ELBs and PLBs locating beacons?

[BOGAR]

Cost is a big issue but it is coming down as you say. Now days the size of them is to the point you can fit it into a pocket, or even a small bag and hardly notice its there. You get one hoping you never need it but bloody great if you do. I have one and lend it to close friends any time. It is registered to you and you name 3 contacts so as soon as it goes off and is picked up in Wellington they can ring the people on the list. Quickest pick up after activation I have heard is just over 30 min. I don't like them for one reason only, i'm in search and rescue and these things takeaway some of my work, but wouldn't have it any other way .
You can hire them quite cheep but there is the hassle of getting it when you need it and you would only take it on the big trips and not all the time.
I do recommend one even if it takes a while to save up for it.

[unstuck]

I use these guys, just sent it back today actually, after my weekend trip.

Would buy my own if I was using it as much as I would like.

This is the link that was supposed to be in this post. http://www.rescuebeaconhire.co.nz/

Bloody good service.

[Flip]

I also like the idea of a personal ELB. However as the cell networks are developed there will be less and less places a cell phone won't work, for 99% of the average punters a cell phone is all you will ever need.

As a ham radio operator I can legally get into the national repeater system and any of the numerous local repeaters from most places in NZ with a relatively simple and low cost handi-talkie. There is always somebody listening on these ham networks who would be happy to forward on a emergency call. I also have all the SAR frequencies and all the other emenrency service repeaters programmed in to my handi-talkie.

If I am out in the landy with the HF SSB set (short wave) I can talk to folk on the other side of the world in simplex (set to set).

[Edbear]

res-q-link..

406 gps model.
rrp 599

these are built by artex, same people who have built my me406 in the chopper..

This is the one I can get.

[unstuck]

This is the one I can get.

That is tiny. Be good when the price comes down.

[Edbear]

That is tiny. Be good when the price comes down.

If I can get ten sales, I can get them for $550.00 ea. incl, GST. Has to be paid up front though, I can't afford to carry that kind of money.

If anyone seriously does want one, PM me.

[unstuck]

If I can get ten sales, I can get them for $550.00 ea. incl, GST. Has to be paid up front though, I can't afford to carry that kind of money.

If anyone seriously does want one, PM me.

Thats not too bad, but for the amount of times I would use one in a year at the moment, its not really economical. Maybe If I retire next year.

[Edbear]

Thats not too bad, but for the amount of times I would use one in a year at the moment, its not really economical. Maybe If I retire next year.

Now if I was a salesman... I'd ask you all sorts of questions to make you afraid not to get one...

[unstuck]

Now if I was a salesman... I'd ask you all sorts of questions to make you afraid not to get one...

Not afraid to get one, it,s just cheaper for me to hire one when needed. At the moment.

[huff3r]

FCO does them for $489 for one thats just bigger than the average pocket

http://www.fco.co.nz/online-store/pr...=3103364#Cross

[unstuck]

FCO does them for $489 for one thats just bigger than the average pocket

Thats pretty good.

Getting lower already.

[huff3r]

Thats pretty good.

Getting lower already.

They are actively trying to make them cheaper, to encourage people to use them. They just dropped the price of their EPIRB for boating to the same as well.

[unstuck]

They are actively trying to make them cheaper, to encourage people to use them. They just dropped the price of their EPIRB for boating to the same as well.

Good news. Makes sense though. I think they will come down a fair way yet too.

[Ender EnZed]

res-q-link..

406 gps model.
rrp 599

+1

It seems like a lot of money for something you have no intention of ever using, but when you add up the cost of the rest of your protective gear (helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, boots) what does it come to? I'd guess an easy $2-3k for most serious motorcyclists. Spending or saving an extra 600 bucks on standard gear might get you some better workers' conditions and a fancier brand but; should you fuck up and actually need it to count, it's unlikely to do you as much good from down a bank on your average cellphone-coverage-free NZ back road as a PLB.

[Gremlin]

I also like the idea of a personal ELB. However as the cell networks are developed there will be less and less places a cell phone won't work, for 99% of the average punters a cell phone is all you will ever need.

That's a big 1% left then. Plenty of places I've been with no coverage. Days of riding with no coverage, and even towns with no coverage. But I guess it's a very small price to pay for the best roads!