View Full Version : Question safety on a budget
Being on a budget but trying to be prepared, what are your thoughts on the "spot satellite messenger" and the "ARC mini B 300 Epirb". What are the pros and cons of each. Thanks TWR
cbdaddy
03-17-2009, 11:04 PM
Got one, love it its well worth it at a fraction of the price! I will tell you from experience they do respond rapidley to emergency signal from spot. I had a freind whose child pushed the wrong button, he turned unit off quickly but had a CG C130 overhead within 15 minutes and had some explaining to do to CG small boat crew who were on scene in less than 30 minutes so be careful!
I asked the same question last week and heard similar replies. I will be ordering mine next month.
Mike Avery
03-18-2009, 06:51 AM
Certainly the spot is better than nothing. I have both a spot and an epirb. The issue with the spot is it's not waterproof. It says water resistent for 30 minutes so that tells me it may not work for long if you have to get wet. EPIRBs are waterproof and float. The EPIRB battery will last up to 10 years while the spot takes AA. The EPIRB is registered to you and your boat so if it get lit off, the CG is looking for your specific boat. The spot is like a PLB for both land and water events so perhaps the response time may not be as fast.
J Lavender
03-18-2009, 07:29 AM
I've been thinking about getting one of the SPOT units too. I like the idea that I can use it in the boat and also when I'm hiking in the mountains. Mike, the info page below says it is waterproof to 1 meter and it floats. Maybe those are improvements that have recently been made.
SPOT – Personal Tracker :: EPIRBS :: SAFETY :: BOE Marine (http://byownerelectronics.com/store/product.php?productid=71132&cat=0&page=1)
South Paw
03-18-2009, 08:33 AM
I bought a SPOT recently. It doesn't replace an EPIRB, but I can take it on any of my boats. If there is a waterproof issue just buy yourself a clear waterproof pouch for $10 at Boatersworld. I did.
Good Fishin
Has anyone used the "ARC miniB 300 Epirb" they are not much more than "spot" if i am correct like $162.00 on iboat. It seems to be the least expensive Epirb, wonder what the difference is from $600.00 to $162.00.
forgive me if I am wrong, but isn't the ACR miniB 300" operating on 121.5 only? That is the SAR frequency.
I AM NOT AN EXPERT SO TRIPLE CHECK ME...but...according to this CG website, Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB) - USCG Navigation Center (http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/epirb.htm)
QUOTE: 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs
The International Cospas-Sarsat System ceased satellite processing of 121.5/243 MHz beacons on 1 February 2009. Although Emergency Locator Transmitters used by aircraft may still be used, alerts from these devices or from 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs will no longer be acted upon unless detected by an overflying aircraft. ENDQUOTE
Again, may be wrong, but I believe that means that broadcasting on 121.5 is nice, but not necessarily going to get you USCG attention anymore. I think the 121.5 freq is now used only for close in SAR work (as in, they know you're in distress and come flying over you to look...121.5 homes them in) or for MOB systems like those used on sailboats.
Hopefully some nice Coastie can chime in and steer us right.
Again, I may have this all wrong - just bringing it up so you know to ask someone who is way smarter than I am on it to make sure.
Mike Avery
03-18-2009, 11:28 AM
Z, you are absolutely right. That is listed as a discontinued product on the ACR webpage. Do not buy this device at any price. These online vendors selling them just to get rid of products are criminals.
Z, you are absolutely right. That is listed as a discontinued product on the ACR webpage. Do not buy this device at any price. These online vendors selling them just to get rid of products are criminals.
Z and Fishdad i new there was a reason this particular Epirb was so cheap compared to others, thanks for bringing me up todate , so spot it is, thanks again. TWR
Again, I am NO EXPERT, but my understanding is this - the 121.5 is good for the following now: (1) use with a MOB indicator...to alert the rest of the crew someone fell over, and to permit the vessel to return and locate and (2) sends a signal that can be intercepted by rescue vessels to help them locate you. BUT...unlike 406, this 121 frequency is NOT being monitored to alert them to your distress. Put another way - it won't call the CG for you, but it will assist the CG in locating you if they know to look.
I'd still feel a lot better if a Coastie chimed in to confirm, correct, or clarify...but in either event, proceed with caution.
SIMPLY DIVINE
03-20-2009, 01:16 PM
Is there still an annual fee for SPOT?? ($99.99 annually). :confused:
Dale D.
ultangler
03-20-2009, 01:57 PM
Yep, there's a $99/year subscription fee. The Spot is waterproof, it's rated to IPX 7 standards which means it can withstand submersion to one meter for up to 30 minutes without damage (the only higher standard designation is IPX 8, which means it's intended for continuous underwater use,) and it does float. I've banged one around pretty good, and it's survived with flying colors.