Personal Location Beacons

Deleted account 211025001

Registered user
Joined
Feb 3, 2005
Messages
8
Reaction score
10
I'm looking into PLB's at the mo. (like these) but have to admit it's not something I know mutch about. For the sake of a hundred quid or so they would seem to be a good idea :nenau

Does anybody here have experiance of them? I understand (I think) that you register them with the coast guard or who ever is appropriate in the area you are travelling.
How would that work in the middle of Western Africa etc?

Andres
 
2 main types.
There are the big high power ones as fitted in lifeboats etc which, when activated can be detected by satellites and high altitude planes. They can also have advanced features like sending a 'text' message upon activation.

Probably the sort you are looking at are the wrstwatch/mobile phone size personal beacons.
These lower powered do-da's do basically the same job but, because of the much lower power output, they are not detectable by satelite.
Rather they are for the use of search teams with directional locator equipment. such as a search and rescue aircraft.
So therefore, for the personal units to be of any use, you have to be reported missing, there has to be a search team looking for you, they have to be using the right locator equipment, and they know your approximate location already.

If you drop of the back of a boat in the Solent at night - spot on.

Lost in the middle of Algeria - not so much use.

I think I would rather put the money toward renting a sat phone.
 
SPOT beacon

We use the SPOT beacons extensively in a certain sandy and rocky place where currently there are lots of British and American gentlemen with guns chasing lots of other gentlemen with guns and bombs.

Does what it says on the tin. Battery life is good, user interface is good, downside is the coverage in some places (check with the SPOT people that the area you are traveling through has decent coverage) and the requirement for you to self activate (tough to do if you are knocked out). We had some good comms with the SPOT guys to work through some early teething issues, but now they are working fine. We have about 14 units in service, and they are very handy. Especially useful is the ability to view the location on Google maps satellite / terrain images.

A sat phone is a must if you will be going somewhere remote ... and don't forget a laminated list of essential numbers in each of the countries you are travelling through :rob
 
I took a PLB on my recent trip aound Australia. It is difficult to write a useful review, because I didn't have to use it for its intended purpose :). Probably the best aspect was the reassurance it gave to people back home. My one reservation is that unlike the SPOT system there is no half measure. There is either silence or a full-blown distress call.

Anyway, mine is one of these (Aussie made, not sure if sold overseas) :

http://www.gme.net.au/products/emergency-beacons/plbs/MT410G

And there is some good info here (again, Aus government, but there is some general info. FWIW, I reckon this one of the better uses of our tax dollars):

http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/index.html
 
Yep, that is the nice thing about the SPOT - you can send an instant message with location just to show people you are alive and kicking and having fun in the bush. Sometimes it helps to keep the home team happy and for them to 'see' where you are ... :comfort

And the SPOT is a cheap tool ... We found the PLB's expensive (although some of our guys in Oz do use them when in remote areas).
 
Don't forget there is a new improved SPOT 2 model:

spot2.gif

Includes all the same functionality as before — now in a smaller, more feature-rich form factor.
• 30% Smaller • 30% Lighter • Faster GPS Acquisition
New Enhancements: • Enhanced GPS
• Extra Message Button
• Tracking message queuing
• Safety flaps over 911 and help message
• Replaceable button cover (see left)
• Illuminated buttons
• Intrinsically safe
• Sent message light
• Case included (see below)
• Enviromentally safe packaging

Features

* Check In: Lets contacts know where you are and that you’re okay. Sends each message three times to help ensure successful transmission. Up to 10 contacts–phone & email.
* Track: Acquires your GPS location every 10 minutes for 24 hours. Sends each location one time. Previous 2 track points send with current track point helps ensure consistent recording of movements.
* Alert SOS: Alert emergency assistance request with your exact location to GEOS every 5 min up to 4.7 days.
* Ask For Help: Request help from friends and family every 5 min for 1 hour. Up to 10 contacts – phone & email.
* Message Button: Create custom non-urgent message to send to friends and family.
* Emergency Response Center: GEOS is operational 7 days/wk. 365 days a year, operating out of Houston, Texas (2 addl. backup locations).
* History Review: Review all Check In, Track,Alert SOS, and Help locations via web application using Google Maps up to 30 days.
* Share Page: Using a password control link, you can share messages and locations to others. 10 share pages are capable. 7 days data storage.
* Button Covers: Prevent accidental activation of SOS or Help features.
* GPS Signal Indicator: Visual LED status of GPS signal acquired.
* Message Sent Indicator: Visual LED status of message sent.
* Security: Data protection via the latest techniques 3rd party penetration testing two times/yr by Plynt.com VeriSign certificate (Share Page & Login Site) Latest security patches updated every quarter. Network has firewalls and port scanning
* Removable Case: Flexible attachment solution providing Arm Band, Carabiner & Car Dash attachment.
* International Communication: Universally accepted icons to communicate button features.
* Color: Matte orange and gloss silver Replaceable Covers: One set included.


http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/spot2.php

It's not advertised on the SPOT site yet as they want to shift the old ones first, but if you contact them they will sell the new one for the same price.

GunZenBomZ uses one and seems to rate it:
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210922
 
you may also want to consider a key phrase... PM and I'll explain
 
My understanding is that a 406MHz PLB will be detected by the satellites wherever you are, but is registered in a specific locale so that the authorities can try to contact you/next of kin on activation to check for false alarm. Here in NZ the search and rescue guys will find you if the beacon is activated, but you'll get a bill for the helicopter ride if you didn't need rescued (e.g. the coast to coast race team a few years back who realized they were doing badly so decided to pack in...). Versions with GPS will provide a more accurate location so get you found quicker.

You need to be conscious to activate them (or, for the boaties, have one with an immersion detection switch). Our staff often carry them when working way out in the back country.

The other alternative is a passive locator beacon (sends VHF pulses constantly). My guys use them when working on ATVs - if they're overdue we'll get out the tracker gear and come looking, an ATV has many ways of rendering you unable to turn on a PLB, they carry VHF radios so they can call for help if they could activate a PLB.

Do you want to flick one switch and wait for the friendlies, or be able to call in to say what the problem is?
 
Spot2

Have had the Spot2 for a few days. :) A useful tool, but as with most tools has its limits. Up to you what your priorities are, and how many tools you can afford to carry:augie To me the area coverage (GPS and sat com) , the over all flexibility from every day use (ok messages/trakcs...) to minor incidents (help) and up to full blown emergencies (SOS) are a big plus, as is the different services you can by.:clap
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.


Back
Top Bottom