are also on other freqs like 406 (I think) with GPS and individual, registered ID number. I think 121.5 is the official search and rescue freq.

On an amusing note, we found that EPIRBs can also be picked up by the antennas used to track hunting dogs...

The ones that rely solely on the 121.5 frequency are being phased out and you probably cannot get them anymore. I have one that will communicate with coastal satellites and emit the locator beacon on 121.5 so if I'm in trouble, the satellite gives the coast guard a general area and the homing beacon brings them to me. However, the satellite capabilities of this unit are limited and satellite transmitting power is weak - it only works in coastal US areas due to the low orbit geo-syncronous satellites that it communicates with. I bought it three months ago and I'm not sure it's available anymore due to this technology being discontinued in the next few years. The 406Mhz EPIRBs are now the norm and the signal communicating with the sattelites is much stronger so that it can reach higher altitude orbiting satellites that cross oceans. If these satellites receive a signal, they record the unit ID and the location and beam it back down to earth as soon as they get over a land monitoring station. I hope I never need to use mine.

Actually, geosynchronous satellites are at the higher altitudes. You might have the two mixed up - the polar orbiting satellites might require more than one pass to locate you, their orbital period would be about 90 minutes, and they're at a lower altitude. The geostationary satellites are way out there - their period is 24 hours, effectively placing them continuously over a point on the Earth. From there they can see quite a lot continually, but you would require a stronger transmitter to reach them.

I always carry a drink in our tramp pocket and have never expereinced lossing one overboard when using it.

If you are concerned about losing one why not but a camelpack in your tramp pocket or sew or strap one to your tramp. That way you remain ISAF legal.

I understand why this might be inconvinent for long distance races and may be there should be an exemption for them.

The reason why they were banned was to remove any advantage someone might have wearing one. Also for safety concerns when sombody is trying to climb back on their boat.

If they were to be made legal a weight limit must be aplied. Also they should be worn on the outside off all garments with a quick release strap for whenever you may need it.

I have often thought it is a shame that there is so much wasted space on beach cats, like hollow masts and beams and hulls, that could potentially be filled with margaritas -- or the liquid of your choice. And the tubes that form wings also are hollow, aren't they?

Mary

You have opened up a whole can of worms. My God there's hulls and everything!

I am not sure I would agree with your choice of liquids, but I am confident that fryer oil won't be the choice.

There is still about 3 to 4 feet of ice on the "Forebay", So I'm bored..... Although I have a Tiger on the way... so I'm excited... and tomorrow's me birtday.

Jake

Out of curiosity how do you test these transmitters to verify that you are not fooling yourself?

On aircraft ELT's you turn on a receiver tuned to 121.5 and then momentarily switch the ELT on and off. Obviously you should hear the beacon's wail. This is done at a specific time, which is noted in the "Airman's Information Publication" (AIP).

This allows you to check the ELT and to make sure that SAR is not dispatched on a false mission.

Alan,
Happy birthday! But my condolences to you on being an Aries. Have you ever been able to find a compatible woman? According to my research, Aries is the only sign of the zodiac which is not compatible with any of the other signs.

I can confirm that, because I am Rick's fourth wife; and, although we have been together for about 27 years, we are definitely not compatible.

And guess what! Rick's birthday is tomorrow, too! If you are a typical Aries, your birthday is the most important day of the year, and you start celebrating it at least two weeks before.

There's a set time every week (I can't remember but I think it is 12 noon eastern standard on every Wednesday) when you can turn the unit on for a test of no greater than 15 seconds. This unit emits a warble tone to indicate that it is working properly.

Check out:

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/epirb.htm http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/epirb.htm

Water ballast - I seem to remember a scene on a Hobie video of a 16 regatta in high wind, and there's a guy getting ready to go sailing with a bunch of plastic jugs filled with water hanging from his body....

Boy, I was WAAAY off...

(Well... hmmm... I put the deposit on the Tiger on the 27th... so well I guess that isn't quite two weeks. )

But she's been sneakin around, sewing up a storm, won't let me near the sewing room and I swear I can smell carrot cake, but I can't find it..... Guess I can't complain!

Happy B'day Rick!