- 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.
COSPAS-SARSAT is an international satellite system that provides distress alert and location data to assist Search and Rescue operations. It detects and locates the signals of beacons operating on 406 Megahertz (MHz). The position of the distress and other related information is forwarded to the appropriate Search and Rescue point of contact through the COSPAS-SARSAT mission control center network. The goal of the system is to support all organizations in the world with responsibility for SAR operations, whether at sea, in the air or on land. The COSPAS-SARSAT system provides distress alert and location data to rescue coordination centers for 406 MHz beacons activated anywhere in the world.
Made in USA.
Item 751974
Specification | Description |
| Suggested use | Inland use |
| GPS/Satellite detectable | Onboard GPS/Yes |
| Activation | Manual |
| Location accuracy | 0.05 miles |
| Time until SAR notification | 3 minutes |
| Dimensions | 5.85 x 2.21 x 1.4 inches |
| Weight | 10 ounces |
| Material | Polycarbonate blend |
| Water-resistance | 16 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 10 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
I do a lot of solo backpacking. I also take solo canoe trips. It is comforting for me and my family to know that I have a panic button.
I am not 100% sure that it will bring the necessary help everywhere. I came very close to a rattlesnake bite two days into a National Forest in Arkansas. I doubt that the local sheriff had a helicopter to dispatch. It does not replace preparation or common sense.
There appears to be a design flow that might prevent it from functioning properly in a real emergency. The test button is not protected and could be easily activated in your pack. You might never know that the battery was compromised. A full GPS test can only be activated once without reducing the advertised beacon duration.
REI sells a relatively lightweight hard case from Outdoor Products that fits it perfectly. A case eliminates the possibility of false tests and alarms. A little protection for an expensive and mission critical piece of equipment is probably a good idea anyway.
It is very easy to update your itinerary and emergency contact information on line before your trip.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
If you are reading these reviews you are likely comparing the ACR personal locator beacon to the SPOT messenger beacon.The SPOT beacon appears less expensive until you factor in that the SPOT beacon requires a subscription service of [$] if you want to track yourself on google maps. There is no service charge for the ACR it is tracked by NOAA using your tax dollars. With a battery replacement life (unused, knock on wood) of 5 years, that is[$]for the ACR and [$] for the SPOT beacon.Also note that although the SPOT claims to be a sattelite signal, it has a limited service coverage that does not include Hawaii, central and south Africa, Indonesia, India, Nepal and most of the oceans of the world.The ACR is build rock solid and built for one purpose only. I trust that it will do that job for me when I need it to.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
Warning: This is not a toy.
This is the top-of-the-line rescue signal device. Its not as small and light as similar devices on the market, but I'd rather have the weight of the large, long-term industrial strength batteries this device has compared to the small AA batteries most other devices use.
After doing the research, 406 MHz devices are the most reliable way to send out a rescue signal. This device also has GPS as a backup locator. I'm guessing those multiple systems also account for the larger size relative to other devices.
Compact, durable, and simple. Open the antenna and push the red button. Hopefully I'll never have to use it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
This is for those reviewers who were not happy with or don't trust the accuracy or capability of this product. First of all I am not an employee of ACR. I am a professional boat captain. I have used ACR and other locator devises in the marine industry since they first came on the market in the mid 80's. I also use it while hiking when on land. It actually saved my life once. This particular product is also used by U.S. military personnel and also worn by the U.S. Coast Guard and other Gov. and professional rescue units. It is almost flawless in it's ability and design. The GPS locating process by itself is also incapable of mistakes. The U.S. military used this same extremely accurate GPS satellite technology to drop bombs down chimneys in Iraq. The only possible weakness it has is the battery but it's the owners deficiency for not replacing it when required.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
Many of the reviews here have compared a PLB with Spot. There are a few essential details that must be understood. Sure, Spot is cheaper and lighter, but only a PLB offers more-or-less worldwide (depending on satellite availability, which is limited/nonexistent in situations such as canyons or caves) service. Second, it is important to note that a PLB operates on a completely separate system of satellites than Spot uses (a commercial system, I think Inmarsat), which is designed to relay your information (serial number, GPS data, tirangulation data, etc) to a local rescue coordination center (RCC). The one in the US is operated by the air force. This is the same system used by ELTs in airplanes and EPIRBS on the water. Finally, PLBs are constructed with minimum performance characteristes while the Spot system is really designed for entertainment purposes. In the Tybee 500 distance coastal-ocean race, all boats are required to carry PLBs, and most of us choose to sail with two (one on each of our lifejackets) in addition to many of the boats using the Spot tracking system which became overloaded and Spot denied access to the data by the end of the race. And of course, any rescue is dependent upon the availability of resources. The lesson is ultimately, fend for yourselves.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
Of course your spouse wants you to carry one. The instrument is well designed. Figure if I ever need it, I'll be rescuing someone. At 9 ounces it is much better than the previous model. However, let's be honest, it will be even better if it shed half its weight. Several new devices are also out there that provide a similar function and weigh less but with a bit of a compromise in function. These are certainly worth looking. But it is nice to know that you can whip out the PLB, flip up the antenna, activate it and sit back and wait for your rescue. For that I can bear a few extra ounces. It is always in my day pack which I keep in my car. You never know when you might need a rescue! Highly recommend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
Having this device gives me peace of mind. This device also makes my mother happier when I go snow camping in january. It comes with a nice clip to attach to your pack, and it also has a detacheable bungee cord for a backup.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
I have tested this unit a couple of time but thankfully never *used* it. It is small for the function it may provide in the real world, however I'm surprised that it isn't even smaller.
I also recently purchased a SPOT device, which is cheaper, smaller provides the same '911' functionality (although I'm not sure the SPOT actually goes direct to the COSPAS-SARSAT system) but it also provides 'check-in' and constant tracking options, so that others can stop convincing themselves that no news is good news.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
best gift you may never use. out of cell range most of the time anyway. ask your relatives for a fund. your mother first and you will have a present that could save your life or make it a little easier. best price i could find.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
I venture into the wilds of Alaska all the time and NEVER forget this tool! Imagine being stranded in the back country in need of help, and having $600 bucks in your bank account wishing you would have bought this... Do not be THAT person! This is a serious life saver that is simple and rugged. It has traveled with me from Costa Rica to Mt McKinley... Spend the money your life is worth it!!!
Displaying reviews 1-10
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
I do a lot of solo backpacking. I also take solo canoe trips. It is comforting for me and my family to know that I have a panic button.
I am not 100% sure that it will bring the necessary help everywhere. I came very close to a rattlesnake bite two days into a National Forest in Arkansas. I doubt that the local sheriff had a helicopter to dispatch. It does not replace preparation or common sense.
There appears to be a design flow that might prevent it from functioning properly in a real emergency. The test button is not protected and could be easily activated in your pack. You might never know that the battery was compromised. A full GPS test can only be activated once without reducing the advertised beacon duration.
REI sells a relatively lightweight hard case from Outdoor Products that fits it perfectly. A case eliminates the possibility of false tests and alarms. A little protection for an expensive and mission critical piece of equipment is probably a good idea anyway.
It is very easy to update your itinerary and emergency contact information on line before your trip.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
If you are reading these reviews you are likely comparing the ACR personal locator beacon to the SPOT messenger beacon.The SPOT beacon appears less expensive until you factor in that the SPOT beacon requires a subscription service of [$] if you want to track yourself on google maps. There is no service charge for the ACR it is tracked by NOAA using your tax dollars. With a battery replacement life (unused, knock on wood) of 5 years, that is[$]for the ACR and [$] for the SPOT beacon.Also note that although the SPOT claims to be a sattelite signal, it has a limited service coverage that does not include Hawaii, central and south Africa, Indonesia, India, Nepal and most of the oceans of the world.The ACR is build rock solid and built for one purpose only. I trust that it will do that job for me when I need it to.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
Warning: This is not a toy.
This is the top-of-the-line rescue signal device. Its not as small and light as similar devices on the market, but I'd rather have the weight of the large, long-term industrial strength batteries this device has compared to the small AA batteries most other devices use.
After doing the research, 406 MHz devices are the most reliable way to send out a rescue signal. This device also has GPS as a backup locator. I'm guessing those multiple systems also account for the larger size relative to other devices.
Compact, durable, and simple. Open the antenna and push the red button. Hopefully I'll never have to use it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
This is for those reviewers who were not happy with or don't trust the accuracy or capability of this product. First of all I am not an employee of ACR. I am a professional boat captain. I have used ACR and other locator devises in the marine industry since they first came on the market in the mid 80's. I also use it while hiking when on land. It actually saved my life once. This particular product is also used by U.S. military personnel and also worn by the U.S. Coast Guard and other Gov. and professional rescue units. It is almost flawless in it's ability and design. The GPS locating process by itself is also incapable of mistakes. The U.S. military used this same extremely accurate GPS satellite technology to drop bombs down chimneys in Iraq. The only possible weakness it has is the battery but it's the owners deficiency for not replacing it when required.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
Many of the reviews here have compared a PLB with Spot. There are a few essential details that must be understood. Sure, Spot is cheaper and lighter, but only a PLB offers more-or-less worldwide (depending on satellite availability, which is limited/nonexistent in situations such as canyons or caves) service. Second, it is important to note that a PLB operates on a completely separate system of satellites than Spot uses (a commercial system, I think Inmarsat), which is designed to relay your information (serial number, GPS data, tirangulation data, etc) to a local rescue coordination center (RCC). The one in the US is operated by the air force. This is the same system used by ELTs in airplanes and EPIRBS on the water. Finally, PLBs are constructed with minimum performance characteristes while the Spot system is really designed for entertainment purposes. In the Tybee 500 distance coastal-ocean race, all boats are required to carry PLBs, and most of us choose to sail with two (one on each of our lifejackets) in addition to many of the boats using the Spot tracking system which became overloaded and Spot denied access to the data by the end of the race. And of course, any rescue is dependent upon the availability of resources. The lesson is ultimately, fend for yourselves.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
Of course your spouse wants you to carry one. The instrument is well designed. Figure if I ever need it, I'll be rescuing someone. At 9 ounces it is much better than the previous model. However, let's be honest, it will be even better if it shed half its weight. Several new devices are also out there that provide a similar function and weigh less but with a bit of a compromise in function. These are certainly worth looking. But it is nice to know that you can whip out the PLB, flip up the antenna, activate it and sit back and wait for your rescue. For that I can bear a few extra ounces. It is always in my day pack which I keep in my car. You never know when you might need a rescue! Highly recommend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
Having this device gives me peace of mind. This device also makes my mother happier when I go snow camping in january. It comes with a nice clip to attach to your pack, and it also has a detacheable bungee cord for a backup.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
I have tested this unit a couple of time but thankfully never *used* it. It is small for the function it may provide in the real world, however I'm surprised that it isn't even smaller.
I also recently purchased a SPOT device, which is cheaper, smaller provides the same '911' functionality (although I'm not sure the SPOT actually goes direct to the COSPAS-SARSAT system) but it also provides 'check-in' and constant tracking options, so that others can stop convincing themselves that no news is good news.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
best gift you may never use. out of cell range most of the time anyway. ask your relatives for a fund. your mother first and you will have a present that could save your life or make it a little easier. best price i could find.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS:
I venture into the wilds of Alaska all the time and NEVER forget this tool! Imagine being stranded in the back country in need of help, and having $600 bucks in your bank account wishing you would have bought this... Do not be THAT person! This is a serious life saver that is simple and rugged. It has traveled with me from Costa Rica to Mt McKinley... Spend the money your life is worth it!!!
Displaying reviews 1-10
