How many carry a PLB ? - (Pers. locator Beacon)

I guess I should be thankful my wife still likes me enough that when she caught wind of the PLB's that are on the market she made me buy one because of the amount of solo alpine routes I do. Considering the size, reliability and relative low cost (about $215.00) I really can't dispute the logic.
I am curious how many others are carrying these units.

I carry a bat symbol.

I bought a spot and it makes my wife happy.

The tracking mode is worth the cost and the annual fee alone because anytime during the day that I'm out with it my wife can log into the spot website and see exactly where I am and where I last was (i.e. whether or not I'm still moving).

It's been a life saver on several trips that took hours longer than expected.

The satellite acquisition and signal transmission is not as reliable as with PLBs, but again it's the tracking mode that I'm most interested in.

I got one a few years ago. Finally took it with me on a trip this spring were I knew I would traveling solo. I think they are a reasonable item to carry along.

Yup, carry a SPOT whenever I go solo. Makes the wife happy and gives me a little peace of mind.

I've used one (SPOT device) in the past when I do solo treks. Pretty great tool as all my family and friends could track me on-line and see where I was.

if you get those pre-programmed text sends, plug yours for
"need beer -- have hookers and blow" -- if you really want help to show up

or right next to the "I'm fine and at camp" make sure you program "Help, Bear Attack; it's ripping my arms off!!"

otherwise use -- "no you stupid bitch, I told you I'd be back tomorrow."

because any relationship needs communication.

Buff Johnson wrote:if you get those pre-programmed text sends, plug yours for "need beer -- have hookers and blow" -- if you really want help or right next to the "I'm fine and at camp" make sure you program "Help, Bear Attack; it's ripping my arms off!!" otherwise use -- "no you stupid bitch, I told you I'd be back tomorrow." because any relationship needs communication.

Lmao!

If you carry a dozen PBR's in addition to your PLB
your rescuers will be appreciative as well.

Yes, PBR's are my favorite emergency gear to carry...

I carry a PLB- it generally lives in my first aid kit. Even cragging- cell phones aren't reliable.

Kinda funny how many guys carry a SPOT to keep their ladies quiet.

Meme Guy wrote:Kinda funny how many guys carry a SPOT to keep their ladies happy.

There, fixed that for you, Mr. Toughalufagis.

Bet you drive one of them-thar big ol trucks with the balls hanging from the hitch.

Dave Bn wrote: There, fixed that for you, Mr. Toughalufagis. Bet you drive one of them-thar big ol trucks with the balls hanging from the hitch.

Darn right.

I do like the idea of having it on solo trips. I just need to make habit of making sure it's on me and not in a pack pocket or first aid kit left in camps. I can just imagine the horrible feeling of being in a desperate scenario knowing I hauled the thing around only to know it's in a pack pocket 1000ft below me and completely useless.

I used to carry a beacon when I was married. Not so much anymore.

acrartex.com/products/catal…

I have that one and I really like the idea behind the technology.

I decided to stay away from the SPOT because it does not use the government satellites and they are not built to a technology standard.

The other big advantage to the ACR device a beacon signal on 121.5mhz. Some rescue outfits still have direction finding equipment that can home in on this signal to find you if the lat / long sent to the satellite via the 406mhz signal was as accurate as it should be.

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capmembers.com/media/cms/Pr…

Another alternative to Spot:

inreachdelorme.com/product-…

Unlike Spot you can not only send but also receive text messages via satellite. And you can compose custom messages, not just send pre-loaded messages. You also get confirmation that your message has been sent.

InReach uses the Iridium satellite network which provides true global coverage. Spot uses Globalstar which isn't a good choice for high latitudes, e.g. Alaska.

More expensive up-front than the Spot ($299) but ongoing subscription costs are comparable (basic plan is $10 p.m.). In any case it's way cheaper than an Iridium satellite phone which might be a better comparison.

A SPOT probably saved the life of one of my partners while we were climbing deep in the Winds a few years ago. She likely would not have survived if we had to get help by foot. Ever since then I make sure there is at least one SPOT or PLB amongst the group for anything alpine, remote, etc.

This sounds like the winner to me. No subscription. If you use it, they replace it. So it's a one time cost of $280. Are there any downsides?

wankel7 wrote:http://www.acrartex.com/products/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/resqlink-plb/ I have that one and I really like the idea behind the technology. I decided to stay away from the SPOT because it does not use the government satellites and they are not built to a technology standard. The other big advantage to the ACR device a beacon signal on 121.5mhz. Some rescue outfits still have direction finding equipment that can home in on this signal to find you if the lat / long sent to the satellite via the 406mhz signal was as accurate as it should be. ..... capmembers.com/media/cms/Pr…

Yes Nate. I think you are correct for the way to go.

The ONLY downside (if you think it is a downside??) is no messages either direction.

The ACR is a onetime package. Then maybe send it in every 5 years for inspection, and battery replacement.

They ARE the most reliable unit, from my understanding.
(I even got to talk to a a Capt. in the AirForce on the phone about it, and its workings..)

Does ACR replace the beacon if you activate for a real deal emergency?

I wasn't aware of that?

Honestly, in five years my battery will be expired but I can't wait to see what has happened to beacon technology in five years. I will be buying a new one for sure.