[Nick Heath]

Well spotted, Richard. My error again, due to my clumsy, fat fingers. I bought the PLB in Spring 2020, not in 2000!

[Roland Stefani]

Richard, you say “test PRN and replace earlier than they say”.

Given that Nick’s reading of the instructions are that one should test the battery at least once annually, I would expect the annual testing is anticipated in the 5 year battery life.  There fore, replacement earlier that they say is probably not necessary.

[Roland Stefani]

Please report on the test.  If it succeeds, that would indicate the battery life is seriously underestimated.

 

[Admin S. Jensen]

The scenic day trip from Porteau Cove to Tantalus Landing has been changed to April 7. Registration is now open.

This 16 nm trip is for strong paddlers — trip leader Ted Lam. Read more and sign up on the website by April 4.

 

 

 

[Richard Merchant]

I don’t have a PLB but…   I wondered about the battery life.   In general for something like this one should not push battery life to it’s max; so the question is “how replaceable is the battery”?

Quick google I see a product “ACR PLB_400”; spec sheet says “Battery Replacement 5 years” – this is good because it means that the battery can be replaced; and that the battery is “Non-hazmat Lithium Batteries (LiMnO2)”.

This is a “Lithium – Manganese Dioxide Battery (Li-MnO2) Batteries” – not a usual battery, I think, but it looks like every manufacturer makes them so they shouldn’t be hard to find.

So my assessment would be – test PRN and replace earlier than they say.

I think Nick is overdue for replacing his battery.    23 years is too optimistic for my taste.

[Nick Heath]

I did not correctly answer a question  about the PLB which was posed at the last club on-line meeting. I was asked “How can I test that the device works?” My reply was that you can’t really test it – just trust the manufacturer and replace the battery each 7 years.

Reading my instruction manual (!) it seems that I should test it once annually. The test button will send a short burst of signal (like an aircraft’s distress signal) that should be done only in the first five minutes of any hour – apparently this is by international agreement.

Each test depletes the battery by 10%, which is why more frequent testing is not recommended, if you expect the battery to last 7 years.

I’ve owned mine since 2000, so I guess I’m overdue for a test!

[Sue Johnson]

Sold to a friend / club member.

 

[Debra Merchant]

A little more about camping vs day tripping to Gerald I for ivy removal. There is limited camping available on the island and the logistics of this will be worked out as people sign-up with the intent to make it work well for everyone interested. It looks as though there may be more campers than spots but it is too soon to know. There are no facilities on Gerald.

Another option is to day trip. There is no limit to the number of day trippers! One possibility is to day trip and camp at Rathtrevor Beach (15′ drive). This has a number of advantages including a shower! Also, Parksville has lots of tourist accommodation with off season rates.

I’m happy to help coordinate. Please post to the forum or let me know if you are interested in joining.

[Kevin Amos]

Club meeting format. Helen Beer (from January 2023 Executive meeting minutes)

Helen proposed the following motion:
“Moved that SKABC monthly meetings be changed back to in person meetings in the new year. The timing of when the meetings will return to in person meetings will depend on current speaker online commitments and finding a meeting place.”

Helen believes that kayaking is a social activity and, with safety in mind, is better done in groups. She would like to make sure that SKABC provides many opportunities for members to mingle and socialize. In-person meetings would enhance our club by providing a space for members to chat with others, gain knowledge from experienced members, and get access to the library.
Short demos could also take place, e.g., packing a kayak for extended trips, cooking in camp, etc. or gear swaps. Most meeting attendees don’t stay for breakout rooms after virtual meetings.

There was a survey of members not long after COVID restrictions were lifted and the vast majority of respondents preferred to continue virtual club meetings, rather than to return to in-person meetings. Kevin H. thought it is better to have virtual meetings but to supplement them with additional in-person social events, e.g., in conjunction with workshops. Members are fairly widely dispersed so in-person meetings are inconvenient for many and impractical for those outside the Lower Mainland. Quirine suggested hybrid meetings, i.e., to record in-person meetings. Kevin H. said that SISKA has gone back to in-person meetings but has had difficulty with recording them. George and Kevin H. think that the acoustics at Sunrise Hall were poor so it would not be a good location even if we returned to in-p.
Motion defeated.

(Edited for clarity by admin)

[Kapila Jayaweera]

Glad that you post this question Bob.

Love to have in person meetings again. Nice if meeting can alternative between online and in person so that we can get best out of both.

Thanks. Kapila

 

 

[Former Member]

Hi Sue

I am interested too. Helmi McHenry. Can you hang on to it till I get there this summer?  587 597 4085

[Former Member]

Sue, I’m interested in this.
Brenda (Rodway)

 

[Anonymous]

Sold. Where can I pick it up? Sher

[Bob Maher]

Does anyone know if or when SKABC will be having in person monthly meetings again?

[Sue Johnson]

Solid wheels are 2”wide x 8” diameter. Strapping all in place. $25. Sue Johnson

[Author]

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