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ACR Electronics Microfix 406 Personal Locator Beacon with GPS

ACR Electronics Microfix 406 Personal Locator Beacon with GPS

Item # 751974
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This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

The small, light ACR Electronics Microfix 406 Personal Locator Beacon with GPS can be easily stored in a pack or a pocket.

  • Smaller and lighter than the Terrafix, this PLB is designed for fast and easy deployment in a range of uses and conditions
  • Includes GPS coordinates in the emergency satellite transmission via the onboard, internal GPS for greater position accuracy
  • The 406 MHz transmission of the activated PLB sends a personalized, coded signal that uniquely identifies your beacon
  • Personalized signal tells Search and Rescue (SAR): who you are, where you are and that you are in a life-threatening situation
  • The COSPAS-SARSAT satellites that receive the PLB signal encircle the globe, allowing you to signal for help from anywhere on the planet
  • Signal is matched to the beacon-owner's data, providing rescuers with the user's name, address and contact phone number
  • Owner's data may also provide other important information such as any medical condition that rescuers may need to be aware of
  • Made to meet the rigorous testing standards of COSPAS-SARSAT, FCC, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center
  • Once within the 1-mile search radius, the PLB also transmits a homing signal, allowing SAR to pinpoint the PLB's exact location
  • ACR Electronics Microfix is covered by a 5-year warranty; operates on 2 lithium batteries with 5-year shelf lives before initial use
  • Batteries will operate 24 hours once activated
  • Comes standard with a sturdy plastic holster to attach the PLB to backpack webbing, PFDs, belts and climbing harnesses
  • Case and instruction label are oil-, water- and UV- resistant, with non-corroding metal components
  • Internal power source is designed to work when all else has failed

This Personal Locator Beacon should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger, and only as a last resort when all means of self-rescue have been exhausted.

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

ACR Electronics Microfix 406 Personal Locator Beacon with GPS Specs

Specification

Description

Suggested useInland use
GPS/Satellite detectableOnboard GPS/Yes
ActivationManual
Location accuracy0.05 miles
Time until SAR notification3 minutes
Dimensions5.85 x 2.21 x 1.4 inches
Weight10 ounces
MaterialPolycarbonate blend
Water-resistance16 feet
Battery typeLithium (5 year replacement life)
Battery operational lifeOver 24 hrs. at -20C
CertificationApproved by FCC; COSPAS-SARSAT; R&TTE

ACR Electronics Microfix 406 Personal Locator Beacon with GPS Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
ACR Electronics Microfix 406 PLB with GPS
 
4.7

(based on 10 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Compact (7)
  • Simple controls (7)
  • Strong construction (7)
  • Waterproof (7)
  • Easy to set up (5)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Survival (7)
    • Backcountry camping (5)
    • River trips (4)
    • Day trips (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Avid adventurer (8), Professional (4), Outdoor enthusiast (3)

    Reviewed by 10 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-10

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    Oct

    3

    2008

    (19 of 20 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Best Panic Button with a Design Flaw

    By bknight

    from Dallas, TX

    About Me Avid Adventurer, Gearhead, Outdoor Enthusiast

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Compact
    • Easy To Set Up
    • Reliable Performance
    • Simple Controls
    • Strong Construction
    • Waterproof

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Backcountry Camping
      • Day Trips
      • River Trips
      • Survival

      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.

      • Gift:
      • No

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (19 of 20 customers found this review helpful)

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      Aug

      24

      2008

      (18 of 20 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      ACR is actually cheaper than the SPOT

      By Ski Camper

      from Minnesota

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Long Battery Life
      • Simple Controls
      • Strong Construction
      • Waterproof

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Backcountry Camping
        • Survival

        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.

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (18 of 20 customers found this review helpful)

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        Jul

        29

        2008

        (12 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        best peace of mind on the market

        By Kris K.

        from Wisconsin

        About Me Avid Adventurer, Gearhead, Outdoor Enthusiast, Professional

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Accurate
        • Compact
        • Easy To Set Up
        • Long Battery Life
        • Reliable Performance
        • Simple Controls
        • Strong Construction
        • Waterproof

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Backcountry Camping
          • Day Trips
          • River Trips
          • Road Trips
          • Survival

          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.

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (12 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

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          Dec

          31

          2008

          (10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          For those reviewers not informed!

          By ijack

          from Newpoprt, RI

          About Me Professional

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Accurate
          • Compact
          • Easy To Set Up
          • Long Battery Life
          • Reliable Performance
          • Simple Controls
          • Strong Construction
          • Waterproof

          Cons

          • None

          Best Uses

          • ALL

          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.

          • Gift:
          • No

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

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          Oct

          25

          2008

          (9 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great

          By K3786

          from White Plains, NY

          About Me Avid Adventurer, Professional

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Simple Controls
          • Strong Construction
          • Waterproof

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Survival

            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.

            • Gift:
            • No

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (9 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

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            Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

            Oct

            26

            2007

            (8 of 16 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            Mom and Apple Pie

            By Spinesnaper

            from Los Angeles

            About Me Avid Adventurer

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Compact
            • Tough

            Cons

            • Heavy

            Best Uses

            • Backpacking
            • Car Camping
            • Day trip
            • Hiking
            • Mountaineering

            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.

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (8 of 16 customers found this review helpful)

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            Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

            Jan

            31

            2008

            (7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Peace of mind

            By RyanxOr

            from Moscow, Idaho

            About Me Outdoor Enthusiast

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Compact
            • Waterproof

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Backcountry Camping
              • River Trips
              • Survival

              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.

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

              (7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

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              Dec

              4

              2007

              (6 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Bulky and better than nothing

              By echo delta

              from Seattle, WA

              About Me Avid Adventurer

              Pros

              • Accurate
              • Easy To Set Up
              • Long Battery Life
              • Simple Controls
              • Strong Construction
              • Waterproof

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Survival

                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.

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                (6 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

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                Sep

                12

                2007

                (3 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                great gift

                By alaska trekker

                from scottsdale, arizona

                About Me Avid Adventurer, Casual/ Recreational, Professional Guide

                Pros

                • Compact
                • Lightweight
                • Tough

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Backpacking
                  • Car Camping
                  • Day trip
                  • Hiking
                  • Mountaineering

                  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.

                  Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                  (3 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

                  Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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                  Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

                  Jun

                  3

                  2009

                   
                  5.0

                  No monthly Fees!

                  By FNColdAlaska

                  from Fairbanks ALaska

                  About Me Avid Adventurer, Professional

                  Site Member

                  Pros

                  • Accurate
                  • Compact
                  • Easy To Set Up
                  • Long Battery Life
                  • Reliable Performance
                  • Simple Controls
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Backcountry Camping
                    • Day Trips
                    • River Trips
                    • Road Trips
                    • Survival

                    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!!!

                    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

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