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Topic Date User

Looking for Advice on Rescue Communication 28-Aug-2012 At 2:21:06 PM Richard Delaney

Message

My business has both an Iridium satphone and a Spot2.
I use hem both differently.

For single person field surveys I send out the SPOT with the 10minute positional updates - that way I can find them even if they are not capable of calling for help. I am also careful about how the buttons are programmed - something like:
OK - everything is OK regardless of any previous messages
Help - Please come to me but please don't call 000
Custom - I'm OK but running late - please add 24hrs to my expected return time
The SPOT has been great. It has confirmation lights on it that tell you if a reliable GPS fix has been obtained AND if the message has been successfully sent out.

Note: SPOT uses the standard NAVSTAR GPS constellation to determine position so it needs a reasonable sky view. It uses the Voda/Globalstar constellation for messages - there have been significant problems with these satellites for voice calls but the data channel is fine.
ALSO - leave the unit on for at least 10 minutes after sending any message.

FINALLY - one significant difference between PLB and SPOT - SPOT does not function as a close range radio location beacon, PLB does - this is used for the last part of the search by helos.

As stated by previous posters, UHF is next to useless for anything other than line of sight comms with other users on predetermined channels with predetermined sched times.

Richard