ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon

[SpudRider]

I frequently ride into the wilderness, and I plan to make several adventure rides this summer. Therefore, I have been considering getting a SPOT locator.

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100

http://www.findmespot.com/images/spot_gen3/gen3_title_background_v3.jpg

However, the SPOT device costs $150, and you also need to pay a $150 service fee every year. :tdown:

After doing some research, I have instead decided to purchase a personal locator beacon (PLB). These devices are far more reliable, and cost less than the SPOT device. :tup: The ACR ResQLink PLB costs about $240, and doesn't have any service plan fees. :) The PLB battery lasts 6 years before it needs to be replaced, so the total cost is about $40/year.

http://www.acrartex.com/products/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/resqlink-plb/#sthash.bWs0sTy5.C6JJEd4A.dpbs

http://www.acrartex.com/media/751006/1151ACR-064844_72.png?width=470&height=450&mode=max

If you have a true emergency in the wilderness, the PLB is much more effective, and costs much less than a SPOT device. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ3M8hhdlSs

[SpudRider]

The ACR PLBs are very well designed, and manufactured. :tup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTcKWGLn8cE

[SpudRider]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2qHCzoKjIs

[SpudRider]

Here are two short videos which describes how the PLB is superior to a SPOT locator, or similar devices. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m78j0TIeVg

[SpudRider]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC2qN6xaxvs

[SpudRider]

Here is another, independent review of the relative effectiveness of SPOT versus PLB technology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTUQOWhyYAs

[SpudRider]

McMurdo also manufactures a PLB which costs about $20 less than the Artex ResQLink. I'm sure the McMurdo PLB is a good unit, but I am impressed with the quality control, and other features of the Artex ResQLink. :)

Outdoor Gear Lab picked the ACR ResQLink for their Editors' Choice award as the best SOS device for injured/stranded travelers in the wilderness. :)

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews/acr-resqlink-406-personal-locator-beacon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C7UiFe_hRk

[SpudRider]

One of the nice, added features of the ACR ResQLink over the McMurdo unit is the availability of the optional, 406Link testing system. :tup:

http://www.406link.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhMLpGSUXT0

[SpudRider]

Here is video which gives a nice, quick overview of the operation, and effectiveness of the ACR ResQLink PLB. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c8N7JgKz0c

[SpudRider]

If you ever need to use your ACR ResQLink, the company will give you a new one to replace it. :tup: Here is the story of several survivors who needed to activate their ResQLink PLBs. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wjrrm9c7bs

[Weldangrind]

One of the nice, added features of the Artex ResQLink over the McMudro unit is the availability of the optional, 406Link testing system. :tup:

http://www.406link.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhMLpGSUXT0

That's impressive! You could add email addresses of friends on this forum for testing purposes, because you won't likely receive the email confirmation in the mountains. One of us would be able to confirm that the test was successful, and at what time.

What is the cost of the Plus plan?

[Weldangrind]

Here is video which gives a nice, quick overview of the operation, and effectiveness of the Artex ResQLink PLB. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c8N7JgKz0c

I bet that Canadian Search and Rescue organizations would be in favour of a Provincial rebate on the purchase of such an item, since it could dramatically reduce rescue costs and increase chances of success.

It happens every year in BC, where a skier/snowboarder decides to go out of bounds and gets lost. Search and Rescue has been successful in recovering some of the costs from those who have been rescued, but a beacon device would be a major benefit in time.

Sometimes governments make good decisions like that. In WA State, the State tax is waived if you buy a safe to protect your personal belongings, including firearms. A very good move.

[SpudRider]

That's impressive! You could add email addresses of friends on this forum for testing purposes, because you won't likely receive the email confirmation in the mountains. One of us would be able to confirm that the test was successful, and at what time.

What is the cost of the Plus plan?

Thank you, Weld. :) The Basic Plan is $39.95/year, and the Plus Plan is $59.95/year. I think it is work the extra $20 to get the Plus Plan. ;)

http://www.406link.com/media/27062/choose_a_plan.jpg

[SpudRider]

I think it is wise, and convenient to take the ResQLink PLB along with you whenever you travel. Besides carrying the device while motorcycle riding, it is also wise to take the device while hiking, skiing, traveling in your automobile, et cetera. :)

[Adjuster]

Every year you hear a couple stories about people trapped in their wrecked vehicle down in a ravine for several days. Something like this could definitely get you found and bring you help a lot faster. And just think the guy that had to cut his own arm off a couple years back, if he only had one of these locator devices.


/

[SpudRider]

Every year you hear a couple stories about people trapped in their wrecked vehicle down in a ravine for several days. Something like this could definitely get you found and bring you help a lot faster. And just think the guy that had to cut his own arm off a couple years back, if he only had one of these locator devices.


/

Amen! :)

After six years you are supposed to send the PLB back to the manufacturer for battery replacement. However, the following post indicates you can easily change the batteries yourself for about $15. :tup:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=22244693

Without needing to purchase a service plan, you can buy an ACR ResQLink for about $240. You can test the unit as frequently as you like, and easily replace the batteries when needed. The 406 MHz signal will work practically anywhere, and you can take it with you wherever you travel, either by vehicle or on foot. :tup:

[SpudRider]

At Lowes you can purchase a 2-pack of Lithium CR123A batteries for $4.97. :tup:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_190642-69074-SF2-CB___

http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/084871/084871820141.jpg

If you wish, you can also purchase the 406Link Plus Package for $59.95/year ($5/month), which allows you to send an email or text message to five different people with your GPS location. This message will indicate you are well, and you can contact them later by cell phone, after you are out of the wilderness. :tup:

http://www.406link.com/media/27062/choose_a_plan.jpg

[SpudRider]

I am going to wait a little before I purchase the ACR ResQLink PLB. I discovered ACR periodically issues $50 rebates, and I am going to wait until the next rebate is available. ;)

[thillskier]

or how to know if when its available:)!I'll be doing likewise re rebate. The trip back home from CSC is mostly in areas with high traffic, I think... I'm not planning any off road lenghty anyway, excursions until after I get the bike hme, checked out completely, and EJK installed as well as a few Farkles and mods:)! hehe
ALso, my "off road" tool kit with tire patching stuff and a compressor!
Hopefully, the rebate is available then:)!
Thanks Spud, all good to know and appreciated!

[SpudRider]

You're welcome. :) When I discover the new rebate I will place my order, and post the information in this thread. ;)

[SpudRider]

This afternoon I called ACR in Florida to inquire about future rebates on the ResQLink PLBs. I was informed no $50 rebates are planned for the near future. However, ACR will be offering a Safety Kit rebate on February 12, 2015. If you purchase an ACR ResQLink during this time period you will also receive the following items.

Headlamp
Paracord
First Aid Kit
Waterproof Cell Phone Case

Therefore, I am going to wait until February 12, at the earliest, before I order a PLB. In the meanwhile I will continue to look for rebates and other good deals. ;)

[Adjuster]

Short little article with quite a bit of good information I was not aware of.

http://www.canoekayak.com/canoe/plb/


/

[SpudRider]

That is an excellent article. Thank you for sharing the link. :tup:

[SpudRider]

Here is a link to an ACR rebate which was offered last month/year; it shows some of the safety gear offered in previous rebates.

http://www.gandermountain.com/assets/rebatepdfs/ACREndOfYear_1024.pdf

It seems ACR offers rebates through different vendors several times a year, so it certainly pays to wait for another rebate to come along. ;)

[SpudRider]

I'm sorry I didn't start looking for a PLB last year. I could have bought an ACR ResQLink for $183.99, delivered, from West Marine. ;)

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25616196&postcount=988

Apparently ACR always offers a $50, end-of-year rebate. ;) However, it seems ACR also offers a rebate every February during the Miami Boat Show. After combining a rebate, coupon code, and free shipping, the best deals are usually available from the West Marine website. ;)

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/acr-electronics--resqlink-personal-locator-beacon--12030540?green=7B44AFCB-2EE2-5936-A149-17D14DA1F8C9&cm_sp=Onsite-Recs-_-MB-_-Cart

[SpudRider]

The ARC ResQLink has been surpassed as the smallest PLB. The new, Ocean Signal, RescueME PLB1 is an inch shorter. ;)

http://oceansignal.com/products/plb1/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea4Vo1gISQY

[SpudRider]

The ACR PLB summer rebate of $50 is now in effect until June 30, 2015. :tup: Make sure you purchase your ResQLink from a participating dealer. ;)

https://www.acrartex.com/media/1376035/plb-us-rebate-form-summer-2015-new-template.pdf

[SpudRider]

After searching a bit, I concluded West Marine currently has the best deal for a ResQLink. The are selling the 2880 model for $259.99, and they are a participating dealer for the rebate. In addition, if you use the coupon code WMAFF, you will get another $15 discount.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/acr-electronics--resqlink-personal-locator-beacon--12030540

Basic Price: $259.99
Coupon Code: - $15.00

Therefore, $259.99 minus $15.00 = $244.99

Mail in the rebate form, and get a $50 refund.

$244.99 minus $50.00 = $194.99

Any time you can purchase the ResQLink for less than $200, you got a very good deal. :)

[SpudRider]

I took advantage of the $50 rebate, and bought my ACR ResQlink PLB. :)

I signed up for the 2-day, free trial of 406Link, and tested my new PLB. Everything worked great. :) I got an email message less than a minute after my PLB contacted the satellites, and transmitted my GPS coordinates to the satellite ground station. :tup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhMLpGSUXT0

[Weldangrind]

Is there a way for you to plan a test with one of us, while you're out of cell range? It would be good to know that we've got your back.

[SpudRider]

Is there a way for you to plan a test with one of us, while you're out of cell range? It would be good to know that we've got your back.

Since PLBs use the established, government search-and-rescue (SAE) infrastructure, you don't need to pay a subscription fee for service from a private company. :tup: However, if you wish, you can subscribe to 406Link, which allows a complete satellite test of your PLB's operation. ;)

http://www.406link.com/plans.aspx

If you purchase the PLUS version of the plan, for $59.95/year ($5/month), you can have a list of 5 contacts who will receive customized messages via both email and cell phone, containing your GPS coordinates, every time you perform a satellite test of your PLB. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhMLpGSUXT0

[Weldangrind]

Seems well worth it to me.