McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB

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.

Long Battery Life for Emergency Readiness

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.