I was going to recommend as an alternative that PLBs could be taken to an FCC licensed radio service facility (such as what I used to own) and the transmission could be tested there without engaging the response system. However, this is a far better testing service, as it tests not only the personal transmitter, but whether or not it engages the system. I would recommend this over other closed circuit methods.

I must say, it is about time someone out there offered such a service. Being out in the cold wet woods is the wrong time to discover you own a $400 piece of junk.