So ACR now has a PLB with AIS in the same unit

[justinthedeeps]

What I am saying is that the Nautilus Lifeline has already proven that a similar sized tech device can be contained within a package that is tolerant to depth / pressure. They....or someone else.... just needs to incorporate the SAT EPIRB or PLB tech into a similar sized package.

After my first Nautilus flooded somehow after a while, it might still be worth considering putting the Nautilus into a canister for serious repetitive diving? (though I still haven't done it with the new one)

Properly programmed, the Nautilus can broadcast your position to a nearby AIS enabled dive boat on 'test' mode, free of charge, without triggering a global rescue signal. I got myself to show up on the chart of the boat at God's Pocket once this way during testing. Haven't been diving off any AIS enabled boat since then though.

 

[hammet]

If you can make a $15 casio watch waterproof to 100m, why not a PLB?
ACR? Are you hearing us???

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

To be fair, AIS is not DSC and while DSC is mandated on new US mounted vhf radios, AIS is not. (although vhf radios with AIS reception capability is becoming widely available). However, unlike DSC, a AIS transmitter does not need a USCG permanently assigned MMSI number which makes it suitable for this application.

now you're just showing off with acronyms.

 

[coldwaterglutton]

So I wanted one of these but it's positively buoyant even with a PLB inside. What can I add inside the case to make it only slightly positive that won't hurt the PLB? Is a stick on lead wheel weight the right thing to balance this out?

 

[Jaan]

I've balanced out the DRYFOB XL with a soft one pound pocket weight partially emptied out for some tests, that worked well and you can remove pellets to get the right weight. I assume anything (including pocket change!) can work. You can of course add some spare batteries, whistles, mirrors, and safety stuff too if you have spare room. Should work for any case assuming you have some spare height.

For those that can't wait for us (I understand), and are looking to order a custom canister, keep in mind you probably want the floatation pouch for the ACR so do make your case a bit wider and taller than the minimum size of the device regardless.

 

[hammet]

now you're just showing off with acronyms.

Sea creature of habit

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Sea creature of habit

Yeah. If I regularly took a sailboat into that hot mess, I'd have every tracking device, beacon, and satellite strapped to my a55.

You are brave and justified.

 

[mrtechbench]

Have been very happy with plb1 and dryfob XL. Have 2 VHF nautilus but the hinges are cracked so trying to figure out how to repair the polycarbonate before diving with them. Have a few more years on plb1 battery before I get a replacement or something else. Wish the plb1 came with a float, found part number but couldn't order it. Ended up buying a red and pink slap strap. I don't notice it being too buoyant while on waist strap, I'm not planning to put weight in dryfob XL, has a precious small amount of free space I'll fill with safety stuff.

 

[Manatee Diver]

If you can make a $15 casio watch waterproof to 100m, why not a PLB?

Have you ever taken the watch out of the case? They are tiny, those watches are mostly the pressure housing of the case.

 

[mrtechbench]

Have you ever taken the watch out of the case? They are tiny, those watches are mostly the pressure housing of the case.

ACR if you're reading this, make DSC PLBs that are small like a watch, it will be easier to waterproof to 100m.