I hope you all are aware that both KTi and FindmeSpot both are having issues, SPOT is due out April 2010 or so and KTi 2011 sometime. I got mixed up with the link from WF regarding SPOT. SPOT issues should be placed in the SPOT Threads not here.

__________________
The sun rises and sets, the moon wax and wanes, oceans ebb and rise, warmth of spring and the coolness of autumn and my heart beats as if I belong to them all.
www.gpsaustralia.net

Thanks Richardson.

Barry

Hi, Nicko,

I live in Spain and intend to buy a PLB for my sailboat, so thank you for your great review. I just have a question about the usage time of the different units, which is obviously an essential fact for these devices.

Usage time is as follows:
KTi 4 days
GME 2 days
Pains Wessex 2 days
ACR min 1 day +
Kannad 1 day +

In the review you state that the GME has 2 days usage time, but I have throughly looked at the specifications on the GME web site and all I can find is: "Duration: In excess of 24 hours at -20°C Longer at higher ambient temperatures." It doesn´t say anywhere (that I could find) that it will operate for two days.

The specifications for the new McMurdo FastFind MaxG do clearly state it will last minimum 48 hours (however, it has no strobe).

The GME looks like a great PLB, but how can I make sure it does have 2 days real usage time?

Thank you for your help.

Emilio

From personal knowledge on the GME products, having worked for them I am aware of the normal usage time. The reason why many manufacturers say 1 day+ is because they are covering their "backsides" if the unit fails before the second day then they are avoiding possible lawsuit.

__________________
The sun rises and sets, the moon wax and wanes, oceans ebb and rise, warmth of spring and the coolness of autumn and my heart beats as if I belong to them all.
www.gpsaustralia.net

Thank you for your answer. Best regards.

Best wording probably "Tested Life" xx hours

Does PLB need more than 24 hours? For sailboat would not you be better with Epirb?

I would say preferable to more than 24 hours because.... if you sink/fall overboard because of extremely poor weather, there is a good chance a helo may not be able extract you until that cyclone or such passes or..... If your outside a helos range and need rescue from a ship that could take an extended period. I would rather rely on something I have in my hand than something an aircraft may be able to drop to me.

I have been waiting patiently for KTi but with it now at least another 12months away ill get something else to tide me over and then palm it off to a relative or something.

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"The female A55 is a mysterious creature." Sir David Attenborough

And that is why I say Epirb over PLB for sailboat use as PLB does not like working in water, does not float good and not as water proof as purpose built Epirb

True but I normally carry a PLB in my life jacket even-though there are 2 epirb's onboard

__________________
"The female A55 is a mysterious creature." Sir David Attenborough

your paid 550 each...

Is the release date for the KTi Mini-Sat-G 406Mhz PLB still likely to be sometime in 2011?

Barry

good question I must follow that up

__________________
The sun rises and sets, the moon wax and wanes, oceans ebb and rise, warmth of spring and the coolness of autumn and my heart beats as if I belong to them all.
www.gpsaustralia.net

Rang KTi on Friday and they advised that the KTi Mini-Sat-G 406Mhz PLB is not due out until February/March 2011. They are apparently having some delays/difficulties with the GPS component and the approval process in the UK. So I'm told.

Barry