plb remote activation question .

[walkerchris77]

Does anyone one know if its possible for amsa to activate your plb remotely to locate a known missing person. They have all your plb info that is registered to you so I was just wondering.
Thanks

[neilmny]

Your PLB isn't powered up when the antenna is colapsed Chris unless your put it into test mode.
It is a beacon not a receiver and sends an identifiable "message" to the system when activated.
Though it's an interesting idea that a PLB be able to be tickled into action by the rescue authorities.

[walkerchris77]

Ok thanks. Thought it would be a good idea if they could design a new unit with this feature. Im sure theres been time when someone fallen or unconscious and unable to activate their beacon. Even in the recent tragedy at bogong it may not have saved their lives but they may have been able to find them quicker.

[GPSGuided]

There are such devices. It's called Spot or 'Find Friends' on the iPhone.

[photohiker]

You can request location from the Delorme InReach as long as it is on and the owner has allowed the feature on the web portal.

[Gadgetgeek]

With RFID and low-power bluetooth becoming more of a thing, I think there could be a device added that could ping back to a tracking unit, probably one on a helicopter. the main problem would be setting up the infrastructure.

[GPSGuided]

With RFID and low-power bluetooth becoming more of a thing, I think there could be a device added that could ping back to a tracking unit, probably one on a helicopter. the main problem would be setting up the infrastructure.

Goes back to the cost-benefit equation. Oh, satellite!

[neilmny]

There are such devices. It's called Spot or 'Find Friends' on the iPhone.

The spot isn't a PLB it's a tracking device that can send an SOS type signal if operated in that mode.
A PLB is a purpose built emergency device that once activated only sends an emergency and in the
GPS (no not you GPS ) version a location signal.
iPhone............

[GPSGuided]

I know the differentiation Neil. I was just being a little clever in equating those devices and you saw through it.

[neilmny]

Yes I realised you knew GPS, I wasn't having a crack. I just get a bit concerned, particularly about safety, that someone new to buswalking and the world of safety gear might get the wrong impression.

[GPSGuided]

My apology. Settle down here GPSGuided... I think my GPS led me astray there.