- Online: www.REI.com
- URL for this product:
- From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
- Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
- International — Call 1-253-891-2500
- Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.
For your reference, this page contains historical product information.
Made in USA.
Item 709917
Specification | Description |
| Suggested use | Inland use |
| GPS/Satellite detectable | Onboard GPS/Yes |
| Activation | Manual |
| Location accuracy | 0.05 miles |
| Time until SAR notification | 5 minutes |
| Dimensions | 5.7 x 3.03 x 1.74 inches |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Material | Glass-reinforced polycarbonate blend |
| Water-resistance | 3.3 feet |
| Battery type | Lithium (5 year replacement life) |
| Battery operational life | Over 24 hrs. at -20C |
| Certification | Approved by FCC; COSPAS-SARSAT; R&TTE |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
I bought this unit in August 2005. It's been dead weight in my pack until yesterday on Mt. San Antonio, California, when I came across a hiker that had fallen down a steep rocky slope and was in terrible condition. I activated the ACR Terrafix and left it with the injured hiker's companions. We continued our hike to the summit. Two helicopters were involved in the rescue. They got the guy to the hospital, but I don't know his condition. A sheriff's deputy contacted me at home and said the ACR Terrafix probably saved the guy's life. He said they received perfect longitude and latitude coordinates from the PLB, which is why I checked "Accurate."
My family was contacted within minutes of PLB activation, since the PLB is registered in my name. Needless to say, this caused some anxiety for my family until I could contact them later to say I was OK.
I am utterly impressed with the PLB system and the efficiency of the people involved: Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, who received the satellite signal and relayed the message to an agency in Sacramento, California, who then contacted the sheriff's search and rescue team in San Dimas, who extracted the hiker from difficult terrain. This device is a very cheap insurance policy. If the hiker's friends mail it back to me, I will send it in for new batteries, and will never hit the trail without it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
At 4 pm Aug 24 2007 my life changed. While hiking solo, and trying to get my dog down to water to cool off, I fell. I dislocated both ankles and fractured the right. Unable to walk, and two miles from our cabin, I activated my personal locating beacon. A rescue helicopter soon arrived, easily finding me by the coordinates communicated by the beacon. I highly recommend this unit for anyone who adventures in the outdoors. I will be spending three months in casts, but I am alive!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
In Late January 2008 my ideal overnight backpacking trip turned into a foul weather disorientation. Multiple failed attempts to get off Big Horn Peak of the San Bernardino Mountains left me no choice but to activate my ACR 406 GPS PLB as night was closing in and weather went from bad to worse. During the night helicopters were hovering right above my location but dense fog and clouds disallowed an extraction. Less then 24 hours later I was rescued by multiple Search and Rescue ground forces that were lead to my exact coordinates via the ACR PLB. Thank you ACR for your commitment to reliable technology. - Nate
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
Thankfully I've never had to use my system.
As a 44 year old woman who likes to solo hike, I finally purchased a PLB to keep my family from committing me for being insane.
It gives my family and me a peace of mind, but is certainly not a substitute for good backcountry technique and practices.
Initial setup and registration was simple and the unit is pretty idiot-proof.
They came out with the lighter terrafix right after I bought this unit but didn’t feel it was worth buying a new one just to save 2 ounces. Also, this unit is proven in the field and the terrafix is new and I’m sure will have issues.
Biggest Downside:
It is roughly the size and weight of a brick and I bury in some clothes to protect it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
I loaned my TerraFix to my neighbor who took it on a hunting trip to Kodiak Island, AK. Caught in hurricane force winds on October 25, 2008 he and his son anchored their boat in pounding seas and went ashore to huddle under a life raft at about 4 PM. Because of high winds and snow they could not build a fire and were at extreme risk of hypothermia. They deployed the beacon at 8 PM and were picked up by the Coast Guard at 10 PM. The CG was able to fly to within 200 yards of them. I've sent the PLB back to the factory and they are replacing the batteries for free and paying for shipping as well. Doesn't get better than that!I think every hiker and climber or hunter should invest in a TerraFix as the best insurance when in a life threatening situation which can happen quickly in Alaska and elsewhere. We owe it to the people searching for us to give them every chance of finding us because often, like the Coast Guard crew that found my friends, they too were in extreme danger while searching.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
I was contemplating buying this product for about six months as where I usually hike is within 4 miles of my house. I have access to cell phone reception as well as strobe light distress beacon. The deciding factor for me was that my dad suffered a myocardial infarction while at home and has since then fully recovered. Since we also go hiking as well as gold prospecting with GPAA.ORG (gold prospecting site) in other areas. A lot of which does not have cell phone reception. It wasn't until after my dads heart attack that I had ultimately added it to my pack and don't go nowhere without it when I / we go hiking. Being satellite dependent means I don't need a cell tower to put a shout out for help if I need it. In the pros I checked all but reliable performance. Only because I have not yet used it. And hope I never have too. But it does put a sense of ease on you as well as your family by having it in your kit. If you phone has a dead battery or loss of signal you still can get the help you need when you need it. If my skills as an EMT are needed when I'm hiking it is the single most important piece of gear I have next to my trauma / medical kit. I hope I never have to use it. If I do then I will be glad I bought it. I also made sure its the one piece of equipment everyone in my group, including kids, know how to use.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Mojavegreen
Me hiking in the mojave desert , taking a break.
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Displaying reviews 1-6
Members are eligible for an annual refund
on qualifying purchases. Plus, they enjoy many
more benefits. Get a lifetime membership for $20.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
I bought this unit in August 2005. It's been dead weight in my pack until yesterday on Mt. San Antonio, California, when I came across a hiker that had fallen down a steep rocky slope and was in terrible condition. I activated the ACR Terrafix and left it with the injured hiker's companions. We continued our hike to the summit. Two helicopters were involved in the rescue. They got the guy to the hospital, but I don't know his condition. A sheriff's deputy contacted me at home and said the ACR Terrafix probably saved the guy's life. He said they received perfect longitude and latitude coordinates from the PLB, which is why I checked "Accurate."
My family was contacted within minutes of PLB activation, since the PLB is registered in my name. Needless to say, this caused some anxiety for my family until I could contact them later to say I was OK.
I am utterly impressed with the PLB system and the efficiency of the people involved: Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, who received the satellite signal and relayed the message to an agency in Sacramento, California, who then contacted the sheriff's search and rescue team in San Dimas, who extracted the hiker from difficult terrain. This device is a very cheap insurance policy. If the hiker's friends mail it back to me, I will send it in for new batteries, and will never hit the trail without it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
At 4 pm Aug 24 2007 my life changed. While hiking solo, and trying to get my dog down to water to cool off, I fell. I dislocated both ankles and fractured the right. Unable to walk, and two miles from our cabin, I activated my personal locating beacon. A rescue helicopter soon arrived, easily finding me by the coordinates communicated by the beacon. I highly recommend this unit for anyone who adventures in the outdoors. I will be spending three months in casts, but I am alive!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
In Late January 2008 my ideal overnight backpacking trip turned into a foul weather disorientation. Multiple failed attempts to get off Big Horn Peak of the San Bernardino Mountains left me no choice but to activate my ACR 406 GPS PLB as night was closing in and weather went from bad to worse. During the night helicopters were hovering right above my location but dense fog and clouds disallowed an extraction. Less then 24 hours later I was rescued by multiple Search and Rescue ground forces that were lead to my exact coordinates via the ACR PLB. Thank you ACR for your commitment to reliable technology. - Nate
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
Thankfully I've never had to use my system.
As a 44 year old woman who likes to solo hike, I finally purchased a PLB to keep my family from committing me for being insane.
It gives my family and me a peace of mind, but is certainly not a substitute for good backcountry technique and practices.
Initial setup and registration was simple and the unit is pretty idiot-proof.
They came out with the lighter terrafix right after I bought this unit but didn’t feel it was worth buying a new one just to save 2 ounces. Also, this unit is proven in the field and the terrafix is new and I’m sure will have issues.
Biggest Downside:
It is roughly the size and weight of a brick and I bury in some clothes to protect it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
I loaned my TerraFix to my neighbor who took it on a hunting trip to Kodiak Island, AK. Caught in hurricane force winds on October 25, 2008 he and his son anchored their boat in pounding seas and went ashore to huddle under a life raft at about 4 PM. Because of high winds and snow they could not build a fire and were at extreme risk of hypothermia. They deployed the beacon at 8 PM and were picked up by the Coast Guard at 10 PM. The CG was able to fly to within 200 yards of them. I've sent the PLB back to the factory and they are replacing the batteries for free and paying for shipping as well. Doesn't get better than that!I think every hiker and climber or hunter should invest in a TerraFix as the best insurance when in a life threatening situation which can happen quickly in Alaska and elsewhere. We owe it to the people searching for us to give them every chance of finding us because often, like the Coast Guard crew that found my friends, they too were in extreme danger while searching.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Terrafix 406 GPS I/O Personal Locator Beacon:
I was contemplating buying this product for about six months as where I usually hike is within 4 miles of my house. I have access to cell phone reception as well as strobe light distress beacon. The deciding factor for me was that my dad suffered a myocardial infarction while at home and has since then fully recovered. Since we also go hiking as well as gold prospecting with GPAA.ORG (gold prospecting site) in other areas. A lot of which does not have cell phone reception. It wasn't until after my dads heart attack that I had ultimately added it to my pack and don't go nowhere without it when I / we go hiking. Being satellite dependent means I don't need a cell tower to put a shout out for help if I need it. In the pros I checked all but reliable performance. Only because I have not yet used it. And hope I never have too. But it does put a sense of ease on you as well as your family by having it in your kit. If you phone has a dead battery or loss of signal you still can get the help you need when you need it. If my skills as an EMT are needed when I'm hiking it is the single most important piece of gear I have next to my trauma / medical kit. I hope I never have to use it. If I do then I will be glad I bought it. I also made sure its the one piece of equipment everyone in my group, including kids, know how to use.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Mojavegreen
Me hiking in the mojave desert , taking a break.
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Displaying reviews 1-6
