Winner of the overall DAME Design Award 2022, this is the worlds' first personal locator beacon with AIS and also to include NFC and a mobile app. A significant step forward in the evolution of PLB's, PLB3 transmits on the worldwide Cospas Sarsat satellite system which includes 3 different constellations to ensure your 406 MHz distress signal immediately reaches the global network of Search and Rescue forces within your location, accurate to within 100 metres.
Merging 406 MHz and AIS distress messages effectively pairs both global and local rescue, maximising access to the most effective rescue resources available. In addition to this, NFC capability provides users with the world's first smartphone connected PLB, and the all-new Return Link Service feature provides users with the comfort in knowing that their distress message has been received, and their location detected by worldwide search and rescue personnel.
AIS transmissions mean the PLB3 AIS PLB will simultaneously alert all vessels equipped with AIS transponders within the VHF radio range of the PLB's distress position, greatly increasing the likelihood and speed of rescue since nearby vessels receive the alerts. Immediately upon deployment of the beacon an AIS Safety Message or MOB Alarm with the beacon’s MMSI and location is presented on any AIS screen within range. Thanks to this, it's easy for nearby vessels to home in on the beacon since it is an active AIS target on their screens.
PLB3's white visible strobe and infrared strobe will light the way as rescuer(s) arrive on the scene, providing them with a visual reference needed during night time or other low visibility rescue operations.
Near Field Communication (NFC):
NFC technology provides users with the ability to conveniently access beacon data from their mobile phone. by simply placing a phone near the bacon automatically opens the Ocean Signal Product App and provides access to an array of usage data including current battery life, number of self-tests completed, number of GNSS tests completed, and if applicable, the amount of time the beacon has been activated.
Also available is detailed information on each self-test and GNSS test performed by the beacon, if desired. For each successful GNSS test, users can view a map showing exactly where the test was performed, the date and time of the test, the time it took the beacon to get a fix on your GNSS coordinates, the number of satellites the beacon used to obtain that fix, and the accuracy of the location.
Return Link Service:
Return Link Service or RLS functionality works when search and rescue send a signal back through the Galileo satellite network to confirm to the beacon user that their distress message has been received and their location detected. User confirmation is distinctly indicated by a flashing blue light on the PLB3.
Key Features:
121.5 MHz Local Homing Signal.
406 MHz Cospas Sarsat Distress Signal (MSEOSAR Compatible).
5-year battery life.
AIS Locating Signal.
Designed to integrate with common life jackets.
FREE Ocean Signal Beacon Mobile App - available on iOS and Android.
Global Coverage.
GNSS via GPS and Galileo Satellites.
Multifunction clip system included.
Over 24 hours operational life.
Return Link Service (RLS) Functionality.
Small and lightweight.
Smartphone connectivity via NFC (Near Filed Communication).
Simple PFD attachment.
Strobe and Infrared Strobe Light.
Specifications:
General:
Activation: Manual or semi-automatic when fitted to a compatible life jacket.
Class: Class 2 Operation.
Buoyant: No.
Size (L x W x D): 20 x 2.6 x 3.0cm.
Weight: 190g.
Operational Life: Over 24 hours @ -20C.
Waterproof: Yes.
Warranty: 5 years.
406MHz Satellite Transmitter
Frequency: 406.031MHz.
Tolerance: ñ1kHz.
Output Power: 5W Typical.
Modulation: Phase ñ1.1radians.
Emission Designator: 16K0G1D.
Encoding: Bi-phase L.
Data Rate: 400bps.
121.5MHz Homing Beacon:
Frequency: 121.5 MHz.
Stability: ñ50ppm.
Output Power (PERP): 25-100mW.
Modulation: Swept Tone AM (3K20A3X).
Modulation Factor: 0.85-1.0.
Modulation Duty Cycle: >35%.
Duty Cycle: 98%.
AIS Transmitter:
Frequency: 161.975/162.025MHz ñ500Hz.
Transmit Power (EIRP): 1 Watt ñ3dB.
Baud Rate: 9600 Baud.
Synchronisation: UTC.
Messages: Message 1 (Position), Message 14 (Status).
Repetition Interval: 8 messages/min. /Message 14, 2x every 4 minutes.
Infra Red Strobe:
Light Type: IR LED.
Light Colour: 850nm.
Flash Rate: 20-30 per minute.
Intensity: 7.5mW/sr.
Visible Light Strobe:
Light Type: High Intensity LED.
Light Colour: White.
Flash Rate: 20-30 per minute.
Intensity: > 1 candela.
GNSS Receiver:Ã
Satellite Channels: 72 acquisition.
Sensitivity: -167dBm.
Cold Start: Reacquisition: -148dBm.
Battery:
Type: Lithium/Iron Disulphide (LiFES2).
Operating Lifetime: > 24 hours @ -20C.
Lithium Metal Weight (for air transport): < 2mg.
Replacement Interval: 6 years from date of manufacture.
Environmental:
Temperature Range (operational): Class 2 -20ðC (-4ðF) to +55ðC (+131ðF).
Temperature Range (storage): Class 2 -30ðC (-22ðF) to +70ðC (+158ðF).
Damp Heat (humidity): 40C at 93%.
Drop (hard surface) 1m: 6 sides.
Water Immersion: >10m (1.0bar) : > 60 minutes.
Thermal Shock: 45C into 100mm of water: > 1 hour.
