LOL!!!

Of course there are pros and cons to each method chosen, and everyone should use what they are most comfortable with after reviewing the facts, but that being said I think I may have done a poor job presenting the information. Allow me to attempt again.

As I understand it there are different ways of self-testing a PLB. The most basic way is you push the self-test button, the PLB lights up, and you're confident that it still works. A more advanced kind is a through-satelite self test, where a signal is actually transmitted. According to the website:



So the signal goes from PLB to satelite to Safelife receiving station, which, if you have signed up for the service, with then send you an email informing you that the signal was received. This is all part of ACR's PLB "self test" function.

If your PLB is already sending a benign signal, and you're getting an email or text message informing you when the signal is received, why not extend that service just a little farther to have it sent to the email(s) of your choice, with the pre-programmed message of your choice?

I guess what I'm saying is that through-satelite self-testing, as opposed to a basic self-test, is already a communication function--you're simply communicating with empty air. 406 link is merely a way to connect that communication to a recipient.

But hey, I'm not an expert or anything. No affiliation.

thanks ann. that sounds like a good idea!

the more i learn, i realize how little i know. i just wish i had the money to test it all out!

Recent update from NOAA:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110120_sarsat.html

An apparent PLB save:
http://satellite.tmcnet.com/news/2011/04/24/5464317.htm

Another vote in favour if carrying one, especially innremote locations.

Actually, given the "Texas" mention, I suspect it was a SPOT save, not a PLB. Regardless, a win for satellite distress alerting

That would be SPOT correct? I believe their response center is located in Texas. Whatever company made or manages the PLB, good job.

I'm not sure what type of beacon was attached to the kid at your school. The SPOT devices don't have a loud audible alarm.

I can see an argument both ways. If you are truly remote, you need a satellite-based locater with GPS. But it doesn't hurt to also have a device that makes really loud sounds ... like one of those 130-dB horns. Some people carry them to fotball games, and stuff like that. It would helpful for guiding a rescue team when they get close.

cheers,
Pete #2

Or simply use the whistle that should be somewhere on you. Whistles work extremely well, often at surprising distances and are quite distinctive. I tend to associate the loud air horn with drunken football fans.

That nice fire you have built also aids rescuers. It is both visible, both flame and smoke, and can be smelled at a distance as well. Just don't build a fire in dry conditions..