By joerain from Seattle on 6/30/2008

Tracme transmits a voice message “Help….Emergency” every 15 seconds for 7 days on FRS/GMRS CB radio channel 1. Tracme is waterproof and is ideal for all outdoor adventures on land, sea or air. Target market includes snow skiing, hikers, scouts, canoeing/kayaking, trail running, boating, children and school groups. Lightweight at only 1.6 ozs it is slightly larger than a car remote control. Anyone with a CB radio set to channel 1 can locate the Tracme signal by just using their body as a shield, turning 360º and noting where the strongest signal is coming from. From the air with a CB radio on channel 1 and GPS the signal can be picked up from 20 miles away and pinpointed to within 10 yards [@] . Keep in mind Tracme is NOT a satellite beacon, Tracme is a radio beacon. Tracme can only be used once; this is to ensure that when used it will operate for 7 days non stop; has a 10year self life with a Free Replacement policy if used in an emergency and documented by search and rescue authorities.

[3 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

This device should be pulled from the market for using the term PLB which it's NOT. A true PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is a satellite based emergency device that when activated sends a distress signal from anywhere in the world along with the location coordinates resulting in Search and Rescue being dispatched to pick you up. It's a federaly funded program available to anyone and coordinated through the AFRCC (Air Force Rescue Coordination Center). TracMe on the other hand requires that someone report you missing and if the rescuers get close they might be able to home in on the weak TracMe signal. Do yourself a favor, learn about PLBs and purchase one or if you can't afford one, rent one (for about 1/3 the cost of a TracMe).

[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

This beacon does transmit a signal that can be tracked, but it does NOT alert anybody that you require assistance. It transmits the phrase "help, emergency" on walkie-talkie channel 1, with a range of just a few miles. Unless somebody happens to be listening you won't get help! I would only be useful if you'd arranged for such help ahead of time. A true emergency beacon transmits on frequencies that are monitored by rescue teams, and gives them an exact location. This product does not do that.