JANUARY 20, 2010
FT. LUADERDALE, FL– Adding a new level of assurance and instant
information, a Digital Display breakthrough has been introduced to
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) technology with the debut of the
innovative
SARLink™ View
and
AquaLink™ View from ACR Electronics, Inc.
The FCC-approved PLBs provide three levels of integrated emergency
signal technology—GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz satellite
detectable signal and 121.5 MHz homing capability.
The
SARLink™ View and
AquaLink™ View takes the above technology and adds
a unique Digital Display which provides the user with a variety of
important information both during operation and self-test, including an
ACR exclusive which allows the user to test GPS functionality up to 60
times over the life of the battery. This GPS testing can be used with
the
406Link.com service just introduced by ACR to send loved ones your
GPS position.
When activated, the Digital Display provides the user with reassuring
tips on optimizing the use of the beacon and provides the following
functionality during activation:
> It informs the user that the beacon is working
> It informs the user of his/her GPS coordinates
> It informs the user of remaining battery power
> It reinforces to the user the correct deployment of an activated beacon
with messages such as “Leave beacon on until ResQ” and “Do not hold
antenna.”
The Digital Display is housed inside the unit and cannot be touched,
bumped, pierced or otherwise damaged by an external force unless the
entire PLB is destroyed. ACR Electronics has solved the challenge of
liquid crystal displays and cold temperature operation.
The rugged, one-button activated, emergency signalling device also is
light at just 8.9 oz (252g) and comes with a super bright LED strobe
light and multi-use GPS acquisition testing. With multiple GPS
capabilities, the ACR PLBs can provide a user in a non-life-threatening
emergency situation a digital position readout, and in an emergency,
activation will transmit exact LAT/LON position along with a unique
registered distress signal that not only provides rescuers with
information as to where the sender is but who the sender is. The onboard
GPS can fix position to within 100 meters.
The
SARLink™ View and
AquaLink™ View
have new high performance features
such as:
• Built-in, super bright LED strobe light increases visibility to Search
and Rescue.
• High power 6.3 watt 406 MHz transmission.
• Digital Display and multiple GPS capabilities.
• Onboard 66-channel parallel GPS acquires then transmits LAT/LON when
the unit is activated, dramatically saving valuable time for the
distress message to reach local rescue centers.
• In addition to full functional self-testing of internal circuitry,
battery voltage and power, the PLBs allow for up to 60 long GPS
acquisition testing.
• More efficient design uses less power, making it smaller and lighter.
• The AquaLink is a self buoyant PLB while the SARLink requires a
flotation pouch.
Suggested MSRP for the
SARLink™ View and
AquaLink™ View is $649.00.
SpecificationsSize: 2.3 x 5.8 x 1.25” (5.8 x 14.8 x 3.2 cm) –AquaLink depth is 1.49”
(3.78 cm)
Weight: SARLink: 8.9 oz (252 g) with lanyard / AquaLink: 9.1 oz (257 g)
with lanyard
Battery: Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium batteries, meets DOT and IATA
rules for safe transport, 5-year replacement life
Deployment: Manual
Activation: Manual
Operation: 2 steps: deploy antenna, press ON button, giving clear view
to the sky
Waterproof: 16.4’ (5 m) @ 1hr, 33’ (10 m) @ 10 min, exceed RTCM
waterproof requirements
Operational Life: Exceeds required 24 hours @ -4º F (-20º C); 30 hours
typical
Certification: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, Pending: Canada and Europe
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 online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov following purchase.
There are no monthly service fees required for 406 MHz beacons.
ACR Contact page
John Bell 954-970-3394