McMurdo SmartFind E5 406 MHz EPIRB — Tested

The McMurdo SmartFind E5 is a 406 MHz satellite EPIRB for commercial and leisure vessels, in tidy condition.

Overview

The SmartFind E5 transmits on the international distress frequency 406.040 MHz at approximately 5 W, registered to the vessel through its programmed identity, and on 121.5 MHz at 50 mW as a homing signal for search and rescue units on scene. A high-intensity LED strobe fires while the beacon is active, which makes a casualty far easier to spot at night or in poor visibility. Activation is by immersion in water or by the manual switch, and the beacon transmits for at least 48 hours once triggered. The E5 is the version supplied with a bracket for manual deployment, which suits vessels where the beacon is kept in the wheelhouse or in a grab bag rather than in a float-free housing.

Key features

• 406.040 MHz distress transmitter, 5 W typical output
• 121.5 MHz homing transmitter, 50 mW
• High-intensity LED strobe light
• Automatic activation on immersion or manual activation
• At least 48 hours of transmission after activation