ACR Electronics launches next-gen ResQLink Personal Locator Beacons with digital display option

The new ACR Electronics ResQLink 400 and ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) © ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics is launching its next-generation ResQLink™ Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) - the first and only buoyant PLBs designed using real-life survivor feedback.

Providing a trusted and affordable link to rescue in a life-threatening situation, the new ResQLink 400 and ResQLink View PLBs introduce user-friendly design innovations and add enhanced functionality.

Introducing ACR's Optical Display Technology for even more reassurance and peace of mind, the ResQLink View's screen displays all the beacon's operational activities, including GPS coordinates, operating instructions, usage tips, transmission bursts, as well as battery power.

Compact, lightweight and easy to carry, the new ResQLink beacons feature a protected activation button located away from the test button, multiple wearable mounting options including a belt clip and oral inflation clip for easy access in an emergency, and an easier-to-release antenna enclosure. The PLBs also include a new infra-red strobe light in addition to the ultra-bright strobe light to assist rescue crews using night vision goggles. All the new design changes were suggested by ACR Electronics SurvivorClub members.

Made in the USA and now approved for sale in Europe, the new PLBs operate on the three Cospas-Sarsat satellite systems including the new MEOSAR, ensuring they will offer the near instantaneous signal detection and transmission enabled by the global MEOSAR satellites and upgraded ground-station components. The new ResQLink series also incorporate a multi-constellation receiver utilising both the Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as well as the GPS Satellite network for faster location and improved accuracy.

Mikele D'Arcangelo, Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Management for ACR Electronics, said: "We are pleased to introduce the next generation of the ACR ResQLink PLBs to offer an affordable, yet technologically advanced, solution that will save more lives and aid the rescue services in locating and helping casualties. As the only company that incorporates a digital display in our beacons, we are now able to offer this technology at a significantly lower price in the ResQLink View to ensure it is an option for more of our customers who require an additional level of peace of mind. We are also very proud to say that we have listened to the members of our SurvivorClub - ACR beacon owners who have been involved in real rescues - and used their experiences to improve the design and functionality of our ResQLink PLBs."

Featuring an operating life that exceeds 24 hours, the ResQLink View PLB weighs just 0.332lbs (151g), while the non-display ResQLink 400 weighs 0.326lbs (148g). Both measure 11.48cm (4.52in) (L) x 5.16cm (2.03in) (W) x 3.78cm (1.49in) (D).

The ResQLink series does not require any subscription but are required to be registered with the country's national authority. Optional subscriptions for testing are available via ACR's patented 406Link.com technology.

ACR is also introducing the option of the new ResQLink Skins, another customer-led feature for people who want to personalise their PLB. Different styles, including a 'camouflage' version will be available for users to apply to their beacons while still meeting regulatory colour requirements.

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