photohiker wrote:ILUVSWTAS wrote:PLB's have built in testers as well.
In terms of confirmation that this particular PLB is functioning and can get a message out, no they do not.
Hi Michael. Just a question - Do you know exactly what test is performed when testing the 410G? Is it just battery or is there an internal circuit check as well?
Do you know this from GME or just because it doesn't actually transmit something that is received at the other end as per the SPOT?
I'm interested, that's all.
I can see that when the SPOT is used, it is proven that it is fully functional, whereas the PLB can only be proven 100% when you actually need it (unless you want to do a test firing through the appropriate channels).
But it would be interesting to hear from GME exactly what is tested when you do the self test - just the battery, light and beeper? I suspect there are other internal tests done, but I don't know either.
Anyone know anyone that works for GME?
As for the SPOT not always successful, wonder how many of those unsuccessful transmissions are due to battery power, being that these things are used regularly unlike the PLB that is only used once, but when a PLB is used it will transmit for a claimed 24 hours on its battery (I think that's the standard they must adhere to in order to be registered for use in Australia).
I have a GME MT410G, chosen because of the 7 year battery life. Like the first aid kit, it is carried in about the most accessible and least used area of the pack. Hopefully "never used".
I think I mentioned this once before, if you do have a PLB make sure you
update your trip details before every walk. I do, and I screen capture the detail I type on that page & send it in an email to all my emergency contacts.