Archive for June, 2009
ACK, one of the major manufacturers of emergency locator transmitters, is still producing the 121.5 MHz ELTs in great quantities due to demand. The 406 MHz ELTs are not mandated by the FAA so the old 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters can still be used and considered legal in all aircraft that require one operating within the United States. The ACK 121.5 MHz ELT is original equipment on many aircraft built in the USA.
Satellite-detectable Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are proving to be valuable emergency life-saving devices for outdoor activities of all kinds. A continued increase in PLB registrations in the U.S. last year indicates a growing popularity and consumer interest in these rescue beacons, especially among hunters, campers, hikers, climbers, skiers and boaters. Personal Locator Beacons are saving lives everyday all over the world.
The oldest, cheapest beacons send an anonymous warble at 121.5 MHz. They can be detected by satellite over only 60% of the earth, require up to 6 hours for notification, locate within 20 km (search area of 1200 km²) and are anonymous. Coverage is partial because the satellite has to be in view of both the beacon and a ground station at the same time—the satellites do not store and forward the beacon’s position. Coverage in polar and south-hemisphere areas is poor. The frequency is the standard aviation emergency frequency, and there is interference from other electronic and electrical systems, so false alarms are common vis-a-vie these old ELT antennas.
To reduce false alarms, a beacon is confirmed by a second satellite pass, which can easily slow confirmation of a ‘case’ of distress to up to about 4 hours (although in rare circumstances the satellites could be position such that immediate detection becomes possible.) Also, the beacons can’t be located as well because their frequency is only accurate to 50 parts per million, and they send only 75-100 milliwatts of power.
One of the best personal locator beacons is the SPOT PLB. SPOT has the ability to check in with anyone who has a computer. It also has the ability to be tracked live with GPS and see where it is on a close up detailed map. Now anyone who carries the SPOT will never be lost because people at home (or anyone with the tracking device number) can follow the exact progress on a computer. In the event the person with the SPOT personal locator bacon needs assistance, they can activate a 911 button calling for help from emergency services. The built in GPS will send out the exact coordinates to rescue crews.
There has been a very high demand for personal locator beacons due to thier poularity with outdoor enthusiasts. ACR, McMurdo, Kannad, and GME all make personal locator beacons and sell their products all over the world. These PLBs will work anywhere on the planet in any country. Each one has a few unique features so it’s best to research which one would fit your needs best. Many web sites list the unique feature so it is easy to compare these differences.
McMurdo has revolutionized the personal locator beacon industry with the FastFind model. For years PLBs have been several hundred dollars a piece. McMurdo recently introduced the FastFind with a price of just $300.00. It has all the functions of all the other models of personal locator beacons at a much cheaper price. The Fast Find is the result of over 20 years of business the the beacon transmitter field. McMurdo has also sold for many years to the United States military. If you’re interested in a personal locator beacon, you should look into the McMurdo Fast Find.
The ACR personal locator beacon is the best selling PLB in the world. ACR has a very large worldwide market share of the personal locator beacon market. They make several different models that are all excellent units; the TerraFix, AquaFIx, AeroFix, and MicroFix. All have the most advanced features available on may PLB. ACR personal locator beacons come with built in GPS or witout. Research the differences on each to see what will fit you best.