Hi Irene
For information about EPIRBs it is worthwhile reading the details about them
on the Website of the Victorian Federation of Walking Clubs [VicWalk]
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~vicwalk/ Go to "Bushwalker information' then
to "information on EPIRBs"
Although the information is for bushwalking situations most of it is
relevant to the other uses of these devices such as bird watching or outback
travelling.
There is an EPIRB with both a strobe light and a mirror. It is the
Australian made KTI Mini sat - alert, Model RB3S which has a light
reflecting surface inside the clipoff base. Batteries on this model can be
changed by the user in the field if necessary but it is recommended that
they be replaced by the manufacturers every 5 years. The unit is designed
for use Australia wide and is available in bushwalking equipment shops, map
shops and Birds Australia shop. The manufacturers website is www.kti.com.au
The reference to 121.5/243 MHZ refers to the distress frequencies on which
the units operate. These frequencies are monitored by the COSPAS - SARSAT
satellite system and sometimes by overflying commercial aircraft. It has
nothing to do with the power rating of the unit which is determined by the
appropriate Aust/NZ standard and the Australian Communications Authority.
The above units will be superseded by new generation 406 MHZ units in 2009.
Although these units are available and currently in use in marine
applications they are much more expensive. A low cost lightweight 406 MHZ
unit is not available yet as far as I know. However the Australian
manufacturers are being encouraged by the Australian Maritime Safety
Authority to develop them. Although their website www.amsa.gov.au/beacons
is promoting the idea of using the 406 MHZ units I think this is mainly
directed at professional maritime and aviation users. In the meantime the
relatively low cost 121.5/243 MHZ unit is probably the best bet for the next
few years.
The unit is light weight and compact. Our bushwalking club carries one on
overnight walking trips.
Regards
David Reid
> Hi everyone
> I'm looking at purchasing an EPIRB and have so far viewed 2 in the shops.
One had a strobe light but no mirror, while the other had a mirror (polished
piece of metal for reflecting the sun but no strobe light for nighttime.
One suggested that to change the batteries, it was best to return the entire
unit to the manufacturer. Both appeared to be designed for my location, ie
SE Australia.
Any comments on features and functionality would be appreciated.
Both of them were 121.5 / 243 MHz. Can someone confirm please that this is
the most appropriate / powerful rating?
Irene Denton
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