I'm wondering if it could work to rent (or buy) someone's personal locator beacon. If renting it would be for June and July. I'm interested in one of the lighter ones in the 4-6oz range. I'm not sure how this would work with the NOAA registration, but perhaps this could be figured out.

I have a PLB for sale...pm sent

Ah ok, I am looking for one with an internal GPS, I don't carry another GPS unit.... Thanks Reggie

Edward, as far as I know the PLBs that actually display the GPS coordinates are pretty big and heavy. The current crop of compact, light PLBs in the 5-6 ounce range have an internal GPS receiver, but it is used to transmit your position when you fire up the PLB; there is no physical display of the position data.

Check out ACR:
http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/

Ok, I misunderstood Reggie in his PM. He told me his PLB didn't have on board GPS, but what he meant was that it doesn't have a screen etc. He has an ARC Terrafix for sale if anyone is interested. I am looking for one of the lighter one's with the internal GPS and no display, as you say. Eg. a Resqlink or Fastfinder. By 'I don't carry another GPS unit' I meant that I don't have a need for a standard GPS/don't use one.

Edited by edwardalbarton on 04/21/2012 09:32:10 MDT.

My ACR Terrafix has no on board GPS. The only way it will broadcast GPS coordinates is if you cable a GPS to it. I use a Garmin Gecko for my usual GPS duties. I opted for the Terrafix without the onboard GPS because it was cheaper than one with a built GPS...plus I needed to use the GPS to get coordinates, etc. and I already owned a GPS.

Hope my earlier post didn't muddy the waters on this.

Good luck in your search for a beacon.

Oook that clears it up, thanks Reggie.

The Boston-area REI might have them for rent. I have utilized REI rentals in the other parts of the country.