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On Monday I posted a story about the Spot Satellite Messenger device and I got a comment from Kevin Stoltz from PLB Rentals. He helped differentiate the category of PLBs from other messenging devices by saying the PLBs have more transmitting power - therefore they are a better safety device. He also mentioned to me to check out another device called TracMe.
 So I did. Here is a shot of the TracMe and here's what the TracMe website lists as the unique features of their device:
Voice beacon - can be monitored by anyone on the existing radio emergency channel.
Does not automatically instigate a search and rescue - about 98% of distress alerts detected from inadvertently activated beacons are false.
Extremely small and light weight.
Low cost - less than half the cost of existing beacons.
Very low cost for the Search and Rescue (SAR) crews.
A search can be performed with a single aircraft and one ground crew of 2 to 3 people.
Will operate continuously for about 7 days - this gives the rescuers ample time to locate the beacon.
Single use - once the unit has been activated, it can be deactivated but not reused.
Shelf or storage life should be up to 10 years.
The picture doesn't really do it justice because the device only weighs 1.6oz according to the user's manual!! However, if you read the manual there is this important disclaimer: "However, in some situations, you are required by law to carry a satellite PLB. For general activities not requiring a satellite PLB, the TracMe is a much better choice because it is affordable, lightweight, and avoids major problems if inadvertently activated. TracMe is not a satellite PLB."
The most interesting thing I found was this table from their website. All credits go to TracMe Beacons for this information.
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| Published by rwhitney in gear |
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I don't remember suggesting that you check out the TracMe but suffice to say I believe it is next to useless as a rescue device. It's not satellite based and has a very limited range. Plus, for the most part someone has to know you're missing and therefore be out looking for you and then be close before the TracMe can even possibly help with location. Needless to say, the fact that this company is putting itself in the same class as a PLB is a disservice to everyone. SPOT on the other hand is clearly superior to TracMe but as I said before it's also different than a PLB (although it is in a class where the comparison can be made) |
Submitted on by Kevin Stoltz |
You're right, you didn't suggest that I look at it. You only mentioned that it existed which peaked my interest. |
Submitted on by rwhitney | website |
I bet Kevin works for one of those satalite device companies. Those satelite devices cost appx $350 plus $50 - $100 per year for a subcription. Only the rich or the avid outdoors enthusiast can afford it--the people who live on the edge with dangerous sports. Of course tracme is not nearly as good. But for practical families who send thier kids on campouts, it is a lot better than having no protection at all.
Yes, I do sell them. I have a website called www.wilderness-gear.com. I may eventually sell the GPS based systems as well, but for starters, I am going to go with the tracme device.
Also, the price for the item on the chart is $50 higher that list price--it should be $99.95. |
Submitted on by Brian Nettles |
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