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Spot PLB was: Cheaper 406mhz alternative

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larry(at)ncproto.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 12:48 pm Post subject: Spot PLB was: Cheaper 406mhz alternative

We have the Spot and used it this weekend.  We had the first non-raining day in quite some time and so took advantage of the situation and went flying.  My wife was in the backseat; initiated some alerts from the Spot; and received email notices on her Blackberry with time, location and the message.  Everything worked as it is supposed to.  

   

Our intent has nothing to do with meeting FAA regs; it is simply a tool that lets me (or us) let loved ones know where we are and that we are safe; and has the likelihood of being more useful than currently available ELT and PLB devices in an emergency.  Our Super D has the FAA legal ELT in it to meet regs.  

   

Larry E. James  

Bellevue, WA  

Super Decathlon  

Rocket (under construction)  

   

       [quote][b]

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gmcjetpilot

Joined: 04 Nov 2006
Posts: 170

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:07 pm Post subject: Spot PLB was: Cheaper 406mhz alternative

Thanks Larry James for the PIREP on 

"SPOT". The only thing is you need someone 

to receive the email alerts and be expecting 

you.

   

  The cost of an Artex 406ME is $1000. A PLB 

is about $600 to $700, so I don't see the big 

expense difference.

   

  Don't wait for "D" battery 406ELTs because 

batteries are cheaper. All new 406 elts will 

have battery packs. Yes they cost more, but 

with a 5yr life, the yearly cost is not bad. As 

more companies compete price will become 

lower for base unites, but bats will cost more.

   

  Better than PLB are the EPIRB? These are 

rescue beacons that are not "Personal" or 

meant to be portable. They are larger and tend 

to work in water, some (not all) even have hydro-

switch activation, aka they're for boats. They look 

like more "serious" ELT's than a PLB.  The cost, 

depending on manufacture and  model is about 

the same as a PLB. Google 406 EPIRB:

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/-slb24.html

   

  

PLB's have small batteries and small 

antennas. Their capabilities are less than a 

solid mounted aviation 406 ELT . I love the 

PLB idea and think it could save your life, just 

that they are not quite as powerful as the full 

meal deal aviation ELT's. (Yes they claim the 

same power but the portable antenna is a big 

draw back). That is why I think the larger 

battery and antenna on the EPIRB's will be 

better in my opinion. Still no G-switch.

   

  Modify a PLB with a G switch? I guess you 

could, but suspect that might violate some of 

the international SAR communities rules. The 

BIG problem with the old ELT's where faults 

alarms. If you have a faults alarm with a 

modified G-switch PLB there  might be some 

fines to pay. George



  

 	  Quote: 	
		  From: "Larry James"  

Subject: Spot PLB  was: Cheaper 406mhz 

alternative 

 
	


 	  Quote: 	
		  We have the Spot and used it this weekend.  We had 

the first non-raining day 

in quite some time and so took advantage of the 

situation and went flying. 

My wife was in the backseat; initiated some alerts 

from the Spot; and 

received email notices on her Blackberry with time, 

location and the 

message.  Everything worked as it is supposed to.


	


   [quote][b]

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ronlee(at)pcisys.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:23 pm Post subject: Spot PLB was: Cheaper 406mhz alternative

Thanks Larry James for the PIREP on 

"SPOT". The only thing is you need  someone 

to receive the email alerts and be expecting 

you.

  

  

 Response:  There is a HELP function that should not rely upon someone  you know.

  

 Ron Lee

  

 [quote]    

[b]

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