitter on the bird to the MRT receiver.
Hope that helps.
Ron