McMurdo ReturnLink PLB

McMurdo Fastfind ReturnLink and the ReturnLink Service (RLS)

FastFind ReturnLink from McMurdo is a new type of SOS beacon offering users peace of mind that their SOS call has been received by sending back a signal to the device.  When ReturnLink's blue light flashes it tells the user that their distress signal and location has been detected.

FastFind ReturnLink continues the success of the existing FastFind range by offering a rugged, handheld, and waterproof (non-buoyant) GPS & Galileo enabled rescue PLB which fits in the palm of your hand.  PLBs have been proven, tried and tested in some of the world's most remote locations and treacherous conditions. Even in extreme conditions and situations, the McMurdo FastFind ReturnLink activates easily. Just deploy the antenna, pull the anti-tamper seal and press the ON button. 

What happens when FastFind ReturnLink is activated?

Upon initiation of the SOS function, the McMurdo FastFind's built-in GPS and Galileo receivers will fix your position to within a few meters and then utilize its powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting satellites. 

1. Transmits via 406 MHz to global emergency services.
2. Receives GNSS coordinates from Galileo and GPS satellites and transmits via the 406 MHz frequency to regularly update your location - so if you are moving beyond your control, for example in a vessel, your location will be updated.
3. Once location detection is confirmed by the emergency services the PLB will received the Galileo ReturnLink Service signal and activate the blue light - this will normally be after approximately 15 minutes.

McMurdo FastFind ReturnLink Key Features:

• ReturnLink Service (RLS)

  The first of a new range of SOS beacons which can receive acknowledgement that SOS distress call and location have been received by search and rescue authorities.

• GPS & Galileo GNSS Receivers

  The McMurdo FastFind ReturnLink features dual GNSS capabilities from GPS & Galileo receivers for improved speed and accuracy of location transmission. 

• Buoyancy

  The buoyancy pouch, provided with the FastFind ReturnLink, enables the PLB to float. We recommend that you keep the PLB in the pouch at all times to ensure that the PLB remains buoyant when you are at sea. 

• Activation

  The FastFind ReturnLink is activated by manually deploying the antenna, pulling the anti-tamper seal and pressing the ON button, in an emergency situation. Once activated the McMurdo PLB transmits two signals simultaneously via the 406MHz professional global emergency service and the 121.5MHz homing signal to speed up local recovery.

   

  The PLB typically begins transmitting on the 406MHz frequency within 5 minutes, but can be up to 45 minutes depending on satellite coverage. The start of the 121.5 MHz secondary homing transmitter signal means that Search and Rescue teams have been deployed, they are able to home in on your exact location. 

• Strobe Light

  The unit features a high-brightness LED signal light and Morse code SOS flashing light, both of which can be used to attract attention. 

• Battery Life

  The McMurdo FastFind ReturnLink PLB's lithium power cell offers a minimum 24hr continuous operation and a 6-year battery storage life. Performing a full functional self-test of the PLB's internal circuitry, battery voltage & power and 406 MHz transmission gives you the peace of mind knowing your PLB will work the moment you need it the most. 

• Subscription-Free

  Unlike most satellite enabled notification devices, the  McMurdo FastFind ReturnLink PLB requires no monthly or annual subscription, because it does not rely on commercial call centres, meaning your request for help is received directly by Search and Rescue authorities. When triggered, the McMurdo FastFind broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. Therefore, this is one of the most cost effective GPS enabled emergency beacons available for long term use. 

RLS Country Approvals

At launch the RLS service will only be available for programming in certain countries. The list below are the countries that currently permit the sale of RLS-enabled beacons programmed with their country code. As additional countries allow such beacons, they will be added to the list - they will function as a normal PLB in the meantime without the RLS service. Eventually, RLS-enabled beacons will be available in most countries in the world.

Permitted Countries: Croatia, Cyprus, Cyprus, Denmark, Faroe Islands (DK), France, Germany, Greece, Greenland (DK), Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Programming your FastFind ReturnLink PLB

All Personal Locator Beacons sold by GTC are pre-programmed with the UK country code. Whilst they will function anywhere around the world, the first authority to be contacted in an emergency situation would be the UK Coastguard Agency with whom the PLB would be registered. Please contact us if you wish to have your PLB shipped with configuration for use in a country other than UK.

This McMurdo 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.

Please note that PLBs will not work underwater and should be used in a canister if you intend to carry at a depth exceeding the maximum depth stated in the technical specification.

Register your FastFind ReturnLink PLB

Registering your Personal Locator Beacon is required by law in most countries. Registering is very important because should your beacon ever be activated, it is how Search and Rescue Teams will know who you are, and contacts provided may be able to supply information about your specific travel plans. In the absence of this information, it may take longer for a search-and-rescue operation to begin.

Once you have received your programmed Personal Locator Beacon, the owner is required to register their PLB with the Cospas Sarsat website to add their device to the International Beacon Registration Database (IBRD). To register your device, you must provide your unique Beacon HEX ID number, which can be found on your PLB and box. Use the links below to register your device:

Country Registration: https://406registration.com/

UK customers can register at the link above, or register directly with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency: https://www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons