ACR Electronics, Inc., a Cobham Company, designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, P-ELTs/P-EPIRBs/PLBs, Bridge-based Information Systems, SARTs and safety accessories. The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2000 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

October 28, 2004

ACR Introduces Next Generation of Personal Locator Beacons
The World's Smallest and Most Functional PLB Is Now FCC Approved

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--OCTOBER 28, 2004-- ACR Electronics, Inc., the world leader in safety and survival technologies, has introduced the FCC-approved AquaFix™ 406 GPS, its newest generation Personal Locator Beacon targeted to provide recreational and commercial mariners with the smallest and most functional PLB available in the world.

ACR has developed two models-- the AquaFix™ 406 GPS I and the AquaFix™ 406 GPS I/O. Both versions will soon be available through retail outlets.

"Since July 1st of 2003, when the FCC made Personal Locator Beacon technology available to campers, hikers, climbers, hunters and boaters in the U.S., we've seen a continual building of understanding and consumer interest in these life-saving rescue beacons," said Chris Wahler, Director of Marketing for ACR.

Both of ACR's new AquaFix™ 406 models will provide users with the ability to broadcast critical GPS coordinates, providing Search and Rescue crews with exact latitude and longitude, thereby increasing emergency response speed by pinpointing positioning within 100 meters (110 yards). The AquaFix™ 406 GPS I will provide an interface cable connection capability to a GPS, while the AquaFix™ 406 GPS I/O will provide an interface cable connection to a GPS plus an internal GPS engine to acquire and transmit coordinates. The AquaFix™ 406 GPS units transmit a unique digitally coded distress signal on 406 MHz frequency to the orbiting COSPAS-SARSAT satellite systems. The AquaFix™ 406 also simultaneously transmits a signal on the 121.5 MHz (SAR homing frequency).

Unique AquaFix™ 406 GPS features include:

  • Functional test for battery power, internal circuitry, 406 transmission (and GPS acquisition/Model # 2792.4 only).
  • Flat, stainless steel antenna wraps compactly around the unit for easy stowage and is easily positioned when needed.
  • Durable polycarbonate blended construction.
  • Floats to avoid loss if dropped in water.
  • Removable holster provides functionality, style, protection and allows for multiple mounting options to backpacks, webbing and life vests.

More reliable than typical communications devices such as emergency two-way radios, cellular phones or satellite phones, the ACR AquaFix™ 406 GPS PLB works at -20° C, is waterproof up to 5 meters (16.5 ft) and is powered by a non-hazmat 5-year lithium battery, so it is capable of continual transmission for over 24 hours.

Lightweight at just 12 oz. (338 g), the AquaFix™ 406 measures 1.74 x 5.71 x 3.03 in (4.4 x 14.5 x 7.7 cm).

The PLB is a cost-effective and timely solution to boaters, who are faced with replacing older 121.5 MHz EPIRBs, or who wanted a less expensive, more portable unit than those existing 406 MHz EPIRB products now on the market.

The International COSPAS-SARSAT program, a program that uses a satellite constellation to relay distress alerts to search and rescue authorities, announced at its 25th Council Session that it plans to terminate satellite processing of distress signals from 121.5/243 MHz emergency beacons on February 1, 2009. Mariners, aviators, and individuals using 121.5 MHz emergency beacons will need to switch to those operating at 406 MHz if they want to be detected by satellites. The 121.5 frequency, however, will still be used as a homing frequency.

The termination of the 121.5/243.0 MHz processing is planned far enough into the future to allow users adequate time for the transition to the 406 MHz beacon. The COSPAS-SARSAT program has approved a plan for the phasing out of the 121.5/243 MHz satellite alerting services starting in 2006 with Russian satellites and 2009 for the U.S. satellites operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Given the ample advance notice, manufacturers such as ACR Electronics have successfully developed a full range of beacons that operate on the 406 MHz frequency-- including personal-sized 406 MHz beacons such as the AquaFix™. The FCC, in February of 2003, stopped the sale of older 121.5/243.0 MHz (Class A & B) EPIRBs and in July of 2003 approved the sale of PLBs.

A PLB/EPIRB 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 grave and imminent and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or property will occur without assistance. All beacons must be registered following purchase-- a simple and quick process, now with a web-base internet filing option. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages the EPIRB/PLB registration database in the U.S.