Why is it necessary to select an area on the map when sending a bcon Message?
bcon messages are transmitted to and from the traveller using HF radio. HF radio signals rely on reflection by the ionosphere (an ionised layer in the sky) to achieve long distance communication, with different frequencies (channels) used to cover different distances at different times of the day. By indicating the approximate location of the traveller on the map, bcon Messaging can use this information, along with the current time of day, and any recent history of contact with the traveller to determine the two most likely frequencies on which communication can be established, thereby improving the chances of a successful message delivery. In the future, the bcon Network will have additional HF Gateways (base stations), strategically located around Australia to improve network coverage. Using the location of the traveller from the map, bcon Messaging will route messages through the appropriate base station, and select the most likely frequency that contact could be established with th
