Locator Beacons

McMurdo has launched its FAST FIND Satellite Personal Location Beacon (PLB) range, a compact and waterproof 406 MHz emergency location beacon. FAST FIND weighs 150g, with dimensions of 34mm x 47mm x 106mm and can be used in most remote locations around the world. It operates on the global COSPAS SARSAT 406MHz search and rescue satellite communication system, which is supported by international government search and rescue authorities around the world.  

 

The system is subscription free and does not rely on commercial call centres. The FAST FIND must be registered with NOAA (the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) by the user at the time of purchase.

 

There are two models in the range, the FAST FIND 200 and the FAST FIND 210. The 210 has integral 50-channel GPS for additional accuracy in location. All models transmit two signals simultaneously, one to the subscription free global 406 MHz satellite system and the other (121.5MHz) a homing signal designed to speed up the local recovery response process.

 

Once activated, the beacon's signals will continue to transmit for at least 24 hours, at a 5 watt output, and is intended to work in any sea or weather conditions. The system also includes an SOS LED flash light facility which is manually activated. FAST FIND will operate in temperatures down to -20°c and its integral battery has a user storage life of 5 years.