aushunter said:I thought of this a few years back, why not have a EPIRB as it would save lives just as much as the fishermen need them.
I don't believe that pensioners out there digging cant afford one of these as most would have enough gold found to cover the cost for one.
A life saved is more valuable than the cost of a EPIRB device.
My 10 cents worth.
Play safe
Cheers
Brad...
WalnLiz said:The biggest killer when detecting is not falling off a cliff or being bitten by a Tiapan...EPIRBs won't help you there. The biggest threat is getting lost, and in most cases these chaps haven't got a GPS, (with a spare set of batteries). In remote areas I carry 2 GPS units as I've been caught before with one malfunctioning.
Cheers Wal.
axeman said:A spot tracker, epirb or gps would be good but what ever happened to the good old paper map and compass and the knowledge on how to use them?. Of course If your injured a paper map ain't going to help. In remote areas a sat phone would be good idea. Remember about 12 months ago a power line worker in north Queensland got separated from his workmate and by the time they found him (which wasn't long) he was dead from a tiapan bite, maybe a epirb or spot tracker may have saved him?. I thought about a timer controlled epirb or spot tracker type device fitted to your vehicle which would go off if you didn't get back on time.
Mick
I guess I mainly use my Spot unit to keep my wife at ease when I'm away. However if need in an emergency it will send your location to an international monitored station, who will notify local authorities.Village said:There are a few others out there,, but really just toys. Spot trackers etc don't send a signal with your location to a 24 hour, 365 days a year manned emergency centre, who can then scramble help immediately from any location and service, including the military.
Coyote said:I guess I mainly use my Spot unit to keep my wife at ease when I'm away. However if need in an emergency it will send your location to an international monitored station, who will notify local authorities.Village said:There are a few others out there,, but really just toys. Spot trackers etc don't send a signal with your location to a 24 hour, 365 days a year manned emergency centre, who can then scramble help immediately from any location and service, including the military.
http://findmespot.net.au/911.html
The spot unit does have limitations though. It needs a reasonably clear view of satellites. So under a heavy tree canopy or heavy cloud it may not penetrate. I guess another draw back is the annual cost for the services. However it is weather proof and rugged. Another advantage is that it will send your last known location if you have the tracking service activated. Handy if for some reason you cannot activate your ELB when needed.
Not meant as a replacement for an epirb, but it does suit my requirements and could be an alternative for others. To each their own.
Just a question. Do PLB require a clear view of satellites to operate successfully? May even purchase one and keep in the 4WD along side the first aid kit.
Cheers,
Cliff
WalnLiz said:Epirbs are a great investment if you venture into extremely remote regions like the WA gold fields or remote Central QLD. Always have mine with the vehicle when over there.
The biggest killer when detecting is not falling off a cliff or being bitten by a Tiapan...EPIRBs won't help you there. The biggest threat is getting lost, and in most cases these chaps haven't got a GPS, (with a spare set of batteries). In remote areas I carry 2 GPS units as I've been caught before with one malfunctioning.
Buy an EPIRB for sure if you're constantly in serious terrain, but a GPS (or 2 ) and the knowledge to use it properly will save your bacon more often than an EPIRB.
Cheers Wal.
richard70au said:I have a spot locator, it is a great item as it works through satellites.
The only downside is that a subscription is required, cost me $265 this year, I am happy to pay it to have the ability to be rescued from any place I dare to go.
I also have a spare spot for sale if anyone is interested.
Cheers
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