Hi Paul,
I was checking Prestige Communication’s web site and came across the “Spot Satellite GPS Messenger” http://au.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102 This device works the same as a PLB, with the addition of being able to send pre-programmed SMS/email messages, such as “check ins”, to up to 10 recipients, as well as the usual PLB/EPIRB emergency squawk. The unit price is much lower at just over AUD200, but there is an annual subscription of USD115 for the basic service.
An interesting step for personal satellite navigation.
Cheers,
Carl Clifford
On 14/12/2010, at 6:42 PM, Paul G Dodd wrote:
Hi Stephen,
I can recommend Prestige Communications. They’re an internet company – used to be known as “mail order”. I think they’re WA based: www.prestigecom.net.au. I have bought a number of devices from them in the past. For PLBs, the main (best?) brand is GME. MAKE SURE you spend the extra $100 and get one that has GPS built in – if you are need of rescue, you want your location identified. Without GPS, they rely on triangulation, which can take much longer.
Paul Dodd Docklands, Victoria
