The ELT is a communication device built for Star Army Intelligence agents that are undercover available in YE 30. Since laser is the most secure form of communication, requiring a third party to be between the sender and receiver for interception, it makes sense that SAINT would want to use such methods for communication between undercover operatives and their handlers. In order to operate in most atmospheric conditions, the ELT uses a X-Ray laser for transmission.

The ELT looks like a standard laser pointer device, being cylindrical and possessing a two stage button, but allows for species with digital brains to connect to it wirelessly to transmit data. Datapads can also be connected to the device, either through physical cable or remote connection. For the best security however, the back end of the ELT can be screwed off and a small data chip can be inserted into the available socket within, this requires no wireless connection to the device whatsoever. The laser has atmospheric range up to 5 kilometers, though since the device uses laser to communicate there must not be any obstructions between the sender and receiver.

The ELT has a battery life of 4 hours of cumulative use. Considering that each transmission takes at most 30 seconds to transmit this is a large battery life. If however the battery should need replaced it can be accessed by removing the back of the device. Then with a pair of tweezers (or other thin object) twist the dataport to the right before gently pulling it out, then simply slide out the battery and replace it.

Note: Also attached to the dataport is a long flat cable, do NOT disconnect this.

Simply connect to the device and transmit the data to it or insert the data chip after removing the back cap of the device (you can then re-secure the cap back to the device if you desire). Then point the device at the intended receiver and press the button down half way. The device will automatically stop the button from going any further than half down until it has completed transmission, at which point it will automatically allow the button to click down to the second stage. Since the ELT transmits its data in bursts, the button will not click down to the second stage until after all data has been transmitted. That will be the only signal from the device that the message was sent. The transmission is done in bursts in order to both increase security as well as to decrease drain on the battery, the button will not be able to click down past the first stage until all data has been transmitted.

NOTE: The message being successfully sent does not guarantee that it has been successfully received.