Christchurch Police are recommending that personal locator beacons used by trampers should be regularly serviced and the batteries tested. A beacon failed when activated by two students lost at Arthur’s Pass earlier this year.
Following the search for Craig HELM and Nicholas GORDON at Arthurs Pass in July 2004, the PLB they activated was later sent for testing. It appeared to have a loose aerial, and the aerial had in fact become detached from the transmitter. The batteries in this unit had an expiry date of Jan 2001.
Search co ordinator Senior Constable Phil Simmonds says that people need be aware that if they own or use a PLB, and it is a sealed unit, they should know the battery use by date.
"They should send it to a qualified technician periodically to ensure the unit is functioning correctly," he says. "Organisations or clubs hiring PLBs have a responsibility to ensure the units are operational and well maintained, they should keep service records."
Near the end of 2000 a local Tramping Club in Christchurch purchased two Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). At the time the tramping club was told that the units should not require batteries or servicing for a further period of 5 years.
The second PLB purchased by the club was obtained and recently sent for testing. When activated, the unit failed to work. The batteries had an expiry date of March 2002 and had corroded through a wire connecting them to the rest of the unit so it was not any getting power.
"I would recommend that people label the exterior of the PLB showing the battery use by date and any date serviced," says Phil Simmonds.
Owners and users of PLBs should have knowledge of the best positioning of their unit once activated. This is generally in an upright position (aerial pointing up) with a clear or unobstructed view of the sky.
The same rationale also applies to marine holders and users of PLBs and EPRIBs (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacons).