Q: What is RLS?

RLS stands for Return Link Service which is a confirmation message sent back to the beacon to let the beacon owner know that Search and Rescue has received their emergency distress signal.  On the ResQLink View RLS, this confirmation message is shown on the digital display as well as the blue flashing light.  On the ResQLink 410 RLS, the confirmation message is only displayed as a Blue flashing light.

Q: What are the differences between the ResQLink 410 RLS and ResQLink View RLS Personal Locator Beacons?

The primary differences are:

• The ResQLink View RLS includes a digital display which shows live beacon status and GPS coordinates
• The ResQLink View RLS features 28 hours* operational life versus the 24+ hours* operational life of the ResQLink 410 RLS
• When purchased, the ResQLink View RLS includes Exclusive ACR Skins (allows users to cutomize their beacon and tailor it to their lifestyle or preferred activities)

*Based on test report from accredited laboratory.

Q: How do I register my beacon?

406 MHz Beacons must be registered with the National Authority of the country you live in.

Step 1. Visit the Registration database to find the appropriate National Authority

Step 2. Register with your countries National Authority via Mail, Fax or for the fastest service register online.

Q: What are my obligations with regard to registering and re-registering my beacon?

A beacon should be registered at the time of purchase or installation. The registration of a beacon is valid for 2 (two) years. The owner should re-register the beacon every two years.  If change of ownership occurs, the original owner must notify the authorities and de-register the beacon before the new owner can register.

Q: Why is it so important for me to register my beacon?

Registering the EPIRB, ELT or Personal Locator Beacon is required by law in the United States and 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.

Q: Where do I take/send my unit for battery service?

Visit Battery / Service Locator. Contact the battery/service station for instructions on how to send the beacon to them. Please contact the BRC for the cost for this service.

Q: How do I know when the battery is due for replacement?

There is a battery expiration date label on every beacon.

Example of a Battery Replacement Date is 07/2010

Q: Can I buy a battery from you and replace it myself?

No. The battery cannot be purchased. This is a life saving device and you need to have the tools, hardware and software to perform a battery replacement. Full functional testing is done on the unit, after the battery is replaced, to make sure that the unit will last another 5 years in the field.  The battery of any EPIRB, ELT or Personal Locator Beacon needs to be replaced by an ACR/Artex Certified Battery Replacement Center (BRC), where trained technicians will perform this service.

Q: What will happen if I do not replace the battery every five years?

The chances of surviving a life threatening situation is greatly diminished if proper care and maintenance is not given to a beacon.

Q: Do I have to replace the battery if the beacon goes off by mistake and why?

Yes, as this is a lifesaving device it should be diligently maintained to perform as specified. For this unit to transmit for the full 24 hours it will need a new battery as any inadvertent activation will deplete the existing battery.

Q: Where do I dispose of a beacon battery?

For information about disposal of lithium batteries or products with lithium batteries in them, please contact your local waste management company.

Q: Is there any special instruction for shipping a battery or a unit with the battery in it?

There may be, depending on the beacon that you have. Due to transportation regulations changes, some ACR & Artex products that contain lithium batteries may need to be shipped as Hazmat. Please visit the product page for your product and review the download tab for the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Q: Is there a local service center where I can get my beacon serviced?

Find a battery/service center here.

Q: How do I know the beacon is working?

Perform a monthly self-test. If the test passes, the beacon is working. If self- test does not pass, take/send the beacon in for service.  If you want to know that your beacon signal is reaching the satellite system and your signal is being received back down to earth please check out our advanced testing service called 406Link.com.

Q: How often should I carry out a Self Test?

The beacon owners’ manual usually recommends the frequency of these tests.

Advanced Satellite Testing can be performed using our new service called 406Link.com

Q: What is a GPS Self Test?

Newer GPS (sometimes referred to as GNSS) equipped beacons may also include an optional GPS Satellite Acquisition Self Test (not all GPS beacons have this ability), which tests the operation of the GPS Receiver and its ability to encode your location into the transmitted distress message. It is not uncommon for this test to only be permitted to be performed once or twice over the life of the battery (e.g. every couple of years), as this type of test can significantly reduce the battery life of the beacon.  For beacons installed in commercial craft there are often regulatory requirements that define how often these tests should be performed.

GPS Testing with 406Link.com

Current ACR GlobalFix EPIRBs and older Model Personal Locator Beacons (AeroFix, TerraFix, AquaFix, MicroFix, ResQFix) have the ability to perform a GPS Test, however this GPS Test is not transmitted to the satellites, so if you have an account with 406Link.com your GPS Coordinates will not appear.

New ACR Personal Locator Beacons can perform GPS Self Tests that will actually transmit to your GPS Coordinates to the satellites and with 406Link.com pin point your location onto a map.   These tests are limited to 60 Self-Tests and 20 GPS Self-Tests for the PLB-400 and PLB-425 Models over the 5 year life of the battery.

Q: What should I do if I get a Self Test failure?

If you get a Self Test failure, first check the instructions in the user manual supplied with your Beacon, make sure you carried out the test correctly and that you have followed any instructions provided.  If you are sure your Beacon failed the self test then you should contact the beacon manufacturer or one of their appointed service agents for further advice and instructions.

Q: Are there any Beacons that I can’t test Through the Satellites?

Yes, in particular some older models of Beacons do not transmit a 406 MHz burst, so they cannot be tested in this way. In addition some current other manufacturers models of Beacon incorporate features (e.g. a rolled up one time only use antenna) that reduce their radiated power output during a Self Test and therefore these beacons do  not transmit a signal that is strong enough to reach the satellites.

Learn more at 406Link.com

Q: How does the GPS Self Test feature work?

A lot of beacons on the market have the capability to do a GPS test, in which the beacon turns the GPS engine on, acquires GPS data and flashes a light to signify the test is completed.

New Personal Locator beacon models from ACR have the ability to transmit this GPS location in a self test burst and pin point your exact location on a map using 406Link.com to ensure you that (1) your beacon is working perfectly and can reach the satellite system and (2) that your GPS is working perfectly.

Q: How many Self Tests and GPS Test can I perform?

Tests are limited to 60 Self-Tests and 20 GPS Self-Tests for the ResQLink 410 RLS and ResQLink View RLS Models over the 5 year life of the battery.

Learn more about advanced satellite testing through the satellite system at 406Link.com.

Q: Can I take my beacon with me on an aircraft?

You may wish to check with the airline about any restrictions or documentation that you may need to carry with the unit.   We suggest that you print a copy of the MSDS and bring it with you. We also recommend that you carry the Product Support Manual to explain what the unit is (MSDS sheets and Manuals can be found on the product web page).