Contents
Personal Locator Beacons are the most important emergency piece of gear you can carry whenever you’re going off-grid or anywhere that you can’t immediately get in contact with someone for help. If you do a lot of hiking, adventuring or anything off map you’ve likely heard of the Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 and GME MT410G Personal Locator Beacons before. We’re going to take a look at two of Australia’s top brands for PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) devices to find out what they do best and which one suits you best.
How does a PLB work and how is it different to an EPIRB?
If you want a more in-depth look at how PLB’s work and how they work differently to EPRIB units try our article here. In short, though, PLB’s still work much the same way as EPIRB's. They send out a signal which is picked up by COSPAS-SARSAT satellites. The Satellite then transmits your location information to a local station who will check the specific signal identifier. They will then review your personal details provided and attempt to contact you first and failing to do so they will then authorise a rescue attempt. The PLB unlike most EPIRB’s can only be activated manually so it is important to carry it on your person or in a place as accessible as possible.
PLB’s are also different to other emergency communicators you may have heard about like Garmin’s InReach Explorer/SE+ units or even SPOT messengers. These units can send out an SOS signal but also have the ability to act as a two-way communication device. It is important to note that these are devices do not need to adhere to some of the strict guidelines on all PLB units as they are not considered the same thing. This means these units do not have the same battery time requirements, operating temperature or lifetime battery requirements.
Just as a caveat here before we go further it is important to remember that these rescues can cost anywhere between $1000-$100,000+ depending on your location, presumed status and other relevant factors. The emergency button should only ever be pushed in an actual emergency.
What’s in the box and Design
The GME MT410G PLB comes with the beacon itself, a wrist/neck strap and a protective carry pouch with multidirectional belt loops.
The Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 comes with a floatation pouch, belt loop and small string straps.
77mm H x 51mm W x 32.5mm D – Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1
135 mm (H) x 71 mm (W) x 38 mm (D) – GME MT410G
There is obviously a weight difference between the two units the MT410G weighs 250g, and the RescueMe PLB1 weighs just 116g. Both units come with belt loops to allow them to be clipped on to any number of tethers you have available. Both units operate on a 406.040MHz frequency (For Satellite Reception) and then on the lesser range homing beacon signal 121.5MHz that helps close range Search Parties pinpoint you. This is important the location data sent by these devices will give your location accurate to within 100m, which is still quite a lot but then allows the homing beacon to give a closer estimate of your location. Both PLB’s come with an audible alert and light signal. The units are completely waterproof, and batteries for the unit are non-user replaceable. This is mostly in part as both companies take their products very seriously and do not want to allow any outside interference to their products that may affect the products integrity or ability to send out a signal.
The Ocean Signal RescueME PLB1 displays its battery expiry date on the top of the unit which is next to an extendable antenna that can be retracted by a knob on the top left corner of the unit. The MT410G has an extendable antenna as well, but as soon as you pull this antenna, the device will automatically activate. I'll discuss this in detail in the SOS activation section
The RescueMe PLB1 does not float by itself, if you’re out kayaking, packrafting, boating or any water activity you should have it in its floatation device to make sure it doesn’t sink away from you should the worst happen. The MT410G is buoyant by itself and will float in fresh and salt water.
What’s actually different
There are relatively few real differences between the units. The primary differences have already been mentioned which are the size, weight and SOS activation sequence. Just to summarise below:
| GME MT410G | Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1 | |
| Weight | 250g | 116g |
| Size | 135 mm (H) x 71 mm (W) x 38 mm (D) | 77mm (H) x 51mm (W) x 32.5mm (D) |
| SOS Activation | Unlock antenna, then unit automatically activates | Open Flap, Press ON button |
| Buoyant without external accessories | Yes | No |
| Waterproof Rating | 1m at IP67 (Full dust protection and protected again depth immersion of 15cm and 1m) | 15metres at +20°C |
| Price | $349 RRP | $299 RRP |
Regarding the other main features of the PLB units like battery life (7 years) and battery duration (>24 hours)when active both units have the same performance.
Using the SOS Button
Each of the units has a different method of activation. The GME MT410G has a latch antenna that automatically activates the beacon when you bring the antenna 180 degrees upwards, the antenna will click into place. At that point, the PLB is now active and will ‘beep’ and pulse. It will emit a rapid series of ‘beeps’ and light flashes for 6 seconds, indicating to the user that it has acquired a GPS position fix and is relaying this position along with the distress signal and the unique personal identifier to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.
The PLB1 requires you to first pull the antenna on the top left all the way out then press the ON button underneath the front flap until the GREEN LED flashes. 3 rapid Green flashes will indicate the PLB1 has a Satellite fix.
The MT410G has a 60-second delay should you ever accidentally activate the SOS function. To deactivate, use the key (at the end of the lanyard) depress the antenna latch (top right on the side). Then swing the antenna back down and latch onto the unit. Re-wrap antenna around the groove on the units back.
