McMurdo FastFind 220 is a compact and dependable personal locator beacon designed to summon help quickly in a genuine emergency. Suitable for use both at sea and in remote countryside locations, it’s an ideal safety companion for boating, hiking, mountaineering, field sports, and travel in isolated areas where mobile coverage can’t be relied upon.

When activated, the personal locator beacon transmits a 406 MHz distress alert via the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, which provides true global coverage. The alert is routed directly to the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre, allowing emergency services to initiate a response within minutes. Because this is a government-funded system, there are no subscription fees or ongoing costs after purchase.

FastFind 220 was the first personal locator beacon to incorporate Galileo satellite technology alongside GPS. Its dual GNSS receiver uses both systems to calculate your position with impressive accuracy, typically within approximately 62 metres. Once search teams reach the vicinity, the built-in 121.5 MHz homing signal enables them to pinpoint your exact location. A high-visibility LED light with an SOS Morse code pattern further assists rescuers, particularly in low light or poor weather conditions.

Unlike EPIRBs, which are registered to a specific vessel, a PLB is registered to an individual. This means the FastFind 220 stays with you, not your boat, making it just as valuable for countryside adventures as it is for marine use. Whether clipped to your belt, secured to a backpack, or carried on deck, it provides a direct link to global search and rescue services wherever you travel.

Designed for practicality and reliability, the beacon is lightweight and easy to operate, with a simple three-stage manual activation system to prevent accidental use. The antenna is safely stowed and deploys automatically when activated. A built-in self-test function, complete with battery use indicator, allows you to check the unit’s status for added peace of mind.

With a six-year battery storage life and a minimum of 24 hours continuous transmission once triggered, the FastFind 220 is built for readiness. It is waterproof to 10 metres and supplied with a buoyancy pouch so it can float if used in a marine environment. Rugged, globally connected, and straightforward to operate, McMurdo FastFind 220 delivers essential personal safety technology wherever your adventures take you.

Specifications:

Standards: Cospas-Sarsat T.001/T.007 class2, RTCM 11010.2, ETSI EN 302152-1,, AS/NZS 4280.2, NSS-PLB11.
Sealing Depth: Immersion to 10m (30ft) for 5 mins.
Operating Temperature: -20 to +55ºC (-4 to +131F).
Storage Temperature: -30 to +70ºC (-22 to +158F)
Altitude: 12,192m (40,000ft).
Buoyancy: Category 2, will not float (keep in buoyancy pouch provided).
Battery Type: Lithium Manganese.
Transmit Duration: > 24 hours @ -20ºC (-4F).
Battery Life (Storage): 6 years from date of manufacture.
Battery Replacement: Service centre.
Battery Use: Logged by microprocessor.
Frequency: 406.031 MHz (alert) / 121.5 MHz (homer)
Power: 5W (alert) / 50mW (homer) nominal.
Unique ID Number: Factory or dealer programmed.
GNSS Receiver: GPS(L1)+GALILEO(E1), 72 channel, ceramic patch antenna.
Size (D x W x L): 34 x 47 x 106mm (1.34 x 1.85 x 4.17in).
Weight: 152g (5.36oz)
Indicator Light: High brightness LED signal light.
SOS Flash Light: Morse code SOS flash pattern, 30 operations.
Activation: Manual, three stage.
Self-test: Tests transmitters, battery and light.
Warranty: 1 year (+ 4 years with online registration).