ACR Electronics rescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon
Wherever you are—at sea or on land—the tiny yet powerful ACR Electronics rescueME PLB1 personal locator beacon alerts global emergency services with the push of a button.




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- Transmits your position and ID via satellite; the rescue services nearest to you are promptly notified and regularly advised of your current location to assist rescue
- Officially recognized, worldwide, dedicated SAR satellite network is operated by Cospas-Sarsat; this government-funded network is free to use with no subscription fees
- Operates easily with one hand, even in challenging situations; a simple spring-loaded flap covers the activation button to prevent inadvertent use
- Bright strobe light makes it easier for rescuers to spot you
- 66-channel GPS receiver tracks your location
- Compact size, unique mounting clip and retractable antenna make it easy to fit in a life jacket
- Battery has a 7-year shelf life and an operational life of 24 hrs. or more
- Covered by an ACR Electronics 7-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship
Imported.
View all ACR Electronics Satellite CommunicatorsBest Use | Multisport Emergency Preparedness Watersports |
---|---|
GPS/Satellite Detectable | Yes |
Activation | Manual |
Location Accuracy | 100 meters |
Water-Resistant Depth | 15 meters |
Waterproof | Yes |
Batteries | Lithium |
Material(s) | Unavailable |
Dimensions | 3 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches |
Weight | 4 ounces |
Certification | Cospas-Sarsat; ETSI; RTCM; FCC |
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To those with battery concerns
A few reviews have mentioned that they got a brand new unit and that a battery test revealed almost no battery left. I think that's incorrect. The test pages are not well written. It think that the "Battery use" column that's in the manual refers to the number of hours the battery has been used so far, not the remaining time. I wish this were better explained. I chose this PLB over the ACR ones because the hinge seems better able to protect the rescue button compared to ACR's green plastic tab. There are a few reports of ACRs giving false alerts. Someone suggested having a tape over the tab to make sure it does not get opened by mistake. Not a bad idea.
You are probably reading the battery test wrong.
To reiterate what a recent reviewer mentioned...the green indicator flashes indicate the estimated a measure of TOTAL CONSUMED BATTERY LIFE. Not what many others, including myself at first, thought. If you get a single green flash, you have new battery. Amber and red flashes are warning and error conditions, but...intuitively...green is good (fewer green flashes, the better). The chart in the instructions lists estimated battery consumption...more green flashes indicate more of the battery has been used (Shown as "No. of Hours Use"...which should read "used", or "have been used"). We can perhaps assume that a battery operated device consumes less power by simply recording it's operating time, over running a power-expensive estimate of remaining battery life. This would align with how the instructions are written...although, most of our consumer electronics do not function this way. It's important to realize this when testing/using this beacon.
Incredibly expensive customer/product support
I had to send in my PLB for an antenna replacement. It was a very expensive ordeal, particularly for anyone based in the US, as you must send it to the UK for repairs. It almost cost me as much as buying a new unit once shipping, fees, etc are taken into account. Very disappointing all things considered. I’d buy a Garmin product next time, despite the subscription costs, because if anything happens to the unit that needs to be fixed, you’d almost be better off just buying a new one. So all in all, disappointing customer service from Ocean Signal. As far as the unit itself, it’s small and compact which is nice. Easy enough to use. Not much else to say unless you actually need to use it.
Small so it always goes with you.
This is the third personal locator beacon I have had. I have never had to activate one. As new, smaller, lighter beacons have come out, I have passed on the old unit. If you have done your homework you know this is the lightest 5 watt personal locator beacon out there. The inReach with its two way capability is amazing. On the other hand, the beauty of this unit it help is available at the press of a button but no one has the expectation of being able to communicate with you. Decide on your needs and get what makes sense.
Battery life
I've had one for seven years. The unit says the battery expires Feb 2025, but a test resulted in two flashes indicating 2-4hrs of usage so probably another 4hrs of usage available, and I did not receive the red "replace battery" signal. LiOn batteries don't die on a given day, but they do self discharge over time. I'm also a pilot and I've heard these beacons in the cockpit. These are more rugged and weatherproof than an iPhone, but FWIW, I've used the satellite texting / messaging in my iPhone when there is no coverage and it does work. I think you buy this more for the durable packaging than the performance.
Saved My Son's Friend
My son was backpacking with two of his friends this last weekend when his friend fell and crushed two vertebrae in his lower back. Luckily I had purchased this device just before their trip. My son deployed the beacon and life flight was on the scene within 45 mins. His friend had emergency surgery and is expected to fully recover. Without this device the incident would have been a much worse if not fatal. I'll never go into the back country without a PLB again.
Provides peace of mind
Price is right for level of protection offered. Does not require a monthly subscription and has a 7 year battery life. If you need or want to carry a PLB to use in the event of an emergency this device makes sense. As a 70 year old solo back country hiker carrying this device in my pack sure makes sense to me. It’s a one trick pony - but it may be the only trick you’ll need. Haven’t had to use it yet and hope I never will!
Really small and light; easy to justify in the pak
To the reviewer a few months ago, Candace: I think you were misunderstanding the test procedure. It is alarming if Ocean Signal couldn't guide you through it correctly, but perhaps you misunderstood them. I guess I'm not that surprised that the REI staff you found weren't that familiar with it; if you haven't done it before, it's a bit much to process the instructions and interpret the results. I think you have it backwards; if you got one green flash, that means it is good, and hasn't been used more than 2 hours or tested too much. There isn't actually a self-test result that would indicate less than 2 hours REMAINING. The short version: a green flash means it's good. An amber flash means you should replace the battery, but it will work, and probably for long enough to get your rescued. A red flash means no good.
Great PLB.
I have been waiting for one of these devices to come out that didn’t have a high activation and subscription fee. Fortunately, I have not had to use it, but it’s a comfort knowing if I need help it’s one push button away. I tested it as directed and it works great. Also has a long battery life. Highly recommend it for those of us who hike solo a lot.
7 years later...
Bought this 7 years ago. Can’t say for sure it works because luckily I haven’t ever had to activate it. It’s durable. I can wear it on my PFD kayaking or on my pack while backpacking. It’s small and easy to bring. Smallest beacon I could find. The battery is replaceable after it expires if done by an authorized ACR/Ocean Signals distributor. Highly recommend for piece of mind!