McMurdo’s newly released Fast Find 210 Personal GPS Location Beacon is a compact, waterproof, 406MHz emergency location beacon. The 406MHz frequency is for the COSPAS SARSAT search and rescue satellite communication system which is supported by international government search and rescue authorities. Unlike some emergency beacons, it does not require a subscription and does not rely on call centres to relay emergency transmissions.

When activated, the Fast Find beacon transmits on two frequencies simultaneously; 406MHz as mentioned, as well as 121.5MHz for use as a homing signal for search aircraft. The Fast Find beacon will transmit at 5W power for at least 24 hours after activation. There is also a built in SOS LED for attracting attention during the last stages of a night time rescue (automatically flashes an SOS Morse code sequence).

The beacon is of rugged construction and will operate between temperatures of -20 C and 55C. The integral battery has a useful storage life of 5 years and there is a battery charge monitor and GPS position acquisition text to check it is working. It can be used up to 10,000 ft and is waterproof to IPX7 being able to withstand temporary immersion up to 10m (30 ft) for 5 mins.

For anyone who may encounter a life threatening situation in remote area the Find Fast 210 offers peace of mind for $299 plus tax.

No related posts.