PLBs Can Save Your Life
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Yes. It's the pressure differential after a dive that makes it really hard to open.
OTF
Coney Island Whitefish Biologist
Potentially interested maybe. Was thinking of making one that uses a "lock cord" retention with a loop that is easy to pull with gloved hands in an emegency. No Latches to snag things or threads to jam. Like this: Spare Locking Cord and Handles
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Ok, I was just digging into this new ACR PLB-450 unit a bit more.
This new PLB/AIS is NOT BUOYANT and IMO requires a buoyancy pouch (P/N: 9649 - which is not findable by me as an ACR product yet).
This seems to be very tailored to use while mounted to a life vest. I am uncertain if there is a "safe/secure" included way to mount the deployed unit to a typical BC. The previous 4xx series unit had clips (moderately secure) and moulded-in velco-strap mounts (secure and of trivial profile). According to the manual (https://www.dropbox.com/s/cq9s9by34xubx6v/912S-03765 PLB-450 User Manual v01.00 ENG.pdf?dl=1) this has a "Belt/Webbing Attachment Bracket" but there are no specs on what it will accept. There is also a vague drawing of the flotation pouch that gives no indication if there is a way of adding appropriate securing equipment for deployment, or even if it is usable without removing it from the flotation pouch.
In considering a new housing, sufficient space for the pouch and secure mounting equipment should be accounted for.
ETA: i noticed something with another pass throught the manual. In certain southern-hemisphere markets, the pouch is permanently attached, so I think we can reasonably assume that it is usable while in or at least attached to the pouch somehow. But I guess that could just be out of the pouch with the pictured lanyard connected.
This new PLB/AIS is NOT BUOYANT and IMO requires a buoyancy pouch (P/N: 9649 - which is not findable by me as an ACR product yet).
This seems to be very tailored to use while mounted to a life vest. I am uncertain if there is a "safe/secure" included way to mount the deployed unit to a typical BC. The previous 4xx series unit had clips (moderately secure) and moulded-in velco-strap mounts (secure and of trivial profile). According to the manual (https://www.dropbox.com/s/cq9s9by34xubx6v/912S-03765 PLB-450 User Manual v01.00 ENG.pdf?dl=1) this has a "Belt/Webbing Attachment Bracket" but there are no specs on what it will accept. There is also a vague drawing of the flotation pouch that gives no indication if there is a way of adding appropriate securing equipment for deployment, or even if it is usable without removing it from the flotation pouch.
In considering a new housing, sufficient space for the pouch and secure mounting equipment should be accounted for.
ETA: i noticed something with another pass throught the manual. In certain southern-hemisphere markets, the pouch is permanently attached, so I think we can reasonably assume that it is usable while in or at least attached to the pouch somehow. But I guess that could just be out of the pouch with the pictured lanyard connected.
bradlw
Contributor
I've been on the fence for a long time about getting a "locator device". I used to do a lot of different thaings that would have warranted such devices and I've long thought that this will be one of my first purchases if I ever get back into any of these hobbies....Lean mostly towards a Garmin Inreach or similar just because it seems a bit more versatile... I mean not just diving, but other things too....backpacking, kayaking, travel, mountain biking, flying GA, etc...
regardless, whichever device...this need for a canister for SCUBA has been a thorn every time I consider it. Especially for electronics, where I've seen far too many failures from just a little bit of water...but With most things I'm a believer in the belt and suspenders approach.... that two is one and one is none.
so
in my thinking for SCUBA, the device itself should itself be waterproof at least to some reasonable depth so that when it's stashed in a container a diver has two levels of protection for their expensive and important device.
I wonder when someone is going to make a device rated to some depth.... even if it's say a recreational limit of 120 ft or so....that would be something good at least for most divers!
and while they are at at
wouldn't it be cool to have at least some of the most basic inreach type communication bolted onto the ACR AIS device? To be able to communicate the nature of the emergency etc if not the full deal.
SO...how long do you think before someone will make such a device that's the beast of all of these? With the little ACR AIS device it's pretty close
regardless, whichever device...this need for a canister for SCUBA has been a thorn every time I consider it. Especially for electronics, where I've seen far too many failures from just a little bit of water...but With most things I'm a believer in the belt and suspenders approach.... that two is one and one is none.
so
in my thinking for SCUBA, the device itself should itself be waterproof at least to some reasonable depth so that when it's stashed in a container a diver has two levels of protection for their expensive and important device.
I wonder when someone is going to make a device rated to some depth.... even if it's say a recreational limit of 120 ft or so....that would be something good at least for most divers!
and while they are at at
wouldn't it be cool to have at least some of the most basic inreach type communication bolted onto the ACR AIS device? To be able to communicate the nature of the emergency etc if not the full deal.
SO...how long do you think before someone will make such a device that's the beast of all of these? With the little ACR AIS device it's pretty close
