Life saver

Old Bloke said:

Although I've had one for some years now I never really thought about it !
A personal Safety beacon
View attachment 284496
My wife brought me one years ago ,due to where I worked and she'd heard from people I know, that I've had a few close calls over the years! Today I had occasion to persuade young Blisters my ex offsider to buy one as his going to be working out in the desert by himself ! The units have a battery life of 5 years and then you have to replace them! Once activated they send out a signal for 24 hours giving your location ! They are carried on your person and are small enough not to get in your way! Just food for thought

Click to expand...

Dragnet said:

l have questions….
1) Who does it notify once activated?
2) Is there a monthly fee?
3) One replaces just the battery every 5 years, (or the whole unit)?

Click to expand...

Old Bloke said:

Right I hope this helps
1) once activated the beacon sends a signal to the COSPAS/SARSAT world wide system ! It notifies the SAR in your country region. In australia this is the flying doctors service
2) There are no monthly fees but you must register the beacon. The forms are done on line and the information on this comes with the unit
3) The battery alone can be replaced by a registered supplier ! Personally I have replaced the whole unit after 5 years due to the environment I carry it in! You can pay a fee to have the signal checked every 12 months

Click to expand...

Dragnet said:

Thanks …ok, it’s similar to a boat EPIRB on a boat

“An EPIRB transmits signals to satellites. The signal consists of an encrypted identification number (all in digital code) which holds information such as the ship's identification, date of the event, the nature of distress, emergency contacts and the position”

Click to expand...

Old Bloke said:

You've basically hit the nail on the head! With the beacon though it doesn't send out the signal until activated

Click to expand...