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 Hasn't Anyone Every 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 over 15,000 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

Our Price:  $499.00

Related Shopping Areas:
Aircraft Supplies >  Aircraft Fuel Testers, Pitot Covers, Tie-Downs, and more
Aircraft Supplies >  PLBs, ELTs, and TCAS
GPS >  Aviation GPS Units
GPS >  GPS Accessories

Lowest Price Guaranteed: If you find a better price elsewhere on 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 Sunday, October 05, 2008!  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.

Customers who bought this were also interested in:   ACR AeroFix 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon w/GPS Interface (2799.2) $395.00 Travel John Portable Toilet 3 Pack $5.45 Practical Test Standards: Instrument Rating (Airplane, Helicopter & Powered Lift) $4.45 Quick Refresher Card - IFR $5.95 Jeppesen Fuel Tester $12.30 7-Ring Sheet Protectors 10-Pack $4.45

 

Customer Reviews For ACR AeroFix 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon w/Onboard GPS (2799.4): Write a review

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 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.