There are a lot of emergency situations that benefit from two-way communication. PLBs are great for sinking ships, but not so good for distinguishing between a wildfire and a medical emergency.
I've dealt with a few emergencies in the backcountry. On one trip, we had both a wildfire and two medical situations. You can draw your own conclusions about heading into the backcountry with me. :-) Hey, I wrote a long blog post about that: http://wunderwood.org/most_casual_observer/2011/10/emergency_communication_in_the.html wunder K6WRU On Jun 30, 2013, at 5:32 PM, Ariel Jacala wrote: > Well, in that framework - I would have to agree that the PLB is better ..... > How do I get one .... :-) > Ariel NY4G > >> Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 17:24:45 -0700 >> From: k...@coldrockshotbrooms.com >> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Amp >> >> Yes, but..... >> >> The original poster is going to be 200 miles from town. He may or may >> not be in VHF range of something when he needs help. I'm pretty sure >> he's out of range or he'd just get a couple of handhelds and call it done. >> >> The Personal Locator Beacon frequency is monitored by two sets of >> satellites -- a constellation of low-earth-orbit satellites that can >> determine location, and a few geostationary satellites that see a wide >> area of the planet, looking straight down at the surface of the earth. >> The latter can read the GPS on the PLB. >> >> The signal goes straight to search and rescue folks, and the beacons are >> registered so they know exactly who they're going to be looking for. >> >> Which would you prefer: push a button and it's done, or calling on >> several bands and hoping one is open? >> >> Again, I love amateur radio, and I would consider it part of my >> emergency toolkit, but I'd trigger my PLB first in a real emergency. >> >> -- Lynn >> >> On 6/30/2013 5:09 PM, Ariel Jacala wrote: >>> Some HT's have GPS and with APRS one can send messages. I have used it on >>> hikes so my wife can track me on the internet as I hike. The HT sends a >>> beacon signal out and the movement can be tracked through APRS.fi Any Ham >>> can get an APRS account. I have even used APRS on my iPhone for the same >>> tracking capability. Remote from civilization though you would need an HT >>> with APRS like the VX8R by Yaesu or a TinyTrack tracker. With the HT >>> however, you can call for help and the reach can be substantial depending >>> on elevation or having a nearby repeater. Having worked 45 states on Field >>> Day just using a KX3 and a G0GSF dipole, I have no qualms with getting out >>> and reaching people with a KX3 on HF. When the 2m module gets out - I have >>> a complete package for all modes of remote operation. >>> Ariel NY4G >>> >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- Walter Underwood wun...@wunderwood.org ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
