(First Handheld Device With Two-way Data Communications, Global Tracking and Immediate 406 MHz Emergency Access.)
Fort Lauderdale, FL., February 15, 2016 – ACR Electronics, Inc.announces the release of the SARLink. The world’s first communication device that combines the global services of Iridium’s Short Burst Data, and the Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz emergency network into an ergonomically designed hand-held device. The Iridium based features of the SARLink fulfil the requirements for Blue & Friendly Force Tracking, as well as two-way messaging for command and control. The 406 MHz locator beacon leverages the proven reliability of the Cospas-Sarsat network, which has successfully aided search and rescue personnel around the world in saving over 37,000 lives since the mid-1980’s.
SARLink can be provisioned to operate on the DoD Gateway utilizing the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services airtime contract, or the Iridium Commercial Gateway, supporting 10, 30 byte, and PECOS formats. The 406 MHz beacon can be configured to standard or national protocol. SARLink incorporates a second battery dedicated to 406 MHz operation, providing more than 24 hours of distress messaging.
Military personnel equipped with a SARLink will benefit from the following distinct operational capabilities:
Verify and validate distress messages as well as routine operational command and control;
Communicate via text with:
– other mobile cellular and satellite devices;
– other SARLink devices; and
– any email service.
Gerald Angeli, ACR Electronics President and General Manager stated, “We are proud to provide an elite product such as the SARLink to support our military’s communication and emergency needs. As a leading manufacturer of survival gear, developing new products like the SARLink to enhance the safety of military personnel brings further validation to the importance of what we do here at ACR.”
Tags: ACR Electronics
Any word on a civilian version of this? ACR is finally catching up with DeLormes inReach two way sat com capability. It will be interesting to see what Garmin does with the Delorme products.
Back Country Skiing type beacon replacement?
Doesn’t replace the avalanche beacons from what I see, no mention of the 457kHz freq standard av beacons use.
Invictus,
The 406MHz beacon is the international standard for emergency beacons used on ships (like when your boat sinks or capsizes) or for people lost in the backcountry. It is designed to go from the ground/water up to a satellite with your location coordinates and an SOS message that is then sent to SAR units via the satellite.
The 457kHz AV beacon is designed for short range only to help rescuers find you as they did down under all that snow. Two different purposes.
Would love a civilian version of this. Instead of carrying two devices, PLB + iinreach, now its one. Would be amazing.