EPIRBS now with reach

[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.

[cabojohn]

Originally Posted by dgax65

I've wanted to get an EPIRB for several years, but have been too cheap to do so.
I have conviced myself that I'm safe carrying 2 VHF radios.

x2
I carry a back up VHF radio in my emergency / ditch kit along with a second hand held GPS. Piece of mind makes kayak fishing that much more enjoyable.
Some day I will get either a SAT phone or EPIRB...

[peguinpower]

Here is a question. I looked at 406 mhz epirbs and they seem to also emit the 121 freq. Is it right to say that the 406 is to get the message out and the 121 is for locating?

"Transmits on 406 MHz via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system with your registered unique, digitally coded distress signal and 121.5 MHz (SAR homing frequency)"

Thanks,

/bing

[dgax65]

I think the plan is to have the satellites monitor only the 406MHz. This provides the signal to the rescue agencies. The 121.5MHz beacons will no longer be monitored from the satellites, but they will still be used by the SAR boats/aircraft to home in on the source. Non-GPS equipped EPRIB will only get the SAR craft so close. They still have to find you once they get in the general area (no easy task, even in good conditions). Even with a LAT/LON from a GPS equipped EPIRB, they still have to find you. The GPS fix might not be 100% accurate or there may be some latency that comes into play. That is why it is so important to have signal devices with you. The electronics can get rescuers close, but you still need to have them spot you. Radio beacons, flares, smoke signals, dye markers, lights, signal mirrors and whistles will help make their search much quicker and easier. High visibility colors and reflective strips on you clothing will also make it easier for SAR forces to find you.

[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.