Not only has it been a while since I'd read part 97, I've apparently not be following the whole APRS craze - neat stuff <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

After looking at the rules a bit last night, APRS, though not specifically mentioned, seems to fall under telemetry which is an acceptable use of one-way transmissions.

Still, there's a difference between what you can do in an emergency and what you can do for routine operation.

For now, I'll stick with letting people know where I'm going and carry my cell and dual band HT with me. I hope to soon add a PLB to the gear I carry.

If it comes down to a nasty situation, and I can't get out on my own, then I'd hope to be able to use the cell phone, then HT, and finally the PLB as a last resort to call in for help.

I'm all for using Amateur radio to the fullest extent, but in the end I'd rather spend the extra bucks on a PLB than rely on a APRS setup that I've cobbled together and then hope someone can hear the transmissions. With a PLB, the satellite's always up there listening <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />