EPIRBS now with reach

[Sebastian]

http://www.islandmarineelectronics.c...p_18-1056.html#

Found the same for $117.00

Anyone have any idea on the quality of this EPERB?

[peguinpower]

ACR is basically the benchmark out there. The miniB300 does not have a GPS position transmitter, but soon as you trigger it, the CG will know something is up and will try to triangulate the user.

/bing

[dgax65]

From the USCG Navigation Center

406 MHz EPIRBs

The 406 MHz EPIRB was designed to operate with satellites. The signal frequency (406 MHz) has been designated internationally for use only for distress. Other communications and interference, such as on 121.5 MHz, is not allowed on this frequency. Its signal allows a satellite local user terminal to accurately locate the EPIRB (much more accurately -- 2 to 5 km vice 25 km -- than 121.5/243 MHz devices), and identify the vessel (the signal is encoded with the vessel's identity) anywhere in the world (there is no range limitation). These devices are detectable not only by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites which are polar orbiting, but also by geostationary GOES weather satellites. EPIRBs detected by the GEOSTAR system, consisting of GOES and other geostationary satellites, send rescue authorities an instant alert, but without location information unless the EPIRB is equipped with an integral GPS receiver. EPIRBs detected by COSPAS-SARSAT (e.g. TIROS N) satellites provide rescue authorities location of distress, but location and sometimes alerting may be delayed as much as an hour or two. These EPIRBs also include a 121.5 MHz homing signal, allowing aircraft and rescue craft to quickly find the vessel in distress. These are the only type of EPIRB which must be certified by Coast Guard approved independent laboratories before they can be sold in the United States.
A new type of 406 MHz EPIRB, having an integral GPS navigation receiver, became available in 1998. This EPIRB will send accurate location as well as identification information to rescue authorities immediately upon activation through both geostationary (GEOSAR) and polar orbiting satellites. These types of EPIRB are the best you can buy.
406 MHz emergency locating transmitters (ELTs) for aircraft are currently available. 406 MHz personnel locating beacons (PLBs) are available.
The Coast Guard recommends you purchase a 406 MHz EPIRB, preferably one with an integral GPS navigation receiver. A Cat I EPIRB should be purchased if it can be installed properly.


Triggering a 406MHz EPIRB will get the SAR ball rolling, but it will not provide rescuers with your location unless it has an onboard GPS. It can take several passes in order to get a good fix. Having an EPIRB with a 121.5MHz beacon or a VHF radio will help them localize your position. That could still equate to a long time in the water. Getting an EPIRB with an onboard GPS can get rescuers heading your way in just a few minutes. That might be worth the extra $400 - especially if you're 17.5 miles offshore and you've been catching blues and makos all day

http://www.acrelectronics.com/resqfix/resqfix.htm
http://www.acrelectronics.com/aquafix/aquafix.htm

BTW: The Coast Guard's new communications system, called Rescue 21, has the ability to DF on VHF radios. If you're in range of the high sites you have a good chance of them receiving your Mayday and plotting your position. Another good reason to have a VHF Marine Band radio with you. Just make sure you broadcast your Mayday on Ch. 16.
I'm not sure if Sector San Diego has received Rescue 21 yet, but they had a SPAWAR system that DF's from the high sites. The local high sites are at Pt. Loma, Mt. Soledad and on one of the peaks on San Clemente.

Here's a video about the use of Rescue 21 in a rescue
http://www.gdc4s.com/content/816a4a1...ideo_popup.cfm

[esdees]

DF = Direction Finding

[THE DARKHORSE]

Triggering a 406MHz EPIRB will get the SAR ball rolling, but it will not provide rescuers with your location unless it has an onboard GPS. It can take several passes in order to get a good fix. Having an EPIRB with a 121.5MHz beacon or a VHF radio will help them localize your position. That could still equate to a long time in the water. Getting an EPIRB with an onboard GPS can get rescuers heading your way in just a few minutes. That might be worth the extra $400 - especially if you're 17.5 miles offshore and you've been catching blues and makos all day

Doug, you are like my personal N.A.S.A. assistant, I knew you would come to the rescue and evaluate the specs for me, so thanks.

[aguachico]

Doug;

What about a HH VHF with GPS and DSC?

http://www.standardhorizon.com/index...3&isArchived=0

[peguinpower]

Thanks for info. So this 121.5 Mhz EPIRB is a locating beacon. It won't trigger SAR but it will get them to find you. You'll still have to make a DISTRESS call and tell them you activated an EPIRB.

A second scenario is that you are already missing and being missed. At which point, the assumption is you dont have propulsion or VHF capability. When SAR goes out to try and find you they'll know you have an EPIRB and home in.

Not bad. I didnt expect to get AAA like service on the water. For 140, its seems to be a decent safety net.

/bing

[dgax65]

Originally Posted by peguinpower

Thanks for info. So this 121.5 Mhz EPIRB is a locating beacon. It won't trigger SAR but it will get them to find you. You'll still have to make a DISTRESS call and tell them you activated an EPIRB.

A second scenario is that you are already missing and being missed. At which point, the assumption is you dont have propulsion or VHF capability. When SAR goes out to try and find you they'll know you have an EPIRB and home in.

Not bad. I didnt expect to get AAA like service on the water. For 140, its seems to be a decent safety net.

/bing

After 01 February 2009, the 121.5MHz systems will no longer trigger a COSPAS/SARSAT satellite. The spectrum around 121.5MHz is too congested so these Class 1 and 2 EPIRBs are being phased out. The shift to 406MHz EPIRB started in 2000 and the FCC has restricted use of 121.5MHz EPIRB since last year. The 121.5MHz EPIRB are still used as crew man-overboard devices. They sell those Mini 300 locator beacons with handheld direction finding (DF) system for use on larger vessels. I think the CG boats and helos have DF equipment to home on the 121.5/243MHz beacons. A mayday call and a beacon will get a response.

All you ever wanted to know about EPIRB can be found at the USCG Navigation Center site:
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/epirb.htm

I've wanted to get an EPIRB for several years, but have been too cheap to do so. I used to routinely paddle 3-5 miles out off of Pt. Loma. When I was out there I would think that having an EPIRB would be a good thing. Standing inside West Marine, looking at the ACR display, I would think that I have a better use for $600. Cheap ruled the daylol Now I don't get out enough to justify the cost. I have seen that USCG DF system in operation and I have conviced myself that I'm safe carrying 2 VHF radios.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by aguachico

Doug;

What about a HH VHF with GPS and DSC?

http://www.standardhorizon.com/index...3&isArchived=0

This is the same model a friend pointed me towards the other day, it seems the best of both worlds.

[dgax65]

Originally Posted by aguachico

Doug;

What about a HH VHF with GPS and DSC?

http://www.standardhorizon.com/index...3&isArchived=0

It's A-OK and you're GTG

[aguachico]

Originally Posted by dgax65

It's A-OK and you're GTG

thanks I'm in the market for another HH. This maybe my 'in the middle of nowhere " vhf.