The ACR ResQLink 400 is a personal locator beacon, or PLB for short. It weighs 144 grams, floats, transmits on 406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat, and operates without a subscription. Operational life is over 24 hours.
Compact personal distress beacon with no subscription, buoyant and ready for use
The ACR ResQLink 400 is a personal distress beacon that you carry with you rather than mounting on board. It weighs 144 grams and fits in a trouser pocket, yet when activated, it transmits a full-power 406 MHz distress signal to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network.
The beacon uses three signal technologies simultaneously: GPS and Galileo for positioning, the 406 MHz signal to satellites, and a 121.5 MHz homing signal that allows rescuers to find you on-site. It also features both a regular and an infrared strobe. Operation is kept deliberately simple: deploy the antenna, press the button, done.
Why choose the ResQLink 400?
No subscription required: you pay for the beacon once; registration and rescue are free in most countries
Self-buoyant: built-in buoyancy, so it won't sink if you lose it in the water
Position accurate to 100 meters: multi-constellation reception via GPS and Galileo
Strobe and infrared strobe: visible in the dark, including via night-vision equipment
Works with MEOSAR: compatible with the newer satellite system for faster alerting
Multifunctional clips: attaches to life jackets, backpacks, or belts
Who is this product for?
The ResQLink 400 is designed for anyone heading outside of mobile coverage. On the water, this applies to the crew of any type of vessel, from open boats to merchant ships. On land, ACR suggests applications such as hiking, climbing, hunting, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, off-roading, and kayaking. On board, a PLB is a personal supplement to the vessel's EPIRB, not a replacement for it.
What are the benefits for you?
Always with you: 144 grams and pocket-sized, so you are unlikely to leave it behind
No monthly costs: one-time purchase with no subscription
Five-year readiness: the battery lasts five years without any interim maintenance
Simple to use: unfold the antenna and press a button, that's all
Globally deployable: 406 MHz works everywhere, including both poles
Technical specifications
Product type
PLB, personal locator beacon
Model number
PLB-400
Part number
2921.62
Dimensions
11.48 x 5.16 x 3.78 cm
Weight
144 g
Digital display
No
Return Link Service
No
Battery
Lithium LiMnO2, not classified as hazardous material
Battery replacement
After 5 years or after emergency use, whichever comes first
Class
Class 2, operation down to -20 degrees Celsius
Temperature range
Storage -30 to +70 degrees, operation -20 to +55 degrees
GNSS receiver
Multi-constellation, GPS and Galileo
Activation
Manual
Buoyant
Yes, built-in buoyancy
Operational life
24 hours or more
Waterproof
5 meters for 1 hour, 10 meters for 10 minutes
Warranty
5 years
Approvals
Cospas-Sarsat, FCC and RED Europe
Brand
ACR
Extra features
Signal technologies
GPS and Galileo positioning, 406 MHz to satellite, 121.5 MHz homing
Lighting
Built-in strobe and infrared strobe
Carrying system
Multifunctional clips for attachment to vest, backpack, or belt
Self-tests
60 self-tests and 20 GPS self-tests over the five-year battery life
Subscription
Not required; registration with the national authority is free
Application
Hiking, camping, climbing, snowmobiling, skiing, fishing, boating, and kayaking
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a PLB and an EPIRB?
A PLB, standing for personal locator beacon, is person-bound and carried by you; an EPIRB belongs to the vessel and is kept in a fixed mount on board. A PLB is smaller and lighter, has a shorter operational life, and is always activated manually. For commercial shipping, an EPIRB is mandatory; a PLB is a personal supplement.
Are there subscription costs?
No, you do not need a subscription. Registration of the beacon is free, and in most parts of the world, rescue operations are also free of charge.
Do I need to register my PLB?
Yes, that is mandatory. In the Netherlands, you register a PLB with the Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI). Unlike an EPIRB, you do not need an operator's certificate for a PLB. Keep your information up to date and have the beacon registered to the new owner upon sale.
How long does the battery last?
The battery lasts for five years and must be replaced afterwards, or sooner if you have used the beacon in an emergency. Replacement may only be performed by an ACR-authorized service center, as the unit must be fully tested afterwards.
Does the beacon work anywhere in the world?
Yes. A 406 MHz beacon works anywhere in the world, up to both poles. You do need a clear view of the sky, so it will not work inside a building or in a cave.
Ultimate UpgradeUp to €600 extra off Simrad and B&G
On top of our regular price, Simrad and B&G add an extra discount on chartplotters, HALO radar, autopilots, VHF radios and sailing instruments. Already deducted, no code needed.
