[pct-l] personal locator beacons

[Edward Anderson]

My first generation SPOT has always worked - all along the PCT - every night. Over four seasons, I lived on the PCT. I can add up over six months on the trail. Makes me wonder if the newer generation SPOT is as good. Perhaps some users are not as careful about selecting the location to send from as I am.  Those few who had to push the 911 button also found that it worked. I think that I remember that Gormet didn't have a perfect place, up in Washington, near the border, from which to send - but his 911 message did get out.  

Just thought I would mention that, as an experiment, I sent an "I'm OK" from INSIDE my house before I started my PCT ride in early 2008. I was surprised that it got through thew roof. 

One question, John, have you, yourself, actually tried the SPOT throughout the length of the PCT?  Or, are you going by what others have said?

Respectfully,
 
MendoRider-Hiker




________________________________
 From: John Abela <john at hikelighter.com>
To: Chris Anderson <srhspaded at yahoo.com> 
Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Saturday, March 2, 2013 5:34 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] personal locator beacons
 
Okie, I just gotta jump in on this one...

You are talking about two totally different things here.


The ACR ResQLink is a PLB.

The Spot is a toy for the family back home to have a pretty map of
where you WERE - and not necessarily where you ARE.


The ACR ResQLink is a SHTF device.

The Spot is a "oh boy, look where he is at" device.


The ACR ResQLink expensive because it has one job and one job only -
to get S&R to your exactly location.

The Spot is cheaper, up front, and while it tries to do two jobs, it
really is only good for one.


The ACR ResQLink has global coverage 24/7 and uses three different
systems, including a special frequency that a specific antenna on S&R
helicopters uses specifically for this purpose.

The Spot has, well, Spotty coverage, in a fair amount of locations
along the PCT.


Take along the spot if you feel like it would make your family feel
better about where you are.

But Carry the ACR ResQLink because your life is worth 130 grams and 280 bucks.


+John Abela
HikeLighter.Com


On Fri, Mar 1, 2013 at 10:59 PM, Chris Anderson <srhspaded at yahoo.com> wrote:
> I am looking at PLB's right now due to pressure from my family and loved ones.  I am looking at the spot, and also the acr resqlink.  the spot is cheaper but requires a yearly plan, while the resqlink is more expensive, it doesn't require paying for a subscription.  Does anybody have experience or knowledge about the two comparing their satellite coverage?  I have heard the spot device is "spotty" when sending the OK msg...and the acr doesn't have that option.  I'm not interested in options, just peace of mind for others...so how do i find out if one or the other has better coverage/transmission.  The acr seems to be a cheaper buy even if more expensive since i plan on causing my loved ones more trepidation in the future...sometimes you can't convince people you will be ok...and it would be nice to have a backup backup plan in case i end up not ok
_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

List Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
All content is copyrighted by the respective authors. 
Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.