121.5 MHz EPIRB's

[Guest]

121.5 MHz EPIRB\'s

Am I right in believing that 121.5 MHz EPIRB's are being phased out - or at least the signals will be noted by chance rather than being directly monitored?

It seems that the Personal Locator Beacons all use this frequency vs. the 405 MHz of the (much more expensive) units. You certainly couldn't wear one of the bigger EPIRB's!

So, in a nutshell, are the small units worth buying?

 

[ccscott49]

Re: 121.5 MHz EPIRB\'s

No, if you are buyiong an EPIRB, go for the 406 option, it will have 121.5 for close range homing by rescue aircraft etc. I believe the 121.5 frequency is to be phased out on the satellites. Thats what I read anyway, I went for a 406.

 

[BrianJ]

Re: 121.5 MHz EPIRB\'s

I agree...go for the 406, you also get your yachts name recorded with the authorities when you have the 406 , hence they know just who you are... that was a big problem in the disater of 98(Syd/ Hbt)
BrianJ

 

[Guest]

Re: 121.5 MHz EPIRB\'s

The 121.5 EPIRB was the original one and relied on overflying aircraft picking up your signal. It is still used by SAR helos and lifeboats as a homing beacon. When the COSPAS/SARSAT came into being they chose 406 for satellite communications, and this is the one you should go for. There used to be a 243 system as well, but that was done away with some years ago as it was for military use only, I believe. I recommend a copy of GMDSS Guidelines for Small Boat Users (it's the boats that are small, not the users!) which gives all you need to know about EPIRBs including the EPIRB Register. It is FREE from the RNLI Sea Safety Group on 01202 663174

 

[ccscott49]

Re: 121.5 MHz EPIRB\'s

Satellites, used to pick up the 121.5 signals aswell, but did not transmit inmmediately to a earth station, until it passed over one, (in range I think) the 406 system transmits immediately to the earth station on receipt of the mayday. I'm not sure, but I think the 121.5 still works the same way, but may now have beeen switched off.

 

[rwh]

Re: 121.5 MHz EPIRB\'s

If it is correct that monitoring of the 121.5 MHz frequency will be discontinued, why then would McMurdo be readying the MOB wrist watch for the market which works on this frequency? Would it not defeat the purpose and be a waste of a good idea?