PLBs Can Save Your Life

[Jaan]

Funny. I just ordered a canister from DryFob last night under the assumption I'd be buying one of the other ACR PLBs. Then I saw this thing. I didn't realize the device was so large.

Hey Ryan. Thanks for that, shipped out your order yesterday. Yes this 8 “ unit is too big for the existing XL, we’re toying with protos but the jury is still out.

(BTW: as always, 90 day no questions asked return policy if you should change your mind just DM me or contact us through the website)

 

[rjack321]

I'm just curious about the AIS, 406, and 121.5 all in one features and if anyone has tried them.

Those features all ping "help" very differently. What do you want to know?

 

[Ryan Neely]

Those features all ping "help" very differently. What do you want to know?

I recognize they all call for "help" differently. In most of the threads about these types of beacons, it seems the general consensus is some level of, "it wouldn't be bad to have both a PLB and a PAB--for various reasons." Wouldn't an "all-in-one" system like this seem to be the best approach?

Granted, as I mentioned I only made it through the first 65 pages of this thread before bouncing out. I see that conversations about this particular piece of equipment showed up about six or seven pages ago, so maybe this has already been discussed so, how about . . .

What would be the downside of having such an "all-in-one" device?

 

[rjack321]

I recognize they all call for "help" differently. In most of the threads about these types of beacons, it seems the general consensus is some level of, "it wouldn't be bad to have both a PLB and a PAB--for various reasons." Wouldn't an "all-in-one" system like this seem to be the best approach?

Granted, as I mentioned I only made it through the first 65 pages of this thread before bouncing out. I see that conversations about this particular piece of equipment showed up about six or seven pages ago, so maybe this has already been discussed so, how about . . .

What would be the downside of having such an "all-in-one" device?

AIS relies on commercial vessels who have the capacity/ability to divert and pick you up. An ore carrier in the Great Lake isnt going to divert to pick you up. A whole suite of recreational vessels dont have AIS at all.

121.5 is only going to be detected by an aircraft in the air, again unless they are the actual Coast Guard they arent going to be able to help you, just relay your coordinates and there's "distress" there.

406 mhz is only going to be detected by a satellite and relayed to either the Coast Guard or whomever is responsible for rescues, e.g. the Mexican Navy.

Is there a downside? Other than overconfidence not really. But a VHF radio can potentially call your dive boat directly and skip the delays all these other approaches might entail

 

[Dan]

I know it seems that this thread is now focusing on containment for PLBs, but have any of you had experience with the PLB3 from OceanSignal? (Maybe this has been covered before. I read through the first 63 pages of this thread, but haven't been through the additional 65 pages.) I'm just curious about whether this helps with the debate over whether to carry both a PLB and a PAB since it seems to do both.

Thanks for posting PLB3. I have PLB (PLB1) and PAB (Nautilus MRG). This PLB3 combines both PLB1 and MRG into one device, but I would still need to find underwater case for it, like what I did with my PLB1. My PLB1 is 7 years old already, so I may replace it with this PLB3 and work with my local plastic machine shop to make special acrylic canister like I did with my PLB1 (see the picture, below).

 

[Dan]

Just an update on my PLB1. It has served me well for 8 years (bought it on 8 Sep 2016 after reading this thread; 4 diveres went missing - Malpelo, Colombia

Today I had its battery changed. So it’s good to go for another 7 years (the batter sticker says DEC 2031), but Rodney, technician at Trionics - Marine Electronics Specialist for Motorola, Garmin, Furuno, Jotron, Lowrance, SIMRAD, Fusion, Navico, who changed the battery, said that I should get it replaced in 2029 for just to be on the safe side. That means 5 years from now, as you would test it once a year and such test would suck up a bit of battery juice.

I peeked at the new battery replacement while he’s changing it, it’s labeled 2034. That means that battery is good for 10 years.

Rodney tested the PLB1 with its new battery and it passed the test. So it’s good to go for another 5 years.

This battery replacement & testing cost me about $247.84. A new one costs $369.95.

His recommendation for the next PLB is to get ACR Resqlink PLB 425; https://a.co/d/4Ht3LJa as it has all-new Return Link Service feature that provides users with receiving signal that your distress signal has been received and your location detected by worldwide Search and Rescue personnel. It’s bigger than PLB1. So I’ll need a larger case. I’ll consider this option in 2029.

 

[Dan]

While waiting for my PLB1 battery replacement in Trionics, I was checking out some other PLBs available in the shop. To my surprise, I found out that FastFind 220 fits into my underwater case nicely, as shown, below.

 

[Dan]

@-JD- on another thread posted a good idea about updating your PLB registration for your next trip to help SAR to speed up your rescue, should you be lost at sea.

Nautilus LifeLine nexGen available

Seaventure itinerary starts and ends in Ushuaia. It cruises and stops in Falklands and South Georgia for a few days before arriving in Antarctica. There were some SAR operations in Falklands & South Georgia, like these two cases...

scubaboard.com

It’s been awhile I updated my PLB registration “notes” field and I struggled to do it. So, I figured it would be helpful to post how to do that here for those with US origin PLB administered by NOAA and have smartphones (mine is iPhone 14 Pro Max), do as follows:
1. Go to US Beacon Registration
2. Login to your account.
3. Tap on Beacons button
4. Under the left most column Beacon ID it shows your PLB ID in blue. Tap on it.
5. Scroll down to about 3/4 down the page to “Additional Data” section and fill in the information you want NOAA to know to speed up your rescue as explained in the form “The information in this section is used by SAR forces to find and assist you when your PLB is activated in a distress situation. If using on land, enter hiking/road vehicle routes and provide names/locations of the areas you frequent. If using on a boat, provide federal/state registration number, vessel name (e.g., boat name is SEA HUNT), and type (e.g., fishing boat, sailboat). If using on a boat or plane, provide vessel/plane colors, length/capacity, home port/principal airport names and locations, and float/flight plans.” You have 500 words to type in the blank box under the “Additional Data” section.
6. Tap the Save Changes button. Then you should be good to go.

 

[Kendall Raine]

His recommendation for the next PLB is to get ACR Resqlink PLB 425; https://a.co/d/4Ht3LJa as it has all-new Return Link Service feature that provides users with receiving signal that your distress signal has been received and your location detected by worldwide Search and Rescue personnel. It’s bigger than PLB1. So I’ll need a larger case. I’ll consider this option in 2029.

Hi Dan;

How did you end up choosing Trionics instead of say Datrex ($133.85 with testing) or Survival at Sea ($149) or just DIY (BBR battery alone is $40). I have a while to go before my PLB1 battery needs replacing, and agree PLB maintenance is not the place to scrimp on a few bucks, so your thoughts are much appreciated.

Also (no snark intended), but at first thought I'm unclear of value in knowing signal received other than peace of mind (possibly misplaced)/nice to have/testing? For example, a US registered PLB alerts NOAA who then alerts whomever (Indonesian/Philippines/Mexican SAR?). Signal received is only the first step. You aren't rescued until local SAR comes and finds/gets you. If adrift at sea after a dive it's not like you have decisions to make/alternatives/anyplace else to go. Backcountry could be different. Thoughts?

Many thanks,

Kendall

 

[tursiops]

Also (no snark intended), but at first thought I'm unclear of value in knowing signal received other than peace of mind (possibly misplaced)/nice to have/testing?

I put high value on peace of mind, especially if someone is with me. At least you know the word got out. That is a LOT.