“Smaller, Lighter and now with a Strobe Light and Multi-Use GPS Acquisition Testing!”
It’s a press release, of course, so I expect the hype, and the creative capitalization rules. But seriously, these things are getting better and cheaper by the year. Pretty soon, there won’t be a reason NOT to have one, even if you only head out beyond cell-phone coverage areas once or twice a year!
Let’s see what the press release says…
ACR Electronics introduces its newest generation of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) the AquaLink 406 MHz GPS PLB.
The AquaLink , which recently received FCC approval, features a new strobe light function and multi-use GPS acquisition testing. The AquaLink represents one of the smallest, lightest 406 GPS PLBs in the world. The rugged, one-button activated, emergency signaling device is perfect for offshore boaters and sailors and outdoor enthusiasts heading into remote
areas.
The AquaLink has all new high performance features such as:
* Built-in, super bright LED strobe light increases visibility to Search and Rescue.
* 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, and provide rescue agencies with exact position to within 110 yards (100 meters).
* In addition to full functional self testing of internal circuitry, battery voltage and power, the AquaLink allows for an increased number of long GPS acquisition tests‹up to 12 times per life of battery.
* More efficient design uses less power, making it lighter.
* Inherently buoyant.
Suggested MSRP for the AquaLink is $499.00.
Specifications
Size: 2.25 x 5.88 x 1.49² (5.72 x 14.94 x 3.78 cm)
Weight: 8.9 oz (252 g) with lanyard
Battery: Lithium battery packs, 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: 16.4¹ (5 m) @ 1hr., 33¹ (10 m) @ 10 min
Operational Life: Exceeds required 24 hours @ -4º F (-20º C)
Certification: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, and RTT&E Europe Approved
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It’s important to note that an EPIRB requires an FCC license.
Looks nice, but I’ll still take the McMurdo FastFind 210 instead. The McMurdo is smaller and lighter – 5.3 oz as opposed to 8.9 oz and it’s less expensive – $300 as opposed to $500. The only advantages that I can see in the new ACR is that it floats and can probably transmit for a few more hours than the McMurdo.
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