When it comes to outdoor adventure like rock climbing, camping etc. it is every important to always be connected with the fellow mates. The Personal Locator Beacon helps us with this problem. The Personal Locator Beacon(satellite messenger) is an electronic transmitter used to alert rescuers/ other team members about critical situations.
The Personal Locator Beacon and satellite-based messenger device used to send messages in situation of emergencies. But there is a slight difference between the both.
Depending upon your budget and requirements or the features you can choose between both.
Given below are some of the best Personal Locator Beacon(Satellite Messanger).
Top-10 Rated Personal Locator Beacon (Satellite Messenger) Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buoyant GPS Personal Locator Beacon |
Buoyant GPS Personal Locator Beacon
|
ACR ResQLink 400 |
|
Check On Amazon |
| SMS Text Messenger & Email, GPS Location |
SMS Text Messenger & Email, GPS Location
|
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator |
|
Check On Amazon |
| 375 ResQLink+ 406 Buoyant Personal Locator |
375 ResQLink+ 406 Buoyant Personal Locator
|
ACR PLB |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Way Satellite Messenger |
Way Satellite Messenger
|
Spot X 2 |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Grid SMS & GPS Communication Devices |
Grid SMS & GPS Communication Devices
|
Radacat Team Messenger Off |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Voice, SMS, GPS Tracking, Emergency SOS |
Voice, SMS, GPS Tracking, Emergency SOS
|
BlueCosmo Inmarsat |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Way Satellite Messenger |
Way Satellite Messenger
|
Spot 3 |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Buoyant GPS Personal Locator Beacon |
Buoyant GPS Personal Locator Beacon
|
ACR ResQLink View |
|
Check On Amazon |
| USA Programmed |
USA Programmed
|
RESCUEME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon |
|
Check On Amazon |
| Personal Locator Beaco |
Personal Locator Beaco
|
McMurdo FAST FIND 220 |
|
Check On Amazon |
10 Best Personal Locator Beacon (Satellite Messenger)
1. ACR ResQLink 400 – Buoyant GPS Personal Locator Beacon
ACR ResQLink 400 Key Features
- No Subscription Required
- 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal / Homing signal
- LED Strobe and Infrared Strobe
- Global Coverage / Cospas-Sarsat / MEOSAR
- GPS and Galileo GNSS
2. ZOLEO Satellite Communicator – SMS Text Messenger & Email, GPS Location
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Key Features
- ZOLEO GLOBAL TWO-WAY SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR: Rugged, GPS location-aware and Iridium satellite based, the ZOLEO device links with the free ZOLEO app on your smartphone or tablet to keep you connected when outside cell coverage. Monthly subscription required: $20, $35 or $50 (25, 250 or unlimited satellite messages) with cell, Wi-Fi and SOS messaging included. After the initial 3-month commitment, suspend for just $4/mo. Plans currently available in USA, Canada and Australia, but works globally.
- GLOBAL MESSAGING AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE: Only ZOLEO extends your messaging coverage to everywhere on earth transmitting over the lowest cost network available (satellite, cellular or Wi-Fi). ZOLEO offers a familiar text messaging experience to and from any SMS text number, email address or another ZOLEO app user. By taking advantage of cellular or Wi-Fi when available and the Iridium network (a truly global satellite network) when it isn’t, only ZOLEO offers seamless coverage wherever you go!
- DEDICATED SMS PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL ADDRESS: Your ZOLEO device includes a dedicated US SMS text number and email address that you can share with contacts that you want to remain accessible to, and that they’ll recognize when you message them. Contacts can send messages directly to your SMS number, email address or via the free ZOLEO app. It’s that simple!
- EMERGENCY SOS & MORE: If something goes wrong, declaring an SOS ensures your SOS alert and GPS coordinates are sent to GEOS, our 24/7 emergency monitoring and dispatch partner. Other safety features include check-in to let others know you’re OK (using built-in button on the device or via the ZOLEO app) and the ability to add your GPS coordinates to any message. And the ability to plan safe travel with on-demand DarkSky weather forecasts, one of the most accurate sources of hyperlocal weather.
- RUGGED AND BUILT TO WORK FOR DAYS: Long-lasting battery life – 200+ hours or 8+ days checking messages every 12 minutes (Lithium-ion battery). Lightweight (5.3 oz) and compact (3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 in), the ZOLEO device is rugged with MIL-STD 810G shock-resistance, and superior dust- and water- resistance (IP68). Power input – Micro-USB Type B with a charging time of 2 hours. Operating temperature – -4°F to 131°F.
3. ACR PLB – 375 ResQLink+ 406 Buoyant Personal Locator
ACR PLB Key Features
- All Personal Locator Beacons sold by US are pre-programmed with the US country code.
- This 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. Antenna clip
- Unlike most satellite enabled notification devices, the ACR ResQLink+ PLB requires no monthly or annual subscription, making it one of the most cost effective GPS enabled emergency beacons available for long term use.
- Radiated Power:5W (406 MHz), 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5 MHz)
4. Spot X 2 -Way Satellite Messenger
Spot X 2 Key Features
- Message- exchange messages with any cell phone number or email address from virtually anywhere in the world
- Check in - quickly and easily let everyone know you're ok
- Post to social- Link your social accounts to keep your friends and family in the know wherever you go
- Service agreement required.
- S. O. S. - send an S. O. S. To the 24/7 search & rescue center, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, and receive confirmation when help is on the way
- Tracking- Select from 21/2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minute tracking intervals, and let family, friends and other Adventurers follow your progress with SPOT easy-to-use google maps interface
5. Radacat Team Messenger Off-Grid SMS & GPS Communication Devices
Radacat Team Messenger Off Key Features
- Radacat Messenger is No Monthly Fee,No SIM Card,No Network Required outdoor gps tracker and allows users to communicate directly without cell service or Wi-Fi
- Real-time Tracking, Share locations, Off-line Map,Off-Grid Messager, Emergency Readiness,SOS,Anti-lost, Unique Convenient Shake-to-talk
- Radacat GPS tracker is suitable for Backcountry,Outdoor, Hiking, Hunting, Wading,Boating,Fishing, Exploration, Camping,Skiing,Cycling,International Travel, Olders and Pets Safety. You can go anywhere & connect to anyone with Radacat Messenger.
- The Connection Distance is 1-3miles in downtown; 3-6miles in suburb. And the battery life can be up to 36 hours of continuous working time in normal conditions.It may be affected/disturbed by mountain terrain/weather/building/forest/electric equipment.
- Radacat Messenger pairs with smartphone iOS Apple or Android devices over Bluetooth. Similar to a walkie-talkie, two or more Radacat devices are needed in order to create your own network.
6. BlueCosmo Inmarsat –Voice, SMS, GPS Tracking, Emergency SOS
BlueCosmo Inmarsat Key Features
- BLUECOSMO SATELLITE SERVICE OPTIONS: Includes Global IsatPhone SIM card for PrePaid or Monthly service ready for activation with BlueCosmo. No hidden fees. And it’s simple to activate: just go to BlueCosmo.com and purchase PrePaid units whenever you need them, or get setup with monthly service to be ready at a moments notice.
- GLOBAL COVERAGE: NO ROAMING CHARGES – make and receive voice calls, SMS, track your position with GPS from anywhere on the globe – never pay roaming charges. Your coverage area is EARTH (except the extreme north and south polar regions).
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED WITH 18 MONTH WARRANTY: Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 satellite phone handset, Lithium-ion battery, International AC wall charger with international plugs, Automobile DC charger, Holster with belt clip, Hands free earpiece, Lanyard, USB cable, USB thumb drive with documentation, Quick start guide, SIM card & 18 MONTH WARRANTY exclusively from BlueCosmo Satellite Communications.
- RESISTS WATER AND DUST: SHOCK RESISTANT: TOUGH AND RELIABLE: IK04 shock resistance rating and an ingress rating of IP65: the IsatPhone2 can withstand dirt, dust and jets of water from every direction. It has a humidity tolerance of 0 to 95%, and an operational temperature range of -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F). An innovative transflective display technology provides enhanced daytime visibility. Longest lasting batteries of any satellite phone with 8 hours talk time and 160 hours standby
- WORLD CLASS SUPPORT AND SERVICE: When you purchase your IsatPhone 2 satellite phone from BlueCosmo, you get a team of professionals who have been deploying satellite communications around the world for the most demanding customers since 2003. Our IsatPhone service options can fit any budget and we can get you up and running for all your critical satcom needs. Anytime. Anywhere.
7. Spot 3 -Way Satellite Messenger
Spot 3 Key Features
- S. O. S. - in an emergency, send an S. O. S. With your GPS location to geos, who facilitates search and rescue
- Check in - let contacts know where you are and that you're okay with a pre-programmed message
- Help/spot S. O. V. - request help from your friends and family at your GPS location. OR, ask for help from professional assistance organizations
- Custom message- let contacts know where you are by sending a pre-programmed message with your GPS location
- Track- automatically send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using google maps
8. ACR ResQLink View – Buoyant GPS Personal Locator Beacon
ACR ResQLink View Key Features
- No Subscription Required
- 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal with Homing Signal
- GPS and Galileo GNSS / Cospas-Sarsat / MEOSAR
- Global Coverage
- LED Strobe and Infrared Strobe
9. McMurdo FAST FIND 220 -Personal Locator Beaco
McMurdo FAST FIND 220 Key Features
- 406/121.5MHz plb
- Easy to operate
- No subscription needed
- High brightness LED SOS light
- Minimum 24hr continuous operation
10. RESCUEME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon – USA Programmed
RESCUEME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon Key Features
- 7 Year Battery Life / 7 year warranty
- 24+ hour operational life
- Free to use, no subscription charges / Supplied with free flotation pouch
- High brightness strobe light >1 candela
- 66 channel GPS receiver / Unique mounting clip
Buyers Guide to Choose Best Personal Locator Beacon(Satellite Messenger)
When you set out for some outdoor adventure it is very important to understand the necessity of being connected with your fellow mates and personal locator beacon(satellite messenger) alert rescuers that there has been a life threatening man over board situation with a need to be rescued.
So one should wisely use the device and properly utilise the features of this device and help those stuck in any difficulty.
What are the used of Personal Locator Beacon (Satellite Messenger) ?
A PLB is used by a person to make others aware about a nearby danger and require help or assistance. The help or assistance can come from rescue authorities, fellow mates or nearby monitoring assets, depending on the type of Personal Locator Beacon (Satellite Messenger) and the receiving equipment used. Example situations of when a people may be required are:
- Man overboard (MOB)
- Skier caught in a landslide
- Hiker lost or trapped and unable to call for help
- Helicopter ditching
PLB is a perfect solution for acquiring help and rescue from local search and rescue teams.
How to use Personal Locator Beacon (Satellite Messenger)?
Personal Locator Beacon (Satellite Messenger) can be used in a variety of different ways:
- Integrated into a PFD and activated either on inflation of the PFD, immersion in water or manually. This provides a fully automated solution to the wearer if they enter the water unconscious.
- Worn on a waist-belt and usually activated manually or on immersion in water. Usually the wearer would have to manually remove the PLB from the waist-belt and hold it up.
- Carried in a rucksack or bag. When in needed the user simply removes the PLB from its pouch and manually activates it.
So, Get Your Best Personal Locator Beacon (satellite Messenger)
Hopefully, this article will help you choose the best personal locator beacon (satellite messenger) according to your requirements and thus will help in the time of needs by sending alert messages to the concern authorities.
In the marine industry, 406MHz devices such as EPIRB’S and ELT’s are been used as a stand-alone solution for platforms such as aircrafts, vessels or platforms.
PLB’s use a combination of; 121.5MHz radio direction finding tone, VHF DSC distress alert (Mayday) on channels 70 & 16 and AIS GPS tracking, to alert the nearest vessel and provide updated location & tracking details to within +/- 1m.
Thus, in such a way real time rescue missions succeed. Saving the life of many. This device the proved to be a game-changer in the field of electronic gadgets. These are best devices to be used for communicating with the outside world.
Makes it a must have device when planning to go on a adventurous journey.
Explore the Unexplored……..
