World's smallest buoyant 406 MHz PLB introduced at Miami Boat Show

by John Bell on 16 Feb 2012 Small and light enough to hold comfortably in one hand yet powerful enough to guide rescuers to within 100 meters or less of your position in a life-threatening emergency, the ResQLink™+ 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), is being introduced to the North American boating market this week during the Miami International Boat Show.

At just 5.4 oz (153 g) and 4.5 in (11.4 cm) tall, the ResQLink™+ offers a lot of punch in the smallest, lightest and inherently buoyant package available today. It combines ease of use and ACR technology to give marine enthusiasts a powerful and accurate safety companion, ready for action at the simple push of a button.

Add the 406Link.com™ subscription service and ResQLink™+ can be tested through the Cospas – Sarsat satellite system, assuring owners their beacon is ready when needed.

As well as being inherently buoyant, the ResQLink™+ also features two unique fixing loops for easy attachment to a lifejacket or PFD with the supplied fixing strap.

With three levels of integrated signal technology—GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability—The ResQLink™+ quickly and accurately relays critical emergency position to the Cospas-Sarsat International worldwide network of rescue satellites.

The waterproof ResQLink™+ broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where the sender is, but who they are. The onboard 66-channel GPS can quickly fix the sender’s position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay the distress call to orbiting satellites.

As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to the sender’s exact position.

Two built-in tests allow users to routinely verify that the ResQLink™+ is functioning and ready for use—with the push of a button, users can easily test internal electronics and GPS functionality.

Advances in circuit board design and power management have allowed for a smaller battery pack and continuously operating strobe.

A PLB is a satellite-signaling device of last resort, for use when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted and where the situation is deemed to be grave and imminent, and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance. All beacons must be registered. There are no monthly service fees required for 406 MHz beacons.

The MSRP for the ResQLink+™ is $325.00. For more information, please contact Chris Wahler at chris.wahler@cobham.com or go to www.acrelectronics.com.

Specifications: 4.1 x 4.8 x 11.4 cm (1.6 x1.9 x 4.5 in)
Weight: 153 g (5.4 oz) with lanyard
Temperature: Class 2 -20° C to +55° C Operating and -30° C to +70° C storage
Buoyancy Category 1 floats in water (inherently buoyant – no pouch, etc. required)
Battery: Non-hazmat lithium batteries, meets DOT and IATA rules for safe transport, 5-year replacement life
Deployment: Manual
Activation: Manual
Operation: Two steps: deploy antenna, press ON button, giving clear view to the sky
Waterproof: 5 m (16.40 ft) @ 1 hr. 10 m (33 ft) @ 10 min. Factory tested at 21º C (70º F), exceeds RTCM waterproof requirements
Xmit Time: Exceeds required 24 hours @ -20º C (-4º F) 30 hours typical
Certification: Cospas-Sarsat, R&TTE, FCC approved.

About ACR Electronics, Inc. : ACR Electronics designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products under the ACR and ARTEX brands. Products include EPIRBs, PLBs, ELTs, AIS, SART, Military Radios, Strobe Lights, Life Jacket Lights, Search Lights and safety accessories. The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2008 Series Standards. Recognized as the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the military since 1956. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and employs 147 at its manufacturing facility there.