Safety Gear Approved in The Netherlands
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 AquaLinkTM 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.
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 AquaLinkTM 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 AquaLinkTM 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.
The AquaLinkTM View, which recently received R&TTE (Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment) acceptance, is currently approved for sale in Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. (Note to Editors: For more information on availability and pricing, please call Dennis London at +44-1590-682282 or e-mail at dennis.london@cobham.com.
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, 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: 5 m @ 1hr, 10 m @ 10 min, exceed RTCM waterproof requirements
Operational
Life: Exceeds required 24 hours @ 20º C (–4º F) 30 hours typical
Certification: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, R&TTE
About ACR Electronics, Inc.
ACR Electronics, Inc. http://www.acrelectronics.com/, 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. The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2008 Series Standards. 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 and employs 200 at its manufacturing facility.
About Cobham plc
Cobham plc is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced aerospace and defense systems for land, sea, air and space. The company has four divisions that collectively specialize in the provision of components, subsystems and services that keep people safe, improve communications and enhance the capability of aerospace and defense platforms.