McMurdo has extended its range of leading emergency distress beacons with the launch of the NEW Fast Find Ranger PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), designed specifically as a potential life saving device for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Available from 31^st May 2012, the Fast Find Ranger is a 406MHz GPS emergency beacon safety device. With GPS as standard to enable a typical position accuracy of +/-62m, the Ranger is a lightweight, compact device, designed to fit into small pockets or backpack compartments. It has a six-year battery storage life and non-slip, impact resistant casing

Commenting on the launch of McMurdo’s new PLB, Global Sales Director of Orolia Positioning Division , Ross Wilkinson said: “Our Fast Find range of PLBs are widely recognised as essential safety devices by outdoor enthusiasts from mountaineers and adventurers to every day ramblers, and have been instrumental in a vast number of documented rescues world-wide. In 2010 2338 people were rescued globally using information provided by the COSPAS SARSAT system.

“We are excited to launch the new Fast Find Ranger, representing the next generation of our PLB range, with styling and usability enhancements as well as GPS as standard to offer even further peace of mind to all safety conscious adventurers.”

A change of legislation passed in January 2012 to allow the use of PLBs on land in the UK. The Ranger provides a direct method of alerting the search and rescue authorities where no other forms of communication are available, using the 406 MHz search and rescue satellite communication system, COSPAS SARSAT.  As well as sending out  a distress signal by satellite the Ranger also transmits a 121.5 MHz homing signal.

Waterproof to 10 metres and able to operate in temperatures as low as -20°, once activated, using a simple three-stage activation, the Ranger will transmit continuously for a minimum of 24 hours at a powerful 5 watt output. The beacon is also small in size weighing just 164g and measuring D36mm x W50mm X L112mm, and features a LED flash light to assist with rescues at night or during limited visibility.

The Fast Find Ranger PLB has no subscription charges and is available from £225 + VAT with lanyard and universal carry pouch included. For further information and a list of stockists, visit www.fastfindplb.com.