ACR Electronics wins DAME Award for ResQLink View PLB
Safety and survival specialist ACR Electronics has won a DAME Design Award in the ‘Life Saving and Safety Equipment’ category for its ResQLink View RLS personal locator beacon (PLB) at this year’s Metstrade.
Developed to offer more user-friendly features and functionality, it was specifically designed to give users the valuable reassurance of Galileo’s unique Return Link Service (RLS), introducing two-way confirmation between a 406 MHz distress beacon owner and Search & Rescue authorities.
“We are delighted that the DAME jury has recognised the innovations and technology incorporated in our new ResQLink View RLS PLB,” says Mikele D’Arcangelo, vice president of global marketing and product management for ACR Electronics. “The Galileo Return Link technology will help save more lives and aid the rescue services, so we are proud to combine the service with all the other unique features, benefits and functionality that ACR Electronics has meticulously incorporated into our beacons over the years.”
According to ACR Electronics, it is the world’s first PLB with the capability to provide the user with a clear confirmation message via a digital display screen, verifying that the international satellite system Cospas-Sarsat has received their distress message and location.
The ResQLink View with Optical Display Technology has an on-screen display of the beacon’s operational activities, including GPS coordinates, operating instructions, usage tips, transmission bursts, as well as battery power.
It is compact and lightweight, and has features including a protected activation button located away from the test button, multiple wearable mounting options including a belt clip and oral inflation clip for easy access in an emergency, and an easier-to-release antenna enclosure.
The PLB also includes a new infra-red strobe light in addition to the ultra-bright strobe light to assist rescue crews using night vision goggles. With built-in buoyancy, the ResQLink PLB features an operating life that exceeds 24 hours.
The ResQLink View RLS is available now in Europe but is not yet approved for use in the USA. It will be launched in specific countries pending approval of the use of RLS in each country.
