[WARNING] Metal Detectors and PLB’s

From: details info@kti.com.auSent: Thursday, 24 September 2020 10:16 AMTo: Subject: Re: KTI Website query – PLB

My Spot GEN3 PLB device saved in a anti fixed bag.

As a follow-up KTI have made a design modification to there PLB to minimize the probability of this taking place in the future, however this does not lower the threat to the 1000s of devices currently out in the field, not just KTI items.

I myself minimize this threat by keeping my PLB in my knapsack in a Anti Static bag. These can be obtained on eBay really cheaply and to me it functions as low-cost insurance coverage. These bags can be purchased for just $8.99 for 50 units.

The current event included a well known PLB made by KTI here in Australia, it needs to be highlighted that the issue is not just with KTI items but could affect any sensitive electronic gadgets exposed to the strong electrical pulses produced by a Metal Detector.

KTI were extremely responsive to the issue and engaged Codan with a loan of the exact same model detector, screening was carried out at their head office to figure out the root cause of the event. They concluded that the PLB could be activated if put to close to the high energy pulses of the detector coil, and that an easy fix was to keep the PLB at an ideal distance.

eBayResealable with zip lock, air tight seal, simple to close and open. Reclosable and simple to utilize. 50 Pcs Storage Bag. 15 mil thick however can quickly see whats inside the bag. Perfect for storing laptop wi-fi cards, SO-DIMMM RAM sticks, and M. 2/mSata SSDs, small PC boards.

This is a cautioning to all prospectors carrying PLB [Personal Locator Beacons] also understood as EPIRBs. These gadgets are created to be an emergency assistance beacon utilizing the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system running on the COSPAS distress frequency of 406MHz. Over the last few years a variety of prospectors have actually reported unintended activation of their PLB devices. They were just warned of the activation after intervention by a rescue party much to their surprise.

I have consisted of listed below the initial correspondence from KTI on the concern for referral.

The most recent occurrence occurred when a prospector knelt down next to his detector coil with his PLB connected to his belt, this evidentially led to the PLB being to close to the detectors very high energy pulses. As an outcome the PLB was activated unwittingly to the operator, and might have resulted in a big fine for the expense of sending out emergency responders.

Introduction diagram of the COSPAS-SARSAT interaction system utilized to detect and locate EPIRBs, and PLBs.

Hey there Greg,

Over the last couple of years a number of prospectors have actually reported unintentional activation of their PLB devices. They concluded that the PLB could be set off if put to close to the high energy pulses of the detector coil, and that a simple fix was to keep the PLB at an appropriate distance. These high energy pulses can be potentially damaging to typical electronic equipment.There have been a handful of cases where our model SA2G PLB was unconsciously triggered while being carried by a person using a metal detector. We doubt anybody would knowingly put their PLB straight under the active search head of a metal detector and were recommended that in that event the PLB was being brought on a waist-belt. We concluded that the operator may have knelt down, lowered the metal detector handle to the ground permitting the search head to roll to the side and then moved forward resulting in the PLB (and GPS navigator) passing close to the underside of the still active search head.Last year we released our design SA2GN PLB, an updated variation of the SA2G item.

These high energy pulses can be potentially devastating to typical electronic equipment.There have been a handful of cases where our model SA2G PLB was unknowingly activated while being brought by a person using a metal detector. We question anyone would intentionally put their PLB directly under the active search head of a metal detector and were advised that in that event the PLB was being brought on a waist-belt. We concluded that the operator might have knelt down, reduced the metal detector deal with to the ground allowing the search head to roll to the side and then moved forward resulting in the PLB (and GPS navigator) passing close to the underside of the still active search head.Last year we released our model SA2GN PLB, an upgraded version of the SA2G item.

Be delighted and safe prospecting, all comments are welcome.