While we recommend the ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), we hope you never get to use it.
Three integrated signal capabilities, the ACR ResQLink is equipped with GPS positioning, a powerful 406MHz signal, and 121.5MHz homing capability to quickly transmit your location within 100m to a worldwide search and rescue satellite system, all in a lightweight, compact and affordable package.
Easily activated by deploying the antenna and pressing a button, the ResQLink has two handy self-test options to confirm unit functionality before you leave on your adventure. A built-in strobe light increases visibility for authorities and the included pouch makes it easy to attach to a life vest, belt or backpack.
Tried and tested in extreme conditions, the technology used in the ResQLink PLB has saved thousands of lives and provides a level of peace of mind on top of good preparation when heading off on outdoor adventures.
GPS enabled pinpoints your location down to within 100m
2 step activation
No subscription fees
PLB can be registered with AusBeacon
5+ watts of satellite power is more effective in bad weather
220 Self-tests, 12 GPS tests
LED strobe built in
COSPAS-Sarsat, FCC, Canada, R&TTE, Australia and New Zealand approvals
Are there subscription costs or usage costs and where are they online? 1 answer
I would like to know details of costs and any plans available....
Kate - Currumbin (5 years ago)
G'day Kate,
No, there is not. The only after purchase cost is for the battery replacement, due every 5-6 years, or after PLB activation. Your best bet would be to get in contact with ACR directly to find out the standard cost for battery replacement. Hope that helps!
Lauren - Snowys(5 years ago)
This unit does not float but is it able to withstand being imersed in water.1 answer
For example swimming across a river with it attached to the outside of your pack.
David - Goulburn NSW(6 years ago)
G'day David,
Yes as you indicate the ResQLink PLB isn't the floating model, but you can submerge the unit to 5 metres for up to 1 hour, so it will be fine attached to your pack for creek crossings etc.
Leece - Snowys(6 years ago)
Hi is this device suitable for overseas 1 answer
Is this suitable for someone planning to do treks in Chilli and Argentinia. Do they have to register it anywhere else?
Cathie - Coburg(6 years ago)
G'day Cathie,
Great question! The ResQLink PLB unit uses the COSPAS-Sarsat global frequency so there is no issue with the unit operating across the globe. The difficulty is that you need to seek the approval of local authorities to use the device in each country that you travel to. Once you have approval, you then need to register your details in each country that you visit to ensure they have your trip and contact details available. The challenge is that some countries won't approve certain units for varying reasons.
Leece - Snowys(6 years ago)
Failing to register?1 answer
Reading some of the questions, PLB's need to be registered with authorities in the country you intend to use it. What happens if you fail to do this? Will the unit still work and be "picked up" and responded to?
Franck - Dapto(6 years ago)
G'day Frank,
In Australia, it's not compulsory to register your PLB, but it's strongly advised. If you didn't the signal will still be picked up and responded to but it may cause a delayed response. Let's say for example you're out hiking, and being a responsible hiker you've given your emergency contact a copy of your plans. When you activate your beacon the Aust Maritime Saftey Authority will call your registered emergency contact before they do anything else. As you can imagine this will give them the info they need to plan a much more efficient rescue. You can read more about it on the AMSA website here - http://beacons.amsa.gov.au/registration/index.asp
If you're heading overseas you'll need to research the individual countries you're heading to as they'll all probably have different requirements. The beacon will still work and be picked up, but you'll want to understand how individual countries will react when they get the signal.
Tim - Snowys(6 years ago)
What's the manufacturing date for you current batch?1 answer
non-floating model
Pawel - Sydney(6 years ago)
G'day Pawel,
I've run down to the shop floor and doubled checked these. The dates range from June 18 through to September 18 but I suspect all the stock in our warehouse for shipping is closer to September as we move through more stock online than in the shop.
Tim - Snowys(6 years ago)
Who monitors the plb requests for help? And how is help sent?1 answer
And how is help sent?
Re ResqLink pbl
Liz - Melbourne (6 years ago)
G'day Liz,
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, an Australian Government department, monitor all PLBs in Australia, including the ACR ResQLink PLB. You need to register with the authority before going away on your trip. If you want to learn a little more about how they conduct rescues, you can check out the Authorities website here.
Ben - Snowys(6 years ago)
replacement1 answer
Hi there! Just wanted to ask about the replacement terms for ResQLink in Australia, as on the US website, it reads:
If you use it...we'll replace it, Free of Charge. Simply submit your story, send us back your used beacon so we can have it mounted on our Wall of Fame and we'll send you a brand new beacon of equal or greater value.
Rose - Epping, Sydney(6 years ago)
G'day Rose,
ACR's promise of replacing their ResQLink PLB if you ever need rescuing is the same right around the world. So, if you do need rescuing, they'll give you a new one free of charge!
Ben - Snowys(6 years ago)
Battery replacement cost?1 answer
After 5 years do you know roughly how much it costs to get the battery replaced?
Dale - Morphett Vale(6 years ago)
G'day Dale,
As it currently stands, a replacement battery for the ACR ResQLink PLB can cost you anywhere between $150-200, depending on who you go to. In 5 years' time, your guess would be as good as mine when it comes to price.
Ben - Snowys(6 years ago)
Is a carry pouch included in the delivery?1 answer
I was told that the pouch is make of material that will keep the "non-floating
Model" afloat.' True?
Paul - Merewethrr(7 years ago)
G'day Paul,
Yes, there is a carry pouch included, but it does not make this particular PLB float.
Emily - Snowys(7 years ago)
Attatchment Points1 answer
Is there a point on the device itself where it could be attached to a lanyard or carabiner? I'd rather not use the pouch.
Lachlan - Perth(7 years ago)
G'day Lachlan,
The ACR ResQLink PLB comes with a wrist lanyard attached and this can be removed if you wish to attach something else. The attachment point isn't big enough to put a carabiner through, but you could attach it to the existing wrist lanyard.
Ben - Snowys(7 years ago)
who can change the beattery,can it be done in newcastle,is it made in australia by an australian company?1 answer
who can change the beattery,can it be done in newcastle,is it made in australia by an australian company?
Jeff Adams - Nords Wharf(7 years ago)
G'day Jeff,
As far as we can find, the battery for the ResQLink has to be changed by an authorised battery service provider. There only seems to be one authorised battery replacement centre in NSW (which I found through this link) which is M.O.S.S Australia Pty Ltd.
To find out more, just have a squiz at the manual here, or the ACR website for more information.
I've checked the packaging and is says this product is made in the U.S.A by an American company called ACR Electronics, Inc.
Emily - Snowys(7 years ago)
Your advertising says this works world-wide. Is that true? Or does it have to be programmed to work in, for example, South America?1 answer
Your advertising says this works world-wide. Is that true? Or does it have to be programmed to work in, for example, South America?
Alan - ACT(8 years ago)
G'day Alan,
Great question! Every PLB unit uses the same global frequency so there is no issue with the unit operating across the globe. The difficulty is that you need to seek the approval of local authorities to use the device in each country that you travel to. Once you have approval, you then need to register your details in each country that you visit to ensure they have your trip and contact details available.
The challenge is that some countries won't approve certain units for varying reasons. Manufacturers try to seek pre-approval on your behalf (you'll note pre-approved authorities in the specifications list on our website for the units we sell). If an authority isn't listed, this doesn't necessarily mean approval has been denied, rather that it likely hasn't been sought.
Ben - Snowys(8 years ago)
Manufacturing Date1 answer
G'day fellas,
What is the manufacturing/expiry date for the devices you have in stock?
Abhi - Melbourne(8 years ago)
G'day Abhi,
I've just checked the stock we have of the ACR ResQlink PLB's, and what we currently have were manufactured in 2017.
Emily - Snowys(8 years ago)
Programmed to AUS?1 answer
Hi, Has this device been programmed to Australia?
Zach - Sydney(8 years ago)
G'day Zach,
I have just double checked on the packaging of the stock that we have, and yes this PLB has been programmed to use in Australia.
Emily - Snowys(8 years ago)
Battery life 1 answer
How long before the battery needs replacing?
James - Tallangatta(9 years ago)
Hi James, ACR recommend batteries be replaced at 6 years from manufacture date, or 5 years from when it is placed into service, whichever comes first. It should also be replaced after it has bee used in an emergency.
