PLB Question

[Armageddon Aviator]

Hi,

I recently tried to order an ACR PLB from Marv Golden.

I was notified that they only stock "pre-programmed" PLB's for U.S. registration and that they would need a lead time of 10 days to order a unit that is programmed for registration in a different country.

http://www.marvgolden.com/acr-resqlink-406-personal-locating-beacon-plb-with-gps.html

I thought that all PLB's were the same - and that all you need to do is to register your beacon with the competent authorities in your country of residence.

What did I miss here ?

 

[Jim Logajan]

It would seem a PLB transmits the country code that is ultimately responsible for the beacon:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distress_radiobeacon

So that is what is what is probably programmed in. Manufacturers must send units with "blank" or default codes to distributors who sell world-wide, who in turn are responsible for setting the proper code before shipment to the final user.