Grab bag contents.

[prv]

Out of interest, what is the advantage of a PLB over a hand held VHS with GPS and DSC capability? That seems a three in one and is cheaper than a PLB ?Edit.. ah, linked to SAR...

The range of a handheld VHF a few feet above sea level is pretty poor. I once worked it out as less than the nominal range of a red rocket flare, though I can't remember what I assumed for the receiving aerial height.

A PLB should reach a satellite from anywhere on earth with a view of the sky.

According to MES's prices today, they cost the same, £189.95 each (Standard Horizon HX870 / McMurdo Smartfind 220).

The VHF does have the benefit of being able to talk to people - inevitably a voice saying "help us!" is a lot more compelling than an electronic message saying that someone is in distress, and nobody wonders whether it's a false alarm.

Pete