personal locator beacon

[bert]

Am considering getting the ACR ResQLink device for that extreme situation when self rescue doesn't work. Any comments, advice from my fellow windsurfers is appreciated. I do often sail alone and far from shore. Have a radio, but it keeps dying on me. Noticed that the price has come down to $200 with rebate.

[norcom]

I have the ACR ResQLink. It works but I've only done one test that actually sends the signal to sattelite and confirms you with an email. I also test it once every year but I don't actually send the message to the satellite.

Once you register, there's a company that gives you access to one or two free full test notifications. You can also pay yearly to send notification alerts if you'd like but that wastes your battery. These are notifications to let your loved ones know you're OK, not an emergency alert. There's no charge for emergency alerts.

In short, it works and it works fast. I was in my back yard and sent a test. There are a couple of trees but not a forest. By the time I got back to my computer, I had a confirmation it was received.

If you search this forum you can find my rants about SPOT. I had the blutooth version that would allow you to send text messages using a cell phone. All I can say is stay away from SPOT.

[joethewindsufa]

i put a cell phone in a water proof bag that hangs under my life jacket
that means i windsurf even when "on-call"
last time i had a board issue, someone called the fire department
thus i almost prefer sailing unseen by the public
if i think it is too dangerous - stay off !! or stay close to shore

all i need is a personal beacon locator for my wife to always know where i am