An Introduction to the ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon
PLBs Just Keep Getting Better
Since the introduction of Personal Locator Beacons to the US market in 2003, the cost, availability and features of consumer PLBs has made dramatic steps. Chalk another big step up to ACR's ResQLink. This handheld PLB is under 4 inches tall and weighs less than 5oz, yet is packed full of features you'd only find in larger, more expensive units. The ResQLink broadcasts on the 406MHz COSPAS-SARSAT system, tying you into an international satellite system capable of alerting search and rescue personal from almost anywhere in the world. It also incorporates an older 121.5MHz broadcast as a homing signal for SAR teams to use. Along with these two transmissions, the ResQLink gathers your GPS coordinates using a 66 channel built-in GPS receiver and broadcasts this information along with your distress signal. With this capability, SAR teams are typically alerted to your position in as little as 5 mins when the unit is activated within the continental US. It even has a bright strobe light to help pinpoint your location at night.
Goes Where You Do
The super compact size and weight of the ResQLink makes it a perfect tool to carry with you whenever you go outside. And, of course, it makes a fantastic complement to any pilot's equipment. Carry it with you anytime you fly by carrying it in your flight bag or in a pocket in your cockpit. Take it with you on your next backpacking excursion or boating trip. The ResQLink is built to take it all. It's tested waterproof up to 33 feet and even has an available flotation pouch.
There When You Need It
The ResQLink gives you two ways of checking the function of the PLB; a circuitry, battery power and 406MHz transmission test makes sure that the ResQLink is prepared to broadcast a distress signal when activated. The GPS acquisition test mode performs an analysis of the GPS receiver to let you know that the unit can accurately acquire and transmit your GPS coordinates in the event of an emergency. Bear in mind, however, that the GPS acquisition test can only be performed up to 12 times over the life of the battery. The electronics self test, however, can be performed up to 60 times in the same time period. The included lithium battery has a 5 year replacement interval if the beacon has never been activated and gives the ResQLink about 30 hours of broadcast time in typical environmental conditions. These same batteries are non-hazmat so there are no complicated shipping policies that must be met. Simple place an order and it's shipped to your door!
A Note About Registration
We here at Aeromedix cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining an accurate registration of your PLB with the NOAA Satellite and Information Service. The FREE registration gives emergency personnel important contact information about you and your PLB when it is activated. Failure to register your PLB will not prohibit the system from working, but it will likely delay rescue. It is also a requirement from the FCC! This registration is required to be updated anytime the registration information changes (like a change of address) or if ownership of the PLB changes. For further information regarding this, the NOAA website has a helpful beacon registration FAQ.
Some Important Information Regarding PLBs
Please keep in mind that ANY Personal Locator Beacon should only be used in situations of grave and/or imminent danger. This unit and others like it should only be activated as a last resort when all self-rescue options have been exhausted. Activation during non-life threatening situations (accidental or otherwise) may result in fines levied by the search and rescue teams responding. If you have any questions about this or other PLBs, don't hesitate to contact us. We also recommend you visit the COSPAS-SARSAT website for regulations, points of contact in various countries, system status and satellite coverage information.
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.3"x1.9"x3.9" (3.3cm x 4.8cm x 9.9cm)
- Weight: 4.6oz (130g)
- Case Material: Engineered polycarbonate blend
- Color: High visibility yellow
- Lead Content: Lead Free
Technical Specifications
- Broadcast Frequencies: 406MHz (COSPAS-SARSAT), 121.5MHz
- GPS Acquisition: Yes, 66-channel receiver
- Operational Life: Exceeds required 24 hours @ -4°F (-20°C)
- Activation Type: Manual Activation
- Battery Class: Class 2 (non hazmat) lithium batteries
- Battery Replacement Interval: Due six (6) years from date of manufacture or 5 years after beacon is placed into service, whichever is first, or after activation
- Battery Storage Requirements: -40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C)
- Approvals: COSPAS-SARSAT, FCC, R&TTE, Australia, New Zealand, Canada
- Warranty: 5 years, limited
- Self Tests: 60 electronic self tests, 12 GPS tests
