Hi TC,

AFAIK the inexpensive device you're asking about does not yet exist.

But here's my $.02 --- Primitive devices and applied intellect are
much more reliable and versatile than cheap electronics.

A westy in the wilds caries plenty of flammable materials. These can
be used to create smoke, which is one of the first things that
rescuers will look for. If it's REALLY an emergency, then you should
be prepared to take extrordinary measures.

Burning a spare tire will create dense black smoke that can be seen
for many miles. If it's REALLY an emergency and your vehicle is
disabled there are 4 more tires where that came from. Way too many
people panic too early, and put themselves at increased risk without
good reason. If the weather is poor, you're better off to wait and
conserve your resources until conditions improve.

Sure, I've macGyvered my way out of a tight spot on occaision. But
most of the time I prefer to live by the Boy Scout motto: "Be
Prepared". I wouldn't put the lives of my loved ones at risk by
relying on a cheap gizmo.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/75/77/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia
www.busesofthecorn.com

On 7-Dec-06, at 12:55 PM, TC wrote:

> Are there any inexpensive devices that would send a gps fix to
> international
> emergency satalite
> the allow searches to home in on sone lost / stranded in the westy
> wilderness ?