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ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon
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The compact ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 personal locator beacon is ideal for anglers, pilots and backcountry travelers. It relays your position to a global network of Search and Rescue satellites.
- Powerful 406 MHz satellite signal and 121.5 MHz local homing signal help reduce search times and maximize your chances of survival in an emergency
- ResQLink broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that tells rescuers where and who you are
- 66-channel GPS fixes your location to within 100m; a satellite signal alerts Search and Rescue personnel and a local homing signal guides rescuers to your exact location
- In addition to the local homing signal, a super bright LED strobe light helps rescuers find you quickly
- Light and small, the ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 personal locator beacon is carried easily in a pack or pocket
- Fully functional self-test of the circuitry, battery power and 406 MHz transmission gives you peace of mind knowing your beacon will work when you need it
- GPS acquisition test mode allows you to test the GPS functionality up to 12 times over the life of the battery
- Once activated, the ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 personal locator beacon will continue to transmit for up to 30 hrs. in typical conditions
- Waterproof at 16 ft. for up to an hour and 33 ft. for up to 10 minutes
This personal locator beacon has been pre-programmed with the US country code. If your country of residence is outside the Unites States, you will need to have the beacon reprogrammed by a local dealer or service center, which may involve additional cost.
Please Note: This item contains a lithium battery and cannot be shipped to APO, FPO, U.S. Territories, international destinations or Hawaii, and are only available for in-store pickup in Alaska.
Made in USA.
Item 815753
-
Free Gift with Purchase Available!
Buy this product by 6/15/13 and get an ACR survival and first aid kit plus a Firefly 3 strobe light (a $210 value) from the manufacturer.
Get mail-in offer form (PDF 100 KB)
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ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Compact (15)
- Easy to use (13)
- Reliable (8)
- Waterproof (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Hiking (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Advanced (11), Casual/ recreational (4), Avid adventurer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (16)
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Survivalist / minimalist (3)
Reviewed by 20 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
My comments apply ONLY to the 406Link (& Plus) features of this product. I expect--thankfully with no experience--it performs up to its reputation as a rescue beacon.
I just came back from 4 days in Desolation Wilderness--wide open with plenty of sky. I sent 2 "I'm OK" test messages, and one with GPS coordinates. All messages were "good" thru satellite tests, per the flashing lights, but none generated an email to my wife. This has happened before.
Last time was Jan when I upgraded to 406Plus so as to send the GPS Coordinates in the email. Failed. A call revealed that, though I'd purchased the Plus upgrade, my basic account had expired. No email warning received, & the web site is...opaque. The tech helpfully extended my basic plan through July with the Plus payment. Enough for backcountry ski season.
This time, he explained last week's messaging failures could be attributed to data corruption under less than clear sky. "It only takes one bad digit out of the 15." So, contact with the satellite was made (per lights) but info not good enough to ID me and send an email? Don't generally see more sky than in Desolation Wilderness.
Then yesterday I got an email saying my basic account had expired. My client login page still shows me current through 25 July. He claims the renewal email is a mistake and the account is still active, as my web page shows. This morning an email "I'm ok" message successfully sent an email from the front yard.
I don't believe their customer support is malicious, but at best it is inept, inspiring anything but confidence. I find it hard to believe that three messages last week could have failed to trigger a message because of one garbled digit.
Whichever is the explanation, the 406Link is not a reliable communication link with whomever you have sitting at home awaiting a daily message. Add to that the fact you only get a handful of GPS messages before a battery conservation algorithm cuts them off.
The unit itself may be stellar for calling in emergency support, but I would assess it SOLELY on that basis, and view it's messaging akin to sending postcards from your vacation--nice if you get one.
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Compact
- Simple To Use
Cons
- Cumbersome Registration
Best Uses
- Day Trips
- Flying
- Winter Conditions
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
I guess one cannot judge a PLB's effectiveness until your life is on the line -- then it better work!
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Minimalist
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- 4 Wheeling In Remote Area
- Back Country Hiking
- Exploring Remote Areas
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
I use this when I go out in remote areas. Hiking, camping, exploring petroglyph sites. Basically, any place where I could be in a lot of trouble and no way to get help quickly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
- Poor customer service
Best Uses
- Outdoor Adventures
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
Haven't had to use the product in an emergency yet.
Service and delivery comments:
I purchased this PLB in August 2012. Part of the reason I bought it was because ACR was offering a promotion at the time - a free survival kit and emergency beacon. I've been waiting 4 months and have still not received the promotion. 6 weeks ago the company sent an e-mail apologizing for the delay and stating the promotion would be sent in 1 - 3 weeks .... that was 6 weeks ago and still nothing. Ironically, the company is now offering a similar promotion. This level of poor ,maybe deceptive, customer service sheds a very poor light on the reliability of the company and perhaps the company's products as well. Buyer beware.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Backcountry Hiking
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
The ResQLink 406 PLB gives me peace of mind when I am in areas out of cell range. If needed, activation steps are simple. Only concern is that the PLB must have clear access to open sky. Suggest avoiding testing during day as PLB lights are hard to see in bright sun.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Hiking
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
I wanted to be able to set my wife's mind at ease on my solo trips to the mountains. Looked at SPOT and liked the functionality, but the reviews about spotty coverage and poor customer service kept me away. I also like the fact that I am using military satellite networks rather than commercial satellites for emergency response.
I ended up buying the ResQlink because of its compact size, 4.6 oz weight, and signal strength. I did sign up for the basic message test service. This service is not required, but can be used to pass location information to someone as a means of letting them know you are OK.
Keep in mind that you will need to register this PLB with NOAA and that in order for this to be classified as a rescue beacon; you cannot have replaceable or rechargeable batteries, so you will need to send in the unit after five years of service to have the batteries replaced.
What else can you say, it's a great little product that you hope you never have to use…
Service and delivery comments:
REI delivery was perfect as usual.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Hiking
- Hunting
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
Much lighter than the original one I had. Easy to carry and operate. Have never had to use it, so hope it works
Service and delivery comments:
Arrived ahead of schedule with no problems
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Waterproof
Cons
- No Holster Provided
- Unknown Reliability
Best Uses
- Backcountry
- Climbing
- Hiking
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
I purchased this as a last ditch rescue tool for when self rescue is not sufficient. The unit itself is a great size, functionality is simple. This is a well designed tool. The down side is that I don't know if it works. ACR included a free subscription to their web-based service that allows you to test the beacon to ensure it works. However, I was unable to get any confirmation when I tested mine, and I got zero response when I contacted ACR to request assistance. Five stars for the product design (assuming it works when my life depends on it), but zero stars for customer support from ACR. Bottom line, ACR is a reputable company with a history of making reliable products, and so despite lack of comfort with not being able to confirm my specific beacon, I will continue to use it with the hope that my trust is not misplaced.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Backcountry skiing
- Backpacking
- Canoeing
- Mtn Biking
- Sailing
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
I like having this with me when I'm out of cell range. This small package that only weighs about 1/4 lb is just what I need for my many adventures.
I looked into the various "texting" units, and after doing some research found that these type of devices are much better for emergency situations. I'm so glad I bought this particular unit as it's smaller than others so I'm much more likely to take it with me.
Registering on the government site is relatively easy and then you are good to go until the 5 year battery has to be replaced... nothing to deal with, just put it in your pack.
It's nice to know that if you ever got into a life threatening situation, you have an option :-)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Fits In Pocket
- Portable
Cons
- Does Not Float By Itself
Best Uses
- Flying
- Hiking
Comments about ACR Electronics ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon:
The ResQLink 406 is smaller and lighter than older models, making it very portable. I now carry it in my pocket or hipbelt when hiking. I also carry it in my aircraft as a backup portable emergency beacon. It has been reviewed by Aviation Consumer as the best choice for a PLB when paired with the flotation case (the unit will not float on its own).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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