It would appear that you know your way around electronics. If so, carry on and enjoy the savings!

I think this whole thread lays bare one of the problems inherent with electronic gadgets. You are dependent upon their reliability and the reliability of the system of which they are part. Experience, at least that which gets reported, indicates that PLBs, etc. and their systems work well enough.

Your first, and often best, strategy is to insure that your enterprise is well equipped with materials, knowledge, and skills, to deal with emergencies and glitches.

I note that I started this thread in 2012 seeking information on PLBs. I still have not taken the plunge and purchased -mostly inertia, but also that traditional methods have worked and still do. I make sure that dependable folks (mostly my wife) know my plans and where I will be.