[pct-l] GPS vs PLB

[Dan Africk]

I want to clarify something that some people seem to be unaware of -  the
SPOT messenger device IS NOT A PLB!

PLBs(personal locator beacons) have much more powerful transmitters, and
have to meet very stringent performance standards, including transmitting
continuously for a minimum of 24 hours at -20 degrees celsius(or -40 C/F,
depending on the class of PLB) degrees, they must be completely
waterproof(and most PLBs also float), and must be rugged enough to survive a
fair amount of abusive testing. In addition to the powerful 406MHz signal
sent directly to the SARSAT satellite network(the network of satellites used
for global search and rescue), PLBs also include a second 121.5MHz homing
signal, so that rescuers can find you once they get within a few miles of
your location. PLBs are basically scaled down versions of the ELTs(emergency
location transmitter) that all pilots and most boats are required to have.

Make no mistake, the SPOT and a PLB are leagues apart when it comes to their
capabilities and the chance of saving your life. With a PLB, once you
activate, no matter where in the world you are(except for a few rare places
at the bottom of canyons and such), Search and Rescue will immediately be
activated and shortly on the way. Modern PLBs can transmit easily under
forest cover and are very reliable, and there are absolutely no fees or
contracts once you purchase the unit.

A PLB does not offer the same features of tracking your trip or
communicating with family. It has one and only one purpose, which it does
very well- to get yourself rescued as quickly as possible. Some PLBs weigh
as little as 8.5oz

Extensive information about both PLBs, and the SPOT can be found aat the
nonprofit Equipped to Survive Foundation at equipped.org . Some of the more
relevant links:

equipped.org/plb_legal.htm

a review of a recent, lightweight PLB
http://equipped.org/McMurdoNewFastFind.htm


Note: With all that said, I don't plan on bringing either a PLB or a SPOT. I
have no personal stake in either device, or in equipped.org, but I feel this
is very important information for people to know. Under different
circumstances, for example if I ever went sea kayaking, I would definitely
bring a PLB.



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Roger Binschus <roger_pct at yahoo.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:50:40 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [pct-l] GPS vs PLB
On my 2005 hike, I carried neither a GPS or a PLB (personal locator beacon
[SPOT])

This year, my parents are requesting that I bring on or the other...if not
both. I am leaning towards a GPS, because it is weight I can use. My parents
are leaning towards a PLB, because it can send an emergency signal, should I
be injured..... but I have a hiking partner, and all the other hikers around
me....so unless I am lost and injured at the same time, the PLB seems
useless to me.

Anyone have any input as to what I should get? both? And as far as GPS's
go.... which would you recommend? and how useful is a GPS on a trail as
Traveled as the PCT?

Thanks in adavance.
-Psycho

-- 
Indifference is the one trait that makes the very angels weep. Indifference
is the essence of inhumanity. Indifference to evil is more insidious than
evil itself -- Cornel West

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