[Elecraft] KX3 Amp

[Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT]

Yes, but.....

The original poster is going to be 200 miles from town.  He may or may 
not be in VHF range of something when he needs help.  I'm pretty sure 
he's out of range or he'd just get a couple of handhelds and call it done.

The Personal Locator Beacon frequency is monitored by two sets of 
satellites -- a constellation of low-earth-orbit satellites that can 
determine location, and a few geostationary satellites that see a wide 
area of the planet, looking straight down at the surface of the earth.  
The latter can read the GPS on the PLB.

The signal goes straight to search and rescue folks, and the beacons are 
registered so they know exactly who they're going to be looking for.

Which would you prefer: push a button and it's done, or calling on 
several bands and hoping one is open?

Again, I love amateur radio, and I would consider it part of my 
emergency toolkit, but I'd trigger my PLB first in a real emergency.

-- Lynn

On 6/30/2013 5:09 PM, Ariel Jacala wrote:
> Some HT's have GPS and with APRS one can send messages.  I have used it on hikes so my wife can track me on the internet as I hike.  The HT sends a beacon signal out and the movement can be tracked through APRS.fi   Any Ham can get an APRS account.    I have even used APRS on my iPhone for the same tracking capability.  Remote from civilization though you would need an HT with APRS like the VX8R by Yaesu or a TinyTrack tracker.  With the HT however, you can call for help and the reach can be substantial depending on elevation or having a nearby repeater.  Having worked 45 states on Field Day just using a KX3 and a G0GSF dipole, I have no qualms with getting out and reaching people with a KX3 on HF.  When the 2m module gets out - I have a complete package for all modes of remote operation.
> Ariel NY4G
>