I need some opinions/input...
I'm looking into electronics for use in an emergency. In talking with people I usually hear a couple of primary comments...
1) If you are smart, careful, wise etc, etc... you don't need them
and
2) Satphone
The point of this is I'm interested in carrying some sort of technology for emergency communications. So if you are a #1 kind of guy don't feel obligated to post..
For those who would recommend a satphone - here's my delima....
I've carried a satphone on several hunts and we've used them to communicate with transporters, airlines and even home to the family. They are great and I can see where they COULD save you're bacon in a pinch.... That is if you can get coverage and have the numbers to contact someone... There have been several occassions where coverage was slack... I've never had one completely fail but it just makes me think what if I needed coverage NOW. I also recall several times I've called and had to listen to the sound of "Digital Confusion" as the persons voice was scrambled.
I've been researching handheld personal location beacons like the ACR Terra Fix w/ GPS. I've read what I can and spoke to the sales rep at ACR. I had an explination given to me that makes sense but I don't know enough to dicipher whether it's a sales pitch or truth.
I was told that a satphone requires a "constant" link with the Satellite in orbit to transmit communication. Where as the PLB only needs an instant connection to relay the digital distress signal and GPS coordinates. The Satellite then records and repeats until a response is generated.
Anyone know more about this?
I can see where the convenience of a Sat phone would be nice. I can see where having communications in an emergency that is NOT life threatening would be beneficial. But in an ALL OUT - LIFE OR DEATH - emergency does anyone think there's something better than a PLB?