Emergency Communication | PLB & EPIRB everything you need to know | GME MT610G PLB

[@AlloffroadAu]

Do you carry a PLB, and if yes which one? Ever used it? Let me know in the comment section.

[@brentmcd12]

not yet .. however I think in the next few years or less these devices might be replaced with a digital style 2way communication type device ..

[@AlloffroadAu]

I dont think they will, 2way devices already exist but fact is they are not meant to be reserved for emergencies only you will need to worry about batteries etc.

[@Jay-hr9ci]

HF Radio and PLB mate. Can send and receive emails, SMS, send GPS, etc..

[@dougneville9097]

G'day Stefan,i have a Satphone but have been thinking of getting a PLB,after that review iam now ging shopping for the GME.Thanks mate....

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad to help, seems to be the best PLB on the market at present and personally think PLB and Sat Phone are the best combination. SatPhone is for 99% of cases and the PLB for that remaining critical 1% when everything else failed. Cheap life insurance.

[@mountainconstructions]

Always the best information from you Stefan... Every time

[@AlloffroadAu]

I appreciate that!

[@shaddies1890]

I moved from a Spot 3 to an inReach mini 2 years ago, I use the tracking and txt functions to let the better half know where I am and how I am going. While the subscription isn't cheap, it is a cost that I am happy to pay to ensure the boss knows where I am as I travel solo most of the time.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes, I use the Thuraya Sat Phone for that purpose especially the kids (if they travel with me) can have chats with mum at home at no cost.

[@SuperMegaWoofer3000]

I had a spot years ago, I found it a bit sketchy too. Thanks for the review! I'll be picking up one of these for my trips!

[@jshepard152]

Spot has only .4 watts transmit power, versus 1.6 watts for inReach and 5.0 watts for PLBS. That's why Spot often fails.

[@crispyinasia61]

Great video Stefan, it certainly helps with the decision making and also shows that a PLB and a Sat phone both have their places when talking about remote touring. Certainly it confirms I will get one for my daughter who mountain bikes in remote locations as well as 4WD, and then maybe the next step is the sat phone. Thanks again.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Absolutely mate, I have 4 PLB's and together with a SatPhone you are pretty much as prepared only improvement would be also an HF radio but that requires a lot of commitment in regards to money and knowledge.

[@leeobe]

Thanks for the review Stefan. It reinforces my thoughts on the new mt610g. I'll be picking one up before my next remote trip/hike. Cheers Lee

[@jshepard152]

Spot has only .4 watts transmit power, versus 1.6 watts for inReach and 5.0 watts for PLBS. The US Dept of Agriculture tested Spot and found that it failed often under tree cover.

[@michaelnugara1]

Thanks again Stefan for another informative vid.

[@AlloffroadAu]

My pleasure!

[@happyguy61]

Thanks Stefan very useful information!

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@craiglagden3608]

I do a lot of remote enduro riding, i carry a iridium sat phone, but carry the ocean signal PlB is a lot smaller than the 610

[@AlloffroadAu]

I think the 610 is already quite small but I can see how an Ocean Signal could be better for Enduro riding or Hiking.

[@WDMTAdventures]

I just purchased a Garmin In Reach Mini which I fell is the best PLB/GPS on the market.

[@AlloffroadAu]

I think it's great as a GPS, location tracker and for two-way text communication but personally, I always also would carry a dedicated PLB for emergencies as they have redundancy in regards to Satellites (Garmin can only use Iridium Satellite) PLB has a homing signal, Garmin does not, PLB has stronger transmission, with a Spot or Garmin your SOS goes to a private company in the US first, PLB goes to AU Government and a few more reasons.

[@rayhart1762]

Thanks for this Stefan. I’m on the lookout for one, this makes it easy🥳

[@AlloffroadAu]

No problem 👍

[@ashmodownunder]

Excellent review and advice

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thank you kindly!

[@patroln48]

Well explained, great vid! Thanks for sharing Stefan. Never owned a PLB, although would hire distress signal equipment when hiking in places like South West Tasmania. That was some years ago and for $10 a week it was a great option. Places like Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service would lease them out, not sure if they still do today.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I think you can still hire Sat Phone and PLB's. Hiking in South West Of Tassy sounds like an awesome adventure mate.

[@mattbright8635]

You said the GME PLB doesn’t work in gully you were in and should be in a clearing but what happens if your bush walking and fall into a gully and unable to move due by injury?

[@AlloffroadAu]

it may it may or not work depending on how deep the gully is and if you have clear sight to satellite. if you can’t move due to injury and can’t get satellite reception you are out of luck. Hopefully you don’t walk alone and you buddy can get higher up and get signal with his PLB

[@Vinceventuring]

Such good information, hope I never have to use it. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@AlloffroadAu]

You are so welcome!

[@pierrematthee]

Hi Stefan, very informative video. My current PLB ACR ResQLink's battery has expired and have to decide if I get a new battery or buy a new unit. I like the GME MT610G PLB being compact and Australian made. However, I am now doing kayaking on estuaries and rivers aswell as hiking and they adv ertise that the new ACR ResQLink is waterproof in a limited way, short time underwater and I have to keep it upright. Does the GME MT610G have a similar waterproof capability?

[@AlloffroadAu]

proper waterproof and buoyant would be a Epirb but much bigger the GME 610G is IP68 and buoyant though.

[@AlphGen]

KTI has departed the market which is unfortunate for all and yes I carry one

[@AlloffroadAu]

yep sadly, KTI was a brilliant PLB

[@dinimit4]

Now that the Thuraya Satellite was Forced to move and no longer covers Australia what satellite phone do you use?

[@AlloffroadAu]

non, Garmin InReach Mini 2, PLB and StarLink Mini

[@paulbartsch1223]

Although they have made big improvements, GME lose some points on the size and the price compared to the Resqme. Consumers will have to determine whether being made in Australia will compensate for this. Going from 10 years (like the KTI was) to 7 year battery life effectively increases the cost per year by over 40% and is worse for the environment because it creates more waste. I recently had to use my KTI (I was on my own in a rain forest with a broken leg) so I will be looking for a replacement soon. It's somewhat reassuring when you're in trouble and it's sitting there with the light flashing. However, you're still not sure it's working until the chopper is circling overhead.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Resqme has some quite questionable feedback with some units not working so that sacred me, I currently have an older MT410G in it's 10th year and is still passing all tests but yes I agree I would also have liked to see a 10-year battery life. I loved the KTI but find besides the 7-year battery life and 20g more weight it's quite similar. GME does manufacturing them for years so they do know what they are doing. Glad you ok having used the KTI would you share a bit more about your scenario and location and how long it took for help to arrive?

[@johnleaste828]

Paul, some PLB manufacturers eg ACR will give you a new free beacon if you send them a proof it was used in a rescue. Check with the maker of yours.

[@MoritzJ]

Great Video! So I understand, I purchase it once and then can use it worldwide at no additional cost? It will alarm the respective response authorities in every country? Anyone knows where to buy this thing in Europe / Germany?

[@AlloffroadAu]

that is correct, however, I would strongly suggest having your AMSA details up to date and explaining what you doing and where you are and possibly even having an itinerary.

[@defendermodsandtravels]

This is clearly aimed at Aussie overlanders. I am uncertain which of these units would be best for remote regions in other parts of the world. I have a sat phone but the big question is what number to call if in real trouble.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Everything but the Thuraya will work world wide, the Thuraya Sat Phone only covers Europe, North and Central Africa and across the Middle East through parts of Asia and Australia. Worldwide you are better of with an Iridium Sat Phone. If you tour worldwide I would assume your planning includes a list of relevant numbers in regards to vehicle parts, hospital locations, contacts, embassy, and emergencies for the respective countries? That's what I carried before settling in Australia and travelling to many continents including Asia, South Amerika and Africa and now Oceania.

[@defendermodsandtravels]

@@AlloffroadAu So in summary you'd recommend an Iridium phone (which I have) and a carefully prepared list of phone numbers for each country visited (I am not watertight there). Good advice, many thanks for your experience.

[@AlloffroadAu]

If I would still tour internationally as you do I would recommend a PLB in the car and the second one in a grab/hiking bag, an Iridium phone and yes a phone list for each country but as you know that is not always easy especially for 3rd world countries. Language barriers, phone changes etc. I still remember having to ride on horseback for a few hours through the Costa Rican jungle to get to the next private phone to call a Dr in San Jose for medical advise. That was before Satelite Phones, Garmin In reaches and the likes. Not sure if PLB existed 25 years ago if they did I did not know about it then.

[@defendermodsandtravels]

@@AlloffroadAu International travel is a joke these days. I was going to Southern Africa for the winter but that's a no-no (thank heavens the Defender wasn't boxed up before the rules changed). I am now trying to get into Morocco as an alternative but all ferries are cancelled. And of course the greenies are trying to hound us off the road. I will have to content myself with looking at old videos. :-(

[@shdhrjdi]

What company do you go through for the sat phone plan

[@AlloffroadAu]

Pivotel 15$ a month plan SatPhone Sales has the Phones and Plans

[@markhowell5254]

Hi Stefan, how do the new Garmin InReach Mini II compare?

[@AlloffroadAu]

I have not tested it, however, Garmin, Spot and Zoleo all have a few disadvantages if you use them as a PLB, In an ideal world I have a Sat Phone, PLB and a Garmin InReach, Zoleo or Spot 3 but given the ongoing cost for a Garmin I find the dedicated PLB and Thuraya Sat Phone option the most practical and cost-effective

[@markhowell5254]

Thanks was looking at the GME and inTeach for the text but cost is an issue but guess cheap if you are in trouble

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes would not rely on Garmin unless I'm Hiking and space/weight is at a premium, Thuraya cost me $16.50 a month and people can call me for free and if I need to I can call whoever I need to and speak much better than texting, GME PLB is my last resort emergency and I have one in each car as well as in my day pack.

[@stanleybest8833]

Nope. My favorite is a CB radio and it's infinitely more fun and useful.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea, HF is useful and has options a PLB does not but it would never replace my PLB. I choose to carry a satellite phone if I need to speak to someone and for non-emergency. For most people, unless you are a CB nutt anyway, an HF radio is not the best choice. They are expensive and bulky, they require extra big antennas and quite a bit of knowledge, and they also do not always guarantee immediate reception. However, if you have all of that, they sure have a great community and are useful, but there are now way better options out there for the majority of people.

[@stanleybest8833]

@@AlloffroadAu I've had a nose full of subscriber radios around me. Just the stupid flip phone and that's it.

[@lukebrady3728]

Hi again Stephan. Yet again another great video, with all the facts laid out and presented intelligently. As a very recent subscriber to your channel, it is a breath of fresh air to see a 4wd type channel that: (A) Doesn't start with brain numbing death metal music (pardon the oxymoron) (B) Isn't being presented by some tattooed moron, or an imbecile who thinks wearing a baseball hat backwards is a fashion statement. (C) IS being presented by someone that can speak and present intelligently that dresses and acts appropriately on screen. (D) Doesn't drive a vehicle that looks a 4wd version of an Apache gunship. Finally, would love to send some $ your way, but do not participate in any of the payment platforms that you mention. Are in or near Melbourne, and if so let me know how to get in touch.

[@AlloffroadAu]

thank you very much, easiest is to email at alloffroadau at gmail dot com

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