PLB What Do You Know?

[Bud Kennedy]

Several times lately folks have mentioned thinking about getting a PLB for the boat.  While I understand how they work (had one in my plane)  Can someone tell me about today's current products and what recommendations you may have or have heard from others.  At my age it just may be something for me to consider but it may be something to consider for all ages.

[Pacific NW Ron]

I've always heard that the ACR ResQLink+ is one of the best out there.  I used to sell a good number of them to the commercial fishing industry.  Another one that is less expensive but always heard it was a good choice for recreational use is the Spot now it would be the gen3 version. 
At my age and if I fished bigger water alone a lot I would probably have one.  I know they save lives.  I've seen it in search and rescue.

[analfisherman]

I think we maybe should explain what a PLB is for those who are unaware of them.

What is a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)?

WHAT IS A PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON?
by Mountain Gear and ACR Electronics

A Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, is a portable transmitter that sends out a personalized emergency distress signal to your nearest rescue services.

If you are a hiker, camper, backpacker, kayaker, etc. and are simply out of cell phone range, a PLB is a highly effective and internationally recognized way to summon help.

PLBs are emergency life saving devices to be used when all else fails! They should be used only if there is grave and imminent danger or a life-threatening situation.

How they work
PLBs transmit signals on internationally recognized distress frequencies. The 406MHz signal is monitored by NOAA ( National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
and the AFRCC ( Air Force Rescue Coordination Center) in the United States.

The Global satellite tracking system is a collection of Russian, Canadian , American, and French satellites know as COSPAS-SARSAT , SARSAT being an English acronym for "Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking". The network is made up of 4 polar orbiting LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Satellites and 3 GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites).

Once a signal is received, these satellites can "fix" on the signal using a Doppler Shift location method (by "triangulation", which can take hours and can be accurate only to a half mile -Webmeister), or, when a PLB is hooked up to a GPS, the lat-lon coordinates can be Instantly transmitted without waiting (for the Doppler Shift triangulation from a second orbiting satellite --Robert Speik). The signal is then relayed to a LUT (Local User Terminal). This signal is then passed on to the Air Force to begin the Search and Rescue procedures.

Personalized Signal
Each PLB is equipped with a UIN (Unique Identifying Number) This number is a 15 digit alpha-numeric code. This code is what is transmitted in the electronic burst to the satellites.

The UIN is linked to a computer database. The electronic burst provides Search and Rescue with your location, while the UIN links to the database and provides your name, address, phone number and any pertinent information such as medical problems, of which Search and Rescue should be aware.

When you buy a PLB, you must register it with NOAA. In doing so, they will tie all your personal information into the 15 digit UIN. That way, when your PLB is activated any where on the Planet, Search and Rescue will know, who you are, where you are and how to handle any pre-existing medical problems when they reach you.

[Lee Smith]

If anyone here needs one it's your honory ass Anal!  Hard headed ole fart done give us toooo many scares through the years! 

[Lipripper]

If anyone here needs one it's your honory ass Anal!  Hard headed ole fart done give us toooo many scares through the years!

You got that right Lee   He should carry one on him at all times.

[analfisherman]

If anyone here needs one it's your honory ass Anal!  Hard headed ole fart done give us toooo many scares through the years! 

I just may have one.......kid set it up.........PRETTY MUCH EXPLAINS WHY THEY CAN'T EVER FIND ME. 

Last year, I asked him....after a short trip , WHAT GOOD IS THIS FRICKING THING?

He said, "Dad, this one is designed for you to hit the button if your in trouble...........AND THAT ONLY WORKS IF YOU HAVE THE DAM THING TURNED ON!!!!!!"

He then said, "And if you wouldn't leave your DAM phone in your car and carry THAT with you....they can actually find you from the LOCATOR setting on your phone and I CALL and ask them to look for you!"

We then drove like 15 miles to get my car and trailer for the Kayak.

He then grabbed my phone off the car seat....looked at it......and said, "YOU GOT THE LOCATING SETTING TURNED OFF THIS TOO!"

To which I replied, "Your point?" 

To which he said, "Dad you have always said that you wanted to die on the water, BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO GUARANTEE IT!"

BUT I DO KNOW HOW A PLD WORKS ANYWAY!