NOTE: THIS DEVICE HAS UP TO (BUT NOT GUARANTEED) 10 YEARS OF BATTERY

Please note that all PLBs and EPIRBs can be used anywhere in the world but should be registered in your country of residence. All devices sold by us are programmed with the UK country code and should be registered with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. If you wish to register in a different country we offer a free reprogramming service to enable you to register your device outside of the UK. Please note that some countries, such as Spain and Germany, do not allow PLB registration unless registered to a vessel. Users in these countries without a vessel can usually register their devices in the UK if required and use the device in any country. Please contact us as soon as possible after placing your order to instruct us on your programming requirements.

McMurdo’s SmartFind G8 EPIRB is the world's first Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon to feature AIS. This device is a Category 2 EPIRB that will alert authorities that a rescue is required, once it has been manually deployed or activated in contact with water.

In an emergency, the SmartFind G8 EPIRB draws from multiple satellite constellations, to relay a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency, monitored by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. This alert is sent to the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) and provides a pinpoint accurate location for all authorities at sea.

The SmartFind G8, is an ideal long-term subscription free solution, that is excellent value for money.

McMurdo SmartFind G8 EPIRB Key Features:

GPS Transmission

Upon initiation of a distress call, the McMurdo SmartFind built-in GPS will fix your position to within a few meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting satellites. When triggered, broadcast a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. 

An additional feature is the 121.5 MHz secondary homing transmitter which means that once Search and Rescue teams have been deployed, they are able to home in on your exact location. 

Strobe Light

This McMurdo EPIRB has a high brightness flashing LED strobe light to enhance visibility in low light environments or night rescues. 

Battery Life

The McMurdo G8 SmartFind EPIRB has a storage battery life of up to 10 years! Upon activation, the McMurdo SmartFind EPIRB will operate for a minimum of 48 hours.

Self-Test

It is necessary to self-test your McMurdo EPIRB to ensure that the beacon functions correctly. The G8 SmartFind EPIRB offers a comprehensive self test facility with battery use indicator.

Activation 

The McMurdo SmartFind G8 (Automatic) can be activated when in contact with water as well as when a manual release bracket is deployed, in the event of an emergency, to provide authorities at sea with a precise pinpoint location to send to rescue co-ordination centres (RCC) and nearby AIS equipped vessels.

Registration

Registering your EPIRB is required by law in most countries. Registering is very important because should your beacon ever be activated, it is how Search and Rescue Teams will know who you are, and contacts provided may be able to supply information about your specific travel plans. In the absence of this information, it may take longer for a search-and-rescue operation to begin.

Some national authorities require a completed registration application form to be submitted by letter or fax, others offer an online registration. For more information, visit the emergency beacon registration database IBRD at www.406registration.com and also www.cospas-sarsat.org. The addresses of the national authorities are listed on these sites.

All PLBs and EPIRBs sold by GTC are pre-programmed with the UK country code. Whilst they will function anywhere around the world, the initial point of contact during an emergency situation would be the UK Search & Rescue authorities with whom the device would be registered. Please contact us if you wish to have your EPIRB shipped with configuration for use in a country other than UK.

This EPIRB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger to life. False alerts endanger lives and cause expensive disruption to Search & Rescue services. Deliberate misuse of the device could result in a penalty.

SOS

Once the emergency button is pressed on your beacon, your location will be sent to a rescue coordination centre via satellite. This SOS is then diverted to emergency services near to your location to aid rescue. The location will be continuously sent for a minimum of 24 hours.

406MHz Frequency

A 406MHz beacon enables the Search and Rescue agencies to quickly and accurately identify and locate an individual so that they can effect a successful rescue.

General Specification

Dimensions 42.3 x 10.4 x 10.3 cm

Weight 710g

Operating Temperature -20°C to +55°C (-4° F to +131° F)

Storage Temperature -30°C to +70°C (-22° F to +158° F)

Automatic Release Depth 4 metres max. (13 feet)

Battery Specification

Type Lithium iron disulphide

Operating Life 48 hours minimum

Shelf Life (In service life) 10 years typical in service (recommended health check every 5 years)

406 MHz Transmitter

Operating Frequency 406.040 MHz + 1 kHz

Power Output  5W typical

Modulation  Phase (16K0GID)

121.5 MHz Homer

Operating Frequency 121.5 MHz +3.5 kHz

Power Output  100 mW radiated typical

Modulation  Swept tone AM (3K20A3X)

Strobe Light

Type 3 high intensity LEDs

Light Output 0.2 cd minimum

Flash Rate 23 flashes per minute

GNSS Receiver

Constellations GPS, GLONASS, Galileo

Frequencies 1575.42 Mhz (GPS, Galileo); 1602.00 Mhz (GLONASS)

Sensitivity -167 dBm minimum