McMurdo FF220 Mini PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)

McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB – Galileo-Enabled Personal Locator Beacon

PLB | GPS + Galileo GNSS | No Subscription

MSL's dual-constellation PLB. The first PLB in the world to operate on both GPS and the Galileo satellite network, giving genuinely wider coverage and faster location fixes than GPS-only beacons, including in difficult terrain like cliffs and canyons.

McMurdo FastFind 220 Overview

The McMurdo FastFind 220 is part of the EU-funded Helios project, led by McMurdo to bring Galileo satellite capability to personal locator beacons. Multi-constellation beacons work with a wider range of satellites, offering increased global coverage and supporting faster rescue response.

Location detection is more precise because the beacon receives coordinates from both Galileo and GPS constellations, and signals can be detected in difficult locations, including high-sided terrain such as cliffs and canyons, where single-constellation beacons can struggle.

Key Features

• Dual GNSS receivers (GPS and Galileo) means faster, more accurate location detection, for rescuers needing a precise fix quickly.
• Improved signal reception in difficult terrain means better performance near cliffs, canyons, and high-sided ground, for trampers and hunters in steep NZ terrain.
• 121.5 MHz homing transmission means emergency services can home in on your exact position, for the final stage of a rescue.
• No subscription means zero ongoing cost after purchase, for anyone who wants a beacon they buy once.
• 6-year battery life means long-term reliability between replacements, for occasional users who don't want to think about it often.
• Waterproof to 10m means it survives submersion during a fall into water, for trampers crossing rivers or working near water.
• SOS morse LED flashlight means visual signalling alongside the satellite alert, for search teams operating at night.
• Safe-stow antenna with buoyancy pouch means the unit floats and the antenna is protected when not deployed, for everyday carry in a pack or vest.

Built for Remote NZ Terrain

The FastFind 220 suits trampers, hunters, and remote workers who want the added coverage benefit of Galileo satellite support, particularly in steep or high-sided terrain where single-constellation beacons can lose signal.

Applications

• Trampers and backcountry hikers
• Hunters in remote or high-sided terrain
• Aviation users (see the aviation brochure for details)
• Anyone wanting the added coverage of dual-constellation positioning

What's in the Box

• 1 x McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB
• 1 x Buoyancy pouch
• 1 x Instruction manual

Complete Your Setup

• Personal Locator Beacons & EPIRBs services: MSL can help you choose the right beacon for your trip or site and answer registration questions.
• Personal Locator Beacon Hire: a practical option if you only need a PLB for a specific trip rather than a permanent purchase.

Key Specifications

Download the FastFind 220 aviation brochure

Frequently Asked Questions – McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB

1. What's the benefit of Galileo alongside GPS?

Using both constellations gives the beacon access to more satellites overall, which improves location accuracy and helps it acquire a fix faster, including in terrain like cliffs and canyons where a single-constellation beacon can struggle to get a clear view of the sky.

2. Do I need a subscription to use the FastFind 220?

No. Like all PLBs, it has no ongoing costs after purchase and operates on the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite network at no charge.

3. Do I need to register the FastFind 220?

Yes. All PLBs must be registered with the appropriate search and rescue authority before use, registration is free and ensures rescuers have your details on file if the beacon is activated.

4. Is the FastFind 220 available for hire?

Yes, MSL offers short-term PLB hire for trips where a permanent purchase isn't the right fit. See the Personal Locator Beacon Hire page for current rates and conditions.