Why is the TracMe Locator Beacon designed for one-time use?
The TracMe Locator Beacon is designed for one-time use but not abuse. The search-and-rescue community has been concerned about the potential increase in satellite-based (satellite PLB) beacons by the general public and their potential for accidental notification and the significant cost borne to the agencies responding to accidental calls. The TracMe is designed for one-time use to discourage accidental activation or purposeful abuse. This also ensures that during its 10-year useable life, the TracMe is not taken outdoors with a partially discharged battery and is therefore always ready when needed after performing the Self-Test function before each trip. Also keep in mind that the TracMe Locator Beacons have a free replacement policy. If you activate your TracMe in a legitimate search and rescue situation, we’ll replace it for free and hope that you share your success story with us. We want you to know that your $150.00 gear investment will pay off for you when it really counts.
