ACR Electronics Introduces Newest Generation PLB at Digital Experience

LAS VEGAS, NV--JANUARY 7, 2009-ACR Electronics, Inc. (http://www.acrelectronics.com/), which introduced the first generation Personal Locator Beacon to U.S. consumers in 2003, unveils its newest generation PLB today at Digital Experience- MicroFix^TM₂, the world's smallest and lightest PLB offering several new features.

The one-button-activated, satellite detectable PLB features all new performance functions, including:

• Built-in LED strobe light increases visibility to Search and Rescue

• More efficient design uses less power, making it smaller and lighter

• A 42-channel GPS engine gives faster acquisition, a bonus in any rescue where seconds count

• MSRP is anticipated to be $740.00

• This device has not been authorized as required by the Rules of the FCC. This device is not and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

PLBs, which became available to millions of U.S. consumers in 2003 as a result of an FCC ruling, are proving to be valuable emergency life-saving devices for outdoor activities of all kinds. In 2008, 49 people in 29 incidents have used PLBs to signal for help in the U.S.

"A continued increase in PLB registrations in the U.S. last year indicates a growing popularity and consumer interest in these locator beacons, especially among hunters, campers, hikers, climbers, skiers and boaters," said Paul Hardin, executive vice president of sales and marketing for ACR Electronics, Inc., a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based manufacturer which by far leads all competitors in the sale of PLBs throughout the world.

In an emergency, the MicroFix^TM₂ transmits on 406 MHz via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system with the sender's unique registered, digitally coded distress signal. Emergency officials monitoring the system not only will be able to tell who is sending the signal (thanks to the coding and registration data) but precisely where the signal is coming from as a result of the built-in GPS engine. The beacon's highly-sensitive, built-in -136 dBm GPS receiver provides for faster acquisition, a bonus in any rescue where every second counts.

Once activated by a single button, the MicroFix's built-in 42 channel, parallel GPS acquires, then transmits LAT/LON, dramatically saving valuable time for the distress message to reach local rescue centers with exact coordinates to within 110 yards (100 meters). The MicroFix₂ also simultaneously transmits a signal on the 121.5 MHz SAR homing frequency to assist rescuers in homing in, once in the general area.

PLBs, unlike other recently introduced personal tracking gadgets, transmit signals on internationally recognized distress frequencies. The 406 MHz signal is monitored by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System (SARSAT) detects and locates distress signals. GPS coordinates greatly assist search and rescue crews, and in the event GPS isn't acquired, position can be calculated through Doppler Shift as a reliable backup.

NOAA has reported that in 2007, PLBs assisted in the rescue of 88 people in 38 incidents. In 2006, PLBs assisted in the rescue of 37 people in 22 incidents. PLB registrations in 2007 showed a 66.85 percent increase over the previous years' total. Worldwide, the COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz satellite system, which is celebrating 26 years of operation, is credited with rescuing more than 24,500 people since the program's inception in 1982. Of that number, more than 6,000 persons were rescued in the U.S.

ACR Electronics, Inc., http://www.acrelectronics.com/, a Cobham plc company, designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS, SARTs, Strobe Lights, Life Jacket Lights, Search Lights and safety accessories.  The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2000 Series Standards.  Recognized as the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the military since 1956. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and employs 200 at its manufacturing facility.

Quick PLB facts:

• n Works in concert with the COSPAS-SARSAT System. Dedicated global satellite SAR system
• n Serious Life Saving Equipment. Designed to work when all else has failed. Approved to International Standards for life saving equipment.
• n SAR agencies: NOAA, USCG, US Air Force and NASAR (National Association of Search & Rescue)
• n Emergency signals received by two satellite groups: GEOSAR (stationary/provides immediate alert) LEOSAR (provides location/orbits every 100 minutes)
• n User Fee: NONE (tax payer supported system)
• n NO annual subscription fee
• n Three redundant methods of pinpointing location: 406 MHz/Satellite Triangulation, GPS transmission and 121.5 MHz homing frequency
• n Alert notification 50 seconds with GPS; one hour without GPS
• n Lithium batteries with 11-year shelf life
• n Antennas: 1 for GPS and 1 for distress message
• n Typical retail cost depending on model: $399.99-$599.99

Contact:          John Bell

                       prseitz@bellsouth.net

                       954-970-3394