Systems and methods are provided for two-stage location. In one implementation, there is provided a method for receiving a first location of a first radio, the first radio providing the first location of the first radio; using the received first location to determine when to transmit an activation command from a portable locator to a second radio, the second radio coupled to the first radio; and receiving at the portable locator a beacon transmitted to enable the portable locator to precisely locate the second radio and the coupled first radio.