Buying an EPIRB

Following is a good go-to site for an explanation on the various types along with current models.

We use a Resqlink PLB which is small and compact and can fit in your pocket. You will want a PLB rather than an EPIRB, although understand the term EPIRB get used in the context of a “rescue beacon”.

AMSA Website - PLB

Cheers, Baz – The Landy

hi Bushrat, I purchased a GME PLB for about the $300- mark. Seven (7) years on the battery that can be replaced but you need to send it back to the manufacturer. Just remember that a PLB is used on land and a Epirb is a water floation device. Both do exactly the same thing but the physical size is like chaulk and cheese. Google both devices so you can visual see what I mean. Best money you will ever spend in regards extra safety, and a must if you travel solo and remote. Garry R

Just a point on terminologies - an Epirb is fitted to boats and aircraft, can be quite large and is often auto activated in an incident. They float upright and work in the water

I assume what you are looking for is a PLB - personal locator beacon and is portable, small and easily carried on the person - say a belt. They need to be manually activated and if in the water need to be held up by hand,

However when activated they work the same same so you could fit a Epirb to your vehicle but the better option would be a PLB as it is easily carried in the car or on your person.

I have a GME Accusat MT 410G- works fine apparently - is about $300 and has a 7 year battery life - the battery can be replaced by GME but is just as cost effective to replace the whole unit when the battery is out of date.

I really dont think there is a lot of difference with PLBs that are on sale - main differences will be battery shelf life and the process for replacement. They all work the same so cost and battery life would be the main considerations.

Garry

The GME410G is a good unit and is what I have.
It contains a GPS to give greater locator accuracy.

Don't consider sending it back for a replacement battery when it has reached the expiry date. The cost of replacement is close to the cost of a new unit, which you can buy for $289-$299.
You can register the unit with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority via their online facility at AMSA Registration

As Stated, buying a PLB is all about the battery life because they cost almost as much to repack as a new one is worth.
Mine is a KTI - good brand, 10 year battery life.
Look for one which is GPS enabled.
An epirb, apart from what has been said, has a larger battery and a longer guaranteed operating time than a PLB, and it floats in water the right way up with the aerial pointing the right way. With a PLB you have to control all those things yourself to get them to work well. The KTI comes with an upper arm holder so you can activate it and wander/swim around hands free, tending to whatever your emergency is while awaiting help.

If your a regular bush rat and travel remote wouldnt youhave a satphone?

I bought a KTI for myself and my son from
http://www.epirbhire.com.au/Buy_a_PLB.html
10 year battery life. These were issued to census collectors and was brand new in unopened package.
Best price I could find.

Hi,
Many thanks to all the folks who answered my question.
I've pretty well decided on the GME;
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GME-MT410G-PERSONAL-EPIRB-WITH-GPS-TRACKING-406-MHZ-PLB-/301681808681?hash=item463da31529:g:DJoAAOSwA3dYfZme

Don't forget to take it with you when you go over seas.
They work all over the world, not just in Australia.
Just keep the registration up to date with as much information as possible.
A fantastically good service.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

I use a gme plb and have just replaced it a few months go as the 7 years were up on the battery.

Both these dealers are very reputable and I have used both. Th expiry date on the autoelau supplied units is Nov 2023 which is stated on their ebay ad.

You can contact prestige about the used by dates of their units.

See the links below.
Prestige

Autoelecau

This is what I'm buying. Excellent price.
10 year parts and labor warranty plus it has a 20 year shelf life on the battery so you are not buying a half expired battery warranty.

https://www.arnoldsboatshop.com.au/safety-alert-personal-locator-beacon-with-gps-and-free-armband-sa2g/dp/35972

I'd buy the KTI.

$250 every 10 years or $25 per year

vs

GME 410G

$280 every 7 years or $40 per year.

It's smaller too.

Also as others have suggested, fresh stock is important.

I have a GME unit and hang it off the gear stick while driving so that if required it can be reached from either passenger or drivers seat.

Then just slide it up and over the stick, and attach to the belt when out and about.

Paul

Also have a look at a Spot Messenger.

More expensive but more flexible. Somewhat less reliable.

Hi again and once again thanks for all the advice.

I've changed my mind and am going with this. Price is right and they seem to be an OK unit;

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/KTI-Safety-Alert-PLB-with-GPS-/142166855602?hash=item2119ce0fb2:g:pNUAAOSwA3dYF~XU

Idler Chris, thanks for the mention.

We do, indeed, have the KTI epirbs and PLB's. Reason we stock the KTI is the huge warranty and long battery life. The ones we are shipping at the moment have a battery date of March 2018 - so it's actually over 11 years!

They also have a nifty neoprene pouch making them wearable. Mention Exploroz when ordering and we'll throw one in free of charge (Usually about 20 bucks) whilst this stock lasts.

Difference between a PLB and EPIRB (other than the obvious size)?

PLB - battery life 24 hours plus. May or may not float (The KTI does :) ) Needs to have antenna oriented up and held out of water when in marine situation.

EPIRB, must float, will float in correct orientation with antenna out of water. Must have a battery capable of 48+ hours.