McMurdo Fastfind Return Link PLB

McMurdo Fastfind 220 V2 PLB with ReturnLink – A PLB that now tells you that your distress signal has actually been received. It does this by means of a small blue flashing light, giving you complete reassurance in an emergency situation.

A new type of lifesaving distress beacon, the FastFind ReturnLink PLB, utilises unique functionality generated by Galileo satellite constellations Return Link Service to send a signal back to the FastFind ReturnLink beacon confirming the users 406MHz distress alert has been received and Galileo GNSS location coordinates have been detected. The FastFind RLS is built to last and backed up by a 5 year warranty (registration required).

How It Works

Once the emergency button is pressed on your beacon, your location will be sent to a rescue coordination centre via satellite. This SOS is then diverted to emergency services near to your location to aid rescue. The location will be continuously sent for a minimum of 24 hours.

GPS & GALILEO GNSS Receivers

By utilising the new Galileo sattelite constellation, ReturnLink now allows for two-way communication between the PLB and the sattelites. With previous generation PLBs, a signal was sent to the sattelite, but the sattelite was unable to return a signal to confirm receipt of the signal. With the new Gallileo satellites the PLB can receive a return signal from the sattelite, confirming that the signal has been safetly received - a real comfort in a resue situation. 

FastFind ReturnLink transmits and receives multiple signals simultaneously. When activated it;

Transmits 406 MHz distress signal via the original Cospas Sarsat to global professional emergency service.
Receives GNSS coordinates from Galileo and GPS satellites and transmits with 406MHz signal to regularly update location.
Once location detection is confirmed, the PLB receives Galileo RLS signal and activates blue light (after approx. 15mins) to tell the user the signal was received.
Transits 121.5 MHz Homing signal to accelerate local recovery - many lifeboats and aircraft can home in on this signal.

Product Features

Buoyancy

The buoyancy pouch, provided with the FastFind Return Link enables the PLB to float. We recommend that you keep the PLB in the pouch at all times to ensure that the PLB remains buoyant when you are at sea. 

Activation

The FastFind Return Link is activated by manually deploying the antenna, pulling the anti-tamper seal and pressing the ON button, in an emergency situation. Once activated the McMurdo PLB transmits two signals simultaneously via the 406MHz professional global emergency service and the 121.5MHz homing signal to speed up local recovery.

The PLB typically begins transmitting on the 406MHz frequency within 5 minutes, but can be up to 45 minutes depending on satellite coverage. The start of the 121.5 MHz secondary homing transmitter signal means that Search and Rescue teams have been deployed, they are able to home in on your exact location. 

Indicator  Light

As soon as the PLB is activated, the indicator light will start to flash:

White light: indicating a GNSS position fix has been activated and acquired, and. that the PLB has transmitted a distress signal along with the current GNSS
position.

Blue light: When RLM is requested, the blue LED flashes every 50 seconds (very short flash). Once RLM is received, the blue LED flashes constantly (blue flashes are intertwined with the white flashes).

Battery Life

The McMurdo FastFind PLB's lithium power cell offers a minimum 24hr continuous operation and a 5-year battery storage life. Performing a full functional self-test of the PLB's internal circuitry, battery voltage & power and 406 MHz transmission gives you the peace of mind knowing your PLB will work the moment you need it the most. 

Subscription Free

Unlike most satellite enabled notification devices, the  McMurdo FastFind Return Link PLB requires no monthly or annual subscription, because it does not rely on commercial call centres, meaning your request for help is received directly by Search and Rescue authorities. When triggered, the McMurdo FastFind broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. Therefore, this is one of the most cost effective GPS enabled emergency beacons available for long term use. 

Programming & Registration:

Please note: If you are not a UK customer you will need to have a PLB that is programmed for your country. At this time we can not program the Return Link PLB for registration on other countries. Please see the Mcmurvdo 220 PLB if you require a PLB that can be programmed.

This McMurdo 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.

Please note that PLBs will not work underwater and should be used in a canister if you intend to carry at a depth exceeding the maximum depth stated in the technical specification.

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.

Once you have received your programmed Personal Locator Beacon, the owner is required to register their PLB with the Cospas Sarsat website to add their device to the International Beacon Registration Database (IBRD). To register your device, you must provide your unique Beacon HEX ID number, which can be found on your PLB and box. Use the links below to register your device:

UK customers can register at the link above, or register directly with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency: https://www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons

Downloads:

 Technical Specifications