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ACR ResQLink + 406 GPS Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon Review

All Around Camping
November 8, 2020
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The ACR ResQLink + 406 GCP Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon is a small device, approximately the size of a flip phone, that can be used to send out an emergency satellite signal. This unit is both buoyant and waterproof, making it perfect for water sports.

ACR ResQLink + 406 GCP Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon Features:

  • The ACR ResQLink + 406 GPS Buoyant Personal Locater Beacon is pre-programmed with the US country code, which means that the US Coastguard will be the first agency contacted when the PLB is activated. Customers can contact ACR to request a unit configured to work in another country.
  • 4 oz and 4.5 inches long (can fit in a pocket)
  • Battery life is about 24 hours once activated.
  • Battery needs to be changed about every 5 years.
  • When activated in an emergency situation, the beacon transmits a signal to the satellites every 50 seconds.
  • The device must be registered with NOAA and the authorization sticker displayed on the device.
  • This unit floats (unlike other models).
  • Velcro strap can be used to attach the devise to a jacket or life preserver.
  • Operating temperature range is -4F to 131F.
9 Total Score
ACR ResQLink + 406 GPS Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon Review

Overall, the reviews of the ACR ResQLink + 406 GCP Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon are very positive, with many customers asserting that you should not go out into the wilderness without this device on hand. In fact, many customers have shared stories of this exact device allowing for them to be rescued from an emergency situation.

Key factors that make this unit a strong choice are that it is waterproof and buoyant, meaning it can effectively be used in any situation in the water or on land and that no subscription fee is required. Disadvantages to this unit are limited, and primarily relate to pre-opened packages, many of which the seller was happy to replace, the poorly stowed antennae popping up, and limited instructions provided with the device. Ultimately, this is a buy that could save a life!

PROS
  • Unit can be tested to ensure it is working without actually activating the emergency signal—testing options include a Basic Self Test and a GPS Self Test. The Basic Self Test tests the 406 MHz signal and the 121 MHz signal—the unit can perform this test 60 times over it’s 5 year life due to battery constraints. The GPS self Test checks the ability of the device to acquire a GPS signal and locate itself. The unit can perform 12 GPS self tests over the life of the device due to battery constraints.
  • There is no subscription or monthly fee associated with this PLB unit unlike other emergency satellite devices.
  • The PLB is both waterproof and buoyant, making it ideal for water sports or inclement weather.
  • When registering with the NOAA, customers must provide emergency contact information. This information can be used to verify the user’s plans to help coordinate a rescue in case of emergency activation.
  • This unit is one of the most affordable pocket PLB devises on the market.
  • The small, compact size of the unit allows for easy storage. The devise can easily be carried in a pocket or a backpack if needed.
CONS
  • This PLB device can undoubtedly save a life, however there are a few disadvantages to this particular unit to keep in mind.

  • The PLB batteries cannot be recharged or changed—the unit must be sent to a service center to have the batteries replaced. This must be done every 5 or so years or after the device has been used. (NOTE: if you use this device in a life-threatening situation, the company will replace it for free)
  • Some customers do not feel that adequate usage instructions are provided. (NOTE: A quick start guide is provided with the unit, but a full user manual can be downloaded online)
  • Reports of ACR ResQLink + 406 GPS Buoyant Personal Locater Beacon boxes having already been opened or units that appeared to have already had some use.
  • Issues reported with the rebate card that accompanies some of the PLB units.
  • The antennae is fairly loose due to the inefficiency of the small clasp holding it into place, causing it to easily deploy. This is not only annoying, but could lead to the antennae being more easily damaged.
  • This PLB unit cannot send any specific messages, but rather only sends out a GPS distress signal to allow search and rescue teams to locate the user.
ACR PLB-375 ResQLink+ 406 Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon

ACR PLB-375 ResQLink+ 406 Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon

$249.77
$243.60
93 new from $243.60
Amazon.com
as of September 27, 2023 12:12 pm

Features

  • All Personal Locator Beacons sold by US are pre-programmed with the US country code. Whilst they will function anywhere around the world, the first authority to be contacted in an emergency situation would be the US Coastguard Agency, with whom the PLB would be registered. Please contact us before making your purchase if you wish to have your ACR ResQLink+ PLB shipped with configuration for use in a country other than US.
  • Registering your Personal Locator Beacon is required by law in most countries. Registering is very important because should your beacon ever be activated, it is how Search and Rescue Teams will know who you are, and contacts provided may be able to supply information about your specific travel plans. In the absence of this information, it may take longer for a search-and-rescue operation to begin.
  • This PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life. False alerts endanger lives and cause expensive disruption to Search & Rescue services. Deliberate misuse of the device could result in a penalty.
  • Unlike most satellite enabled notification devices, the ACR ResQLink+ PLB requires no monthly or annual subscription, making it one of the most cost effective GPS enabled emergency beacons available for long term use.
  • Please contact us before making your purchase if you wish to have your ACR ResQLink+ PLB shipped with configuration for use in a country other than US.

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