EPIRB Shopping (Updated 11 Feb)

[BrianW]

Gents,

Got some bad news today, from the local life raft shop, that my EPIRB is outdated and the battery required for it is out of production. I need one this month, as my boat is scheduled to start commercial halibut fishing on the 28th.

I've been considering spending a bit extra for one of the models with a built-in GPS transmitter. This one in particular...

http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/image.php?productid=16215

...it's an ACR 2742 CAT I GLOBALFIX. I found one for $959.00 with free shipping, and think this may be a good idea.

Any thoughts on epirb brands, the real life benefits of the GPS unit, and places to buy?

Thanks!

[ 02-12-2005, 02:46 AM: Message edited by: BrianW ]

[BrianW]

Gents,

Got some bad news today, from the local life raft shop, that my EPIRB is outdated and the battery required for it is out of production. I need one this month, as my boat is scheduled to start commercial halibut fishing on the 28th.

I've been considering spending a bit extra for one of the models with a built-in GPS transmitter. This one in particular...

http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/image.php?productid=16215

...it's an ACR 2742 CAT I GLOBALFIX. I found one for $959.00 with free shipping, and think this may be a good idea.

Any thoughts on epirb brands, the real life benefits of the GPS unit, and places to buy?

Thanks!

[ 02-12-2005, 02:46 AM: Message edited by: BrianW ]

[BrianW]

Gents,

Got some bad news today, from the local life raft shop, that my EPIRB is outdated and the battery required for it is out of production. I need one this month, as my boat is scheduled to start commercial halibut fishing on the 28th.

I've been considering spending a bit extra for one of the models with a built-in GPS transmitter. This one in particular...

http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/image.php?productid=16215

...it's an ACR 2742 CAT I GLOBALFIX. I found one for $959.00 with free shipping, and think this may be a good idea.

Any thoughts on epirb brands, the real life benefits of the GPS unit, and places to buy?

Thanks!

[ 02-12-2005, 02:46 AM: Message edited by: BrianW ]

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

These people have a good reputation, over here. Wrong side of the pond, but they will take a credit card and ship:

http://www.sartech.com/default.asp

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

These people have a good reputation, over here. Wrong side of the pond, but they will take a credit card and ship:

http://www.sartech.com/default.asp

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

These people have a good reputation, over here. Wrong side of the pond, but they will take a credit card and ship:

http://www.sartech.com/default.asp

[Donn]

You can rent a 406 EPIRB from BoatUS for $50/week, maximum of 6 weeks at a time.

Rent-a-Beacon (http://www.boatus.com/foundation/EPIRB/)

[Donn]

You can rent a 406 EPIRB from BoatUS for $50/week, maximum of 6 weeks at a time.

Rent-a-Beacon (http://www.boatus.com/foundation/EPIRB/)

[Donn]

You can rent a 406 EPIRB from BoatUS for $50/week, maximum of 6 weeks at a time.

Rent-a-Beacon (http://www.boatus.com/foundation/EPIRB/)

[Venchka]

Does the boat have GPS? Aren't the EPIRBs that connect to a GPS slightly less expensive and provide the same information to the satellite? Just a thought.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[Venchka]

Does the boat have GPS? Aren't the EPIRBs that connect to a GPS slightly less expensive and provide the same information to the satellite? Just a thought.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[Venchka]

Does the boat have GPS? Aren't the EPIRBs that connect to a GPS slightly less expensive and provide the same information to the satellite? Just a thought.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[BrianW]

Yes, two GPS receivers to be exact. But I'm not sure I want to deal with running more cable from the wheelhouse up to the flybridge were the epirb mounts, plus trying to figure out the wiring into the GPS. I'd like the epirb to be completely self contained.

Leasing is an interesting thought, but the boat is used commercially for most of the year, so it doesn't look like the most ecomical route there.

Thanks for the advice so far.

Any thoughts on whether or not a GPS unit is work the extra money?

[BrianW]

Yes, two GPS receivers to be exact. But I'm not sure I want to deal with running more cable from the wheelhouse up to the flybridge were the epirb mounts, plus trying to figure out the wiring into the GPS. I'd like the epirb to be completely self contained.

Leasing is an interesting thought, but the boat is used commercially for most of the year, so it doesn't look like the most ecomical route there.

Thanks for the advice so far.

Any thoughts on whether or not a GPS unit is work the extra money?

[BrianW]

Yes, two GPS receivers to be exact. But I'm not sure I want to deal with running more cable from the wheelhouse up to the flybridge were the epirb mounts, plus trying to figure out the wiring into the GPS. I'd like the epirb to be completely self contained.

Leasing is an interesting thought, but the boat is used commercially for most of the year, so it doesn't look like the most ecomical route there.

Thanks for the advice so far.

Any thoughts on whether or not a GPS unit is work the extra money?

[Venchka]

According to the marketing hype or facts, take your pick, the GPS enabled EPIRBs instantly transmit your exact location. Without GPS, the system has to wait for a triangulation fix from the heavens. Given where you might need to be found, I imagine the minutes or hours saved in determining your EXACT location is money well spent.

Did you read this?



A Choice of Technologies

The RapidFix™ 406 connects to an active NMEA 0183 data source (your vessel's primary GPS), and updates its current position data every twenty minutes. You can initiate a self-test to confirm it has current position data. From the moment you turn your GPS on at the dock until you need the RapidFix™ 406 in an emergency, the RapidFix™ 406 is ready to transmit LAT/LON coordinates along with your UIN within seconds of activation. It is best to choose a mounting location in an area convenient for routing the interface cable. RapidFix™ 406 can be used with a hand-held GPS.

The GlobalFix™ 406 is completely self-contained. Upon activation, it transmits the 406 MHz signal as any 406 EPIRB does and will continue to do so as long as the EPIRB is on. Its amazing internal 12-channel parallel GPS engine begins acquiring coordinates. It is capable of a cold start initialization within 1.5 minutes; this time lapse is even less in ideal conditions. GPS signals can be difficult to acquire during a cold boot, especially in less than ideal conditions. The GlobalFix™ 406 will try to gain a position fix for 15 minutes, then will conserve battery power for 20 minutes, then will begin trying again and will keep trying intermittently until it gets a fix. GlobalFix™ 406 incorporates the latest in GPS technology. There are none better. Once acquired, GlobalFix™ 406 incorporates your coordinates in the 406 MHz signal. It is convenient to store in a life raft or emergency gear bag. Just turn it on in an emergency. There is no installation or set-up necessary.

Both the RapidFix™ 406 and GlobalFix™ 406 are available in either Category I, automatically deployable, or Category II, manually deployable, models. They are equipped with a self-test feature that confirms operation as well as battery condition and GPS position data. The units are self-buoyant and need no flotation collar.

The bottom line on the pair is that now you have a choice of options to fit your particular needs. The RapidFix™ 406 has the benefit of speed in getting your coordinates out, hence it is the fastest EPIRB on the planet. The GlobalFix™ 406 has the benefit of simplicity. It is compact and needs no electrical installation.
It sounds like the EPIRB connected to your ship's GPS is the faster and more reliable solution. I know these cabling installations can have length restrictions, etc. It's worth looking into.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[ 02-02-2005, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: Venchka ]

[Venchka]

According to the marketing hype or facts, take your pick, the GPS enabled EPIRBs instantly transmit your exact location. Without GPS, the system has to wait for a triangulation fix from the heavens. Given where you might need to be found, I imagine the minutes or hours saved in determining your EXACT location is money well spent.

Did you read this?



A Choice of Technologies

The RapidFix™ 406 connects to an active NMEA 0183 data source (your vessel's primary GPS), and updates its current position data every twenty minutes. You can initiate a self-test to confirm it has current position data. From the moment you turn your GPS on at the dock until you need the RapidFix™ 406 in an emergency, the RapidFix™ 406 is ready to transmit LAT/LON coordinates along with your UIN within seconds of activation. It is best to choose a mounting location in an area convenient for routing the interface cable. RapidFix™ 406 can be used with a hand-held GPS.

The GlobalFix™ 406 is completely self-contained. Upon activation, it transmits the 406 MHz signal as any 406 EPIRB does and will continue to do so as long as the EPIRB is on. Its amazing internal 12-channel parallel GPS engine begins acquiring coordinates. It is capable of a cold start initialization within 1.5 minutes; this time lapse is even less in ideal conditions. GPS signals can be difficult to acquire during a cold boot, especially in less than ideal conditions. The GlobalFix™ 406 will try to gain a position fix for 15 minutes, then will conserve battery power for 20 minutes, then will begin trying again and will keep trying intermittently until it gets a fix. GlobalFix™ 406 incorporates the latest in GPS technology. There are none better. Once acquired, GlobalFix™ 406 incorporates your coordinates in the 406 MHz signal. It is convenient to store in a life raft or emergency gear bag. Just turn it on in an emergency. There is no installation or set-up necessary.

Both the RapidFix™ 406 and GlobalFix™ 406 are available in either Category I, automatically deployable, or Category II, manually deployable, models. They are equipped with a self-test feature that confirms operation as well as battery condition and GPS position data. The units are self-buoyant and need no flotation collar.

The bottom line on the pair is that now you have a choice of options to fit your particular needs. The RapidFix™ 406 has the benefit of speed in getting your coordinates out, hence it is the fastest EPIRB on the planet. The GlobalFix™ 406 has the benefit of simplicity. It is compact and needs no electrical installation.
It sounds like the EPIRB connected to your ship's GPS is the faster and more reliable solution. I know these cabling installations can have length restrictions, etc. It's worth looking into.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[ 02-02-2005, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: Venchka ]

[Venchka]

According to the marketing hype or facts, take your pick, the GPS enabled EPIRBs instantly transmit your exact location. Without GPS, the system has to wait for a triangulation fix from the heavens. Given where you might need to be found, I imagine the minutes or hours saved in determining your EXACT location is money well spent.

Did you read this?



A Choice of Technologies

The RapidFix™ 406 connects to an active NMEA 0183 data source (your vessel's primary GPS), and updates its current position data every twenty minutes. You can initiate a self-test to confirm it has current position data. From the moment you turn your GPS on at the dock until you need the RapidFix™ 406 in an emergency, the RapidFix™ 406 is ready to transmit LAT/LON coordinates along with your UIN within seconds of activation. It is best to choose a mounting location in an area convenient for routing the interface cable. RapidFix™ 406 can be used with a hand-held GPS.

The GlobalFix™ 406 is completely self-contained. Upon activation, it transmits the 406 MHz signal as any 406 EPIRB does and will continue to do so as long as the EPIRB is on. Its amazing internal 12-channel parallel GPS engine begins acquiring coordinates. It is capable of a cold start initialization within 1.5 minutes; this time lapse is even less in ideal conditions. GPS signals can be difficult to acquire during a cold boot, especially in less than ideal conditions. The GlobalFix™ 406 will try to gain a position fix for 15 minutes, then will conserve battery power for 20 minutes, then will begin trying again and will keep trying intermittently until it gets a fix. GlobalFix™ 406 incorporates the latest in GPS technology. There are none better. Once acquired, GlobalFix™ 406 incorporates your coordinates in the 406 MHz signal. It is convenient to store in a life raft or emergency gear bag. Just turn it on in an emergency. There is no installation or set-up necessary.

Both the RapidFix™ 406 and GlobalFix™ 406 are available in either Category I, automatically deployable, or Category II, manually deployable, models. They are equipped with a self-test feature that confirms operation as well as battery condition and GPS position data. The units are self-buoyant and need no flotation collar.

The bottom line on the pair is that now you have a choice of options to fit your particular needs. The RapidFix™ 406 has the benefit of speed in getting your coordinates out, hence it is the fastest EPIRB on the planet. The GlobalFix™ 406 has the benefit of simplicity. It is compact and needs no electrical installation.
It sounds like the EPIRB connected to your ship's GPS is the faster and more reliable solution. I know these cabling installations can have length restrictions, etc. It's worth looking into.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[ 02-02-2005, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: Venchka ]

[Donn]

IIRC, the old EPIRB constellation will be discontinued in 2009, so GPS-enabled will be a must. By then, the prices should be substantially lower than they are now.

[Donn]

IIRC, the old EPIRB constellation will be discontinued in 2009, so GPS-enabled will be a must. By then, the prices should be substantially lower than they are now.

[Donn]

IIRC, the old EPIRB constellation will be discontinued in 2009, so GPS-enabled will be a must. By then, the prices should be substantially lower than they are now.

[Donn]

That's only 4 years, Wayne. Until then, the old system works better than throwing a note overboard in a bottle. :D

[Donn]

That's only 4 years, Wayne. Until then, the old system works better than throwing a note overboard in a bottle. :D

[Donn]

That's only 4 years, Wayne. Until then, the old system works better than throwing a note overboard in a bottle. :D

[BrianW]

Gents,

I went ahead an ordered an ACR GlobalFix Cat 1 from BOE Marine Electronics for $959.00. Seemed like a good price, and they advertise free shipping via DHL. I'll reply back here when it arrives.

Thanks for the help!

[BrianW]

Gents,

I went ahead an ordered an ACR GlobalFix Cat 1 from BOE Marine Electronics for $959.00. Seemed like a good price, and they advertise free shipping via DHL. I'll reply back here when it arrives.

Thanks for the help!

[BrianW]

Gents,

I went ahead an ordered an ACR GlobalFix Cat 1 from BOE Marine Electronics for $959.00. Seemed like a good price, and they advertise free shipping via DHL. I'll reply back here when it arrives.

Thanks for the help!

[BrianW]

My EPIRB (the one pictured above) arrived a couple days ago via DHL. Shipping was free and they threw in a couple nice stobe lights.

I thought it was a good deal, so I'm just passing along the results for anyone interested in buying one soon.

[BrianW]

My EPIRB (the one pictured above) arrived a couple days ago via DHL. Shipping was free and they threw in a couple nice stobe lights.

I thought it was a good deal, so I'm just passing along the results for anyone interested in buying one soon.

[BrianW]

My EPIRB (the one pictured above) arrived a couple days ago via DHL. Shipping was free and they threw in a couple nice stobe lights.

I thought it was a good deal, so I'm just passing along the results for anyone interested in buying one soon.