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01-17-2012, 02:40 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,256
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PLB Recommendation
Looking for a recommendation for PLBs. I want something that can attach to the harnesses, basic capability, nothing fancy, don't need real-time tracking or any of that. Just...activate it in an emergency. That's all.
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Steve "Flying Scotsman"
Santa Clarita, CA
PP-ASEL, ASES, Instrument Airplane
RV-7A N660WS flying!
#8,000
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01-17-2012, 03:17 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 256
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I have a
ACR ResQLink. It small and gets good reviews. See http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CF0Q8wIwAg
Haven't had to use it and hope to keep it that way  good luck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flying Scotsman
Looking for a recommendation for PLBs. I want something that can attach to the harnesses, basic capability, nothing fancy, don't need real-time tracking or any of that. Just...activate it in an emergency. That's all.
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__________________
Roger Whittier
RV7A Quick Build, Tip Up
N1MY Reserved - Canopy finished - Wings mated, Engine hung, electrical 95%
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01-17-2012, 05:36 PM
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Guest
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Arizona
Posts: 613
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I have been carrying a McMurdo Fast Find for a couple of years. Smaller than the one listed above, and tested to work one handed in case of injury (the other unit might have been also, just don't know). Very happy with it's size/weight and ability to test it's battery. Everyone seems to be selling them now (including Amazon http://www.amazon.com/McMurdo-FastFi...6847230&sr=8-1 ) for $299. Hope this helps. Glenn
Note added, REI has them for $249
Last edited by gbrasch : 01-17-2012 at 09:25 PM.
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01-17-2012, 05:53 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Hilton Head Island
Posts: 1,089
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Kannad
http://www.kannad.com/en/tracking/index.php?id=148
I liked the Kannad PLB when I saw it a couple months ago at a trade convention.
I may be basis as I have a Kannad 406 installed in my airplane.
But, it's worth a look since they all float around $200-300.
__________________
John Mastro
RV-8
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02-27-2013, 09:04 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sedona Arizona
Posts: 349
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Inreach, replacement for SPOT?
I went out to buy a PLB yesterday, leaning toward the ACR Resqlink unit due to it's popularity, size etc. As I did my research ahead of time I kept looking at the Inreach satellite communicator. It is attractive in that it allows two way communication via the satellite system. This includes texting via blue tooth connection to an Ipad, Iphone or other devices.
It has the same tracking capabilities as Spot, is much easier to operate than my older Spot unit, and for $10.00 per month I can send 10 texts of 160 characters each month. My yearly costs will go down by $50.00 over what Spot cost me, and I gain the capability to actually have two way communication with the folks that I need help from. It could also be very nice for sending some non emergency texts each month to update the wife on progress etc, this can be done anywhere there is satellite coverage, no cell signal required, the cell phone or Ipad is basically used as a keyboard for the texting, I think...
As it turned out, my SPOT account was just about to charge me for another year so I went ahead and canceled. To top it off, the Bass Pro Shop had a rebate going on the unit so I got mine for $250 - the $75.00 rebate for a total of $175.00.
I did a search on Inreach here and nothing came up so I decided to post this to solicit information on the unit and share what little I know of it. Is it just that new that I am one of the first to try it out?
It is a little bulky but does fit in the pocket of my survival vest.
I would like to hear any pros or cons others may have experienced with the Inreach. So far it all sounds good to me with the exception of the subscription required, but even that is less than Spot if I limit my texting to 10 per month. They have data plans for more texting at higher prices of course.
Should I return it and just get the ACR ResQlink as originally planned?
Randall Crothers
RV7A
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02-27-2013, 12:38 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Lake Country, B.C. Canada
Posts: 2,416
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NO! - please use it and post the pireps! :)
Randall, I think it's your duty to keep it and tell us all about how it works!
I too see them for sale at London Drugs etc. and wondered about them.
the reason I steered away was that I didn't have a smart phone at the time...and was a bit scared that monthly charges would kill me, even when I didn't fly all winter!
Turns out I now have a smart phone or 2, and need the pros & cons!
someone pointed out that one con is that you are relying on keeping 2 gadgets charged up, dry and warm in order to use the 'system'.
SPOT is a little dumber, just press the button, so a passenger could be instructed more easily.
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Perry Y.
RV-9a - SOLD!....
Lake Country, BC
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02-27-2013, 02:54 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sedona Arizona
Posts: 349
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From what I have read so far, the Inreach does just fine as a stand alone unit, better then Spot in my opinion. One bit of a down side is that you do have to read the directions and kind of memorize what all the different blinking LEDs mean. I think the user interface will be considerably easier when paired to the smart phone. it seems a little complicated to me at the moment, but in all honesty, I have not even put the batteries in the thing yet...
Even as a stand alone unit it has the ability to send out an SOS, then receive confirmation that the SOS has been received, followed by confirmation that you received the confirmation...
Randall
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02-27-2013, 04:48 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
Posts: 1,955
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I'm using the McMurdo Fast Find. I have it velcrod to the center section forward of the fuel values on my 7.
It's also very portable as we bring it with us when we go hiking the trails.
BTW, leading up to SNF, you can usually find it for around $245-250.
__________________
Danny "RoadRunner" Landry
Morphed RV7(formally 7A), N20DL, PnP Pilot
1190+ hours
2019 Donation Paid
Last edited by roadrunner20 : 02-27-2013 at 04:51 PM.
Reason: added pricing
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02-27-2013, 05:31 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cedar Park, TX
Posts: 3,156
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So, I just noticed that I've been flying long enough with our PLB (ACR) that it has an "expiration date" presumably on the non-replaceable battery... Opinions? I'll be flying very soon with someone that has the call sign of "Shark Bait" over a large expanse of ocean...!
__________________
Scott Card
CQ Headset by Card Machine Works
CMW E-Lift
RV-9A N4822C flying 2200+hrs. / Cedar Park, TX
RV8 Building - fuselage / showplanes canopy (Done!)
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02-27-2013, 05:38 PM
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fugio ergo sum
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Carlsbad, NM
Posts: 1,912
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scard
So, I just noticed that I've been flying long enough with our PLB (ACR) that it has an "expiration date"...
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My first PLB battery expired some time ago. On that one it is not that the battery was not replaceable, it was that it needed to be done at an approved station. Doing it legally that way was going to cost more than getting a new unit. I got a new unit and passed the old one on to a friend who is the local search and rescue guy. He is also really smart on all things electronic. The idea was that he would use it for demonstration purposes but he has checked the battery and it is fine and is not hard to replace when it goes south.
It appears that the main issue is the environmental testing associated with battery replacement. They want to be sure it is still water resistant and such.
__________________
Larry Pardue
Carlsbad, NM
RV-6 N441LP Flying
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