Imagine you're sailingin a remote area, and suddenly, you find yourself lost. The sun's setting, your phone's dead, and panic sets in. This is where a PLB can be a game-changer. It's a small device that, when activated, sends out a distress signal to help rescuers locate you.
Top 10 personal locating beacons
- ACR ResQLink View - Known for its compact design and digital display.
- Garmin inReach Mini - Offers two-way messaging and global satellite communication.
- Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 - Boasts a 7-year battery life and is water-resistant.
- McMurdo Fast Find 220 - Features a bright LED SOS light and is known for its quick signal acquisition.
- SPOT Gen4 - Provides tracking services and custom messaging.
- ACR ResQLink 400 - Offers multiple ways to send distress signals, including infrared strobe light.
- Garmin inReach Explorer+ - Combines PLB features with detailed topographic maps and navigation tools.
- McMurdo SmartFind S20 SRS - Designed specifically for sailors and boaters.
- SPOT X 2-Way Satellite Messenger - Allows for two-way messaging and has a built-in keyboard.
- Artex Personal Locator Beacon - Comes with a built-in flashlight and a 5-year battery life.
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Personal locator beacon
Here is a brief overview of some of the terms you might find useful:
Personal locator beacon (PLB): A small, portable device that transmits a distress signal via satellite. It's used by hikers, boaters, and others to alert search and rescue teams in case of an emergency.
Emergency GPS: Typically refers to devices that use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine and transmit their location during emergencies.
Locator devices/beacons: General terms for devices that can determine and transmit their location.
Satellite locator: A device that uses satellite technology to determine its location and/or transmit that location to others.
EPIRB (Emergency position indicating radio beacon): Similar to a PLB but primarily used for marine emergencies. It activates when it's submerged in water.
RescueMe PLB: A specific brand or model of a personal locator beacon.
Tracking beacon: A device that continuously or periodically sends out its location, allowing it to be tracked.
GPS beacon: A beacon that uses GPS technology to determine its location.
Emergency locator beacons: A general term for beacons that transmit their location in emergencies.
Yacht locator: A device specifically designed for locating yachts, which might be an EPIRB or another type of marine tracking device.
Expert testing activate kit: This isn't a standard term related to PLBs, but it might refer to a kit or set of tools used to test the functionality of emergency beacons.
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