Things You'll Need:
- PLB or SPOT Locator
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Step 1
First you should understand how PLB's or Personal Locator Beacons work. They send your unique coded information to a satellite overhead where is relayed on to a response center. Emergency rescue personnel from the Coast Guard or land based rescue agencies area alerted and sent toward your destination. Today's PLB's are lightweight and fit in the palm of your hand. They function almost anywhere in the world.
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Step 2
The difference between PLB's are a little more complicated. Traditionally they were just miniature copies of the larger units found in airplanes and ships. These 406 MHZ EPIRB's are registered with the government and contain a unique code which identifies the user. Response agencies will try and contact persons on your contact list to verify the alert is real before dispatching rescue personnel. This system is run by the government and uses satellites designed specifically for search and rescue.
A newcomer to the market uses a slightly different approach although the basic principle is the same. -
Step 3
You may have seen commercials for the SPOT Satellite Messenger on episodes of Survivorman with Les Stroud. It is a new device that requires a subscription or around $10 per month and uses private, world wide response centers along with communication satellites to pick up your 911 emergency calls as well as one way e-mail messages to family and friends. In addition it allows friends and family to track your progress in real time on their home computer using a special website and mapping software where they can see your line of travel across the map.
The ability to send e-mail messages makes it unique compared to other PLB's. It is waterproof and uses two rechargeable AA batteries and is very lightweight, under 7 ounces.
You should understand that the SPOT Satellite Messenger is not a replacement for an EPIRB on a boat or plane.
Traditional PLB's, such as the McMurdo Fastfind do not require a subscription fee, and although they cannot send e-mail they are directly connected to the government's NOAA emergency monitoring system.
There are advantages and disadvantages of both so buyers should check coverage area (SPOT has some dead zones in Africa and the Arctic) and battery life, etc, before purchasing. A serious expedition to a remote area of the world could do well to have both types, plus a satellite phone and solar panel battery charger system.
