ACR PLB and SPOT
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    riddler9
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    ACR PLB and SPOT

    by riddler9 » Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:35 pm

    Did a bit of searching on the site and did not turn up much about either. I know SPOT has taken some hits, especially since they had the recall thing. I also see that ACR now (or since forever for all I know) has 406Link.com for messages.

    Reason I am asking is when my son and I ride together it is not uncommon to not only push things a bit, but sometimes things get ugly. Ugly as in I owe the ability to still walk to Asterisk, and it is amazing how much damage my son can do to a 150R and still ride it back down the mountain. We already own Scala Cardo's, and carry FRS radios. But with cell phones not working, and him still being the age he is, I am looking for a bit more insurance. The concern is not so much for desert as it is for the mountains. I am reasonable certain a SPOT or anything similar would work in that type of environment so long as it did not break.

    My questions are:
    1)Is anyone using a SPOT(2) or an ACR PLB?

    2)Those that that have either (or ride with people that have them), any idea how the signal is when in the mountains or under trees?

    3)For those that have an ACR, have you signed up for 406Link.com and if so, what are your thoughts?

    Thanks in advance for you input.
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    crfsonly
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    by crfsonly » Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:33 pm

    i have not used 406Link.com but will be interested in hearing who may have and what there experience is.

    i have used the DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 with Spot:

    http://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/product ... ts_id/3778

    With the optional RAM mount it works very well for off-road dirt biking. I had no issues the mountains or with trees. I wasn't in the rain forest though. ;-)

    Ken
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    riddler9
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    by riddler9 » Mon Jan 24, 2011 6:17 pm

    crfsonly wrote:i have not used 406Link.com but will be interested in hearing who may have and what there experience is.

    i have used the DeLorme Earthmate PN-60 with Spot:

    http://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/product ... ts_id/3778

    With the optional RAM mount it works very well for off-road dirt biking. I had no issues the mountains or with trees. I wasn't in the rain forest though. ;-)

    Ken


    yeah, looked at that combo. if I did something like that I would need to build a mount that floated across the bar mount - no room on the bars + I am certain I would destroy anything that sits taller than a perch.

    do you own the delorme or did you just test it?
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    crfsonly
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    by crfsonly » Mon Jan 24, 2011 6:39 pm

    a couple of things:

    1. the ram mount can be used with ram mounts bolt-ball that replaces one of the top bar cap bolts. this allows you an alternative place to mount it other than the bars.

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    2. i don't own one but tested it. i had purchased a garmin shortly before the delorme/SPOT was released. had i needed a gps i would have gone with the delorme for several reasons. 1. Excellent GPS capabilities. 2. SPOT 3. Ability to send text messages.

    these functions allow you to use it not only for off-road dirt biking but also back packing, hunting, off shore boating, geo caching, etc. it can be used with or without SPOT.

    ken
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    riddler9
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    by riddler9 » Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:24 pm

    Thanks, Ken. Been doing more research and currently leaning towards the ARC SarLink (2883 and 2885), at least for my sons pack.

    Still reading, have not fallen off the fence yet but stories like the this http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_15314187 (pay special attention to the first sentence under "The hardest decision") go a long way with me.

    Still open to other input!

    --edit--

    Just read my post, and must restate. If I am to take the article referenced to heart, then both packs require a PLB, not just my sons.
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    crfsonly
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    by crfsonly » Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:48 pm

    certainly a purpose built PLB, such as the ARC SarLink, will be a better choice if your primary need/concern is to notify search and rescue of your long/lat and your need to be rescued.

    you should still consider having a GPS with you to help you avoid getting lost badly enough to need to be searched and rescued. ;-)

    on the story, the decision to stay or leave an injured companion is always a tough decision. if you believe you might have to separate then you both should have PLB capabilities if you are in a location and involved in dangerous activities where search and rescue may be needed.

    ken
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    riddler9
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    by riddler9 » Tue Jan 25, 2011 6:53 am

    agreed. I do carry a Garmin but it is in my pack. even needed it once :oops: so yes, the primary reason would be bad injury or some other drastic situation that requires help. It is not uncommon for us to head out on a weekday when trails are empty, sometimes go longer than 24 hours without seeing another human.

    thanks again for the input.
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