New lightweight PLB

[Tony]

Came across this report on a new lightweight PLB from ACR Electronics, 130g http://www.trailspace.com/blog/2011/08/ ... eacon.html

With the optional monthly subscription service, users can test the device for peace of mind through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system.

The monthly service also allows you to send a check-in message to specified contacts via email or text message, without emergency activation. However, no monthly service fee is required for emergency use.

Tony

[Jellybean]

Hmm, sounds good! Thanks for posting Tony.

Distributed in Australia by http://www.NextDestination.com.au, a Perth (Osborne Park) based company (although their website appears to be down at the moment).

If you go to the Where to Buy section of the ACR Electronics website, it lists where you can buy these locally - http://www.acrelectronics.com/where-to-buy/

[photohiker]

With the optional monthly subscription service, users can test the device for peace of mind through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system.

The monthly service also allows you to send a check-in message to specified contacts via email or text message, without emergency activation. However, no monthly service fee is required for emergency use.

Tony

Don't get too excited about a free Spot just yet. The Check-in messages are sent via 406.com. Australia is not in their coverage map: http://406link.com/Coverage%20Map.html

Also, the specs say it is good for 420 self tests, batteries are not user replaceable, so be careful with that trigger finger...

[Jellybean]

Good point re the Spot-like function (or apparent lack thereof ).

I'm personally not that fussed about the Spot-like features (that's a nice-to-have not a must-have for me). The key for me is to have a lightweight but effective PLB. This one seems to tick all the boxes in that regard. Have been holding off on a PLB purchase but this may just be it.

[gayet]

Time for a dumb question :

Is there such a thing as a Garmin 62 type PLB out there? Rather than carrying a PLB for emergencies and a GPS for tracking and suchlike, is it possible to find both combined? Like everyone, I don't plan to need a rescue. but in more remote areas the last resort is nice to actually have. I would also like the opportunity to record where I go and how I got there so I can go back the same way or not as the case may be. But do I have to carry 2 pieces of equipment?

Techno illiterate here.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Time for a dumb question :

Is there such a thing as a Garmin 62 type PLB out there? Rather than carrying a PLB for emergencies and a GPS for tracking and suchlike, is it possible to find both combined? Like everyone, I don't plan to need a rescue. but in more remote areas the last resort is nice to actually have. I would also like the opportunity to record where I go and how I got there so I can go back the same way or not as the case may be. But do I have to carry 2 pieces of equipment?

Techno illiterate here.

Not yet, but stay tuned. From what I hear they are close.

[Jellybean]

Time for a dumb question :

Is there such a thing as a Garmin 62 type PLB out there? Rather than carrying a PLB for emergencies and a GPS for tracking and suchlike, is it possible to find both combined? Like everyone, I don't plan to need a rescue. but in more remote areas the last resort is nice to actually have. I would also like the opportunity to record where I go and how I got there so I can go back the same way or not as the case may be. But do I have to carry 2 pieces of equipment?

Techno illiterate here.

The only dumb question is the one you don't ask! (and don't feel alone on the techno-illiterate front, I'm also a contender! )

A combined GPS/PLB would def be the ideal for the reasons you've mentioned!

[Jellybean]

Time for a dumb question :

Is there such a thing as a Garmin 62 type PLB out there? Rather than carrying a PLB for emergencies and a GPS for tracking and suchlike, is it possible to find both combined? Like everyone, I don't plan to need a rescue. but in more remote areas the last resort is nice to actually have. I would also like the opportunity to record where I go and how I got there so I can go back the same way or not as the case may be. But do I have to carry 2 pieces of equipment?

Techno illiterate here.

Not yet, but stay tuned. From what I hear they are close.

Excellent, might have to hold off for a little while longer! Any idea who's working on this ILUVSWTAS?

[ILUVSWTAS]

Hi Jellybean.

Not off the top of my head no, but I do recall reading somewhere (i'll try to find later) that someone has made such a unit, but it currently has extremely poor battery life.

[Jellybean]

Hi Jellybean.

Not off the top of my head no, but I do recall reading somewhere (i'll try to find later) that someone has made such a unit, but it currently has extremely poor battery life.

Thanks ILUVSWTAS. Yes, that's the obvious limiting factor - there needs to be sufficient battery power for the unit to act as a PLB (over an extended period - 24 hours plus) if and when needed - in addition to acting as a GPS - and that can't be compromised. I'm wondering whether that combination (GPS used as a GPS/PLB guided by a GPS combo) will ever be achievable? (Never say never I guess).

Cheers,

JB

[Bluegum Mic]

I would think it would be achievable if rechargeable/replaceable batteries are used. If SPOT can use aaa batteries and send out a distress signal and also track I would imagine they could get a gps display on one. I think the problem may be either the weight involved due to the batteries required or simply how quickly it would chew through them. Fingers crossed someone is coming up with the wonderful technology as we speak. It would be nice to combine them.

[Tony]

This DeLorme Earthmate® PN-60w GPS is designed to work with the Spot Communicator and the DeLorme in Reach two-way satellite communication for now it is probably the closest to a GPS/PLB type device.

Tony

[north-north-west]

Thanks ILUVSWTAS. Yes, that's the obvious limiting factor - there needs to be sufficient battery power for the unit to act as a PLB (over an extended period - 24 hours plus) if and when needed - in addition to acting as a GPS - and that can't be compromised.

So you have one permanent battery just for the PLB function, and removeable batteries power everything else. A little heavier than a single power source, but still lighter than two separate units. It's just a matter of wiring it properly. Fairly simple, I would have thought.

[corvus]

From another electronic Luddite can a ResQLink™ 406 GPS unit purchased from USA be registered in Australia and would it work ?
corvus

[corvus]

Looks like I have found the answer to my question.
corvus
United States Coded PLBs

"We are aware that the United States requires all PLBs for use in the US to transmit the letter "P" in Morse over the homing frequency of 121.5 MHz. This is not permitted under Australian Standards nor by the ACMA's miscellaneous Devices Class Licence that references these Standards and therefore these distress beacons should not be used in Australia. Any 406 MHz beacon registered with AMSA is required to be coded with an Australian country code. You may have difficulty recoding a 406 MHz beacon produced for the US market. There may be beacons manufactured to other national standards that are not compatible with Australian standards. You should make sure that any beacon you purchase will comply with the Australian requirements."

[melinda]

Hi everyone,
Has any one had any experience with a McMurdo Fastfind 211 PLB (with GPS)
https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_item ... lutePage=1
Every one I know tends to carry a GME MT410G Accusato Emergency Beacon with GPS.
But the McMurdo is lighter.
Any advice????
Cheers, Melinda

[wayno]

I've read about success stories about mcmudo's being used
GME's after sales support is second to none. at the end of its useful life you can purchase a second one at a big discount.
and if you have to use it, it's a free replacement.....
they dont replace the batteries on the off chance the waterproof integrity gets affected.

[melinda]

Hi Wayno,
Sounds good.
Thanks for your help.
Melinda

[wayno]

review of the findfast here

http://www.equipped.com/McMurdoNewFastFind.htm