On 7 Nov 2004 21:02:20 -0800, (Matt Lang) wrote:

Guys,

I am thinking about buying an EPIRB and hope its one of these things
that when you have it you will never have to use it ...

I want one of the more sophisticated ones that send GPS coordinates to
a satellite.

Now i wonder do the ones that send GPS coordinates also send the 406
MHz beacon signal so that in case the GPS fails or doesnt get a lock
you will still be found?

The other question is: Are these things legal to use on land for
backcountry 4wheeling and such?

Matt

OK, found something that might interest you. See the link below:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Lear...mp/clplbsf.jsp


The following is a quote from the link:

"While PLBs became available for use in the U.S. on July 1, 2003, this
powerful technology has been around for decades.

If you have sal****er boating experience, you may be familiar with Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBS). These devices, designed
exclusively for marine environments, have been in use for over 20 years and
saved nearly 15,000 lives.

PLBs are the land-based equivalents of EPIRBS and utilize the same satellite
networks. So why has the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) only
recently approved PLBs for use in the United States?

Previously, no unified organization for land-based rescues has existed.
While the U.S. Coast Guard serves as the point of contact for marine
rescues, different states have long handled terrestrial rescues through a
variety of organizations.

To overcome this issue, the FCC, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force recently teamed
up and designated the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) as the
single point of contact for land-based rescues. The AFRCC in turn has
established connections and software compatibility with search and rescue
groups in each state."

My guess is an EPIRB registered for maritime use and a PLB for 4 wheeling.






Regards
John S

I would rather be boating!