McMurdo FastFind PLB

[Robalo]

Anyone have one of the McMurdo FastFind 210 PLB? I see they are $300 and no subscription fee like the "Spot" (about $100/year in fees). I'm gonna get me one for the Robalo and maybe 1 for the Skeeter. They are 406 mhz and ya have to register them with NOAA. I never got an epirb since they are about $1k each, but this does same thing pretty much and is $300. Just gotta hold it vertical to work after you fell overboard or sunk-most epirbs are self-floating and ya don't have to worry about what position they are in. It's about the size of a cell phone, so you can keep in pocket when alone on da bote.

Any problems with them?

[Robalo]

Anyone got one or heard much about it? BUMP!!

[Race1Mopar]

Robalo,
Most of the Eperbs ahve come down in price lately and they are all 406mhz now. I beloeve the old standard is either no longer used, or being phased out soon.

I went and looked at the website and that unit has some pretty good features for such a small package, even waterproof to 30 feet temporarily, 48hour run time and built in GPS. That GPS will aid in quick dispatch of your location.

Talking about the bad, it's Cat2 which means manual activation only- still better than nothing. It also doesn't float! The specs says it's not recomended for the water unless you have an auxillary floation decive but if it's in a lifejacket pocket your lifejacket will float. It also says it doesn't meet the requirements of an EPIRB.

Looking at this website here are some of the 406mhz requirements of an EPIRB. (Still something is better than nothing!)

hope this helps!
Joe

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/epirb.htm

406 MHz EPIRBs
The 406 MHz EPIRB was designed to operate with satellites. The signal frequency (406 MHz) has been designated internationally for use only for distress. Other communications and interference, such as on 121.5 MHz, is not allowed on this frequency. Its signal allows a satellite local user terminal to accurately locate the EPIRB (much more accurately -- 2 to 5 km vice 25 km -- than 121.5/243 MHz devices), and identify the vessel (the signal is encoded with the vessel's identity) anywhere in the world (there is no range limitation). These devices are detectable not only by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites which are polar orbiting, but also by geostationary GOES weather satellites. EPIRBs detected by the GEOSTAR system, consisting of GOES and other geostationary satellites, send rescue authorities an instant alert, but without location information unless the EPIRB is equipped with an integral GPS receiver. EPIRBs detected by COSPAS-SARSAT (e.g. TIROS N) satellites provide rescue authorities location of distress, but location and sometimes alerting may be delayed as much as an hour or two. Although these EPIRBs also include a low power 121.5 MHz homing signal, homing on the more powerful 406 MHz frequency has proven to be a significant aid to search and rescue aircraft. These are the only EPIRB types which can be sold in the United States.

A new type of 406 MHz EPIRB, having an integral GPS navigation receiver, became available in 1998. This EPIRB will send accurate location as well as identification information to rescue authorities immediately upon activation through both geostationary (GEOSAR) and polar orbiting satellites. These types of EPIRBs are the best you can buy.

406 MHz emergency locating transmitters (ELTs) for aircraft are also available. 406 MHz personnel locating beacons (PLBs) are available.

The Coast Guard recommends you purchase a 406 MHz EPIRB, preferably one with an integral GPS navigation receiver. A Cat I EPIRB should be purchased if it can be installed properly.

[Robalo]

Thanks Joe. I think I'll get 1. I have a float bag for it and it is 406Mhz and has gps, just got to unwind antennae and hold up-with a vest on it'd be better than any cell and if lost boat batteries due to water, then it beats a VHF with gps capabilities since when battery goes, so does VHF. Thought about the "Spot", but $150 plus $99/year, that is too expensive and I don't care about someone at home tracking me via website. From my reading about the fastfind, it basically does the same as an epirb except float and have antennae ready at all times and manual activation. I was hoping someone here had one and said yeah or nay.