Portable Safety at a Pocketable Price
The current 121.5/243MHz analogue COSPAS SARSAT service will cease in February 2009 and only the 406 MHz digital beacon signals will be processed thereafter. The major benefits of a 406 MHz device over a 121.5 MHz device have long been recognised. These include faster, more accurate detection, personal identification of each beacon and a reduced search area resulting in a faster, more targeted response to life threatening situations. However, the prohibitive cost of 406 MHz beacons has always been an issue.
Now search and rescue technology specialist Sartech Engineering Ltd has introduced the new GME Accusat MT410 and MT410G personal location beacons which provide mariners with a 406 MHz PLB solution at an affordable price.
Measuring just 135mm by 71mm by 38mm and weighing just 235g (250g for the G version with GPS), the new units house batteries that re below the size covered by the dangerous goods shipping and air freight regulations, all in a sealed waterproof design which exceeds IP67. The batteries offer a seven year lifespan and an ‘industry first’ seven year warranty.
The units also feature a high visibility strobe light and offer a test facility in which the antenna deployment activates the same switch as the test switch, so any test completely proves that the unit’s normal switch is working correctly.
A retention strap and fully buoyant design reduce the risk of loss and the units come complete with a protective carrying pouch. They have national and international approvals and use COMPAS-SARSAT for worldwide operation. Patented technology means there is no warm-up period. The transmission is 406 MHz, 5W with a 121.5 MHz homing signal.
MJ Information No: 22617
