Eperb or Personal Locator Beacon

[Keith Morris]

"tanks" here---
I am considering buying a personal locator beacon (plb), or one of those eperb things, in case I need assistance in my trip around Australia. This is for emergency assistance when I am in a remote area.
Any recommendations from Forum members on what unit to buy, the rough cost, do I have to pay any other fees to have it work, or is there a charge if I activate it.
Keith.

[JohnM]

I have a Delorme Inreach explorer, communicator, (now called Garmin)
The model I have is an older model but still works well, it has to be connected to a mobile phone or the like through blue tooth to enable you to input messages, though they can be used to send recorded messages to contacts without any phone contact, if you log in daily, or more often, it will leave a trail of "breadcrumbs" that can be viewed by nominated individuals (https://share.delorme.com/JOHNMurrell#)
You have to pay a monthly fee to keep it activated and the price varies according to your usage, Mine is currently deactivated (which costs me around $5.00 a month) their is a monthly fee (payable to pivotel in Aus) that varies according to your usage,( http://www.pivotel.com.au/inreachexplorer.php)
My daughter purchased mine directly from the states, for a xmas present some years back, we then had to pay Pivotel a "licence fee" (actually equal to the cost difference between what she payed and what it cost from Pivotel, which I still consider a rip off).
If you would like to enquire if the licence is transferable you can have it for $200.00. Our traveling days are over now, so it will be of no further use to me.

[Keith Morris]

"tanks" here JohnM---thanks for your reply to my question.
I am considering a unit called KTI PLB SA2G which has a 10 year battery life and uses cospas-sarsat system on 406 MHz, whatever all of that means. The cost on e-bay is $259.00 incl express post.
I don't think it needs a mobile phone or a blue tooth to operate.
I have a blue tick mobile phone (telstra) but I am informed that this does not function in a lot of remote areas where there is no signal.
In my understanding; there is no monthly charge or subscription mentioned in the listed blerb.
The unit gives out a signal for 24 hours continuous and is coded for Australia.
Keith

[Dot]

Good thinking Mr Russell

[BruceS]

Tanks things may be different now but some years ago those Epirbs were only to be used for life threatening emergencies.
A flat tyre or ordering a countermeal at the local was not allowed. In fact it was an offense to use one for the wrong reason.
They work via satellite as well as most commercial airplane flights. The basic onse simply emit a signal which the 'searchers' can locate as they find lions in the African desert!!

[Keith Morris]

"tanks" here BruceS---
For the flat tyres I have KTAME service and I have the GPS to find the McDonalds for a quick plastic burger and a free coffee.
I want the unit just for emergencies---I am almost 80 years old and my pills keep me going along most days, but I want to prepare for when I don't wake up in the morning.
I just have to teach Russell how to work the thing if am cold when he gives me his morning kiss to wake me up and I don't give him his morning feed.
The cost is about 4 packs of Horizon Red 50's, and I gave up smoking 3 times last week so I can afford it now.
Free postage and free registration with no further costs-----bargain mate and I feel well worth the outlay !
Keith.

[pet-els]

I've lost a post.
I replied to Keith re the "SPOT" locator. I have one and it can be used in an emergency by pressing a button [reports to USA who forward it to Canberra] it also allows you to send a message asking for help but not an emergency, and also you can send a message [to prearranged persons] re your position. I have mine connected to ExplorOz and it tracts on a map my journey. The new [Spot 3] model runs on 12v and batteries, mine [Spot 2] uses three AAA lithium batteries [@ $20 for 4].
Check it out on the web.

PeterH

[Craig]

Hi Keith,
I have this model from whitworths marine.

https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_item ... lutePage=1

It lightweight and the price has come down a bit since I bought mine. No ongoing costs. I did also look at the spot messanger and thought they were a great unit as you could forward pre determined messages to the family. I believe it uses the gps satellites to do this. The ongoing cost was the decider for me. Even though it wasn't much I decided I only wanted an emergency beacon.

Regards
Craig

[Greynomad]

Tanks,
A few years ago the system was changed.
New frequencies & system of reporting.
Make sure you have the newest version with correct frequencies.
The system was also split, with EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) only for marine use, and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacon) on a different frequency for land use.
The satellite over-fly timing was shortened with more being brought on-line, and I think the HQ for land beacons moved to a new location.
Might be wrong, but I have in mind seeing a report that Defence Sigs is involved somewhere along the (land) line.
Google "PLB" - might get info 'from the horse's mouth'...

[Keith Morris]

"tanks" here--- I now own a SA2G personal location beacon coded for Australia on the 406MHz frequency. Hope I never have to use it.
Thanks for the replies folks.
Keith.