If it's always broadcasting or emitting, then it's not really a transponder (transmitter responder) -- a transponder responds when it gets a valid interrogation signal, rather than just going continuously.

Ah thanks for this. In my Signal Intel supplement I ran into an issue of transponders should make you more easily detectable by sensors (radiating a signal) versus the issues this would cause by criminal elements (pirates) using your transponder to find you. RAW has transponders being able to be beacons (should be easily detected at far ranges to be useful). My house rule to go along with RAW was transponders are allowed by law to be turned down to a very short range (the Close range specified in RAW) versus they could be turned way up when required to be a beacon.

I may consider that only those with the proper equipment (Imperial vessels) are able to ping a transponder. However, anyone may pick it up when switched to beacon mode.

Real-world aircraft ID systems, for reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transponder_%28aeronautics%29

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_traffic_control_radar_beacon_system

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_friend_or_foe