ACR ResQLink PLB New Models

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jimh
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ACR ResQLink PLB New Models

Postby jimh » Sun Nov 24, 2019 11:31 am

ACR Electronics of Florida is introducing two new models of personal locator beacon (PLB) devices, with model designators ResQLink 400 and ResQLink View, as seen below in Figure 1.

view_400_PLB.png
FIg. 1. ACR new ResQLink View (left) and ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon devices. The View model is illustrated with an information message announcing that a 406-MHz burst transmission has been sent.
view_400_PLB.png (72.28 KiB) Viewed 4492 times


The principal innovation in these two devices is the provision of a GNSS receiver than can utilize two constellations, the USA Air Force GPS and the European Union GALILEO navigation systems. Another new feature is an infra-red strobe light which will be most effective when viewed with night-vision devices often worn by rescuers. The internal battery is said to provide 28-hours of operation once activated.

Both devices provide three radio system:
  • GPS and GLONASS receiver
  • 406-MHz SARSAT burst transmitter
  • legacy 121.5-MHz homing beacon

Other than the display, the two devices appear similar. The display in the View model wil provide information to the user on device status, location latitude and longitude, battery charge level, operating instructions, and notification of transmission bursts.

The suggested retail prices are $360 for the View model and $310 for the 400 model.

The inclusion of position finding with GALILEO in addition to GPS will provide the opportunity for more satellites in view at a particular time and location, which may enhance the precision of the position fix and the ability to get a position fix rapidly. The 406-MHz 5-Watt burst transmitter is integral for use with the modern SARSAT MEOSTAR system. The 121.5-MHz homing beacon operates continuously when the PLB is activated. This is a legacy signal that was the primary rescue signal in the past. Now 121.5-MHz is not monitored by satellites in the modern SARSAT system. It is possibly useful for radio-direction-finding (RDF) location of the transmitter by rescuers, if the rescuers have RDF equipment and skill in its use . The 121.5-MHz transmitter power is only 0.1 to 0.05-Watt. Concise information about the differences between the 406-MHz and 121.5-MHz signals is available from NOAA.