4 0 6 M H Z P L B
I N S T R U C T I O N M A N UA L
PA G E 3
A PLB is distinctively different to an EPIRB and the
requirement for either is determined by personal
situation and intended usage. Note than unlike
an EPIRB, the MT410G PLB when activated in
a maritime environment, requires assistance to
keep its antenna clear of the water’s surface.
In the past, using the analogue system, (which
became obsolete in February 2009) extensive and
lengthy searches have been carried out for missing
persons, sometimes to no avail. Your GME PLB is
a self contained 406 MHz digital radio transmitter
that emits an internationally-recognized distress
signal on a frequency monitored by the COSPAS-
SARSAT satellite system. The MT410G contains a
unique identity code which can be cross referenced
to a database of registered 406 MHz beacons,
allowing the beacon’s owner to be immediately
identified in the event of an emergency. The
MT410G PLB includes a high performance solid
state light and 121.5 MHz VHF homing signal to
assist in leading rescuers to your precise location.
The MT410G features an integrated 50 Channel
GPS Receiver which when activated, will
automatically acquire a position and relay the
latitude and longitude of the beacon along with
the personal identifier and emergency signal.
ABOUT THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM
The COSPAS-SARSAT system is a complete global
search and rescue service using geostationary and
polar orbiting satellites. Many countries provide
ground facilities known as Local User Terminals
(LUTs). Polar orbiting satellites provide complete,
although non-continuous, coverage of the earth
(due to fact that these satellites can only view a
portion of the earth at any given time) and can
accurately resolve an active beacons’ location.
Additionally, geostationary satellites can give an
immediate alerting function in many regions of
the world.
The basic COSPAS-SARSAT concept is illustrated
in the figure above.
ABOUT 406 MHZ BEACONS
406 MHz beacons provide more accurate and
reliable alert data to search and rescue agencies
than the older, phased out, 121.5/243 MHz
systems. The older 121.5 MHz analogue system
required that the satellite be within view of both
the beacon and the LUT before it could transmit
the beacons’ position. This limited the coverage
to an area immediately surrounding the LUT.
However, the digital nature of the 406 MHz
system means that the satellites are able to store
the beacons’ position and digital message, no
matter where in the world it is received. These
details are then relayed to the next LUT that comes
into range, giving the 406 MHz system true global
coverage.
REGISTRATION & TRANSFER
OF OWNERSHIP
Registration of your 406 MHz satellite PLB
with the Registration Section of your National
Authority is important and now mandatory in
most countries because of the global alerting
nature of the COSPAS-SARSAT system.
Owner Registration Forms for registering your
beacon may be supplied within the packaging,
otherwise, your National Authority will be able to
provide the correct forms. Up to date forms are
often available online.
The information provided in the registration
is used only for search and rescue purposes.
Promptly fill in the owner registration form upon
completion of the sales transaction, then mail,
fax or email it to your National Authority. If the
PLB is to enter service immediately, complete the
registration form and fax or email the information.
In Australia and New Zealand, online registration
is the preferred method.
Should the PLB be transferred to a new owner, as
the previous owner you are obligated to inform
your National Authority by email, fax, letter,
telephone or online of the name and address of
the new owner. The new owner of the beacon is
also required to provide their National Authority
with the information as shown on the registration
form. This obligation transfers to all subsequent
owners.
