Important Information! Please read.

This should be titled 121.5 MHz EPIRB...then made a "sticky" for 6 months. Maybe we can get Les to do that....
 
Can someone explain this please, I though the EPIRB for personal that attached to the lifevest works the same way as the one that mounted on the vessel.

"...The regulation applies to all Class A, B, and S 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs. It does not affect 121.5/243 MHz man overboard devices which are designed to work directly with a base alerting unit only and not with the satellite system...".

Is that means the Personal one will becomes useless after such date (1/07 or 1/09)if a base unit no longer broadcast/receiving 121.5/243 ?. Can the base unit can be set as broadcasting 406 and recieving 121.5/243?.
 
The older, less expensive EPIRBS used the 121.5/243 MHz system for transmission. The transmission contained no position information and required two passes of a satellite to get location. Responses were delayed by up 12 hours. They work fine as a local line of sight locator but not with the satellite system. The 406 EPIRPs can broadcast position info as well as the ID info of the owner, enabling the CG to look up vessel and owner info. There are "personal" 406 EPRIBs as well as those designed to be mounted on the vessel.

The bottom line is that the 121.5 system never worked well while the 406 system works fine.
 
If I read it correctly, it is only the dual frequency unit that is discontinued at this time and the single frequency 121.5 is still active for a while.

Of course I think only a fool would rely on the single 121.5 that, as I understand, the USCG will respond to as soon as they get a chance.

If you're planning on sinking, only the 406 will do.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Les Hall

The older, less expensive EPIRBS used the 121.5/243 MHz system for transmission. The transmission contained no position information and required two passes of a satellite to get location. Responses were delayed by up 12 hours. They work fine as a local line of sight locator but not with the satellite system. The 406 EPIRPs can broadcast position info as well as the ID info of the owner, enabling the CG to look up vessel and owner info. There are "personal" 406 EPRIBs as well as those designed to be mounted on the vessel.
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Another issue is that that frequency has been reassigned for nonemergency use.......
 
What's this? 121.5mHz has been reassigned for non-emergency situations? Wonder why I haven't read a word of this in flying publications? Does this mean my airplane's ELT is illegal/inop, and if whatever hits the fan, I need to know another frequency to report it, as of two weeks ago?
 
The bottom line is that the CG won't respond to 121.5 transmissions.
 
Also means it won't be legal to use 121.5MHz EPIRBS. This won't affect the 406's use of a low power 121.5 homing signal.
 
Great, so this means my unused $400 MiniB2 has to be tossed into the trash? Will the manufacturer give me some credit towards a new one?
 
First, if you have one of these, you must unregister it so that if it goes off, you will not be held accountable for an unnecessary search. Do not "just throw it in the trash!" First, remove the battery, then it is suggested that you return it to the manufacturer for proper disposal. Maybe you'll get a credit on a new one. I don't know, but I think that is a good idea!

In general, whenever you sell any EPIRB or a boat with one, you should unregister the unit and the new owner should then register it with their information.
 
quote:
Originally posted by amelia

What's this? 121.5mHz has been reassigned for non-emergency situations? Wonder why I haven't read a word of this in flying publications? Does this mean my airplane's ELT is illegal/inop, and if whatever hits the fan, I need to know another frequency to report it, as of two weeks ago?

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Sorry I can't answer your questions! We have a few pilots who post on this forum. Can someone assist Amelia? Her questions are important!
 
121.5 units don't use a hex number, no digital info at all, just a tone on he aforementioned frequency. Nothing to unregister...

I'll post more info when get on a regular computer - too difficult to do from the Q.
 
Mike, I always look forward to your input! Thanks so much.........I've never had any kind of an EPIRB, so I don't know the particulars......just the theory.
 
My EPIRB transmits on two frequencies as Les indicated, and it has been so many years I have had it, I can't remember if the warranty card was also a registration card.
 
I have a press release downstairs with all the details, I'll cut and paste if I can find it online or bring a copy home and type it up here tomorrow.
 
Thanks that would be great if different from the link above. Just trying to save your frostbitten salty fingers from excess typing. <gg>
 
quote:
Originally posted by November Charlie
I have a press release downstairs with all the details, I'll cut and paste if I can find it online or bring a copy home and type it up here tomorrow.
Click to expand...


Mike, that release is the link I provide in the original post at the top of the page.
 
Yup, looks like the same. I sometimes post from the Q very late at night when I can't sleep - not necessarily at my sharpest....
 
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