PLBs are Emergency Life Saving devices to be used when all else fails.
Advances in PLB Technology have made transmission, location and rescue faster
than ever before. A PLB is a small transmitter that sends out a personalized
emergency distress signal to your nearest rescue services. For pilots, boaters,
hikers, campers, etc. a PLB is a highly effective and internationally recognized
way to summon help. A PLB should be used only in situations of Grave and
Imminent Danger or "life threatening situations".
The AeroFix 406 features:
- Transmits on 406 MHz via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system with your
registered unique, digitally coded distress signal and 121.5 MHz (SAR homing
frequency).
- Smallest and most functional P-ELT available; can be easily carried in a
pack or pocket; small enough to be worn by pilots, hikers, hunters, kayakers
or any outdoor enthusiast.
- Full functional self test of internal circuitry, battery power, 406 MHz
transmission, and GPS acquisition (P/N 2799.4 only).
- Flat, stainless steel antenna wraps compactly around the unit for easy
stowage; and is ready for rapid deployment.
- Floats to avoid loss if dropped in water, exceeds 1 meter (3.3ft)
requirement, tested to 5 meters (16.5ft)
- GPS interface (NMER 0183) allows you to download GPS coordinates prior
to activation; once activated, your LAT/LON transmits on the first burst
insuring your distress message reaches search and rescue near
instantaneously.
- Onboard GPS (PN 2799.4 only) acquires LAT/LON when the unit is
activated, your LAT/LON are transmitted as soon as acquired providing rescue
agencies with your exact position to within 100 meters (110 yards), within 3
minutes of satellite reception.
- Removable holster provides functionality, style and protection for your
P-ELT; allows for multiple mounting options to back packs, belts, webbing
and life vests.
How they work
PLBs transmit signals on internationally recognized distress frequencies. The
406MHz signal is monitored by NOAA ( National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration) and the AFRCC ( Air Force Rescue Coordination Center) in the
United States.
The Global satellite tracking system is a collection of Russian, Canadian ,
American, and French satellites know as COSPAS-SARSAT , SARSAT being an English
acronym for "Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking". The network is made up
of 4 polar orbiting LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Satellites and 3 GOES ( Geostationary
Operational Environmental Satellites).
Once a signal is received, these satellites can "fix" on the signal using a
Doppler Shift location method, or, when a PLB is hooked up to a GPS, the GPS
coordinates can be Instantly transmitted without waiting for an orbiting
satellite. The signal is then relayed to a LUT ( Local User Terminal). These
small satellite tracking stations are located all over the world and provide the
link between the satellites and the MCC ( Mission Control Center) , which in the
USA, is NOAA. This signal is then passed on to the Air Force to begin the Search
and Rescue procedures.
More reliable than typical safety devices such as emergency two-way radios,
cellular phones, or GPS units, PLBs are manufactured by only a handful of
companies meeting stringent FCC requirements. ACR's PLB, for example,
is a compact (1.74 x 5.71 x 3.03 inch) and lightweight (12 oz) beacon, sold and
used for years in Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, and now
with the U.S. approval, will be available at fine retailers across the country.
Remember, a GPS can tell YOU where you are, but it can't tell anyone else
where you are. A GPS is a receiver of data. The PLB is a transmitter of data.
Personalized Signal
Each PLB is equipped with a UIN (Unique Identifying Number) This number is a 15
digit alpha-numeric code. This code is what is transmitted in the electronic
burst to the satellites.
The UIN is linked to a computer database. The electronic burst provides
Search and Rescue with your location, while the UIN links to the database and
provides your name, address, phone number and any pertinent information such as
medical problems, of which Search and Rescue should be aware.
When you buy a PLB, it is imperative that you register it with NOAA. In doing
so, they will tie all your personal information into the 15 digit UIN. That way,
when your PLB is activated any where on the Planet, Search and Rescue will know,
who you are, where you are and how to handle any pre-existing medical problems
when they reach you.
The PLB can take the "search" out of 'Search and Rescue".
Why Haven't I Heard of this Technology Before??
Well, if you have a marine background and are familiar with EPIRBs
(Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) then you know exactly what this
product is and how it works.
EPIRBs are basically PLBs that are specific for the Marine Environment. They
have been in use for over 20 years and have saved tens of thousands of lives. However, the
EPIRB/PLB technology was not legal for use in land based applications in the
United States. The technology is governed by the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) and was just legalized for terrestrial use by backpackers, campers,
hikers, etc. on July 1, 2003.
The reason it was not available is because there was not one unified
overseeing body for land based rescues, using one type of Search and rescue
software. Each state has different organizations handling different types of
rescues and no one agency acted as the point of contact for NOAA. In a marine
environment, there is only one rescuing agency, the US Coast Guard. So
coordinating rescues and responses has been a relatively easy task.
Now, the FCC, NOAA and the US Air Force have gotten together to make the
AFRCC (Air Force Rescue Coordination Center) the point of contact for land based
rescues. The AFRCC, in turn has established relationships and points of contact
in each state. Each state is upgrading their Search and Rescue software to make
it compatible with that of the AFRCC's.
So, whenever a land based PLB is set off, the AFRCC will know exactly who to
contact for a rescue response.
Two Types of PLB signals
These two different signals are 406 MHz which, which carries the UIN# and GPS
data to the satellites, and 121.5 MHz which is a homing frequency. If you
are using a PLB without a GPS, the 406 MHz signal from the satellite will get
rescuers to within a 2 mile radius of you. At the same time SAR will be
monitoring with a tracking device to home in on the 121.5 MHz frequency put out
by the PLB. The average notification time to Search and Rescue with this type of
PLB is 45 minutes in the continental U.S.
If you are using a PLB with a GPS interface, the 406 Mhz signal will guide
rescuers to an area less than 100 meters from your position. At the same time
SAR will be monitoring with a tracking device to home in on the 121.5 MHz
frequency put out by the PLB. The average notification time to Search and Rescue
with this type of PLB is 5 minutes!
In either situation, you can be found, and found much quicker than any
existing method.
It is always a good idea to have a visual and audible distress signal such as
a signal mirror ( daytime) a signal whistle, or a strobe light (nighttime) to
make sure that you are seen or heard easily, once Search and Rescue gets close.
How Long Will a PLB Transmit?
A PLB is equipped with a Lithium battery. This battery has an 11 year life span,
and lays dormant until you flip the switch to activate the PLB.
By COSPAS-SARSAT regulations:
a Class 1 heavy duty battery must be able to transmit at -40° F (-40° C) for 24
hours
a Class 2 battery must be able to transmit at -20° F (-20° C) for 24 hours
Since the functionality of a battery is negatively affected by cold, this
operational tolerance, is a worst case scenario. If the average temperature is
70° F, the battery will be able to operate for approximately twice as long.
It is recommended that your battery be changed every 5 years by an authorized
BRC (Battery Replacement Center). The Battery IS NOT able to be changed or
replaced by the consumer.
Every time your battery is changed, each PLB gets a complete overhaul of new
gaskets, seals and a tolerance check to make sure that it will absolutely
function, when you need it!
What Is The Monthly Subscription Fee for this Product?
There is no fee. The satellites are already in orbit, Search and Rescue is
already in place.
The efficiency of a Search and Rescue operation is greatly increased when a
lost boater or hiker has a PLB.
Instead of needing to organize a massive search party and have helicopters
scouring areas, burning fuel, the Search and Rescue Teams know exactly where the
lost individual is located, taking the "search" out of Search and Rescue.
How are PLBs Different from ELTs transmitting on 121.5?
ELTs have proven to to be highly prone to false alerts. Because of the
huge number of false alerts transmitted by ELTs on 121.5, SAR organizations must
wait for additional alert information before dispatching a search party.
A PLB is much less likely to signal a false alert making rescue crews quicker to
respond to an alert - once they have a location detection they will start
dispatching a SAR team. Studies show that less than 2 out of
every 1000 ELT alerts are actual alerts. With a PLB about 1 out of every
12 alerts are for an actual emergency.
A PLB without a GPS will allow authorities to pinpoint your position within a
one to three miles . A PLB with a GPS will show your almost exact position
- within 300 feet! With an ELT, the search party will have up to a 500
square mile area in which they will need to search making it much harder and
lengthier for them to locate you.
An ELT does not have the ability to follow-up with authorities after a false
alert, whereas the PLB allows you to follow-up if a false alert has been
transmitted.
An ELT is completely anonymous - no contact data is sent. With a PLB,
authorities will immediately know the identity and contact information based on
the transmission.
ELTs run on 0.1 Watts of power which make them hard for satellites to detect.
A PLB has a full 5 Watts of power output making it much easier to detect and
improves the accuracy.
In Summary
This exciting technology is now available as a global safety net and
insurance policy for those involved in any outdoor activity that takes them far
away from civilization.
Anything can happen out there, and too many people have been lost injured or
even died while waiting to be found or rescued. Timing is the key to being
rescued. A PLB can take rescue times from days to minutes.
Specifications:
- Size: 1.74 x 5.71 x 3.03 in (4.4 x 14.5 x 7.7 cm)
- Weight: 12 oz. (343 g) w/o holster; 13.3 oz. (378 g) with holster
- Batteries: Two Lithium battery packs with 2,500mAmp Hours @ -20oC;
- 5 year replacement life (11 year storage)
- Storage: -40oC to +70oC (-58oF to +158oF)
- Accessories: P-ELT Holster, Bulkhead Mounting bracket; GPS Interface
Cable with LED
- Certification: FCC Approved
- Limited Warranty: 5 years
- Operational Life: In excess of 24 hours @ -20ºC (-4º F), longer in
higher ambient temperatures
List Price: $623.00
Our Price: $449.00
Related Shopping Areas:
Aircraft Supplies >
Aircraft Fuel Testers, Pitot Covers, Tie-Downs, and more
Aircraft Supplies >
PLBs, ELTs, and TCAS
GPS >
GPS Accessories
GPS >
Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)
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this product we will
match that price and beat it by 10% of the difference.
Buy With Confidence! Purchase today and you can return
it in the original condition through Tuesday, December 22, 2009!
Our return
policy.
Have a question about ACR AeroFix 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon w/Onboard GPS (2799.4)?
Ask your
question and see previous Q & A about this product. |
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Customer Reviews
For ACR AeroFix 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon w/Onboard GPS (2799.4):
Write a review
|
Monday, February 02, 2009
Hopefully won't ever use this, but so far so good!
by matt from Cambridge MA USA
Pros: waterproof, looks solidly built, user-friendly
Cons: could do with being smaller..
Review: Within the scope of the limitation that I haven't actually used this product, I've just carried it around etc, it looks reassuringly functional and user-friendly.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
by A Customer from Boise, ID
Pros: Product is good
Cons: ACR sales tactics are sneaky and responsiveness is poor
Review: Fortunately, I have not had to use the product yet and hope I don't ever have to in a real emergency. The product is well built for its purpose. It is bigger than I expected from the pictures. Instructions are good. Registration was easy. BE CAREFUL with ACR's (manufacturer) advertising and Rebates. I fell for one of the end of the year special deals and failed to get my rebate application sent in time. I sent an email to ACR with a complaint and didn't even get a response.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Hope I never have to use it, BUT
by Kerlin from San Rafael, CA
Pros: compact and light enough to stow in flight bag, peace of mind for family
Cons: must be triggered manually, not much good if your unconscious
Review: Emergency locator beacon, by it's very nature, is something that one never wants to use. That being said, the ACR 406 is light enough and small enough to carry along in your flight bag. It's simple to operate, so that any passenger could arm it if it becomes necessary. The only improvement I can think of would be an impact triggering device. If one were to crash and be unconscious, it wouldn't do you much good.
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Previous Customer Questions For ACR AeroFix 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon w/Onboard GPS (2799.4):
Ask Your Own Question
|
On Monday, May 18, 2009 a customer asked:
Q: Can I use this with my own GPS device?
A:
The 2799.4 has a built in GPS. If you would like the device to use with your own GPS you would want to go with the 2799.2.
On Friday, December 12, 2008 a customer asked:
Q: any activation of this that I might do will be under tree cover--has that been tested and worked?
A:
This device (and all PLBs) uses the standard GPS satellite system that requires a clear view of the sky in order to get an latitude and longitude coordinate of your position.
On Tuesday, September 11, 2007 a customer asked:
Q: Two partners fly our aircraft. Is it possible to register the PLB in two names?
A:
Each PLB is registered to one individual, however you can list multiple phone numbers and emergency contact numbers (so each of your family is listed as the emergency contacts). To get an idea of what information you give during registration you can visit: https://beaconregistration.noaa.gov/rgdb/forms/plb.pdf
On Friday, January 19, 2007 a customer asked:
Q: If I buy this at $635 do I get an additional 75 dollars rebate? Is the 406 legal in all countries? I'm heading to West Africa and this might come in handy if you know what I mean.
A:
The manufacturer rebate was only valid through December 31, 2006. Yes, the AeroFix can be used anywhere in the world.
As an integral part of worldwide search and rescue, NOAA operates the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System to detect and locate distress signals almost anywhere in the world.
The SARSAT system uses NOAA satellites in low-earth and geostationary orbits to detect and locate users in distress. The satellites relay distress signals from emergency beacons to a network of ground stations and ultimately to the U.S. Mission Control Center (USMCC) in Suitland, Maryland. The USMCC processes the distress signal and alerts the appropriate search and rescue authorities to who is in distress and, more importantly, where they are located.
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