EPIRB query

[scubabob]

i havent been on here for some time but i couldnt find refence to this over a few pages but if it has been answered, i apologise. i go bush a bit on my own, well when i go bush i go on my own more to the point. Just like when i scuba dive on my own, maps and details are with me as well as on the dining room table, so it is well known by all at home where i am and when i will return. Thing is my family have pressed me to get an EPIRB, which is a good idea in my view, especially as recently the husband of someone i know disappeared in the Victorian wilderness with a broken leg - yes, no EPIRB.

i have looked at many of these but really have no idea which is better than any other. i am sure that like hiking boots, there will be as many opinions as posters but i am happy to take in all advice i am given. What ideas are there out there as to which one is better? There is little point working on a budget as i would prefer a more expensive one to work than a cheaper one that doesnt.

cheers

[Graham51]

I bought a GME Accusat Pocket Series 406 which is the same as Parks Tasmania rent out. This was about 2 years ago. It costs about $500 to buy. To rent it was $40 for a week or any part of a week so I figured I'd get my money back withinb a couple of years. Plus I lend it to friends who go off without me. It's GPS equipped which is important.

[Lizzy]

I have the same (GME Accusat Pocket Series 406, GPS model)- battery life is 7 years. Its the same as hired out down in Kosciousko NP by NPWS and in Blue Mts lent out by the police I think. Never had to use it (touch wood) but certainly gives a bit more peace of mind for those solo trips. Its not heavy or bulky & having my own is so convenient & means I ALWAYS take it- if I was hiring I'm sure it's be the one trip I didn't take one that it would be needed.....
Good luck in your search
Lizzy

[north-north-west]

Yeah, I have the same thing GPS version of the GME Accusat.
Great idea for solo walkers and you don't notice the weight. It's just a pain in the neck updating the trip details on the website, especially if - like me - you don't always know for sure where you'll be walking until you get there. Last weekend had six options listed . . .

[prickle]

Check out SPOT

[1iron]

Also have the GME Accursat Pocket series 406.

Choice is between Model MT410 or MT410G. GPS version more accurate but about $120 more. My thought is if you are going to pay over $400 might as well get the better one.

[cams]

Another option is Kannad Safelink Solo with GPS. Don't have one myself but saw them at Johnny Appleseed when I was browsing for something else. http://www.ja-gps.com.au/Kannad/safelin ... -with-gps/

Smaller, lighter and more waterproof than the GME. Only downside I can see is the shorter battery life and slightly more expensive.

[scubabob]

Thanks for all your input, i appreciate it. Seems the Accusat is the way to go. My family will be happy.

[rowan]

I love my SPOT It is much more useful than a 'regular' EPIRB. I would never go bush without it.

[DaveNoble]

The lightest one seems to be - McMurdo Fastfind 211 PLB (with GPS) which is 150g. It is slightly lighter than the Kannad and significantly lighter than the GME (at a cost of less battery life)

Eg, see - http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/McMu ... h-GPS.html

Dave

[Dale]

+1 for Spot II

[rsser]

Spot Messenger II is a bit more flexible but not a genuine PLB.

Look at Spot Connect as well - SMS from a Smartphone to the unit and communicate with the world in 42 chars.

I've just gone from an Accusat to Messenger II in order to keep folks at home updated. Effectively you can customise 3 diff msgs and send them to mobiles as SMS and to email addresses. They'll have your coords. Could be handy if two parties wanted to hook up out bush as well providing the receiver had mobile coverage.

Spot's customer service is pretty lousy IME. Don't try and send an email from their Aus. webpage. Don't be in a hurry. DO NOT enter a complete Aus. mobile no. on your account page (drop the 0) despite the fact that the form tells you to.

HTH

[Mr. T]

I have a SPOT as well and have found it great. As I mainly walk to fish I can end up off track or away from intended first choice destination if weather etc interferes. Being able to send an ok message helps family know where I am, and message has always got through. Just need to ensure the unit is put in the clear away from pack etc for 10 minutes or so ensure good connection. Bought via eBay and no issues.