Anyone use emergency beacons in remote areas?

Anyone had anything to do with these.

Although not a replacement for EPIRB's or PLB's it seems like a good idea, from an Aussie company, as an option for those not wanting/able to spend a lot but still wanting some type of alert/emergency beacon if going to a remote area.

http://www.tracme.com.au/default.htm

I can see the use of this... but my concern would be that if you are in a valley then the signal would not get out... UHF is only line of sight.. and I doubt if it would have any serious range that would be required to activate a Ch 5 repeater anywhere.... Most of my detecting is in rough country not wide open plains....so no I wont be getting one.

Hi Mbasko, as you say they are not a replacement for a PLB. In remoter areas I could see they would be of no use. I guess you would be sitting there wondering if help was on the way.

The PLB's that are smaller then a pack of cigarettes and broadcast via satellite allowing rescuers to get your location within 150 metres in usually only a few minutes after activation is the only way to go I reckon.

At $340, and lasting for 6 years, PLB's work out at $50 a year. Cheap insurance in my book if you spend anytime in remoter areas or in the bush on your own.

Thanks for the replies - that little PLB definitely looks like the go. I had concerns about the tracme units too. The UHF radios we use at work are hit & miss at best. Just interested in whether anyone may have one or use one but can see their limitation's for sure.

Hi there
I'm only new to panning & digging but as I also do a fair bit of fishing the ocean & 4wding I own an epirb
I know bit bulky but when you go online & register it you can register your vehicle details & trip details
you just have to remeber to change locations so they can get help to you faster by having the trip details already on hand.

Luckily haven't had to use it yet, I bought it in 2007 & on the side of the casing it says battery used by date 2015 I have tested it regularly & seems to work fine but they recomend you change your battery every 6 years.

Thanks for the reply.

Have been lucky with phone coverage in most areas I've ventured so far but last week went to a spot with not even a bar. There were open shafts about, steep creek banks, known brown snake country etc. so will definately be looking into something soon. The little PLB's look to be the go - stick it in your pocket & away you go.

You could try this, it works well. You can setup a webpage that allows others to follow your travels.   http://au.findmespot.com/en/

I carry the same as Tributer. Easy to carry, havn"t had to use it yet (touch wood). MARTY

Stealth914 wrote:Hi there
I'm only new to panning & digging but as I also do a fair bit of fishing the ocean & 4wding I own an epirb
I know bit bulky but when you go online & register it you can register your vehicle details & trip details
you just have to remeber to change locations so they can get help to you faster by having the trip details already on hand.

Luckily haven't had to use it yet, I bought it in 2007 & on the side of the casing it says battery used by date 2015 I have tested it regularly & seems to work fine but they recomend you change your battery every 6 years.

Hi stealth,
It is important to note the difference between the accuracy of PLBs and Epirbs.....it can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

Cheers & beers.

markfitz1 wrote:You could try this, it works well. You can setup a webpage that allows others to follow your travels.   http://au.findmespot.com/en/

It looks interesting however when you look at the coverage map they say 99 percent within twenty minutes a message will get through. Perhaps they are not instantaneous? This could be an issue if messages take time to get through. I will check it some more

Breitling make an emergency wrist watch with PLB/satellite beacon built in. Not cheap though.

Guest wrote:I can see the use of this... but my concern would be that if you are in a valley then the signal would not get out... UHF is only line of sight.. and I doubt if it would have any serious range that would be required to activate a Ch 5 repeater anywhere....  Most of my detecting is in rough country not wide open plains....so no I wont be getting one.

Same question i have in mind if there are interruptions in signal , how is it?