Again, thanks to y'all for the information and DR for the website.

I did try to search for the info I knew was here but apparently was too clumsy to find it on my own. I have read over the links and most of the initial questions have been answered. I will go back and study more. Good stuff as usual.

I did order the McMurdo FastFind 210 PLB today. We have a trip to the Bahamian Out Islands next week and will be in some very remote locations. This device will provide some margin of comfort although I won't expect to see a chopper anytime soon if needed.

We spend a great deal of time deep in the Everglades on foot, by boat or buggy. Most of the time comms is nonexistent. The hazards are many. While I care for my own safety, my primary concern is for Angie.

When on a photo shoot she is all about the view through the camera, complete condition white while I am condition orange. I train her to use the survival equipment as much as possible but her attention is on her photo equipment [considerable] and the shot. She trusts me to get her in and out.

If she goes down we still have options. If I go down she is in serious trouble. I don't want her to have to make the decision to stay or leave for help. Even if I'm dead, I don't want her to try to come out on her own. Time to call in SAR.

While the McMurdo unit says it has 10 self tests available, it can't actually send a test to a SafeLife satellite, or any other, until the antenna is deployed. Bummer. Still, as you say, it's better to have than nothing. For the price I'm pleased.

I fully expect to buy the ACR product that allows 100 full satellite tests when it's available. If I understand the concept, testing will allow us to see how well the GPS acquisition works in the different environments we see as well as train Angie on its use. I don't believe in learning under stress.

Sorry for the 'discussion' but it helps me bounce important decisions like this in a forum I trust.

I am confused about one thing:
KenK >>> The GEO satellites orbit around the Earth's equator and will provide a very quick response to a PLB beacon - within 3-5 minutes. That will tell the system that you are in trouble, but won't tell them where you are. <<<

I thought the GEO satellites would receive your GPS location (if available). If location data was not available then it would be eventually determined by Doppler from the LEO system.

Please correct me where I am misunderstanding/dreaming/stupid.