EPIRBs and PLBs

[lorrieandjas]

Hi threedogs - I'll PM you - had some similar ideas along those lines so might send you a draft outline to see what you think.

[threedogs]

Thanks but no good sending me stuff I'm hopeless with pooters, I've been living and 4x4ing from Tom Price to Simmo and Rock when allowed to camp at base, been outback from 70s, been camping all my life with my folks. been around this great country 16 times before I was 21 working, playing footy etc. Worked on the new Khan in the early 80s. love the outback. did the cape with some mates in '83.,Have done the corners except surveyor generals, Still here never had a scare so must be doing some, thing right Got the best country in the world just need to treat her with respect, and swat some flies along the way. I do however have contacts who may be able to contribrute. OUTBACK FOR DUMMIES works for me

[NP99]

I dual registered mine with the boat 1st and patrol 2nd. They are getting cheaper all the time.

[Cuppa]

Thanks to NP99 (who I have now confused with Roofy several times because of the same avatar) for bringing this thread to the top. An emergency beacon is definitely on our 'to get' list. lorrieandjas' post raises several questions for me which I am hopeful might be answered.

I had intended to get a PLB, but the double transmitting time of the epirbs sounds potentially attractive at the cost of a slightly bigger beacon to carry. Are the epirbs very much bigger? We would want to use it whilst walking as well as driving. In reality is the extra 24 hours transmission time likely to make any difference for land based use. I would hope if we ever had need to use it, that we we would be found within a day, or at least our position ascertained.

Regarding the need to change beacons every 3 years. The following is from the GME website (Other manufactures may differ).
GME Emergency Beacons employ some of the latest materials and technologies making a 12 year useful life* achievable in the case of a correctly maintained beacon.
In fulfilling a duty of care to its customers, products that are over 12 years old will not be serviced by GME or any of it's agents.
GME emergency beacons are required to be serviced at intervals not exceeding 6 years for EPIRBs and 7 years for PLBs, products that are not serviced within this period may not perform to specification when needed.

I note the advice that an emergency beacon is no replacement for an HF radio or satellite phone, but HF radio is an enthusiasts tool which requires skills, which may never be utilised, to be learned & remembered (isn't it?). Satellite phone is easier but is expensive. I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with the SPOT system (http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102) & whether it offers a cost effective alternative to carrying an emergency beacon AND another means of communication? Would anyone recommend carrying a SPOT thingy only?

Cuppa

[Lux85]

thanks, good info, cleared up some questions i had

[Cuppa]

A travelling mate showed me his 'InReach' satellite tracker & communicator last weekend. It would appear to be a cross between a PLB/EPIRB & a satellite phone. It's pricing seems to make it competitive.

Basically it gives the user a GPS assisted SOS function, accurate to within 5 metres, plus it allows the user to send text messages using a smart phone or 'tablet' as a keyboard input device, plus when an SOS is sent, a text message confirming it has been received is sent back to the user & details of the emergency can be sent. The device can also leave a 'breadcrumb trail' which anyone given access can check online at any time.

Our friends are very happy with theirs, they have elderly infirm parents, & having this device allows other family members to know where they are & to contact them if needed.

http://www.gpstrackingaustralia.com.au/inreach.html#

Cuppa

[gaddy]

Epirb all the way as soon as it is activated it sends a signal to AMSA ( aust maritime safety authority ) and they are looking for you straight away any aircraft etc in the area are notifed if you are in deep doo doo the quicker the better . Has all the vehicle / boat details eg size brand color rego etc , and if you take it from the boat to the car you are to change your details on the web site

Gaddy

[BigRAWesty]

Top write up Jas, good info. I'm with cuppa, its on the to biy list before trecking off..

But am awaiting some answers to cuppas questions

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

[lorrieandjas]

Thanks to NP99 (who I have now confused with Roofy several times because of the same avatar) for bringing this thread to the top. An emergency beacon is definitely on our 'to get' list. lorrieandjas' post raises several questions for me which I am hopeful might be answered.

I had intended to get a PLB, but the double transmitting time of the epirbs sounds potentially attractive at the cost of a slightly bigger beacon to carry. Are the epirbs very much bigger? We would want to use it whilst walking as well as driving. In reality is the extra 24 hours transmission time likely to make any difference for land based use. I would hope if we ever had need to use it, that we we would be found within a day, or at least our position ascertained.

Regarding the need to change beacons every 3 years. The following is from the GME website (Other manufactures may differ).
GME Emergency Beacons employ some of the latest materials and technologies making a 12 year useful life* achievable in the case of a correctly maintained beacon.
In fulfilling a duty of care to its customers, products that are over 12 years old will not be serviced by GME or any of it's agents.
GME emergency beacons are required to be serviced at intervals not exceeding 6 years for EPIRBs and 7 years for PLBs, products that are not serviced within this period may not perform to specification when needed.

I note the advice that an emergency beacon is no replacement for an HF radio or satellite phone, but HF radio is an enthusiasts tool which requires skills, which may never be utilised, to be learned & remembered (isn't it?). Satellite phone is easier but is expensive. I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with the SPOT system (http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102) & whether it offers a cost effective alternative to carrying an emergency beacon AND another means of communication? Would anyone recommend carrying a SPOT thingy only?

Cuppa

Hi Cuppa - EPIRBS are not big at all. All light aircraft now carry portable EPIRBS rather than built-in ones. Cheaper to replace and about the size of a rectangular stubby holder (best analogy I can come up with!).

Jas

[gaddy]

the size the GME about 240mm with the antanna folded