After a bit of thought,and since I am now travelling alone,I have decided to get a PLB.Because Peter (Peter'n'Margaret) seems to have vast knowledge of many things,and I seem to recall that he once recommended GME,I went to a local suppler and had a chat about the MT410GAUS model that now is available.As I know little about the service,I visited another store that also was listed as a supplier of GME,but I was advised that that chain of stores had stopped selling GME 18 montgs ago,and now are selling the ResQLink 400 model,which he assures me is as capable as is the GME.Prices are the same,but price us of little interest to me,as I am a great believer in "You get what you pay for". Any advice would be appreciated.Cheers
Dougwe said
04:23 PM Mar 25, 2021
Just be careful of it's weight and measurement.
Who said that?
Dmaxer made me do it.
peter67 said
05:37 PM Mar 25, 2021
As I'm about to set off around WA and am also thinking about a PLB I'm interested to hear what others who have them think, or members who have done some research.
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:15 PM Mar 25, 2021
I have had 2 brands over the last 30 years, but mostly GME which I understand to be Australian made.
Here is some info and a list of approved ones. beacons.amsa.gov.au/about/beacon-types.asp
I would strongly recommend you only purchase GPS enabled ones as they give a more accurate and faster position fix.
Cheers,
Peter
TheHeaths said
07:56 PM Mar 25, 2021
The only comment I would make with respect to using a PLB is this.
The communication is one way only, so you are not aware when the signal is received. It is also not possible to describe what has happened, and what rescue or service is needed.
They are a good adjunct, but I would also suggest the use of a sat phone that allows 2 way communication, and incident description, ensuring the correct services and response units are activated. You are also aware of the message being received, and communication can be updated as and when necessary.
Other than that, I worked for Whitworths and dealt with both units. Both are very good, both 7 year battery life, GME 7 year warranty, unsure on ResQ Me unit, GME $70 cheaper at Whitworths at $299.
The other option, if you already have a boat EPIRB, you can register a secondary use as travel onshore, and use that. Not as compact, but does reduce cost and multi uses the EPIRB! This is what I have done.
Peter_n_Margaret said
08:55 PM Mar 25, 2021
TheHeaths wrote:
The only comment I would make with respect to using a PLB is this.
The communication is one way only, so you are not aware when the signal is received. It is also not possible to describe what has happened, and what rescue or service is needed.
They are a good adjunct, but I would also suggest the use of a sat phone that allows 2 way communication, and incident description, ensuring the correct services and response units are activated. You are also aware of the message being received, and communication can be updated as and when necessary.
All true.
A sat phone will cost several times more and will have monthly ongoing costs. The PLB is a bargain, by comparison.
I have NEVER heard of a PLB failing and the response times seem extraordinary every time I hear of one being used. Typically they make a couple of phone calls to you and your contacts immediately a signal is received to eliminate accidental activations. Then they often despatch an aircraft to the scene to see the situation and then immediately despatch a ground vehicle or helicopter depending on what they see to make the rescue or whatever is required.
This is all free.
If you call for help using a sat phone, expect to pay for whatever service that you request, if you know who to call.
And how do they find you? The PLB tells the authorities EXACTLY where you are and keeps telling them even if you are unconscious. You could be 50m off Highway 1 after loosing control of your vehicle and ending up upside down in the scrub trapped in your vehicle and invisible from the road. You are going to be very hard to find without a PLB.
As a side issue, a PLB will work anywhere in the world. When we volunteered in Fiji for 2 years, we took our PLB. When we go overseas anywhere, we take our PLB. I would not expect the same service overseas, but Australian authorities will know you are in trouble and are likely to coordinate services.
So my view is if you can afford a sat phone, definitely go for it, but make it IN ADDITION to a PLB, not instead of one.
Cheers,
Peter
montie said
10:44 PM Mar 25, 2021
I had to google what a PLB was....so I guess I'm behind the 8 ball here.
Anyway I know where I am and I have a fairly good idea where I'm going so I probably don't need one.
Paddy the Irishman might be interested!
Just looking at the lighter side of life!
Trevor 57 said
05:55 AM Mar 26, 2021
We have had a GME PLB (Sydney based company) since 2012, if you are traveling into remote areas it is a MUST. Make sure you buy with GPS tracking. You will need to register it with a Government website so that they know who owns, what potential medical emergencies are possible and who to contact if it does go off
Register it here - https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/
We sent our back to get its 7 year service in 2019, cost $200, new battery, checks and ready for another 7 years
My son, an avid 4x4'er and bush motorbike rider has one as well
When triggered any aircraft in the area is re-directed to spot you, they will then direct helicopters, land rescue to your aid - there could be a 2-3 hour lapse before someone gets to you, or if more remote areas many hours, but no different to a Sat phone
-- Edited by Trevor 57 on Friday 26th of March 2021 06:00:31 AM
-- Edited by Trevor 57 on Friday 26th of March 2021 06:01:18 AM
Trevor 57 said
05:57 AM Mar 26, 2021
TheHeaths wrote:
The only comment I would make with respect to using a PLB is this.
The communication is one way only, so you are not aware when the signal is received. It is also not possible to describe what has happened, and what rescue or service is needed.
They are a good adjunct, but I would also suggest the use of a sat phone that allows 2 way communication, and incident description, ensuring the correct services and response units are activated. You are also aware of the message being received, and communication can be updated as and when necessary.
Other than that, I worked for Whitworths and dealt with both units. Both are very good, both 7 year battery life, GME 7 year warranty, unsure on ResQ Me unit, GME $70 cheaper at Whitworths at $299.
The other option, if you already have a boat EPIRB, you can register a secondary use as travel onshore, and use that. Not as compact, but does reduce cost and multi uses the EPIRB! This is what I have done.
I am told reliably, sat phones like PLB's remote access to satellites can be hit and miss
-- Edited by Trevor 57 on Friday 26th of March 2021 05:57:44 AM
TheHeaths said
08:11 AM Mar 26, 2021
Trevor 57 wrote:
TheHeaths wrote:
The only comment I would make with respect to using a PLB is this.
The communication is one way only, so you are not aware when the signal is received. It is also not possible to describe what has happened, and what rescue or service is needed.
They are a good adjunct, but I would also suggest the use of a sat phone that allows 2 way communication, and incident description, ensuring the correct services and response units are activated. You are also aware of the message being received, and communication can be updated as and when necessary.
Other than that, I worked for Whitworths and dealt with both units. Both are very good, both 7 year battery life, GME 7 year warranty, unsure on ResQ Me unit, GME $70 cheaper at Whitworths at $299.
The other option, if you already have a boat EPIRB, you can register a secondary use as travel onshore, and use that. Not as compact, but does reduce cost and multi uses the EPIRB! This is what I have done.
I am told reliably, sat phones like PLB's remote access to satellites can be hit and miss
-- Edited by Trevor 57 on Friday 26th of March 2021 05:57:44 AM
Peter and yourself are correct. Cost is higher for the phone, and satellites are at times out of sight.
I was putting it forward as an addition, as while PLBs should only be used for life threatening situations when accessible to satellites, the phone offers an ability, when satellites are visible, to call for non life threatening matters, and perhaps get a solution over the phone.
Cost is really not that an obstacle, as for people travelling around Australia, they are already investing a lot of money in vehicles, vans, fuel, accomodation and the like, and getting something like a Thuraya Sat sleeve, to convert their existing phone to satellite usage is in my opinion a sound investment in their own safety as well as that of others.
As I say, I advocate the use of both if possible.
I note I am not associated with Thuraya, but simply put this forward as an option I have seen.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Friday 26th of March 2021 08:13:50 AM
Izabarack said
08:33 AM Mar 26, 2021
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
I have NEVER heard of a PLB failing and the response times seem extraordinary every time I hear of one being used.
Same here, Peter. And I have a bit of experience, Bushwalking.
I also endorse the rest of your post.
peter67 said
06:09 PM Mar 26, 2021
That was a good read, thank you I'm going to buy a gps capable PLB cheers
yobarr said
08:02 PM Mar 26, 2021
peter67 wrote:
That was a good read, thank you I'm going to buy a gps capable PLB cheers
Thanks to all those who contributed.Today I bought the GME ($350) after I had earler visited the chain store,near Newcastle,that used to sell GME,but 18 months ago had changed to ResQLink.Under intense scrutiny,the chap who was representing that chain virtually agreed with my assertion that there was more profit for them in the marketing of the ResQLink product."But I didn't say that".Hope I have made the right decision,but seems ,to me,that GME is the better product? Cheers
gdayjr said
06:34 AM Mar 27, 2021
On a slightly different topic, but relevant, We have all heard of emergency apps for our phones such as Emergency Plus.
Do yourself a favour and download one that is far more accurate, and one to share with all of your mates, and people who you want to let know where you are.
Very acurate anywhere on the mainland.
It divides the land mass into 3square meter blocks, and each one has its own unique 3 word code.
Simply open the app, and it will locate exactly where you are to with 3 meters. It will display three words, those are your exact location
send the 3 words to your contact, they then put those three words into the app on their phone or computer etc, and know exactly where you are.
Becoming very popular in other countries, and catching on in Australai pretty quick.
For those that want to find me, i am at the following address.
quit.silver.twice
Hollowfrog said
03:41 PM Mar 27, 2021
So how is Paramatta
bobsa said
04:00 PM Mar 27, 2021
Hi Yobarr,
I have a Kti Safety Alert
gps to 3 metres
It is small and hangs on your belt or I have an arm band
it's 3.5 inches x 4 inches weighs 140 grams, self buoyant , salt water resistant to 3 metres
has a strobe, whistle, and a mirror comes in the kit ,
a nice unit
never had to use it or the last one I had
battery life is 10 years, it is non hazmat so safe for air travel
bob
Mike Harding said
04:30 PM Mar 29, 2021
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:I have NEVER heard of a PLB failing
Well you wouldn't... would you!
Peter_n_Margaret said
05:04 PM Mar 29, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:I have NEVER heard of a PLB failing
Well you wouldn't... would you!
Of course you would - it would be page 1 news.
Cheers,
Peter
Tony LEE said
05:31 PM Mar 29, 2021
Garmin inreach SL
Best of all worlds by far.
Tony LEE said
05:36 PM Mar 29, 2021
gdayjr wrote:
On a slightly different topic, but relevant, We have all heard of emergency apps for our phones such as Emergency Plus.
Do yourself a favour and download one that is far more accurate, and one to share with all of your mates, and people who you want to let know where you are. Very acurate anywhere on the mainland.
It divides the land mass into 3square meter blocks, and each one has its own unique 3 word code.
Simply open the app, and it will locate exactly where you are to with 3 meters. It will display three words, those are your exact location send the 3 words to your contact, they then put those three words into the app on their phone or computer etc, and know exactly where you are.
Becoming very popular in other countries, and catching on in Australai pretty quick.
For those that want to find me, i am at the following addr quit.silver.twice"
...............
Or use standard degrees and any of 50 navigation apps will be able to find you - half of them without a phone service either
-- Edited by Tony LEE on Monday 29th of March 2021 05:37:56 PM
Aussie1 said
11:18 PM Mar 29, 2021
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Mike Harding wrote:
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:I have NEVER heard of a PLB failing
Well you wouldn't... would you!
Of course you would - it would be page 1 news.
Cheers,
Peter
Mike, It certainly would be page 1 news. If you have evidence of such an occurrence please post so we can be informed.
I am an owner of a PLB and have every confidence in them.
Mike Harding said
08:46 AM Mar 30, 2021
Aussie1 wrote:Mike, It certainly would be page 1 news.
Think it through.
----
EPIRBs/PLBs are *NOT* get out of jail free cards and should not be considered such.
Due to the high frequency nature of their signals they may not work in a number of locations including heavy forest and especially so when the trees are wet. Additionally; the cavalry do not immediately leap from stage left and rescue you. A bite from a brown snake will likely kill well before help has arrived and "help" certainly won't have anti-venom with it.
I am a supporter of EPIRBs of encourage people to carry one but they are *NOT* a substitute for experience and good judgement.
Also the EPIRB design may have issues: a few years back I discovered that when I stored my GME EPIRB with a small portable radio the EPIRB went into test mode and had I not realised would have drained its battery within a day or so. This was caused by GME using a reed switch to generate test mode, the reed switch allowed them to easily and cheaply maintain IP67 integrity. Trouble is reed switches are activated by a magnet - any magnet - including the one in the speaker of my radio. There was no facility to test the battery on this EPIRB so there was no telling if it would actually work when needed. The manual made no mention of this design shortcoming. I informed GME at director level and they were rather worried but had no solution - how could they? They eventually discontinued the product.
Don't rely solely upon a box of electronics for your life.
Aussie1 said
10:57 AM Mar 30, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Aussie1 wrote:Mike, It certainly would be page 1 news.
Think it through.
----
EPIRBs/PLBs are *NOT* get out of jail free cards and should not be considered such.
Due to the high frequency nature of their signals they may not work in a number of locations including heavy forest and especially so when the trees are wet. Additionally; the cavalry do not immediately leap from stage left and rescue you. A bite from a brown snake will likely kill well before help has arrived and "help" certainly won't have anti-venom with it.
I am a supporter of EPIRBs of encourage people to carry one but they are *NOT* a substitute for experience and good judgement.
Also the EPIRB design may have issues: a few years back I discovered that when I stored my GME EPIRB with a small portable radio the EPIRB went into test mode and had I not realised would have drained its battery within a day or so. This was caused by GME using a reed switch to generate test mode, the reed switch allowed them to easily and cheaply maintain IP67 integrity. Trouble is reed switches are activated by a magnet - any magnet - including the one in the speaker of my radio. There was no facility to test the battery on this EPIRB so there was no telling if it would actually work when needed. The manual made no mention of this design shortcoming. I informed GME at director level and they were rather worried but had no solution - how could they? They eventually discontinued the product.
Don't rely solely upon a box of electronics for your life.
Yes all good stuff Mike however, no hard evidence of nil or poor response. Plenty of situations of lives being saved out there though.
Mike Harding said
03:35 PM Mar 30, 2021
Aussie1 wrote:Yes all good stuff Mike however, no hard evidence of nil or poor response.
Clearly I was too subtle.
If someone in a life threatening situation triggers an EPIRB and, for whatever reason, it fails to elicit a response and said person dies there is a significant probability no one will ever know about the failure.
Let me turn your question around:
Do you have evidence to establish that EPIRBs never fail?
Peter_n_Margaret said
04:04 PM Mar 30, 2021
People don't die from "unnatural causes" without a thorough investigation by the coroner.
If that person had a PLB and it did not do what it was supposed to do it would front page news across the country.
Cheers,
Peter
Aussie1 said
05:26 PM Mar 30, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Aussie1 wrote:Yes all good stuff Mike however, no hard evidence of nil or poor response.
Clearly I was too subtle.
If someone in a life threatening situation triggers an EPIRB and, for whatever reason, it fails to elicit a response and said person dies there is a significant probability no one will ever know about the failure.
Let me turn your question around:
Do you have evidence to establish that EPIRBs never fail?
Common courtesy dictates that one would answer a question as asked before "turning it around". But there you go, it just depends on wether one actually has an answer. In the meantime I will stick to relying on (but hoping never have to use it) our PLB. You stay safe Cobber.
Aussie1 said
05:28 PM Mar 30, 2021
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
People don't die from "unnatural causes" without a thorough investigation by the coroner. If that person had a PLB and it did not do what it was supposed to do it would front page news across the country. Cheers, Peter
Hope that answer assists you Mike. Because it is exactly correct.
TheHeaths said
07:41 PM Mar 30, 2021
I could follow your thinking Mike. As you say, a bit too subtle.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Tuesday 30th of March 2021 07:45:11 PM
Mike Harding said
08:17 AM Mar 31, 2021
Two minutes with Google - there are other examples:
EPIRBs/PLBs are great devices and I suggest all remote area travellers carry one but they are not f****** perfect - I find it difficult to understand why you two are so insistent that they are!
Bicyclecamper said
11:58 AM Mar 31, 2021
I have just got the Spot Gen 2, as you can send basic messages, and still can use the PLB feature, of it. They have a Spot 3, now, but I don't know, what extra features it has. I do also have a Sat. Phone, but do not take it on trips under 300km from home.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Wednesday 31st of March 2021 12:01:38 PM
After a bit of thought,and since I am now travelling alone,I have decided to get a PLB.Because Peter (Peter'n'Margaret) seems to have vast knowledge of many things,and I seem to recall that he once recommended GME,I went to a local suppler and had a chat about the MT410GAUS model that now is available.As I know little about the service,I visited another store that also was listed as a supplier of GME,but I was advised that that chain of stores had stopped selling GME 18 montgs ago,and now are selling the ResQLink 400 model,which he assures me is as capable as is the GME.Prices are the same,but price us of little interest to me,as I am a great believer in "You get what you pay for". Any advice would be appreciated.Cheers
Who said that?
Dmaxer made me do it.
Here is some info and a list of approved ones.
beacons.amsa.gov.au/about/beacon-types.asp
I would strongly recommend you only purchase GPS enabled ones as they give a more accurate and faster position fix.
Cheers,
Peter
The communication is one way only, so you are not aware when the signal is received. It is also not possible to describe what has happened, and what rescue or service is needed.
They are a good adjunct, but I would also suggest the use of a sat phone that allows 2 way communication, and incident description, ensuring the correct services and response units are activated. You are also aware of the message being received, and communication can be updated as and when necessary.
Other than that, I worked for Whitworths and dealt with both units. Both are very good, both 7 year battery life, GME 7 year warranty, unsure on ResQ Me unit, GME $70 cheaper at Whitworths at $299.
The other option, if you already have a boat EPIRB, you can register a secondary use as travel onshore, and use that. Not as compact, but does reduce cost and multi uses the EPIRB! This is what I have done.
All true.
A sat phone will cost several times more and will have monthly ongoing costs. The PLB is a bargain, by comparison.
I have NEVER heard of a PLB failing and the response times seem extraordinary every time I hear of one being used. Typically they make a couple of phone calls to you and your contacts immediately a signal is received to eliminate accidental activations. Then they often despatch an aircraft to the scene to see the situation and then immediately despatch a ground vehicle or helicopter depending on what they see to make the rescue or whatever is required.
This is all free.
If you call for help using a sat phone, expect to pay for whatever service that you request, if you know who to call.
And how do they find you? The PLB tells the authorities EXACTLY where you are and keeps telling them even if you are unconscious. You could be 50m off Highway 1 after loosing control of your vehicle and ending up upside down in the scrub trapped in your vehicle and invisible from the road. You are going to be very hard to find without a PLB.
As a side issue, a PLB will work anywhere in the world. When we volunteered in Fiji for 2 years, we took our PLB. When we go overseas anywhere, we take our PLB. I would not expect the same service overseas, but Australian authorities will know you are in trouble and are likely to coordinate services.
So my view is if you can afford a sat phone, definitely go for it, but make it IN ADDITION to a PLB, not instead of one.
Cheers,
Peter
Anyway I know where I am and I have a fairly good idea where I'm going so I probably don't need one.
Paddy the Irishman might be interested!
Just looking at the lighter side of life!
We have had a GME PLB (Sydney based company) since 2012, if you are traveling into remote areas it is a MUST. Make sure you buy with GPS tracking. You will need to register it with a Government website so that they know who owns, what potential medical emergencies are possible and who to contact if it does go off
Register it here - https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/
We sent our back to get its 7 year service in 2019, cost $200, new battery, checks and ready for another 7 years
My son, an avid 4x4'er and bush motorbike rider has one as well
When triggered any aircraft in the area is re-directed to spot you, they will then direct helicopters, land rescue to your aid - there could be a 2-3 hour lapse before someone gets to you, or if more remote areas many hours, but no different to a Sat phone
-- Edited by Trevor 57 on Friday 26th of March 2021 06:00:31 AM
-- Edited by Trevor 57 on Friday 26th of March 2021 06:01:18 AM
I am told reliably, sat phones like PLB's remote access to satellites can be hit and miss
-- Edited by Trevor 57 on Friday 26th of March 2021 05:57:44 AM
Peter and yourself are correct. Cost is higher for the phone, and satellites are at times out of sight.
I was putting it forward as an addition, as while PLBs should only be used for life threatening situations when accessible to satellites, the phone offers an ability, when satellites are visible, to call for non life threatening matters, and perhaps get a solution over the phone.
Cost is really not that an obstacle, as for people travelling around Australia, they are already investing a lot of money in vehicles, vans, fuel, accomodation and the like, and getting something like a Thuraya Sat sleeve, to convert their existing phone to satellite usage is in my opinion a sound investment in their own safety as well as that of others.
As I say, I advocate the use of both if possible.
I note I am not associated with Thuraya, but simply put this forward as an option I have seen.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Friday 26th of March 2021 08:13:50 AM
Same here, Peter. And I have a bit of experience, Bushwalking.
I also endorse the rest of your post.
Thanks to all those who contributed.Today I bought the GME ($350) after I had earler visited the chain store,near Newcastle,that used to sell GME,but 18 months ago had changed to ResQLink.Under intense scrutiny,the chap who was representing that chain virtually agreed with my assertion that there was more profit for them in the marketing of the ResQLink product."But I didn't say that".Hope I have made the right decision,but seems ,to me,that GME is the better product? Cheers
Do yourself a favour and download one that is far more accurate, and one to share with all of your mates, and people who you want to let know where you are.
Very acurate anywhere on the mainland.
what3words.com/guard.cling.radio
It divides the land mass into 3square meter blocks, and each one has its own unique 3 word code.
Simply open the app, and it will locate exactly where you are to with 3 meters. It will display three words, those are your exact location
send the 3 words to your contact, they then put those three words into the app on their phone or computer etc, and know exactly where you are.
Becoming very popular in other countries, and catching on in Australai pretty quick.
For those that want to find me, i am at the following address.
quit.silver.twice
So how is Paramatta
I have a Kti Safety Alert
gps to 3 metres
It is small and hangs on your belt or I have an arm band
it's 3.5 inches x 4 inches weighs 140 grams, self buoyant , salt water resistant to 3 metres
has a strobe, whistle, and a mirror comes in the kit ,
a nice unit
never had to use it or the last one I had
battery life is 10 years, it is non hazmat so safe for air travel
bob
Well you wouldn't... would you!
Of course you would - it would be page 1 news.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Tony LEE on Monday 29th of March 2021 05:37:56 PM
Mike, It certainly would be page 1 news. If you have evidence of such an occurrence please post so we can be informed.
I am an owner of a PLB and have every confidence in them.
Think it through.
----
EPIRBs/PLBs are *NOT* get out of jail free cards and should not be considered such.
Due to the high frequency nature of their signals they may not work in a number of locations including heavy forest and especially so when the trees are wet. Additionally; the cavalry do not immediately leap from stage left and rescue you. A bite from a brown snake will likely kill well before help has arrived and "help" certainly won't have anti-venom with it.
I am a supporter of EPIRBs of encourage people to carry one but they are *NOT* a substitute for experience and good judgement.
Also the EPIRB design may have issues: a few years back I discovered that when I stored my GME EPIRB with a small portable radio the EPIRB went into test mode and had I not realised would have drained its battery within a day or so. This was caused by GME using a reed switch to generate test mode, the reed switch allowed them to easily and cheaply maintain IP67 integrity. Trouble is reed switches are activated by a magnet - any magnet - including the one in the speaker of my radio. There was no facility to test the battery on this EPIRB so there was no telling if it would actually work when needed. The manual made no mention of this design shortcoming. I informed GME at director level and they were rather worried but had no solution - how could they? They eventually discontinued the product.
Don't rely solely upon a box of electronics for your life.
Yes all good stuff Mike however, no hard evidence of nil or poor response. Plenty of situations of lives being saved out there though.
Clearly I was too subtle.
If someone in a life threatening situation triggers an EPIRB and, for whatever reason, it fails to elicit a response and said person dies there is a significant probability no one will ever know about the failure.
If that person had a PLB and it did not do what it was supposed to do it would front page news across the country.
Cheers,
Peter
Common courtesy dictates that one would answer a question as asked before "turning it around". But there you go, it just depends on wether one actually has an answer. In the meantime I will stick to relying on (but hoping never have to use it) our PLB. You stay safe Cobber.
Hope that answer assists you Mike. Because it is exactly correct.
I could follow your thinking Mike. As you say, a bit too subtle.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Tuesday 30th of March 2021 07:45:11 PM
Two minutes with Google - there are other examples:
EPIRB system failure
EPIRBs/PLBs are great devices and I suggest all remote area travellers carry one but they are not f****** perfect - I find it difficult to understand why you two are so insistent that they are!
I have just got the Spot Gen 2, as you can send basic messages, and still can use the PLB feature, of it. They have a Spot 3, now, but I don't know, what extra features it has. I do also have a Sat. Phone, but do not take it on trips under 300km from home.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Wednesday 31st of March 2021 12:01:38 PM