New personal locator beacon adds extra features like a visual display of lat/long, transmisson bursts, instructions and more to enhance personal security.

Emergency personal locator beacons/GPS Messengers like the popular SPOT devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated with smaller sizes and more functions. The AquaLink View 406 GPS PLB from ACR Elctronics is a new entry to the Canadian market.

At  5.8 x 2.3 x 1.49 inches and 9.1 ounces (261 g), the AquaLink is quite a bit larger than the 3.7 x 2.6 x 1 inches,  5.2-ounce (147 g) SPOT Messenger, but it incorporates a unique LED visual display that allows users to see all of the beacon's operational activities, including GPS Lat/Long, transmission bursts, battery power and self-testing. It's also packaged in a rugged waterproof, floating housing.

Unlike the SPOT, the AquaLink operates only as a PLB (and NOT a non-emergency messenger) unless mated with a 406 Mhz subscription plan like 406link.com. This allows you to carry the AquaLink as just an emergency PLB without ever paying for a monthly/yearly subscription, but if you want to send messages to friends and family you'll end up paying for a subscription just like the SPOT.

For more info, read the press release below:

Adding a new level of assurance and instant information, a breakthrough Digital Display has been introduced to Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) technology with the debut of the innovative AquaLink View 406 GPS PLB from ACR Electronics, Inc.

The Digital Display, which allows the user to see all of the beacon’s operational activities, visually provides GPS LAT/LON, operating instructions, usage tips, transmission bursts as well as battery power. The Digital Display also makes self-testing simple and easily understood by visually walking the user through the self-test process step by step. An ACR exclusive, the Digital Display will allow the user to test GPS functionality up to 60 times over the life of the battery.

When mated with ACR’s new 406Link.com, www.406Link.com, subscription-based satellite self test service, the AquaLink View will also give users the
ability to send non-distress messages via text/e-mail to family and friends, letting them know that all is OK.

Housed inside the unit, the Digital Display cannot be touched, bumped, pierced or otherwise damaged by an external force unless the entire PLB is destroyed. The PLB uses an LED type of display to ensure that it is visible when below freezing and in direct sunlight, therefore it does not suffer from the problems associated with LCD displays.

The self buoyant and waterproof AquaLink View provides three levels of integrated emergency signal technology—GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz satellite detectable signal and 121.5 MHz homing capability. The AquaLink View broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where the sender is, but who they are. Onboard GPS can 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.

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.

Suggested MSPR for the AquaLink View is $599.00.

Specifications
Size:                 5.8 x 14.8 x 3.8 cm (2.3 x 5.8 x 1.49”)
Weight:            261 g (9.1 oz) with lanyard
Battery:            Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium batteries,  5-year replacement life
Deployment:    Manual
Activation:       Manual
Operation:        2 steps: deploy antenna, press ON button, giving clear view to the sky
Waterproof:      5 m @ 1hr, 10 m @ 10 min, exceed RTCM waterproof requirements
Operational Life:  Exceeds required 24 hours @ -20º C  (--4º F) 30 hours typical

ACR Electronics, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS, SART, Strobe Lights, Life Jacket Lights, Search Lights and safety accessories. 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.

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