SPOT vs PLB

This is a video response to Nutnfancy regarding the SPOT satellite tracking system versus 406 PLB's in general. For an outstanding explanation of how a 406 beacon works with the SARSAT and SAR system check out this commercial video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m78j0TIeVg

The main issue with SPOT beacons is the lack of adequate satellite coverage creating excessive delays in receiving SPOT messages (20-40 minutes). While Globalstar is attempting to resolve this issue it will not negate the requirement for Globalstar satellites to have simultaneous view of the SPOT beacon and a suitable ground station. The end result is a lack of world wide coverage, delays in message transmission and inadequate tracking (usually one of the main reason for purchasing the SPOT device). The SPOT beacon itself must also have a clear sky view and tree cover, foliage, and terrain can significantly impact this. SPOT alerts are received by the Emergency Rescue Coordination Centre (IERCC) based in Houston, Texas. A private company, IERCC is responsible for locating someone that can assist you and this may cause delays. Coupled with an annual fee of up to $150, I find the device unsuitable and potentially hazardous.

In contrast the 406 PLB's have world wide coverage. Since the emergency signal is captured and held by the search and rescue satellite system and downlinked as the satellite passes a ground station (LUT), there is no area on the earth that is not under surveillance. 406 PLB's (and aircraft 406 ELT as well as marine vessel 406 EPIRBS) also take advantage of two satellite systems, the Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). This redundancy can provide almost immediate response to distress signals. While a GPS capable 406 PLB is recommended, it is not essential as the LEO satellites will triangulate the ground position. While it may take up to 40 minutes to confirm the position of a non-GPS equipped PLB, in the mean time attempts will be made to contact the registered beacon owner or emergency contacts. Future plans for SARSAT include a medium earth orbit system (MEOSAR) that will allow for instant triangulation much like the GPS system currently fixes positions. Many PLB's also have a secondary homing frequency on 121.5 Mhz to allow ground, air, and marine searchers another method of homing the signal source. International SAR agencies are generally familiar with PLB's and have pre-arranged response plans and established lines of communication with SAR units. In Canada, PLB's are the responsibility of RCMP or local police. However, if there is any indication the source of the PLB may be involved in marine or air activities, Canadian Coast Guard and/or Canadian Airforce rescue units may be dispatched as well. While the SAR response in other parts of the world may vary, a Canadian Rescue Co-ordination Centre will be advised of any active Canadian PLB anywhere in the world and the Canadian Rescue Co-ordination Centre will begin an investigation as well. The 406 signal is very robust. There have been several activations inside homes, airport hangars, under extensive tree cover and in steep terrain and none have significantly impacted the transmission. In one case that I am aware of children accidentally activated a beacon and while the antenna was not deployed and the PLB was in a basement closet, the 406 signal was still received! While the initial purchase price of a PLB is higher than a SPOT beacon (approximately $250 for a PLB), there is no annual fee. The only real detractors of the PLB models shown are the lack of tracking (although ACR is now producing a PLB with a tracking/OK feature) and the difficulty servicing the batteries. If you can live with those issues, I think PLB's are providing much more value, a more robust signal, and entry into an established search and rescue system that was previously the domain of aircraft and marine vessels. PLB's really are a "world class" device.

Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions based on my experience with these devices. These are not the views of the Canadian Forces, Canadian Coast Guard, or Canadian Government. I am not an employee of ACR, McMurdo or any other company involved in the sale of these beacons.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• SPOT
• PLB
• EPIRB
• ELT
• SAR
• Search
• and
• Rescue
• nutnfancy
• video
• response

[TheMultiadventures]

I'm not aware of any tests of a 406 under snow but I know that metal hangars and standard North American house construction does little to attenuate the signal. I think the larger issue with using a 406 as an avalanche beacon would be the time for first responders to get the lat/long of the operating beacon. The other would be the requirement to activate the beacon somehow. Avalanche recovery is better served by personal avalanche beacons and trained response from on-site responders.

[TheMultiadventures]

inReach communication is provided by the Iridium satellite system. The general consensus (in the Aviation world anyway) is that Iridium is a more reliable satellite communication provider at the moment. However, I still feel it is a mistake to confuse these "communication" devices with true "rescue" devices. Marketers promote them as all-in-one but at the moment only 406 beacons get the full attention of Search and Rescue organizations (plus there is no monthly or annual fee).

[SitsoBe]

thanks for the valuable insight!

[WildmanACI]

The Fast Find is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 meters. It just can't transmit under water.

I have a Fast Find and I love carrying it when I hike and ski! Just in case.....

[youngestpilotinGa]

let me also say that IF and i stress IF your SPOT alert gets through then, it doesent go to the AFRCC like all other beacons, it goes to a private MCC and they will not dispatch government assets you will have to rely on private componys where as with the 406 you get private government assets and USAFAUX who are responsable for 95% on SAR in the contonetal US. take it from a search and rescuer 406 GPS is the way to go.

keep the faith

[RebelApexi]

Great review and info presented. Do you know if this device would work if you are buried under snow after an averlanche?

Thanks!

[wk5981]

Can you comment on Delorme's ne inReach device. It offers the 2-way communication that none of the two compared here do.

[TheTrogdorHunter]

IMO, when your life depends on rescue, PLB is the only way to go (even with SPOT 2). SPOT is all about the OK button. In other words, PLB is for your safety; SPOT is for your family's comfort.

I've seen the new PLB's with the 406link position reporting, but personally I wouldn't use a single amp of power from my rescue device on that. I want every moment of 121.5 beacon I can get to make sure I'm found when it counts.

For OK I prefer sat phone or a radio, but that's in addition to PLB.

[sha370z]

i had spot it sucks they keep emailing you to get money so i got the acr plb much

better very happy .