EPIRB phasing out system.

[Bundalene]

I have heard that the analogue EPIRBs are going to be phased out next year (2009). Mine is due for a replacement battery but this is a pointless exercise. GME charge $170 for this - probably a $5 lithium battery.

Does anyone have any info on the new EPIRB system and the best buys.

Erich

[dham]

Feb 2009 is when 'old' style EPIRBs will no longer be responded to. 'New' EPIRBs 406/121.5 MHz (with or without GPS, the former giving near pinpoint locational accuracy) transmit a unique id code and have to be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. This allows them to chase up the relevant contacts and ascertain if there is the probability of a real emergency in the event of activation. Evidently around 96% of alarms from the old EPIRBs were false which obviously is a major problem for the emergency authorities.

There is info available on the Safety Authority site, also GME site plus others - simple to Google. THE GME Accusat with GPS is around $600, is acceptably small and seems to be good value compared to some others - obtainable from marine shops.

[Xavie]

Just been through the exact same thing. I could probably only add one or two pointless lines to what dham has said but to reiterate just make sure you get the latest frequency so if you need help it will turn up!

I have just goe over to that new-ish Spot mesenger service. And it looks promising.

Xav

[waynep]

I have a KTI Epirb on the "old" network. Can't say if it's been any good because I've never needed to use it. ;) I'll probably get their 406 MHz one when it is released. They're a local company here in Melbourne so I should support them.

KTi (http://www.kti.com.au/epirbs.htm)

[Sleepy]

The way I understand it, the current Satellite system will no longer "listen" to 121.5Mhz after the new 406Mhz system is introduced.

With the current system, when you activate your beacon it will (should) be picked up by a passing satellite and AUSSAR will start looking for the source. Most aircraft also listen to 121.5Mhz on their spare radio and they too may hear the signal. (Lot's of aircraft criss cross the outback - all International and Qantas flights listen to 121.5Mhz on the spare radio - and they each have 2 or 3)

Within a minutes of recieving a satellite "hit" aircraft in the general area will be asked by ATC to listen and help locate the signal - if deemed a legitamate emergency, SAR aircaft will be sent to the area to locate you. Aircraft can also initiate a SAR action when they hear a beacon. - This happens daily across our skies!

As mentioned above, the new system will be superior as it will have a digital identification and if linked to GPS will transmit the location of the beacon, the registered owner and other details. (I have heard some will even allow you to send simple text messages - "out of beer - send help!" ;).).

I wouldn't jump too soon as most aircraft will continue to listen to 121.5Mhz and will still hear the "old" EPRIB's well into the future and will still report to ATC when hearing a "beacon" - you just won't get picked up by the SARSAT.

Not sure if $170 for a new battery is worth it though - a new 121.5 beacon wouldn't cost much more - the new 406Mhz beacons will be/are quite a bit more.

Bit more info here http://www.amsa.gov.au/Search_and_Rescue/

[p38arover]

When my EPIRB hit 10 years old, I bought the batteries and fitted them myself. Bloody expensive for a string of C-cells, though. (Mine's a marine EPIRB)

[Bundalene]

When my EPIRB hit 10 years old, I bought the batteries and fitted them myself. Bloody expensive for a string of C-cells, though. (Mine's a marine EPIRB)

Only "C"'s I was looking at the option of replacing them myself as well but it is a pretty critical bit of kit. Since we don't plan another remote trip till early next year - what's the use. I will do some homework on different options. Erich.

[dullbird]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/09/922.jpg

we got this one $450 i think it from 4wd fishing show

[Redback]

GPSOz hire them, if you don't want too buy one.

We have this one, it was around $450
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[WildOne]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/09/922.jpg

we got this one $450 i think it from 4wd fishing show


GPSOz hire them, if you don't want too buy one.

We have this one, it was around $450
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

So whats the differance between the 2? Both are GME and very similar housings and price?

[Xavie]

The difference is one has a gps locator in it. When you first send your distress signal it sends your co-ordinates. The other does not.

Either way the 406 is meant to be much more precise as I understand.

Xav

[dullbird]

GPSOz hire them, if you don't want too buy one.

We have this one, it was around $450
http://www.gme.net.au/public/images/products/mt410_f.jpg

actually i think we might have this one i will have to check......

[George130]

The other thing with the new units is that they will ring the registered owner to check if it is a mistake. Our club is buying a couple. I will probably try to get their old one for now and maybe buy a new one down the track.

[dullbird]

No we do have the one i originally posted.......

if you got yours with the GPS baz for $450 can you tell us where you got it from? becasue the lowest price i have found has been just over $550 as RRP is colser to $650

[dmdigital]

Lou, there's 2 models of the GME one (MT410) is about $45-500 the other (MT410G) is $550-600. The more expensive one also has a GPS receiver to get the location co-ordinates. GME (http://www.gme.net.au)

[dullbird]

Lou, there's 2 models of the GME one (MT410) is about $45-500 the other (MT410G) is $550-600. The more expensive one also has a GPS receiver to get the location co-ordinates. GME (http://www.gme.net.au)

yes i know i'm asking baz where he got his from as he got it the same price as ours and we dont have GPS one. and he does, or at least it appears from his pic he does

[dmdigital]

OK, I got confused:confused:

Haven't seen the GPS version for less than about $570

[p38arover]

The Chinese would be able to make and sell them for under $200

[Bundalene]

The Chinese would be able to make and sell them for under $200

Like the Chinese angle grinder - burn out 4 during the 2 year warranty - only trouble is if the EPIRB doesn't work when needed you may never be in a position to claim warranty.

You are right though - they shouldn't and need not be more than $200 to encourage a larger uptake - less profit per item but more volume. Just like GME charging $179 to change a set of EPIRB batteries for a 10 minute job and $10 worth of batteries !!

At the end of the day they have you over a barrel.

Erich

[dmdigital]

Like the Chinese angle grinder - burn out 4 during the 2 year warranty - only trouble is if the EPIRB doesn't work when needed you may never be in a position to claim warranty.

You are right though - they shouldn't and need not be more than $200 to encourage a larger uptake - less profit per item but more volume. Just like GME charging $179 to change a set of EPIRB batteries for a 10 minute job and $10 worth of batteries !!

At the end of the day they have you over a barrel.

Erich

You also left out the fact the previous EPIRB was about $200 less in price. Makes me think there may also be a licensing fee or something involved in the purchase price. Either way someone get the extra money:mad:

[Redback]

No we do have the one i originally posted.......

if you got yours with the GPS baz for $450 can you tell us where you got it from? becasue the lowest price i have found has been just over $550 as RRP is colser to $650

Sorry Lou, ours was more than $450, i was only estimating the cost, Kerry reckons it was over $500.

The thing too remember about EPIRBs is that there aren't very many places that you would need to actually activate it, unless you got yourself way off the used track or you were at sea, even tracks like the Canning are not that remote that you would wait very long for another car or person to come by.

Baz.

[waynep]

KTi charged me $75 for a battery change and full test. The R&D and factory is near Moorrabin Airport. Their new 420Mhz handheld units are still awaiting final approvals. I might give them a call and see how far off they are. Their previous models were a bit cheaper than GME so maybe their 420Mhz ones will be the same.

EDIT - I called them they are still "a couple of months off " release. Pricing about $500 for the non GPS and over $600 for the GPS version - so no cheaper than GME at this stage.



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[dullbird]

KTi charged me $75 for a battery change and full test. The R&D and factory is near Moorrabin Airport.
Their new 420Mhz handheld units are still awaiting final approvals. I might give them a call and see how far off they are. Their previous models were a bit cheaper than GME so maybe their 420Mhz ones will be the same.

EDIT - I called them they are still "a couple of months off " release. Pricing about $500 for the non GPS and over $600 for the GPS version - so no cheaper than GME at this stage.



http://www.kti.com.au/images/Mini-Sat406.jpg

thought everyone else is now on 406mhz....or is it a diferent frequencie to different brands?

[waynep]

thought everyone else is now on 406mhz....or is it a diferent frequencie to different brands?

opps no sorry meant 406MHz ( where did 420 come from ???? ..... brain fade )

now there's also this "Spot Satellite Messenger" I've been looking into ... I'll put up a seperate post about it........

AffinityOne GPS Tracking Devices Australia Spot Messenger (http://www.gpstrackingaustralia.com.au/spot/?gclid=CLbjiNTVjJcCFcIupAodtS7o_Q)

[Bushwanderer]

When I went to get the battery replaced in my GME310 (personal locator) a couple of years ago, IIRC it cost about $150. But for this I received a "Brand new" 310 unit in exchange for mine.