Explanatory note – PLB /SEND – short summary of differences – pros and cons
“PLB or SEND?”
Why a PLB or SEND
it can save your or someone else’s life
accidents do occur in areas without GSM coverage (90% of the worldi)
to help rescuers find survivors within the so-called "golden day"ii
brings you peace of mind
less expensive and lighter than a satellite phone
allows trackingiii
useful when boating, skiing, hiking, windsurfing, climbing, etc.
PLB & SEND – in common:
transmit your GPS location and your personal information
has GPS accuracy less than 100 meters with clear view of the sky
transmit emergency signals for at least 24 hours
function in very cold temperatures -4°F (-20°C)
function at high elevation
minimum 5 year lithium batteries (MOB1 7y)
self-testing of circuitry, battery and 406 MHz transmission
single hand operation
works at land or at sea
PLB Personal Locator Beacon
Description 1- way global reliable SOS beacon
Technology A PLB has three levels of integrated signal technology - GPS
positioning, a powerful 406 MHz distress signal, and 121.5 MHz homing frequency –
the homing signal at 121.5 MHz can be detected by any aircraft and most vesels
the PLB quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of search and rescue satellites.
the 406 MHz signal is monitored by COSPAS/SARSAT (SARSAT is an acronym for "Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking")
each PLB is equipped with a unique identifying code which is a 15 digit alpha-numeric code.
this code is transmitted in the electronic burst to the satellites and is linked to a computer database to provide your name, address, phone number and any pertinent information such as medical problems, to search and rescue personnel
Cost a PLB has to be registered with national authorities – in the case Switzerland OFCOM There is a unique registration fee of CHF 105
no subscription fee
Equipment ACR ResQLink+ - worlds smallest floating PLB.
ACR ResQLink
Ocean Signal PLB1 – worlds smallest PLB
PLB
producer Model
ACR ResQLink
ACR ResQLink+
Ocean Signal PLB1
Marine Electronic Sarl is Swiss distributor for Ocean Signal Ltd and ACR Electronics Inc.
SEND: Satellite Emergency Notification Device
Description 2-way global SOS, tracking and communication devise with monitoring of location
Technology uses Iridium, a commercial network containing 66 satellites with global coverage.
transmission during 100hrs (tracking every 10 minutes)
send and receive SMS
tracking and monitoring
confirmation of SOS signals
emergency calls/emissions are routed to an organisation named GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center headquartered Houston, USA.
Satellite messenger devices are less “powerful” (1.6W versus 5W for PLB)iv than PLBs and works better with an open view of the sky to transmit successfully.
A built-in strobe light provides visibility during night rescues
Unlimited access to downloadable maps Equipment inReach SE – (see technology above)
inReach EXPLORER - has all the features of inReach SE, plus built-in navigation capabilities, routing, navigation to waypoint, barometric altimeter, digital compass, connection to Smartphone
SEND: Satellite Emergency Notification Devices – producer Model
inReach SE
inReach EXPOLORER
Marine Electronic Sarl is Swiss distributor for Delorme Inc.
Cost inReach has to be registered with Delorme (the producer)
this can be done directly on-line or by using our services the monthly fee varies depending upon requirements (minimum 25.- / month)
The subscription can be cancelled or put on hold at 30d notice
Registration PLB and SEND both registered with the coordinates of the owner.
PLB with OFCOM / COSPAS/SARSAT and SEND with GEOS
these coordinates include the country of registration.
Irrespective of country where the SOS has been triggered, provided the devise is registered to a Swiss owner - REGA will be alerted and will coordinate the SAR (Search And Rescue) – albeit not directly intervene other than in their “territory” Switzerland and French Alps.
Price
Recommended selling prices –
For current price please [email protected] or refer to
www.rescue-me.ch
Make Article # Model CHF
Delorme INRE – 002 inReach SE 470.-
Delorme
INRE – 003 inReach EXPLORER 520.-
ACR PLB-375 - 2881 ResQLink + (buoyant) 305.-
ACR PLB-375 - 2880 ResQLink (standard) 290.-
ACR Neoprene pouch 45.-
Ocean Signal OS - 121 PLB1 360.-
Conclusion: One technology is not “better” than the other.
The choice is a matter of the user’s preference and needs.
Such as:
1 or 2-way communication
SMS ability
tracking ability
PLB may have a better transmission in wooded terrain
one time cost or subscription
weight
resilience to environmental factors
activation and operation in darkness and under distress
confirmation of proper function and “alarm received” function
Summary PLB has the ease of use 100% reliable SOS function “rescue me”
SEND has the same plus messaging and tracking
SEND may, rightly or wrongly be perceived as not having the same reliability as PLB due to different SAR structure. This remans open for debate..
Comparison PLB & SEND
“Technology”
SEND PLB
inReach XD
inReach EXPLORER ResQlink
Ocean Signal PLB1 Global coverage
SOS
2-way messaging
2-way SOS
Tracking & sharing
Message delivery confirmation
Free from subscription – variable cost
weight 230g 140g 130
battery life (shelf-life) 5y 5y 7y
There are other models in the market such as SPOT, McMurdo, and Kannad etc.
Our preferences, for a number of reasons, are without any doubt the ones mention in this report.
GSatMICRO is currently undergoing tests and will be added if all tests are positive
i Source IRIDIUM
ii (the first 24 hours following a traumatic event) during which the majority of survivors can usually be saved.
iii inReach
iv Source OutdoorGearLab
