PLBs Can Save Your Life

[DandyDon]

I've been subscribed to this thread from the beginning, but stopped getting alerts weeks ago. I figured it'd gone quiet. Now I wonder why the system hates me?

Hm...do we know if the smaller sized Australian canister will fit the new ACR 400? Either the regular or the view version?

Yep, that's the one I have used for years. I do wish he would put the inside dimensions on his site. I think they are listed on the Ebay listing, but I found this from my first email to George.

Internal Dimensions: Large 70mm (2¾") x 150mm (5.9");
Small 70mm (2¾") x 130mm (5.1")
Remember: You may loose a little inside measurement to the round shape of the canister.

PLB400: Unit Size: 2.0"W x 4.5 "H x1.5 “D

If I had a canister, it would fit in the mask pocket, but I don’t. The Nautilus Lifeline is rated to ~400’ with the lid closed.

Sometimes those work, altho their failures are much more common than PLBs. Divers seem to like them because they can harass their boat captains while floating nearby.

I like the side-by-side comparison between PLB1 & ResQLink+, as shown below

Didn't Seeker242 say that the newest ResQLink (I hate using all these names & different numbers. I call it the ACR2921) connects to an additional satellite system that the PLB1 doesn't? And then there is the infrared strobe on the newest model.

Nothing has better coverage than SARSAT

Ok, refresh my memory. Which units use that? And what about the ACR2921?

I will try and remember to take some measurements of the SeaLife case tonight

When using an old camera case, don't forget to replace the o-ring.

Another rescue by a PLB: s

Latest rescue story: 2019-5-4

Neat. I hope they know that they can return their used units with their rescue story for free replacement with a new unit. ACR likes to add those units to their trophy wall and the stories to their site.

Too far out for the marine radio.

Sat phone?

Those have more failure points than just that. You hope someone is listening, that you can understand each other, that you know where you are exactly, and the other party is responsible.

Mexican fishermen.

Huh?

 

[Dan]

I call it the ACR2921) connects to an additional satellite system that the PLB1 doesn't?

PLB1 does too.

http://oceansignal.com/products/plb1/

 

[outofofficebrb]

Hey, guys. Quick update. I got my HDV small canister in the mail. Over the weekend I was at the dive shop looking at the Scubapro Hydros Pro cargo pocket that you can connect to your d-ring and strap to your leg. I figured I would give it a try, thinking it might fit the HDV and worst case, I have a pocket for my spool/DSMB, and some trash I find on dives. I have a Scubapro Ladyhawk and it doesn’t really have pockets.

Well, good news! The HDV fits in it with room to spare and is more streamlined than the nylon case that came with it. It fits nicely on pretty much any BC that has a bottom side d-ring. Here are photos. There is still space to spare at the top and a little on the side. You can easily grab it out single handedly. The nice thing about the pocket is it has a plastic d-ring in it (you can see it in one of the pics) so you can secure the canister to the bag/pocket and not drop the canister in the ocean and have some swear words if you were to let go of the canister, so long as the cargo pocket is still clipped to you and your leg.

Please pretend I’m wearing a wetsuit and excuse the knee armor. I’m wearing my moto Kevlar leggings since I just got home and was excited to share! It will give you an idea of what it would look like attached to the BC and your wetsuit leg, or bare leg. I hope this helps! Let me know if I can take more pics. For reference I’m 5’4” and 130-135 lbs so on you larger fellas, it will look even smaller.

 

[DandyDon]

The HDV fits in it with room to spare and is more streamlined than the nylon case that came with it.

The pocket sounds interesting altho I am a little confused. By HDV, are you referring to the HDVSEATEK? If so, the canister is made from nylon, the case he sends with it is canvas, and the canvas case is not for diving - only surface carrying.

If something else, please tell.

 

[outofofficebrb]

The pocket sounds interesting altho I am a little confused. By HDV, are you referring to the HDVSEATEK? If so, the canister is made from nylon, the case he sends with it is canvas, and the canvas case is not for diving - only surface carrying.

If something else, please tell.

Yes, the HDVSEATEK.

Canvas usually refers to something heavily woven made from cotton or a natural fiber. The case that comes with it is nylon, a synthetic, that is woven, similar to webbing or straps on equipment bags. Apologies if it is just semantics to you but I am in the apparel industry and am always very conscious about products...a business “sickness”. I understand the case is for surface carrying; I was comparing the size and dimension/bulk to the Hydros Pro cargo pocket. Something to note is that he also sells a Hollis mask pocket or some other synthetic woven case that he had merchandised with a tank using straps to hold it against it.

 

[DandyDon]

Yes, the HDVSEATEK.

Okee dokee, thanks. I get confused easily when folks use terms or names other than the ones I use. It's an odd name to start with.

From my mistakes: Do lube the o-ring with silicone grease as needed, and do replace it every year or two. I didn't for the last trip, and it did leak, which did not hurt the PLB, but best to avoid.

Canvas usually refers to something heavily woven made from cotton or a natural fiber. The case that comes with it is nylon, a synthetic, that is woven, similar to webbing or straps on equipment bags. Apologies if it is just semantics to you but I am in the apparel industry and am always very conscious about products...a business “sickness”. I understand the case is for surface carrying; I was comparing the size and dimension/bulk to the Hydros Pro cargo pocket.

Ok, I know how to grow cotton - except I have to ask my nephew about the new varieties, but I can't tell much about it after processing. So the pouch he sends is made from nylon, huh? I've never bothered with it, don't understand why he includes it, but know that some have made the mistake of trying to dive with it. Thanks again.

 

[outofofficebrb]

@DandyDon Thanks for the tips! Do you know what size the o-ring is? In addition, where do you get yours from? Thanks!

 

[DandyDon]

@DandyDon Thanks for the tips! Do you know what size the o-ring is? In addition, where do you get yours from? Thanks!

I didn't have any good ideas on where to find them around here, so rather than trying to visit shops in Lubbock until I found it - I ordered a couple from HDVSEATEK for $12 including air shipping. If you find a better supplier before you need one, let me know.

 

[DandyDon]

I've mentioned carrying my PLB everywhere, not just diving. Here's a scuba diver who left on a solo hike as she often does and was lost in the forest for over two weeks. Her LDS had people in the search party. I think she broke a leg falling into a ravine and couldn't get out, even tho she was only four miles from her car and cell phone. Losing her shoes was a bad play, too.

Amanda Eller, missing Maui hiker, has been found - CNN

 

[outofofficebrb]

I've mentioned carrying my PLB everywhere, not just diving. Here's a scuba diver who left on a solo hike as she often does and was lost in the forest for over two weeks. Her LDS had people in the search party. I think she broke a leg falling into a ravine and couldn't get out, even tho she was only four miles from her car and cell phone. Losing her shoes was a bad play, too.

Amanda Eller, missing Maui hiker, has been found - CNN

We plan to take ours when we go hiking, skiing, etc. Whenever we travel as well and definitely when we dive as I tend to like places with high current and/or quite remote.