One of the frustrating parts of owning a 406 MHz EPIRB, PLB or ELT has been that it is nearly impossible for the average consumer to actually test their beacon. We have been pretty much forced to rely on the beacon’s own internal self-test mechanism.

Mind you, it’s not that there have been failures and such that leads me to be concerned. 406 MHz beacons have proven extremely reliable and I confidentially bet my life on this technology every time I go into the wilderness, flying or boating. However, it’s just human nature to prefer to really know something works because we can see it work. The more technology involved, the more it helps raise our confidence level.

Enter Procon, Inc’s SafeLife Systems. They have established their own ground stations (technically called Local User Terminals or LUTs) to receive the self-test burst from the Geosynchronous satellites. Even better, you may be eligible to participate in a free Beta Test of the system, and thereby a free test of your 406 MHz beacon, and just by applying to participate in the Beta Test you will be eligible to receive 30% off the cost of the various SafeTrip and beacon testing services SafeLife will be offering.

They have asked me to invite you to come help wring out their 406 Beacon Test System. More details and links to the Beta Test Program on my Blog: http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=108