McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB

Global SOS Emergency Beacon with No Subscription Fees

The McMurdo FastFind 220 is a compact, GPS-enabled Personal Locator Beacon designed to summon emergency assistance anywhere in the world. When activated, the beacon transmits a distress alert and your precise GPS location through the international Cospas-Sarsat search and rescue satellite system, alerting rescue authorities within minutes.

Unlike satellite messengers or tracking devices that rely on paid services, the FastFind 220 operates without any monthly subscription or airtime fees. Once registered, the beacon communicates directly with government search and rescue networks, ensuring help can be dispatched even in the most remote environments.

For adventurers, sailors, remote workers, and anyone travelling beyond mobile coverage, the FastFind 220 provides a dependable last-resort emergency communication device.

How the FastFind 220 Works

In an emergency, activating the beacon sends a distress signal on the 406 MHz international search and rescue frequency. This signal is detected by satellites in the Cospas-Sarsat system and relayed to a Rescue Coordination Centre responsible for your region.

At the same time, the built-in GPS receiver calculates your position and transmits your coordinates to rescuers. Once search teams reach the general area, they can use the beacon’s 121.5 MHz homing signal to pinpoint your exact location.

This combination of satellite alerting and local homing technology allows emergency responders to locate individuals quickly, even in challenging terrain or offshore environments.

GPS and Galileo for Faster Location Detection

The FastFind 220 was one of the first Personal Locator Beacons to support multi-constellation GNSS, combining both GPS and Galileo satellite positioning.

Using multiple navigation systems improves the speed and accuracy of location detection, helping the beacon acquire a position fix more quickly and transmit your coordinates to rescue authorities.

In critical situations, this faster location acquisition can significantly reduce rescue times.

Subscription-Free Safety

One of the biggest advantages of a Personal Locator Beacon like the FastFind 220 is that it operates entirely without subscription costs.

Unlike satellite messengers that rely on commercial networks and monthly plans, PLBs transmit distress signals through the internationally funded Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. Because of this, there are no ongoing fees, no call charges, and no service contracts required to keep the beacon active.

This makes PLBs a popular choice for people who want a simple, reliable emergency device without long-term commitments.

Programming and Registration

All Personal Locator Beacons must be registered before use so that rescue authorities know who the beacon belongs to in the event of an emergency.

When you purchase a FastFind 220 from GTC, the beacon is programmed with the appropriate country code before shipment, ensuring it is ready to register and use.

In the UK, PLBs are typically registered with the UK Coastguard Agency, allowing emergency services to access your details and emergency contact information when the beacon is activated.

If you require programming for use in another country, this can also be arranged prior to shipping.

Built for Reliability in Remote Environments

The FastFind 220 is engineered for reliability in challenging conditions. Its lightweight design allows it to be carried easily in a pocket, backpack, or life jacket while still providing powerful emergency signalling capabilities.

Key design features include:

• Waterproof construction rated to depths of up to 10 metres
• High-visibility LED strobe light and Morse SOS beacon for visual signalling
• Protective antenna that deploys during activation
• Compact and lightweight design suitable for carrying on your person

The beacon is also supplied with a buoyancy pouch, allowing it to float when used in marine environments.

Long Battery Life for Emergency Readiness

The FastFind 220 is designed to remain ready for years between emergencies.

The lithium battery offers up to six years of storage life and provides a minimum of 24 hours of continuous transmission once activated, meeting international PLB safety standards.

A built-in self-test feature allows users to periodically check the beacon’s battery and circuitry, ensuring it is functioning correctly before heading into remote areas.

Ideal for Outdoor Adventures and Remote Work

The McMurdo FastFind 220 is widely used by people who spend time beyond reliable communications infrastructure.

Typical users include:

Sailors and offshore crews needing emergency signalling equipment at sea

Hikers, climbers, and expedition teams travelling in remote wilderness areas

Field engineers and survey teams working far from mobile networks

Adventure travellers and overland explorers operating in remote regions

For these users, a Personal Locator Beacon provides peace of mind that emergency help can be summoned even when other communication systems fail.

Key Features

• Global emergency alerting via the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network
• GPS and Galileo positioning for accurate location transmission
• 406 MHz distress beacon and 121.5 MHz homing signal
• No subscription fees or service charges
• 6-year battery storage life
• Minimum 24-hour emergency transmission time
• Waterproof construction with buoyancy pouch included
• LED strobe light and Morse SOS signal