So I found this website (which is by far the best I've found) by trying to research beacons for snowboarding. But I was overcome by the ammount of information availabe, and the more I seem to research this topic, the more questions I have. Originally I was looking for an emergency avalanche beacon to be used on snow days. I've worked at Squaw Valley the last few years and consider myself an expert snowboarder, but recently I've started investing in backcountry gear and would like to start venturing off piste. But as beacons are expensive and I make close to minimum wage =( I want to be sure of what I'm getting. So enough background, here's the questions.

Aren't PLBs basically GPS devices that send a distress signal out when you want them to? I must be missing something if you have to have another GPS device to plug into it.
http://www.equipped.org/terrafix_406gps_plb.htm

Now I understand that PLBs signals are disrupted by even a thin layer of water making them absolutely useless as avalanche beacons, but as they seem to me(the newb) as similar devices, are there models that function as both?

Ideally what I'd like to find is a GPS device that I could use with Google Earth to record where I've been, function as a PLB, and an avalanche beacon.

Thanks for your help.
-Graham

There are different types of PLB's, EPIRBs etc.
Some transmit GPS data from and inbuilt GPS, some need a GPS connected to them, and some are just a beacon.
They work by transmitting on one of the assigned frequencies, and there are Satelites and aircraft etc equipped to recieve the signals. If the signal has GPS data, it can be quicker to know where you are. If it doesn't have GPS data, then the Satelite will narrow the signal to an area, then search aircraft/vehicles will search in this area to narrow it further.
There is some more data from the ETS home page with tests with some of the 406Mhz models which I suggest you read.
I suggest you do some research into what other people are using in similar conditions or use. They will have already sorted out some of the reason why they purchased the model and brand for their use.

Like Biggzie said, the PLB reviews are a good place to start. I don't think, however, that there will be an all-inclusive device that will meet your needs. To be able to map your travels, you'll need a GPS that is on more-or-less constantly. The GPS units that are integrated into some PLB's are only active when the PLB is activated - this is done to conserve battery power. There are some PLB's that can accept data from an external (and superior) GPS unit. Living in Mississippi, my knowledge about avalanches is somewhat limited. The snow kind, that is - I own Chevy Avlanche! :-)

Stay safe,

JimJr

Be sure to check out this excellent web site:

www.gpsinformation.net

Lots of, well, GPS information. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />