· top picks · 12 min read
20 Rescueme PLB1s: A Portable Safety Solution
A complete roundup of the ACR Electronics Rescueme PLB1, including its features, performance, and value as a personal locator beacon.
If you’re planning a wilderness adventure or simply want to be better prepared for unexpected situations, the ACR Electronics Rescueme PLB1 is a life-saving device you won’t want to be without. This compact personal locator beacon combines reliable distress signaling with GPS location tracking to help rescue teams find you quickly and efficiently.
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Reviews
ACR ResQLink View 425 Personal Locator Beacon
This sleek personal locator beacon packs powerful features into a compact design, including a bright digital display and triple signal technology for pinpoint accuracy. Its water-resistant build and long-lasting battery make it a reliable safety companion for outdoor adventures, while the easy-to-use LED signals help rescue teams find you in any light.
ACR Olas Guardian
The ACR Olas Guardian combines a wireless kill switch with a man-overboard alarm system, featuring automatic engine shut-off and visual/audible alerts. It connects up to 15 crew members via wearable transmitters, providing immediate engine cutoff and alarm activation when connection is lost. The system offers robust coverage for vessels up to 50 feet and includes features like automatic connection and no-connect alerts, though some users have noted limitations in visibility and status indicators.
ACR 2886 AIS Link Mob Personal AIS Man Overboard Beacon
When you fall overboard, every second counts. This smart beacon combines GPS accuracy with a powerful LED light to get help fast. The 24-hour battery life keeps you covered, while the AIS system broadcasts your location eight times per minute. It’s a clever addition to your safety kit that handles the technical stuff so you can focus on staying safe.
Ocean Signal RescueME EPIRB2 Pro
In a pinch, this EPIRB pulls out all the stops with its 72-channel GPS and dual-frequency signal transmission. Even better, it drops into action in just 3-5 feet of water – a game-changer for those center-console enthusiasts who dare to venture where deeper depths might keep other beacons grounded. When you finally see that reassuring blue light blink, you know help’s on the way, complete with visible strobes and homing signal to make your location crystal clear.
ACR Olas Crew Tag & Strap
These waterproof tags help keep track of people, pets, and important items by connecting to compatible devices through Bluetooth. The built-in battery indicator lets you know when it’s time to charge, and the smart system sends an alarm to your phone if the tag gets separated from its assigned device. While the initial reviews suggest some shipping issues, the technology has proven helpful for navigation and safety at sea.
Ocean Signal PLB1 RescueME 406 MHz GPS PLB
This sleek, golf-ball-sized PLB packs satellite emergency capabilities into a package small enough to clip onto your lifejacket or tuck into your pocket. When activated, it sends your exact location to rescue forces worldwide, with no subscription fees thanks to government-funded Cospas-Sarsat network. Owners consistently praise its reliability and compact design, which has helped save lives in both maritime and wilderness emergencies.
Ocean Signal PLB1 RescueME Personal Locator Beacon
When you’re exploring remote areas, the Ocean Signal PLB1 gives you peace of mind with its simple, reliable emergency signaling. At just 2 inches tall, this compact beacon clips easily into your gear, yet its robust design can handle whatever adventure throws your way. Whether you’re hitting the trails or sailing the open sea, knowing you have a proven system to alert rescue services makes every adventure feel safer.
ACR 4603 Bivy Stick
The ACR 4603 Bivy Stick packs impressive satellite communication features into a surprisingly small package. The included solar panel makes keeping the device charged simple, whether you’re in the wilderness or just need a reliable backup power source. The two-way text messaging, SOS capabilities, and detailed weather updates via satellite make this more than just a survival tool – it’s a connected safety accessory for outdoor enthusiasts.
ACR ResQLink View PLB
This compact beacon combines reliable GPS technology with a robust design for both marine and land use. At just under 12 centimeters long, it’s small enough to carry in a pocket but built to withstand harsh environments with military-level durability. The digital display provides peace of mind by showing your position and beacon status during activation, while the three signal technologies quickly guide rescuers to your location.
RescueME PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon
Compact and lighter than a brick, this Personal Locator Beacon packs seven years of life into its pocket-sized frame. With GPS guidance and a reliable 24-hour response window, it’s designed to reunite you with help when time matters most. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or just exploring, its bright light and free activation make it a versatile companion for any solo adventure.
ACR ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Bead
The ResQLink 406 GPS PLB packs impressive life-saving capabilities into an incredibly compact package that’s surprisingly light at just 4.6 ounces. Twice as powerful as similar devices, its built-in GPS helps search and rescue locate you quickly, while its reliable satellite connection keeps working through bad weather. Waterproof and with five watts of power, it broadcasts your location from up to 16 feet - giving you vital peace of mind in almost any wilderness or maritime situation.
ACR ResQLink AIS GPS Personal Location Beacon PLB-450
The ResQLink AIS packs a lot of safety features into a small package. It pairs with both local boats and global rescue services, has a clever life jacket attachment system, and can pair with your phone using NFC. When you activate it, it sends out an SOS signal that local ships can see through something called AIS technology. The beacon lasts for over a day on a single charge, giving you plenty of time to get help if you’re in trouble at sea.
ACR Olas Float-On Light
The ACR OLAS Float-On is a versatile safety tool that cleverly combines an LED flashlight, water-activated strobe, and mobile app integration into a compact package weighing just 2.3 ounces. When its virtual tether is broken, the app immediately alerts and tracks your location, while the water sensor-activated strobe lights up for up to 20 hours, visible for miles in the dark. At 12 inches long and 9 inches wide, it’s designed to be worn on adults, children, pets, or flotation devices, with the mobile app able to track up to six different transmitters from a single device.
ACR OLAS Core Man Overboard Alarm System
The ACR OLAS CORE transforms your boat into a safety net, instantly alerting you to a man-overboard situation with its piercing 85 dB alarm and bright red LED signal. It’s the brains behind a personal flotation system that can track up to 15 crew members using special tags, giving you peace of mind out on the water. With weatherproof protection and clever connectivity to the ACR OLAS app, this compact base station helps turn panic into calm during one of boating’s most stressful situations.
ACR ResQFlare Electronic Distress Flare
When disaster strikes on the water, the ACR ResQFlare offers an electronic alternative to traditional pyrotechnic flares that meets US Coast Guard requirements. This compact distress signal automatically rights itself and floats when deployed, with a long-lasting battery life that provides up to 20 hours of illumination visible for over 6 miles. Coming with a distress flag, it serves as a practical replacement for outdated flares, delivering essential safety features without the limitations of conventional fireworks.
ACR PLB ResQLink View 425 Survival Kit
The ACR PLB ResQLink View 425 paired with the OLAS Tag creates a comprehensive survival kit for both recreational and commercial boaters. The Personal Locator Beacon features a built-in digital display, LED battery life indicator, and multi-constellation GPS receiver. When deployed, it guides rescuers to within 100 meters of your position, with an operational life of 28 hours and a five-year warranty. The buoyant OLAS Tag helps locate you if you end up in the water, ensuring you’re never too far from help.
ACR AquaLink PLB Personal Locator Beacon
With its reliable GPS positioning and powerful 406 MHz signal, the ACR AquaLink PLB quickly relays your location to search and rescue satellites, while the built-in strobe light and LED indicator help guide rescuers to your exact position. This waterproof personal locator beacon has saved over 28,000 lives since 1982 and provides peace of mind for solo fishermen, offshore enthusiasts, and anyone venturing into remote areas. Regularly used by experienced boaters and recommended by satisfied customers, the AquaLink offers essential safety features without complicated setup or maintenance requirements.
ACR ResQLink 400 Survival Kit
This compact survival kit packs a powerful punch with its built-in GPS and 121.5 MHz frequencies, while the RapidDitch dry bag keeps your essentials safe and dry. The combination of LED strobe light, signal mirror, and waterproof design gives you multiple ways to grab attention in an emergency. Whether you’re canoeing, mountaineering, or exploring the great outdoors, the ResQLink 400 is a top-tier choice for serious adventurers who prioritize safety.
ACR ResQLink View 425 Survival Kit
When you’re in the backcountry or at sea, this tiny survival gadget transforms your smartphone into a powerful emergency beacon. The built-in GPS tracks your location and beams it to rescuers within 100 meters, while the OLED display shows your coordinates and battery life. The LED strobe and signal mirror help attract attention on dark nights or through thick fog – because when it comes to safety, every second counts.
ACR ResQLink 435 View RLS Personal Locator Beacon
Featuring Return Link Service (RLS) functionality and a durable design, the ResQLink View RLS combines professional-grade GPS tracking with a compact, water-resistant body that floats effortlessly on the surface. The digital display and built-in strobe lighting system provide crucial visual and audio signals in emergency situations, while the long-lasting battery life and subscription-free operation offer peace of mind for boaters, hikers, and adventurers alike.
Buyer’s Guide
The ACR Electronics Rescueme PLB1 is a popular personal locator beacon designed for quick and reliable emergency signaling. This guide outlines key features and considerations when selecting a personal locator beacon, helping you make an informed choice.
Technology and Signal Transmission
Personal locator beacons use satellite technology to transmit your location and distress signal. The Rescueme PLB1 employs the GLONASS and GPS satellite systems for precise positioning. These beacons also include built-in accelerometers to automatically deploy the distress signal in a drop or impact scenario.
Regulatory Compliance and Certification
Before purchasing, verify that the beacon meets local regulations and carries the necessary certifications. The Rescueme PLB1 is approved by the FAA, EASA, and other aviation authorities for in-flight use. Check that your chosen model has these certifications to ensure legal compliance.
Battery Life and Maintenance
The reliability of a beacon’s signal depends heavily on its battery life. The Rescueme PLB1 operates on four AAA batteries, providing up to 24 hours of continuous transmission. Regularly check and replace batteries according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain readiness.
Deployment and Activation
Understanding how to deploy and activate your beacon quickly can be critical in an emergency. The Rescueme PLB1 features an easy-to-use push-button activation. Practice deploying the beacon in different scenarios to ensure you can use it effectively when time is of the essence.
FAQ
General Questions
The Rescueme Plb1 by Acr Electronics is a personal locator beacon designed for emergency situations. It helps in locating individuals who need rescue by transmitting a distress signal to search and rescue services.
Acr Electronics is a reliable manufacturer in the maritime and outdoor sectors, known for products that enhance safety and communication. The Plb1 combines durability with easy operation, making it suitable for various environments.
Signal Transmission and Reception
The Rescueme Plb1 uses satellite technology to transmit your location and status to rescue coordination centers. It’s designed to work in most weather conditions, including rain, snow, and under water.
The beacon requires clear line-of-sight to the sky to transmit effectively. While it works globally, some remote locations may have limited coverage. For best results, avoid transmitting under dense tree canopies or in deep valleys.
Activation and Maintenance
Activation is simple – the beacon has an on/off switch and an SOS button. The SOS button sends a distress signal when pressed four times. The device automatically tests its functions daily while in standby mode.
Maintenance is straightforward. The Plb1 operates on a single AA battery, which powers the beacon for 24-48 hours per activation. Regular battery replacement and functional testing ensure the beacon is always ready for use.
Size and Portability
The Rescueme Plb1 is compact and lightweight, measuring 118mm x 27mm. Its small size makes it suitable for carrying in backpacks, survival kits, or vehicle emergency gear.
Despite its small size, the beacon is robust, with waterproof rubber coating and military-grade aluminum construction. This design protects the device in harsh environments while maintaining portability.
Cost and Purchase Options
The Rescueme Plb1 typically retails for $300-$350. Some online retailers offer package deals that include spare batteries, carrying cases, and instruction manuals.
Most major outdoor and marine equipment retailers carry the Plb1, as well as specialized survival and rescue equipment shops. It’s also available directly from Acr Electronics’ website.
Environmental Impact and Regulation
The Rescueme Plb1 is designed with environmental concerns in mind. The beacon automatically shuts off after 24 hours of Continuous transmission to prevent unnecessary signal drain.
While most countries require personal locator beacons for specific activities (like solo trekking or maritime travel), it’s essential to check local regulations to ensure compliance with any potential legal requirements.
As an Amazon Affiliate™, I receive compensation from qualified purchases!