EPIRB PLB Suggestions

My GME EPIRB battery is well out of date,

It has been suggested that since getting GME to install a new battery and service the unit costs $199 ie close to the cost of a new unit that buying a new one is the way to go.

Any particular suggestions?

the KTi unit seems like a good idea with a much longer battery life.

If you need to save some weight then the Ocean Signal PLB (PLB1) is a very small unit, a bit more fiddly to activate as well.

Doesn't have the battery life of a dedicated EPIRB but with GPS location being transferred on the first Satellite pass the inbuilt homing signal (121.5) isn't as important as it was.

Whatever you get I strongly recommend that it is GPS enabled, makes a big difference to rescue times.

Mike

One limitation of a PLB is that you can prang and it stays silent; you need to activate it before or after your arrival.

At my last bfr my instructor was straight onto setting off the plb immediately an engine failure was confirmed.

I had it stashed in a not too easy place to reach. (In my emergency bag)

He required me to have it readily available and within easy reach. It now is!!

A casa rep told me many plb's are not registered. So please register it.

The great thing about registering it, is lots of information (including pictures ) can be uploaded.

POB capacity, fuel capacity (burn rate/range), storage location (hangar), instruments & navaids/efb and ofcourse emergency ph numbers.

All this make false alarms easier to determine and actual rescue's faster.

Definitely have it in a handy location, if I'm solo it's around my neck, if I have a pax its around their neck & I brief then what to do if required. The GME MT410 was about $320, very easy to activate too.

Any particular suggestions?the KTi unit seems like a good idea with a much longer battery life.

2026 battery life is really good!

eBay item number:142166855602

FEATURES:

Size: Compact, lightweight design

Antenna: Marine grade stainless steel, flexible, multi-position

Buoyancy: Self buoyant – no need for external flotation aids

Strobe: High intensity photo-flash LED

Activation: Simple one-hand activation

Carry Pouch: Camera style carry pouch with belt loop

Lanyard: Detachable with pictorial instructions and whistle

Mirror: Supplied with high reflectivity mirror

Warranty: 10 year parts and labour

As a second beacon, I recently I bought an Ocean Signal • RescueMe PLB-1 because it was the smallest I could find (but with good performance reviews) and it'd be very easy to operate, even one handed.

I have it firmly attached by a (supplied) rubber strap to one of the Skyranger's tubes close to my right knee. It could easily be pulled clear, though, if I needed to take it with me in a hurry.

RescueME PLB from Ocean Signals

I have a GME MT410G Accusat PLB from CH Smith Marine - $289.

Link :-

GME MT410G Accusat PLB with GPS

Have it in the top pocket of my overalls when I fly.

I have the KTI SA2G. Got it after my GME 410 battery expired.

Smaller and lighter than the GME, cheaper, more satellite channels and has 10 year battery life rather than GME's 7year. Australian company as well.

I have not had the opportunity to actually use either of them, but they meet the same standards.

Also, KTI comes in a little yellow zip up, hard case. They also do an EPIRB at the same price.