ACR’s popular direction finder features major improvements with introduction of Vecta 3

ACR Electronics’ Vecta 3 kit

(FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA – JULY 28, 2008) — ACR Electronics continues to fine-tune its highly efficient and popular Vecta Direction Finder by adding new unprecedented sensitivity and an LCD screen for improved viewing, direction interpretation, and system operation.
 
The Vecta 3 locates all distress beacons (EPIRBs, PLBs and ELTs) that have been activated due to an emergency, provided they emit a 121.5 MHz homing signal.  Used internationally for many years by Search and Rescue (SAR) and emergency responder agencies, the Vecta series by ACR is a proven and invaluable tool.
 
New with the Vecta 3 is a -117 dBm sensitive receiver that translates into a heightened ability to detect weak signals at a maximum range, a characteristic that will enable SAR teams to locate distressed individuals faster.
 
The new product¹s most striking feature is a 1.5² LCD interface that is colorful and easy to learn.  In bright daylight, a transflective LCD display automatically adjusts to sunlight making for easier viewing. Under exceptionally bright conditions, a sun-shield has been added as an extra measure. For nighttime viewing, the LCD screen provides backlighting. Easier to read, distress signals are translated into graphed data with up/down arrows provided to allow the user to continue to refine the search until the distressed individual is located.
 
While ACR Vecta products have always offered a training channel (121.755 MHz), the Vecta 3 offers three additional training channels, allowing the user to adapt to different training frequencies required in different countries.
 
Measuring 23 x 6 x 4 cm (9.0 x 2.5 x 1.5 in) with a weight of  442 g (15.6 oz ) the Vecta 3 is splash resistant and operates for a minimum of 13 hours at -4°F to 140°F (-20° to 60°C). It uses a Duracell DL223A lithium camera battery or equivalent.  The direction finder comes with a folding handle, navigational station mount, omni-directional remote antenna, pelican case, training beacon, 110 VAC converter, 12 VDC adapter, head set and training video.

By Professional Mariner Staff