Do they get a bill?

[V8Ian]

Perth family stranded in Simpson Desert after heavy rain rescued by police - ABC News (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-16/helicopter-heading-to-rescue-perth-family-in-simpson-desert/100623514)

A stella demonstration of irresponsibility, inexperience, lack of preparedness and research.
They had to be air dropped food and a sat phone. The two little kids had no say in the potentially lethal risks they were being subjected to.

[trout1105]

I am pretty sure that they were not in any immediate danger as their 4WD camper is well set out for off grid living Including air conditioning.
IF they were low on water or food then that is their own stupidity .
Personally I think this was simply a grab for 15min of fame So YES they should be paying the rescue bill.

[W&KO]

Nope….it’s not the Aussie thing send a bill.

Maybe they could drop a box of TimTams off at the rescue base as a thank you.

If nothing else it’s been a good heads up to other travellers…by being it the new it might prevent a future more serious event

We’re in the final stages of prepping for our 2 year lap of Aus, every chance we won’t end up in their situation but ya never say never.

[RobMichelle]

They should be billed in my opinion.
A set up like that with there plans and no sat phone or Hf radio is stoopid.
Either one of those items could have avoided an initial unknown scramble, as I’m sure activating a distress beacon would do as the rescue services will mot know what has happened so will treat it as such. A simple call to say we are bogged but ok for the time being was all that was needed. There set up is a lot of money, not having a sat phone is hopefully a very expensive learning cure e to all. Off me soap box now [emoji106]
Rob

[gavinwibrow]

They should be billed in my opinion.
A set up like that with there plans and no sat phone or Hf radio is stoopid.
Either one of those items could have avoided an initial unknown scramble, as I’m sure activating a distress beacon would do as the rescue services will mot know what has happened so will treat it as such. A simple call to say we are bogged but ok for the time being was all that was needed. There set up is a lot of money, not having a sat phone is hopefully a very expensive learning cure e to all. Off me soap box now [emoji106]
Rob


While I don't disagree with y'all, to be fair on them living their dream, they had been out in the desert area for a while prior, were well set up, and heavy rain at this time of year does not qualify as usual. From where they were when the weather went bad they were going to be in trouble whatever they did.

[NavyDiver]

Perth family stranded in Simpson Desert after heavy rain rescued by police - ABC News (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-16/helicopter-heading-to-rescue-perth-family-in-simpson-desert/100623514)

A stella demonstration of irresponsibility, inexperience, lack of preparedness and research.
They had to be air dropped food and a sat phone. The two little kids had no say in the potentially lethal risks they were being subjected to.
I wouldn't myself. The mass power outages here due to the storm that smashed Vic was the same that got them stuck. All the power, phones..... No Bloody Network and most homes and business to a un prepared time of as well. A smarty pants with a whole busness, building UPS is still a smug mug [thumbsupbig]

All the power companies, NBN....Mobile phone. companies ++++ Chemist, Doctors, Schools.++++ that failed to fully prepare for that storm are not being held fully to account for it I assume? I dont want them hung for not doing as I did with a painful amount of money[bigrolf]

[V8Ian]

PPPPPP, send the bill.

[trout1105]

While I don't disagree with y'all, to be fair on them living their dream, they had been out in the desert area for a while prior, were well set up, and heavy rain at this time of year does not qualify as usual. From where they were when the weather went bad they were going to be in trouble whatever they did.

The weather was unusual BUT it was forcast and the appropriate warnings were issued for that area, These people had plenty of warning to get out of there BEFORE they got into difficulties.

Living the dream is Fine But why should the tax payers have to fund a rescue due to their bad judgement and preparedness, They should have to pay for their own stuff ups Not us.

[gavinwibrow]

The weather was unusual BUT it was forcast and the appropriate warnings were issued for that area, These people had plenty of warning to get out of there BEFORE they got into difficulties.

Living the dream is Fine But why should the tax payers have to fund a rescue due to their bad judgement and preparedness, They should have to pay for their own stuff ups Not us.

Would have been disappointed if you hadn't chimed in.

Nowhere as crazy as Bullant? or whatever his name was sailing singl-ehanded in the deep southern ocean and having to be rescued, and any number of others.

If you actually read the initial articles, they were well set up, even though a sat phone as well as their eperb should have been standard equipment.

Of course none of us have ever been silly in our younger days or not fully prepared in our lives.

Cheers

[windsock]

I've heard this discussion more than once here in NZ too. People do stupid things in our hill country but accidents happen also. Consensus in most of the discussions was that if you started charging for rescues (whether caused by stupidity or accident), the one time someone really needed a rescue, they may not ask due to the perceived dollar cost to them, then it could well become a recovery exercise not a rescue mission.

[V8Ian]

What I find unforgivable is the blatant disregard for the kids' safety. They should have been equipped with VHF, satphone or both.

[Tote]

I suspect that either the prospect of a 2 week stay in the desert was having mental health impacts on the family or they are after their 15 minutes of fame but if the latter was the case then the book deal would have been better if they waited longer in the desert.

They were well set up and had plenty of experience in outback travel
They had an EPIRB which alerted authorities to their plight, it is difficult to understand the rationale for pushing the button on the epirb without knowing the circumstances.
Perhaps the rescue was forced on them as the authorities did not want the ongoing risk of a family remaining in the desert on 40 degree days being placed on them?
The Simpson closes on December 1, perhaps this factored into their decision to leave Birdsville?
I'm not so sure that the amount of rain was accurately forecast at the time they departed Birdsville and it is certainly unseasonal.
I'm surprised at some of the attitudes expressed regarding travellers who have put in at least as much thought and probably more than some people on here who have done similar trips with less prep. IMHO they should not be charged, if they faced the cost of being rescued they would not have set off the epirb and a far more tragic outcome may have occurred.

Regards,
Tote

[Tote]

What I find unforgivable is the blatant disregard for the kids' safety. They should have been equipped with VHF, satphone or both.

So everyone on here who has crossed the Simpson has had those items? I'm not so sure. When we have done remote trips we usually carry a club satphone and an epirb but the risk to the kids is more about the risk of being too far from medical help in the case of a medivac emergency. We had a daughter fall in the fire 12 hours drive from Mt Dare, that makes you think about risk and there is no way you would get a chopper in there inside a couple of days. Luckily in our case there wasn't a major injury but would I change the decision to take them - absolutely not.
Besides they had a satphone within hours of setting off the epirb so not taking one is pretty irrelevent to the "rescue"

Regards,
Tote

[V8Ian]

So everyone on here who has crossed the Simpson has had those items? I'm not so sure. When we have done remote trips we usually carry a club satphone and an epirb but the risk to the kids is more about the risk of being too far from medical help in the case of a medivac emergency. We had a daughter fall in the fire 12 hours drive from Mt Dare, that makes you think about risk and there is no way you would get a chopper in there inside a couple of days. Luckily in our case there wasn't a major injury but would I change the decision to take them - absolutely not.
Besides they had a satphone within hours of setting off the epirb so not taking one is pretty irrelevent to the "rescue"

Regards,
Tote
A satphone at what cost? It had to be dropped to them by helo. Satphones can be rented by the month, quite economically. I wouldn't entertain remote travel without a satphone, with or without young kids.
How many time did the helicopter have to fly out to them, thanks to their reckless conduct?

[101RRS]

Perth family stranded in Simpson Desert after heavy rain rescued by police - ABC News (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-16/helicopter-heading-to-rescue-perth-family-in-simpson-desert/100623514)

A stella demonstration of irresponsibility, inexperience, lack of preparedness and research.
They had to be air dropped food and a sat phone. The two little kids had no say in the potentially lethal risks they were being subjected to.

Experts (and AMSA) are now saying they were well prepared, were not irresponsible and are in fact being praised for activating the PLB early. When they left Birsdsville all roads were open so if authorities had concerned at that time they should have been closed.

They should not be charged to costs as it sets a dangerous precedent. If these "rescues" are charged then people will be reluctant to call for help and lives will be lost.

The rescue services are there, and costed exactly for these events.

Garry

[101RRS]

They should have been equipped with VHF, satphone or both.

And after they had got struck what then - would not have been a lot of help - they would still have been bogged - they had the itemm that counts - the PLB.

[V8Ian]

And after they had got struck what then - would not have been a lot of help - they would still have been bogged - they had the itemm that counts - the PLB.
They were ill equipped. A PLB is for mayday situations, they were in a pan situation, for which a satphone or VHF is perfectly adequate.
Had they bothered to equip themselves with all the appropriate comms, there would have been no need to send a chopper with the satphone.

[Tote]

A satphone at what cost? It had to be dropped to them by helo. Satphones can be rented by the month, quite economically. I wouldn't entertain remote travel without a satphone, with or without young kids.
How many time did the helicopter have to fly out to them, thanks to their reckless conduct?

The satphone was dropped from a Cessna, there was footage of the drop. so pretty cheap in the scheme of things.

Regards,
Tote

[Tote]

They were ill equipped. A PLB is for mayday situations, they were in a pan situation, for which a satphone or VHF is perfectly adequate.
Had they bothered to equip themselves with all the appropriate comms, there would have been no need to send a chopper with the satphone.

If they were in a pan situation why were they evacuated then?

Regards,
Tote

[shanegtr]

I think they have done the right thing. I have no idea how long they where bogged before setting off the epirb, but they obviously realised they where not getting unbogged before food and/or water supplies became an issue. They stayed with the vehicle so where easy to find. If they had a sat phone they still would have required the food/water drop anyway so theres only the saving of the initial scouting flight. Ok so they may have made a bad call to travel, but I wasn't there so I can't say if I would or wouldn't have made the same call. I've been bogged in some remote areas in the Pilbara a couple of times when I was younger and less prepared than what I am when I travel now, I dont carry an epirb but I do own a sat phone.

[101RRS]

They were ill equipped. A PLB is for mayday situations, they were in a pan situation, for which a satphone or VHF is perfectly adequate.
Had they bothered to equip themselves with all the appropriate comms, there would have been no need to send a chopper with the satphone.

And so why have authorities now decided to pull them out if the situation is not life threatening. The guy said in an interview this morning that he activated the PLB because hot weather was forecast for this week and was concerned for their safety - the authorities agree and that is the same reason they were pulled out this morning.

[V8Ian]

They weren't rescued for a couple of days, so it wasn't a mayday. Light planes may be less costly than rotary wing craft, but they're still not cheap to operate.

[101RRS]

They weren't rescued for a couple of days, so it wasn't a mayday. Light planes may be less costly than rotary wing craft, but they're still not cheap to operate.

Easy to make such judgements from the comfort and safety of your armchair.

[V8Ian]

Easy to make such judgements from the comfort and safety of your armchair.
The lack of proper and basic comms has a direct influence on my judgment.

[Tombie]

They had a messaging distress beacon, sent a message to family they were stuck.

Those people escalated it.

The family was well equipped, prepared and couldn’t not foresee the event which got them caught.

No bill required…

As for the extraction, that was Government choice for their ongoing welfare. They’ll still need to pay for recover of vehicle later on.

[cjc_td5]

They had a messaging distress beacon, sent a message to family they were stuck.

Those people escalated it.

The family was well equipped, prepared and couldn’t not foresee the event which got them caught.

No bill required…

As for the extraction, that was Government choice for their ongoing welfare. They’ll still need to pay for recover of vehicle later on.

They have said they are going back to Perth for Christmas, then come back next year to retrieve the truck. All of Australia now knows its there. I hope its still there in one piece when they go back...

[W&KO]

Public money is everyday for people that haven’t ‘prepped or planned’ properly. It’s made the news so everybody jumps onto the band wagon.

For those calling for a bill to be sent…..I’m sure if/when you are in need of assistance using public money my guess is you won’t be actively seeking the invoice.…..

[BMKal]

They had a messaging distress beacon, sent a message to family they were stuck.

Those people escalated it.

The family was well equipped, prepared and couldn’t not foresee the event which got them caught.

No bill required…

As for the extraction, that was Government choice for their ongoing welfare. They’ll still need to pay for recover of vehicle later on.

Knowing the area as we do - I'd be betting it was the flies that was their deciding factor in getting the hell out of there. [bigwhistle]

On a serious note though - I certainly agree that this family has done nothing wrong at all, and any belief that they should be made to pay for their rescue is laughable.

[trout1105]

Easy to make such judgements from the comfort and safety of your armchair.

It is also so easy to simply panic and activate a distress beacon and expect someone else to get you out of strife[bigwhistle]

[Blknight.aus]

as I recall hearing it (not from public media)


the family were happy to camp it out until they could be recovered.

the rescue was elevated on their behalf due to a predicted series of high temps in conjunction with the waterlogged area and low winds for the time period.

high temp, high humidity 2 very young kids.

could be wrong but if those are the pertinent facts, I dont see the need to have them foot the bill...

[Graeme]

.... VHF is perfectly adequate.
VHF would be useless out there and normally requires a licence to use, although in an emergency a licence isn't required. Furthermore any frequency/band can be used including frequencies allocated to private networks such as the VKS737 network even though the operators might not like it as by law they must render assistance.
I suspect that you meant HF and perhaps using a private network rather than amateur HF.

[Fatso]

No .

[scarry]

Once the area drys out,they will be able to drive the vehicle out.

As for the question,i am sitting on the fence.[bighmmm][biggrin]

[NavyDiver]

All the unvaccinated in hospital with avoidable issues should be billed +++ [biggrin][biggrin]
Just kidding But I know for a fact that choice cost us a [B]LOT more than a remote rescue does[bigwhistle][bigwhistle][bigwhistle]

[V8Ian]

Once the area drys out,they will be able to drive the vehicle out.

As for the question,i am sitting on the fence.[bighmmm][biggrin]
That's why humans have a crack in their bum. [biggrin]

[350RRC]

VHF would be useless out there and normally requires a licence to use, although in an emergency a licence isn't required. Furthermore any frequency/band can be used including frequencies allocated to private networks such as the VKS737 network even though the operators might not like it as by law they must render assistance.
I suspect that you meant HF and perhaps using a private network rather than amateur HF.

Yes VHF useless out there (needs line of sight, etc. Marine use only), HF would be the go.

A cray boat in Vic can talk to another one in WA with HF and a tuned antenna.

Both VHF (ch 16) and HF (ch 82??) are monitored for emergencies, pan and mayday, so a private network is not really necessary in in an emergency.

DL

[Arapiles]

CODAN radios are pretty standard for people to carry, but they didn't have one - they appear to have set off the EPIRB because they were worried that the kids might get hurt. Playing in the mud.

Edit: were they actually in the Simpson Desert?

[Graeme]

Both VHF (ch 16) and HF (ch 82??) are monitored for emergencies, pan and mayday, so a private network is not really necessary in in an emergency.
DL
There aren't defined channels on amateur VHF / HF so I suspect that you're referring to marine VHF / HF channels if not private networks such as the private HF network VKS737.

[350RRC]

There aren't defined channels on amateur VHF / HF so I suspect that you're referring to marine VHF / HF channels if not private networks such as the private HF network VKS737.

Yep marine channels, didn't know there were 'other'. Amateurs use 16 and lots of 67 on VHF at sea all the time.

A pan or mayday call on HF in the desert would get picked up on the 8??? frequency by 24hr marine monitoring.

I've got a ROCP but have never used HF, can't remember the exact monitored frequency and there's no way I can remember how to tune the antenna.

If I was getting to get a sand hit it would only take 5 mins to bring it all back for reference out there with HF.

Sat phone and epirb combo would be easier and cheaper in any case.

DL

[JDNSW]

They appear to have been well prepared, and had about a fortnight's supplies. I would have been a bit concerned about having young children just there this late in the year, simply because of the temperatures you can expect. (I should point out that in the 1960s I spent two years working in the middle of the Simpson for twelve months of the year - in tents, and with very limited communication.)

Interestingly, one of their major concerns seems to be that they could not let the kids out to play in the mud as they wanted to, since they did not have the water to wash them. However, it is not clear to me who made the decision to evacuate. The fact that a police helicopter was used perhaps suggests that it was a police initiative.

No, I do not believe that they should be billed - start doing this and there will be a lot of money spent on search and recovery and investigations rather than rescues, since, as pointed out by some above, people will simply not call for help until it is too late.

[trout1105]

Fireing off an EPIRB just because the kids are getting dirty is pathetic.
These devices are to be used in life threatening situations (Mayday) only and with at least 2 weeks supply of food and water with access to air conditioned accomodation these people were Not in any immediate danger.

[Tombie]

Never let facts interrupt a good BMW (Bitch Moan Whinge)

SAPOL made the call to rescue them, not them.
Was a Government decision based on weather and kids safety.

Wasn’t just a fired off Epirb either, they sent a “Spot” type message announcing they had become stuck to family. The family then raised it with authorities who went to check.

As for HF comms, of all the long distance tourers/adventurers I know - only one has a HF fitted now (was several) and most don’t carry Sat Phones as they’re hit and miss also.
They carry messaging beacons and do regular log ins.

[Saitch]

Ummm, don't travel remotely, alone!

Solo trips seem to be the latest fad, up there with "ICONIC" tracks and destinations. :lol2::lol2::lol2:

[trout1105]

SAPOL made the call to rescue them, not them.
Was a Government decision based on weather and kids safety.

The decision to pull them out was based more on the media frenzy surrounding this more than the safety factors[bigwhistle]

[scarry]

Ummm, don't travel remotely, alone!

Solo trips seem to be the latest fad, up there with "ICONIC" tracks and destinations. :lol2::lol2::lol2:

We have done mainly solo trips for decades,to some of the most remote places in the country,no issues at all.

Maybe we were just lucky,who knows.

We used to carry a sat phone,but like Tombie said they are hit and miss,and pretty hopeless in some areas,particularly where one can’t get away from trees,such as some areas on the Cape.

[101RRS]

Fireing off an EPIRB just because the kids are getting dirty is pathetic.
These devices are to be used in life threatening situations (Mayday) only and with at least 2 weeks supply of food and water with access to air conditioned accomodation these people were Not in any immediate danger.

In your opinion [thumbsupbig].

In fact, in the guys first interview on being rescued, he said he activated his PLB because of the expected high temperatures forecast for this week and the authorities clearly agreed with this decision - noting they had been bogged for a few days before the PLB was activated. (I appreciate Tombie has mentioned the use of a messenger but the guy did not mention that in his interview - doesn't matter as the alert was given one way or the other)

I suspect the issue of dirty kids and lack of water - noting there was standing water everywhere, is probably just something made up by the media.

[W&KO]

Hmmm

So we now own a PLB and Sat Phone……that will be with us for our two year trip.

These decision to buy both wasn’t based vehicular based touring in remote areas…which we plant to do.

PLB was primarily purchased for our planned through hikes……if we were not taking a through hike packs we would not have brought a PLB for the trip.

Sat phone was primarily purchased so that we can catch up with family when there is no reception. If we didn’t want to catch up with family I doubt we would have purchased a day phone to sit in the car for 700 days and not be used.…….even though we are planning some remote drives.

But by default we will now have both available if there is a need outside the primary reasons for purchase.

Does that mean if we get stuck in mud I won’t be billed….

[Saitch]

Hmmm

So we now own a PLB and Sat Phone……that will be with us for our two year trip.

These decision to buy both wasn’t based vehicular based touring in remote areas…which we plant to do.

PLB was primarily purchased for our planned through hikes……if we were not taking a through hike packs we would not have brought a PLB for the trip.

Sat phone was primarily purchased so that we can catch up with family when there is no reception. If we didn’t want to catch up with family I doubt we would have purchased a day phone to sit in the car for 700 days and not be used.…….even though we are planning some remote drives.

But by default we will now have both available if there is a need outside the primary reasons for purchase.

Does that mean if we get stuck in mud I won’t be billed….

You'll be fine, mate! [thumbsupbig]


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/aulro-s-o-s-and-breakdown-only-/

[ramblingboy42]

so, I'm seeing some here using the abbreviation PLB.....what is it?

I am completely familiar with Epirb though.

An Epirb is not a Mayday transmitter , a Mayday is personally declared through a radio and spoken in standard words and phrases to a receiving operator and relevant information is obtained.

Setting off an EPIRB is not a declaration of a Mayday, nor a Pan.

It's purpose is to assist in determining the geographical location of survivors in a search and rescue operation.

In this situation the survivors did the correct thing and the search and rescue authorities went to their aid. Perfect operation....

[trout1105]

so, I'm seeing some here using the abbreviation PLB.....what is it?

I am completely familiar with Epirb though.

An Epirb is not a Mayday transmitter , a Mayday is personally declared through a radio and spoken in standard words and phrases to a receiving operator and relevant information is obtained.

Setting off an EPIRB is not a declaration of a Mayday, nor a Pan.

It's purpose is to assist in determining the geographical location of survivors in a search and rescue operation.

In this situation the survivors did the correct thing and the search and rescue authorities went to their aid. Perfect operation....


A PLB IS A personal Locator Beacon.
It is my understanding that when you activate an EPIRB you ARE declaring a Mayday.
an EPIRB in an EMERGANCY position indicating radio Beacon.

[BradC]

It is my understanding that when you activate an EPIRB you ARE declaring a Mayday.

When you activate an EPIRB you are sending an internationally recognised signal of distress. There's no more definition to it than the first letter of the acronym "E - mergency".

[trout1105]

When you activate an EPIRB you are sending an internationally recognised signal of distress. There's no more definition to it than the first letter of the acronym "E - mergency".

Emergency distress call = Mayday

[101RRS]

When you activate an EPIRB you are sending an internationally recognised signal of distress. There's no more definition to it than the first letter of the acronym "E - mergency".

Spot on - the term Mayday and Pan have specific meanings in the air and maritime environments - something different again.

[V8Ian]

I introduced the pan and mayday terms as a simile. The terms describe differing situations and level of urgency.

[Saitch]

I introduced the pan and mayday terms as a simile. The terms describe differing situations and level of urgency.

Especially if one is in an hospital bed!


https://youtu.be/Es7GGWbnHHQ

[Tote]

Oh dear, until just now I'd forgotten Derek and Clive existed......


Regards,
Tote

[350RRC]

Oh dear, until just now I'd forgotten Derek and Clive existed......


Regards,
Tote

You ****ing what? [biggrin]

DL

[Tins]

The several types of emergency locator beacons are distinguished by the environment for which they were designed to be used:


ELTs (emergency locator transmitters) are carried on aircraft and are activated in the event of a crash.
EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons) are carried on ships and boats, and signal maritime distress.
SEPIRBs (submarine emergency position-indicating radio beacons) are EPIRBs designed only for use on submarines.
SSASes (ship security alert systems) are used to indicate possible piracy or terrorism attacks on sea-going vessels.
PLBs (personal locator beacons) are carried by individuals and intended to indicate a person in distress who is away from normal emergency services; e.g., 9-1-1. They are also used for crew-saving applications in shipping and lifeboats at terrestrial systems. In New South Wales, some police stations and the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service provide personal locator beacons to hikers for no charge.

[Saitch]

The several types of emergency locator beacons are distinguished by the environment for which they were designed to be used:

EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons) are carried on ships and boats, and signal maritime distress.


Both my 4WDs are registered to my EPIRB, including description and photos of each vehicle, for easier ID in a situation. The EPIRB system is not purely for maritime use.

[Tins]

Both my 4WDs are registered to my EPIRB, including description and photos of each vehicle, for easier ID in a situation. The EPIRB system is not purely for maritime use.



the environment for which they were designed to be used:

Nobody said it was absolute.

[trout1105]

Both my 4WDs are registered to my EPIRB, including description and photos of each vehicle, for easier ID in a situation. The EPIRB system is not purely for maritime use.

The only problem with using EPIRB's in areas other than aviation or in a marine environment is that the response system may start to get overwhelmed and we will end up paying an annual fee to cover the infrastructure and manpower due to the extra usage of the current resources.

[BradC]

The only problem with using EPIRB's in areas other than aviation or in a marine environment is that the response system may start to get overwhelmed and we will end up paying an annual fee to cover the infrastructure and manpower due to the extra usage of the current resources.

Given they've been used in non-aviation and non-maritime environments for over 30 years I don't really see it has been a problem.

[trout1105]

Given they've been used in non-aviation and non-maritime environments for over 30 years I don't really see it has been a problem.

Where did you get that information from, Facebook???
30 years ago most people didn't even have a 2 way in their 4WD let alone an EPIRB.

[BradC]

Where did you get that information from, Facebook???
30 years ago most people didn't even have a 2 way in their 4WD let alone an EPIRB.

We did. In fact it was already at least 5 years old when it sparked a sea search in 1991, so that'd mean we got it in the mid to late 80's, which would nicely correlate when we started ocean racing. My grandfather also had one we sent with him every time he did a lap of the country in the van from the very early 90's.

Edit : Just checked the van logs to be sure. So Grandad had one with him on the lap when he went across to World Expo 88 in Qld.

[Saitch]

30 years ago most people didn't even have a 2 way in their 4WD let alone an EPIRB.

Maybe in WA! I had a somewhat illegal CB in my IIa in 1980, in the Isa. Have always had a radio in my 4WDs after that. A lot less stress after legalisation in '81.[thumbsupbig]

[Tins]

Maybe in WA! I had a somewhat illegal CB in my IIa in 1980, in the Isa. Have always had a radio in my 4WDs after that. A lot less stress after legalisation in '81.[thumbsupbig]

So did I, in my P76 in the late 70s. Illegal but there were lots of them. Memory is very hazy on this, but I think it was a 23 channel thing.

[Graeme]

My earliest CB had 18 channels.

IIRC an EPIRB is required to self-activate in water and float whereas the PLB doesn't have this requirement.

[W&KO]

The only problem with using EPIRB's in areas other than aviation or in a marine environment is that the response system may start to get overwhelmed and we will end up paying an annual fee to cover the infrastructure and manpower due to the extra usage of the current resources.

I’ll have to do a search but pretty sure EPIRB and PLB get monitored but the same organization…..

[W&KO]

The only problem with using EPIRB's in areas other than aviation or in a marine environment is that the response system may start to get overwhelmed and we will end up paying an annual fee to cover the infrastructure and manpower due to the extra usage of the current resources.

I see EPIRB and PLB’s operate on the same frequency, and EPIRB’s can be used on land……therefore activations won’t be the driver for fees…..recovery of administration l, monitoring etc will drive fees being introduced.

Beacon types and models - Beacons (https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/about/beacon-types.asp)

How EPIRBs and PLBs Work | Club Marine Insurance | Club Marine Australia (https://www.clubmarine.com.au/exploreboating/articles/32-2-How-EPIRBs-and-PLBs-Work--Club-Marine-Insurance)

[W&KO]

Where did you get that information from, Facebook???
30 years ago most people didn't even have a 2 way in their 4WD let alone an EPIRB.

Purchased my first 4B around 1990, it had a CB set in it, I assume AM back than. My mates had them as well.

I kinda remember getting our electronics tech to fiddle with the output power.

[Tombie]

Purchased my first 4B around 1990, it had a CB set in it, I assume AM back than. My mates had them as well.

I kinda remember getting our electronics tech to fiddle with the output power.

And extra channels, frequency slides etc [emoji41]

[Tote]

And extra channels, frequency slides etc [emoji41]

I've still got an 18 channel am unit that had been tweaked, I put it on the analyser at work years ago and it was putting out about 20 watts on AM. It also has a couple of switches on the back enabling extra channels.

Regards,
Tote

[travelrover]

I bought a 2A in ‘82ish (during the odds and even driving days restrictions) and it had a CB. Every Land Rover I have owned since then has had a two way.

[V8Ian]

The original CB had 23 AM channels, upmarket units had a further 46, 23 upper and lower sideband.
Australian spec 18 channel sets superseded the American 23 channel units. The two types were compatible, with the older units having 5 extra channels.

[101RRS]

The ABC show Landline implied that the group wanted to turn around due to deteriorating weather and head back to Birdsville but from where there were did not have the fuel so had to continue on west and then got bogged.