Equipped To Survive Foundation will be conducting 406 MHz Emergency Beacon testing again this summer as a follow-on to our original tests that documented problems with McMurdo EPIRBs and PLBs. We will be testing the supposedly improved "upgraded" McMurdo beacons and new beacons from ACR Electronics.

The tests will be conducted around and offshore from Santa Cruz, California, the week of July 11, starting with preparations on July 9 and finishing up with clean-up and packing on July 16. I am looking for volunteers to assist in this effort. Persons who can participate for multiple days or the whole week are preferred. There is a modest amount of physical activity involved: hiking, working on the boats, carry boxes and gear, etc. Tests will go on pretty much regardless of the weather, reasonable safety limits permitting. Each participant will have to sign a personal waiver and non-disclosure agreement.

This is an opportunity to have a personal and direct effect on the quality of survival equipment that is available and have a good time as well. If you are interested, please email me at beacontest2005@equipped.org.

TIA,