Thread: PLB recommendations

https://www.aspiring.co.nz/product/a...ocator-beacon/

At 4.6 oz, the ResQLink distress beacon weighs less than a couple of energy bars and it’s smaller than the cell phone in your pocket. Small and mighty, the ResQLink™ PLB is a full-powered, GPS-enabled rescue beacon designed for anglers, pilots and back country sportsmen.

With three levels of integrated signal technology – GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability – the ResQLink PLB quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of search and rescue satellites. A built-in strobe light provides visibility during night rescues.

PLBs have been proven tried and true in some of the world’s most remote locations and treacherous conditions. Just ask the 400 or so pilots, boaters and back country explorers who were saved by a PLB during a rigorous test program in Alaska. Based in large part on the test results, the federal government approved use of PLBs in the United States in 2003.

Even in extreme conditions and situations, the ResQLink™ activates easily. Just deploy the antenna and press the ON button. With its powerful 66-channel GPS, the ResQLink™ guides rescuers to within 100 meters or less of your position. And, in the continental U.S., search and rescue personnel are typically alerted of your position in as little as five minutes with a GPS-enabled PLB such as the ResQLink™.

Two built-in tests allow you to routinely verify that the ResQLink™ is functioning and ready for use – with the push of a button, you can easily test internal electronics and GPS functionality.

No Subscription Fees
Super Bright LED Strobe
Onboard 66-Channel GPS
Self-Test and GPS Test Features
Typical Performance 30 Hours
Non-Hazmat Battery
Made in the U.S.A.

If you use it…we’ll replace it, Free of Charge. Simply submit your story, send us back your used beacon so we can have it mounted on our Wall of Fame and we’ll send you a brand new beacon of equal or greater value.

I keep one in the back pack when ever getting more than an hour or two from the vehicle. A cheap price to pay for safety. Pretty easy to register. Oh, and in the kit also was included a First Aid Kit, very handy and stays in the pack as well.

Thanks for your advice guys, think I’ll get the acr one.

Though in saying that they only have a 5-6 year battery life?

Originally Posted by Moutere

I asked one of the guys crewing the rescue helicopter if there were any trends regarding false activations, KTI was his very direct answer.
Obviously opinion but born from experience and I think worth considering.

But is it a bit like owning a Toyota / ford / holden ( they are all shit mate my neighbors is always breaking down ) but in reality due to their popularity everbody has one so the accidental deployment / false activation is a percentage thing.

The KTI has a sliding cover over the activation button, taped so it can't accidentally slide and expose the button without removing or tearing the tape. Plus mine came with a little case to protect it.

In this photo from that stuffed article above you can see the ends of the tape remaining where it has been ripped off, and the red cover has been slid back over the activation button. You can also see that the screws are undone to dismantle it though, so no way of really knowing what was done when.

Originally Posted by cambo

Interestingly I found this about false activations....
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/103...ss-the-country

Doesn't look good for that brand......

More than a third of personal locator beacons are set off "inadvertently" each year in New Zealand,

Talk about false claims! Should have stated that more than a third of activations each year are inadvertent. There is a big difference.

As this is a peace of mind purchase I didn’t want to have to worry about the possibility of the KTI accidentally calling SAR. So I have bought the ACR off skippers mate. In the 5 years I’ll either get a battery replacement, or by then they may have come up with something better.
Thanks for your collective wisdom!