This is a bit of a work in progress and just of interest to show spot tracking. It is data from a walk into Pelion from Arm River carpark. Most of the terrain is quite open so really the beacon shouldnt be expected to struggle.It was carried flat, in the top of the pack (as recommended).
I'm still looking into this (as time is available) though I do have concerns (and not really the knowledge to know whether these reflect on its use as an emergency beacon (in Tassie) even though the system has been used in some notable rescues.
As can be seen the time that tracking points are noted appear quite random (see point 5/6 12.23-1.55pm )
Is it having trouble finding a satellite, Is this due to the fact that the beacon was moving, Would performance be better if stationary (and hand held) Is this comparable to other GPS reliability, Is the newer model spot device much better????
Lots of questions and dont really know how far to go with this, there seems to be a lot of 'blind faith' in PLB's in general. Is it acceptable to rely on ' anecdotal evidence' from other rescues.
Perhaps when the emergency beacon is activated the continuing signal would mean a 'better than tracking' outcome?
It seems difficult to see without extensive state-wide testing whether this is 'good enuff'... It does appear to 'get thru' as it even sent a few signals from the back of the car when left on for the ride home.
Important to note that i am Not drawing any conclusions here.