Personal Locator Beacon with Built-in GPS
In an emergency, this satellite PLB could quite simply save your life. It transmits on 406 MHz via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system with a registered unique, digitally encoded distress signal and 121.5 MHz homing frequency. Plus, onboard GPS acquires LAT/LON when the unit is activated, meaning search and rescue crews will know your location within 100 meters. It is unaffected by terrain, obstructions or weather, and works anywhere in the world. It is also buoyant and totally waterproof. Weighs just 12 oz. and measures 1 3/4”d x 5 3/4”h x 3”w. Powered by two lithium-ion batteries.
What are the differences between older 121.5 MHz ELTs and new 406 MHz PLBs?
New 406 MHz PLBs represent a new generation in technology, and thus offer many features that are unavailable with older ELTs.
ELT
121.5 MHz ELT
12 nm radius
452 sq. nm search area
Average 6 hour notification
PLB w/GPS
406 MHz PLB w/GPS
0.05 nm radius
0.008 sq. nm search area
Est. 5 min. notification
Advantages: Digital Signal
The 406 MHz signal is digital and can be stored aboard the satellite for later relay to the next available ground station, giving it global capability. The 121.5 MHz signal is analog and is not stored aboard the satellite. The satellite must see the beacon and the ground station simultaneously for a 121.5 MHz transmission to be detected.
Data Encoding
The 406 MHz signal contains digital information unique to each beacon which provides a link to information contained in a registration database. The registration information helps the search and rescue forces identify the aircraft in distress and greatly speeds up response time. The 121.5 MHz beacon is not capable of data encoding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)?
PLBs are portable units that operate much the same as aircraft-based ELTs. These beacons are designed to be carried by an individual person instead of being permanently installed on a boat or aircraft. Unlike ELTs, they can only be activated manually and operate exclusively on 406 MHz. And like ELTs, all PLBs also have a built-in, low-power homing beacon that transmits on 121.5 MHz. This allows rescue forces to home in on a beacon once the 406 MHz satellite system has gotten them "in the ballpark." The new Aerofix PLB also features a built in GPS. This GPS-encoded position dramatically improves the location accuracy down to the 100-meter level…that’s roughly the size of a football field!
How does SARSAT work?
The SARSAT system uses NOAA satellites in low-earth and geostationary orbits to detect and locate aviators, mariners, and land-based users in distress. The satellites relay distress signals from emergency beacons to a network of ground stations and ultimately to the U.S. Mission Control Center (USMCC) in Suitland, Maryland. The USMCC processes the distress signal and alerts the appropriate search and rescue authorities to who is in distress and, more importantly, where they are located. Truly, SARSAT takes the "search" out of search and rescue! NOAA-SARSAT is a part of the international COSPAS-SARSAT Program to which 36 nations and two independent SAR organizations belong to.
One Year Guarantee
Our one-year guarantee has not changed since we introduced our first product in 1962. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, let us know—we will make it right. If you would like a refund or exchange, please return the product on a timely basis in the same condition in which it was received.
Price Guarantee
Sporty's guarantees competitive pricing on everything we sell. If you find a competitor offering an identical item at a lower advertised price, just mail or fax us the ad, and Sporty's will match that price.
Standard Express Shipping
We offer the fastest shipping in the business, so you won't have to wait for your important charts or a last-minute gift. Since we stock almost everything we sell, we offer same day shipping: in-stock orders placed by 5pm Eastern (weekdays), will be shipped that same day, often within minutes of ordering.
Plus, all orders arrive in just 2 business days with standard shipping.
Overnight shipping is also available on most items.
Return Policy
For over 40 years, in addition to same day shipping, Sporty's has offered same day returns and same day exchanges. Each day, we process all returns and exchanges before new orders go out. We know of no other company who does this!
