How to Choose Between a PLB and a Satellite Messenger
by Admin
Posted on 24-09-2023 10:57 AM
While many people consider unplugging to be an essential part of immersing themselves in the natural world, it’s also true that there might come a
time
when one truly needs to call for help. Smartphones, which are seemingly in-hand 24/7, are a tempting solution, but 911 networks offer limited connectivity in ma nature’s domain.
When you’re on an outdoor adventure, plbs and satellite messengers are your two best options for sending distress signals.
If you spend significant time in the outdoors, then a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger should be in your pack. While these devices vary from single-use distress signals to full-blown phones that can be used in virtually any corner of the world, they all have the power to alert authorities when you are in trouble and—most importantly—share your gps coordinates. While many individuals will find that they never need to use the sos button, if you do need it, a plb or sat device can save your life. Here are our picks for the best personal locator beacons and satellite messengers available today.
In an emergency , a plb with gps greatly reduces the search radius to about 100 meters (110 yards). It also significantly lessens the time to provide location tracking—from just under one hour to only one minute. The cospas-sarsat satellite messenger system relies on three different satellites, the geosar, meosar, and leosar. The geosar satellites are stationary over the equator. If your beacon has gps coordinates, satellite messages instantly alert a government database of search and rescue teams of your position in as little as two to three minutes. The meosar satellites are mid-earth-orbiting search and rescue satellites. Using the next-generation satellite network, anyone activating a plb can expect their beacon to be located within 100 meters (328 feet), 95% of the time, within five minutes of the distress signal.
It is essential to have a personal locator beacon or a satellite messenger to signal for help. They can bring assistance when you need help getting out of the woods or can even save your life when you find yourself in a worst case scenario. Personal locator beacon (left) versus satellite messenger (right) personal locator beacons: send a one-way emergency distress signal. Personal locator beacons (plbs) send out a powerful one-way, one-time emergency distress signal that can be pinpointed to anywhere in the world. Once the signal is initiated, there is no turning back - help is coming whether you still need it or not.
PLBs vs. Satellite Messengers
Personal locator beacons (plbs) like the ocean signal rescueme plb1 or our former pick, the now-discontinued acr resqlink+ have one function: to send a distress signal. These small, lightweight, inexpensive, and nearly indestructible units offer no texting or two-way communication; they won’t function as a gps, won’t track you with waypoints, give you a weather report, or link to social media. As far as keeping the people back home informed of your whereabouts and state of health, using a plb is a “no news is good news” thing.
All the satellite messengers we considered come with a monthly subscription cost.
No matter how much you prepare beforehand sometimes events beyond your control mean you need help. And when you’re outside the reach of cell phones, and not on regularly-traveled trails, getting that help can be a challenge. Which is where satellite messengers and personal locator beacons (plbs) come in. By bouncing your cry for help off a satellite you can get assistance almost anywhere on the planet. And for the devices that allow non-emergency communication, you can even ask for help in less dire situations, or just check in to let mom know you’re okay. Here’s our picks for the best personal locator beacons:.
Personal locator beacons (plbs) are that one thing all hikers should carry, but very few do. Not sure what a plb even is? we’ve got the comprehensive guide to plbs and satellite messengers; how they work, and why you need one on your next adventure.