They typically take just 4 ordinary AA batteries. Use the best long life ones you can get.

if you buy a new one, definitely get one with GPS.

KTI SA1G GPS. Around $280. Aussie made, 10yr battery life. I wouldn't mess around with the most important safety device on my boat if any distance from help. Keep the old one as a secondary.

FreeRadical said..
KTI SA1G GPS. Around $280. Aussie made, 10yr battery life. I wouldn't mess around with the most important safety device on my boat if any distance from help. Keep the old one as a secondary.

this x 10

FreeRadical said..
KTI SA1G GPS. Around $280. Aussie made, 10yr battery life. I wouldn't mess around with the most important safety device on my boat if any distance from help. Keep the old one as a secondary.

Hi all,
My Kannad Safelink Solo PLB and McMurdo G5 EPIRB both need battery replacements.

I know I could replace them myself, but am a bit put off by the following AMSA statement:
"Beacon standards
The Australian/New Zealand standard 4280.1 (EPIRB) and 4280.2 (PLB) states that beacons must be returned to the manufacturer or a manufacturer's approved service centre when repairs or battery replacement are required.

If a beacon is required to meet carriage requirements under Maritime regulations or CASA it states the beacon must be compliant with AS/NZ 4280.1 and/or 4280.2.

Who can service a beacon in Australia?
Your beacon can only be serviced by the manufacturer who is identified on the side of the beacon.
GME - can only be serviced by GME in Sydney, www.gme.net.au or Ph: 1300 463 463
Kinetic Technology International Pty Ltd - can only be serviced by KTI in Melbourne, www.kti.com.au or Ph: 03 9583 9566
McMurdo - certified servicing agent in Australia is RFD Australia/Survitec Group in Sydney, www.rfd.com.au or Ph: 1800 646 086
Kannad - certified servicing agent in Australia is RFD Australia/Survitec Group in Sydney, www.rfd.com.au or Ph: 1800 646 086
ACR - refer to beacon manufacturer website for servicing contact list www.acrartex.com
Other Brands - refer to beacon manufacturer website for servicing contact list."

Anyway, I thought I'd have a look at the KTI SA1G GPS.

When I read the specifications it said:
"Self buoyant (should PLB be dropped in water)
The PLB was not designed, tested or
Intended for operation whilst in water."

I called KTI to clarify the meaning of this statement and was not convinced of its suitability as an MOB alarm.
Some time ago, I purchased a PLB (can't remember the brand) from a marine shop, but returned it when I discovered it also was not for use in water.
The store owner himself was unaware of this specification and was happy to give me a refund.
Apparently, some PLBs' are intended only for use on land (bushwalking, camping, etc).

I ended up buying an Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 - quoted as "waterproof to 15 meters". Would have preferred a more explicit statement like "submersible to 15 meters" but at least the Ocean Signal website is all about ocean safety equipment.

so, the lesson seems to be read the fine print.

regards to all
Allan

According to both the kti and oceansignal PLB's manuals, they both need to be held above the water to operate, which could be a problem, and the kti is "watertight to 3m for 1hr" and the oceansignal is "waterproof to 15m".
I too was going to buy the kti PLB but was put off that it wasn't designed to be used in marine environment. Although it floats, the oceansignal needs the floatations pouch to float.
I didn't realise before just reading their manuals now, that they needed to be held above the water.

BlueMoon said..
According to both the kti and oceansignal PLB's manuals, they both need to be held above the water to operate, which could be a problem, and the kti is "watertight to 3m for 1hr" and the oceansignal is "waterproof to 15m".
I too was going to buy the kti PLB but was put off that it wasn't designed to be used in marine environment. Although it floats, the oceansignal needs the floatations pouch to float.
I didn't realise before just reading their manuals now, that they needed to be held above the water.

The reason they need to be held above water is so the device can transmit signals reliably - if in the water transmitting would be very poor, if not impossible.
regards,
allan

sirgallivant said..
The ACR has a floating version, which l got, and it floats. The extended antenna is not always pointing to the sky, though.

Yeah, come on you designers/manufacturers!
It's not good enough producing a survival item which will be in water, and maybe doesn't even float - huh?
And needs to be held aloft for it to operate - really?
Held aloft by a person most likely exhausted, maybe injured and possibly in atrocious sea conditions.
And how long can anyone hold an item aloft in even perfect conditions?

I know some will say the user should take some responsibility in ensuring the device will be able to perform its intended function, but it's not rocket science to design a device that addresses the current shortcomings.
eg. floats, automatic antenna deployment, maintains the antenna vertical and clear of the water surface most of the time, etc...
It's about time some enterprising manufacturer produced a device actually suited to the application.

thats my say..

PS: having said the above, I wonder how many have not been saved because of the shortcomings of the EPRIB they had...

regards to all
allan