Anyone have experience using an EPIRB
Submitted by pale ale on Sun, 2013-03-31 09:35
Has anyone recently had the misfortune of requiring a rescue initiated by your epirb?
I also need to buy a new one.
http://www.e-marineworld.com.au/store/cart.php?
This one which hekser linked in another topic looks like a better unit than the GME due to battery life / warranty and it apparently updates your location more frequently.
Has anyone used this model before?
I have never had much faith in GME radios / CD players..... they dont last very long
Also, does anyone ever do the "self test" of their epirb? I have always looked at doing it, but too scared I might set of a search party.
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
You can't link a cart, you
You can't link a cart, you need to link a product.
dodgy
Posts: 4580
Date Joined: 01/02/10
Never set an epirb off
Never set an epirb off myself. Only responded from the other side.
The gme's are pretty popular and don't seem to have too many problems.
There was an early batch of water activated ones that had some false activations but not heard of any of them for a few years now.
Self test feature is a spring loaded switch. Definitely worth the test every now and then for your own peace of mind. It won't have the water police knocking on your door.
Does anyone know where the love of god goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
pale ale
Posts: 1755
Date Joined: 02/01/10
D'OH, try this one
D'OH, try this one :)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BUILT-IN-GPS-EPIRB-SAFETY-ALERT-SA1G-406-MHz-BEACON-10-YEAR-BATTERY-WARRANTY-/270923135187?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1446f8d3
pale ale
Posts: 1755
Date Joined: 02/01/10
http://www.e-marineworld.com.
http://www.e-marineworld.com.au/store/Products_Detail.php?ProductID=1744
pricey10
Posts: 486
Date Joined: 07/01/12
Get a model with the GPS
Get a model with the GPS then if u set it off they can pinpoint your location. Nothing worse then watching spotter planes and choppers fly over and not see you
Karratha. WA
pale ale
Posts: 1755
Date Joined: 02/01/10
http://www.reeltackle.com.au/
http://www.reeltackle.com.au/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=115&p=product&id=16851&parent=363&vendorid=2
found it for $295, free postage..... beats any ebay price!
pricey10
Posts: 486
Date Joined: 07/01/12
I might b wrong but it
I might b wrong but it doesn't say how accurate is?? Eg accurate to within 100m or accurate within 1500m etc. my one clearly states how accurate it is
Karratha. WA
pricey10
Posts: 486
Date Joined: 07/01/12
I tryed to copy a link but
I tryed to copy a link but it wouldn't work. Google "gme accusat pro mt406g" $349 at whitworths check it out
Karratha. WA
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Once you're using a GPS-based
Once you're using a GPS-based one, they will all have much the same accuracy. GME advertise that way so you can see how much the accuracy is improved by spending a little extra for the GPS feature.
dodgy
Posts: 4580
Date Joined: 01/02/10
They can get a pretty
They can get a pretty accurate triangulation from the non gps type but it takes a few passes and sometimes up to a couple of hours.
The GPS type transmit the coords from the moment it is activated.
Does anyone know where the love of god goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
duges66
Posts: 140
Date Joined: 07/03/12
Testing of EPIRB
Pale Ale - great moniker - have no fear testing a 406 MHz EPIRB as long as it is using the self test feature.
I have to test EPIRB's regularly as part of maintenance schedules at work, but as stated only using the dedicated self test feature (usually spring loaded so they return to the off position when when not being held on to avoid flattening battery accidentally).
This tests the circuitry, the battery and although it emits a signal it is a specially coded signal that is ignored by the Cospas-Sarsat system.
If still unsure you should be able to get the manufacturers instruction on the net.
Test it when you don't need it so you know it'll be working when you do.
http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/beacon-testing.html
There's 3 kinds of people in this world, those who can count and those that can't.
pale ale
Posts: 1755
Date Joined: 02/01/10
Thanks duges. When I get my
Thanks duges. When I get my new one I will test it every 6 months.
So now I reckon I will get the Safety Alert SA1G. I have done as much searching as I can and found no bad reports. It has longer battery life and updates your location every 5 minutes. With the saving of $55, I can purchase a carton of Coopers!
Mick
Posts: 501
Date Joined: 28/08/06
Definately get one with the
Definately get one with the GPS especially for here in K-town. Friends of mine sunk their wake boat last Easter near East Lewis. Activated it, non GPS, immediately, spent an hour in the water, then 4 hours on the rocks. Finally rescued by a passing boat and arrived at the ramp as sea rescue was getting ready. This is in plain view of the Burrup, ship loaders, countless planes and helicopters flying over head, not to mention the many boats that went past on the Easter Saturday. They lit a fire, waved whatever they could find but thought, as most of us would have, I've set off an epirb so someone will be on the way. Hope this helps.
Cheers Mick
If the lord did not mean for us to eat fish and game, he wouldn't have made them outta meat
The speed of light is faster than the speed of sound. That's why so many people appear bright...until they speak.