So if I read this right, you can't use that freq from a boat in distress, but it is ok for a plane down in the water, or a man overboard in the water? I'm guessing that would mean a lifeboat is ok to use it in as well?

I am going to refer to the "Book of Bo-Vol I" (when I get home) and check the use of the 121.5MHz. I am thinking it was also designated as a lifeboat freq.

The "Book of Bo-Vol I" is the memo book I carried for 22 years and put down all the info I rarely used but needed immediate access to, if the need arose. From a 1/4" govt memo book, it has grown to approx 2" thick and has the Ranger Handbook attached to it, as well.

As I recall, I used to use my IFF to draw in curious DoD pilots and then contacted them on 243.0MHz to establish verbal contact, trade IFF code, then switch to a working freq and get them to give me realtime intel on where the shrimp boats were grouped/fishing within a 60 mi9le radius of my present position.

Curiosity is a powerful tool/weapon when used properly.

Go to a Hamfest. Find someone there with lots of complicated blinky-light radios, show them your PRC-90 and ask them who they know who can tune it up. Don't let one dingbat ruin your day! There's plenty of people willing to take on that radio.

The way I read it, you can use it all you want (in emergencies), but after 1Feb09 satellite detection of that freq will terminate, so you would be limited to line of sight transmission/reception. If anyone was still listening to that freq by then...

I work for ACR and was attracted by the title of this thread.

1. Satellite monitoring, alert and location of 121.5/243.0 will officially cease in Feb09. In the USA, the FCC, at the USCG's request, has outlawed the use of 121.5/243.0 EPIRBs, (called Class A, B and S). All other 121.5/243.0 transmitters are legal to use in an emergency. 121.5 will continue to be used as the primary Homing frequency for many years to come. The FAA still permits C-91 and C-91a ELTs and encourages fellow pilots to monitor 121.5. ACR did not create these policy changes.

2. Your PRC-90 radio is obsolete. There are many parts that are no longer available that may be required to repair or service your radio. I am sorry for this, but there is nothing ACR can do.

I'm sorry you felt you were treated rudely. It certainly isn't our policy to treat people poorly. You received good advice though, even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear.

Thanks for the clarification...

I agree that ACR has some of the most rude folks you will speak to on the phone!!!

I bought a PLB last year and they had a promo going on at the time. They were giving away some discontinued stuff with the purchase. The instructions on their website were a bit ambigious, so I called. I think I spoke with the rude spanish speaking lady you mention!!

PDHardin, since you work there, you should send a link to this thread to your folks at ACR. Poor phone skills should not be tolerated.

Thanks guys for the quickist response I know of! PDHardin, Sir, someone really does need to talk to your staff about their attitude towards customers and potential customers. This is not the first time for this. Years ago they ran a special with the "Mini B2 ILS, a whistle, strobe/flashlight combo, and some reflective patches". They were rude then and I almost didn't purchase one. If it wasn't for me going backpacking into the wilderness a few weeks later and the limitations on available products, I would of just hung up. ACR could be the greatest company on the face of the Earth. By the way, ALL OTHER PRC-90-()'s ARE THE SAME INTERNALLY, period! You might want to tell the staff that for just FYI purposes. Also, will ACR work on old LPU's and single man life rafts? If you guys do, I might be convinced to try one more time.

Also, I have quite a collection of Military Survival Equipment and componets. If there is some interest in seeing some of it, let me know and I will start posting some pictures via categories. Again thanks guys!