Thread: Kannad safelink

Originally Posted by planenutz

I'm happy to stick with my original statement - "if it has 121.5 then even better" - but not all PLB's come with that option and it's not entirely necessary. Desirable, yes, but not a deal-breaker so long as the GPS function of your PLB is accurate. Personally I want both. Naturally this can add to cost and weight so it's always a balancing act. In my opinion the perfect PLB hasn't made it to the market yet.

I agree with you Gadgetman - chopper crews do like having the 121.5 signal. Unfortunately its limitations (such as you suggest) are exactly why we now use satellite GPS systems. It can be very effective for closing in on the location of the beacon especially if the helicopter is equipped with homing gear, but very few non-dedicated EMS machines have this fitted. That leaves the pilot with having to pop over ridges and back to find where the signal drops out in order to determine your position... and this is why I believe having a PLB that intermittently transmits a signal on 121.5 could potentially hinder a search.

At the end of the day you buy what you can afford and having something is infinitely better than having nothing. The point of my post was to make people aware of some traps so you can look past the glossy brochure and marketing hype and ask the right questions prior to handing over your hard earned cash. I hope I've at least achieved that.

I'm not aware of any AU/NZ Standards approved PLB that does not have both frequencies. I would love to know which ones don't and will be referring the matter to AMSA Canberra / RCCNZ Wellington.

As for: "No matter which PLB you decide to buy, do some groundwork and ask about the cost of battery replacement. Unfortunately, for most PLB'S the present cost of battery renewal is close to the cost of initial purchase. Basically this means that these units are pretty much a throw-away item when the battery life expires. That's fine if you're happy to shell out 4 or 5 large notes every 7 or 8 years... but I struggle with that concept."

The KTi unit has a 10 year battery replacement and the unit itself has a 20 year approved life, so the cost of battery changeover for another 10 years is bugger all... If you're paying 4 or 5 large notes, you're crazy. If so, I'll send you my bank details and you can make a donation to my 5 day walk around Milford Sound in November. The Skippersmate.co.nz site has them for NZ$310.

With the new satellite systems going operational next year, location and beacon detection will be more rapid for NZ and the southern region of the South Island.

Check out these stories: New Satellite Stations by Maritime NZ and Australian (AMSA)

New satellite system saves the day (light) for injured tramper

If I can help anyone, just message me.