Top idea. I was just about to think that one up
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| And now for something completely different! Safety balloon http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=56495 |
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| Author: | tonystott [ Tue Nov 24, 2015 4:05 am ] |
| Post subject: | And now for something completely different! Safety balloon |
This was spotted elsewhere, and sounds like something we could all add to our safety kits. I like the idea of a tethered helium-filled balloon with a high intensity flashing beacon 150 feet above, with a duration of up to a week. Didn't see this one coming! http://gearjunkie.com/rescue-me-balloon-distress-signal Hopefully it will get enough funding to enter production (Maybe Hobie could sell such a product?) |
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| Author: | bjb [ Tue Nov 24, 2015 4:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
Looks interesting, too bad we didn't hear of this during their funding period. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/65 ... me-balloon |
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| Author: | Chekika [ Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
Nice idea. Keith |
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| Author: | Slaughter [ Tue Nov 24, 2015 6:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
Top idea. I was just about to think that one up
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| Author: | airborneshodan [ Thu May 05, 2016 4:35 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
Sounds interesting but... 1. Would interfere with Coast Guard Helo rescue 2. Could be mistaken not as a distress signal, but a new way to kite fish from distance. 3. Not a universal sign of distress, stick to basics like VHF radio, AIS, PLB, flares, and smoke. |
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| Author: | tonystott [ Fri May 06, 2016 4:49 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
airborneshodan wrote: Sounds interesting but... 1. Would interfere with Coast Guard Helo rescue 2. Could be mistaken not as a distress signal, but a new way to kite fish from distance. 3. Not a universal sign of distress, stick to basics like VHF radio, AIS, PLB, flares, and smoke. I take a more optimistic view... 1. Cut it free once the rescuers have found you - balloon gone before they get up close 2. Presumably the signal would be identical to that used at sea level #. None of those was a universal sign of distress when they were introduced. PS I have all those SOS tools on board, as well as sea marker dye, but I would add an SOS balloon if it became available, maybe it could also offer an extended aerial for the VHF to increase its limited range. |
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| Author: | fusioneng [ Fri May 06, 2016 6:18 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
As an inventor myself, I tend to think differently from most people and have a pretty keen awareness for stuff like this. This one will be what we call a home run. Just wish I had thought of it lol. In Florida last year a couple teens got lost at sea and couldn't be found, something like this would have saved their lives. I'm pretty impressed and plan to get one. FE |
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| Author: | skymax [ Thu May 12, 2016 6:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
Just found this. I'm all for any gadget that gives you more safety options, I think this one assumes little wind? |
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| Author: | tonystott [ Fri May 13, 2016 1:02 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
Max, I would imagine that the balloon could withstand heaps of wind provided the line is strong enough |
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| Author: | dennyf [ Fri May 13, 2016 2:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
Seems to me the balloon would be ideal for hoisting a small wire to be used for your VHF radio to give extended range. |
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| Author: | skymax [ Tue May 24, 2016 12:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
tonystott wrote: Max, I would imagine that the balloon could withstand heaps of wind provided the line is strong enough Yes I'm sure the device is strong enough but woudnt the Balloon be pushed over 45 deg or more by a sailing wind? Since it's attached to you then you are going with the wind whether you want to or not? Is it recognised as a distress signal by ordinary people? |
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| Author: | Bazinga [ Tue May 24, 2016 1:03 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
If someone is looking for you, anything that attracts attention will help them to find you quicker. Something as unusual as a balloon will surely attract attention. |
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| Author: | Vintagereplica [ Thu Dec 29, 2016 4:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
I thought a light antenna wire from a VHF radio would be a welcome addition to increase coms range. Secondly, if you are serious about rescue aids, advising the local rescue service of this new device in your posession seems a wise thing to do. In fact, before sales begin (say here in Australia anyway) the search and rescue centre (based in Canberra) along with Westpac and even Surf Life Saving clubs ought to be made aware of the device as a new aid to search and rescue, and the device registered as such. Cheers Ian. If it works ok, modify it anyway! |
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| Author: | tpdavis473 [ Thu Dec 29, 2016 8:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: And now for something completely different! Safety ballo |
If the coasties would let me use this instead of flares, I'd get it-especially if these didn't have to be thrown out every three years. But if you are offshore, an epirb is still best although a plb is probably OK for most. |
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