ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics, Inc. is the leading development center for emergency beacons that are designed with one purpose: to save lives. Through our combined technology expertise in the marine, aviation, outdoor and military markets, we design and manufacture cutting edge rescue beacons and survival gear for boaters, pilots, hunters, hikers, climbers, cyclists, and combat troops, not to mention many of the leading boat builders and aircraft manufacturers in the industry.
ACR Electronics

Bivy or Personal Locator Beacon? Which one do I need?

Safety Beacons

Emergency position indicating radio beacons, commonly called EPIRBs, and their smaller siblings... 

Safety Beacons

All you need to know about ACR Eletronics products

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the battery is due for replacement?

There is a battery expiration date label on every beacon. It can be found either in the back or on the sides of the beacon itself.

Do I have to replace the battery if the beacon goes off by mistake and why?

Yes, as this is a lifesaving device it should be diligently maintained to perform as specified. It will need a new battery as any inadvertent activation will deplete the existing battery.

Can I buy a battery from you and replace it myself?

Please reference the product manual specific to the applicable product. Unless the product manual states that the product has a user replaceable battery, the battery of any EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon needs to be replaced by an ACR Certified Battery Replacement Center (BRC), where trained technicians will perform this service.

ARTEX ELT batteries can be replaced by Authorized Service Centers (ASCs). However, ELT batteries are user-replaceable, but ELTs may require local approval prior to reinstallation in an aircraft. Please check your local regulations.

What is a GPS Self Test?

Newer GPS (sometimes referred to as GNSS) equipped beacons may also include an optional GPS Satellite Acquisition Self Test (not all GPS beacons have this ability), which tests the operation of the GPS Receiver and its ability to encode your location into the transmitted distress message.

It is not uncommon for this test to only be permitted to be performed once or twice over the life of the battery (e.g. every couple of years), as this type of test can significantly reduce the battery life of the beacon. For beacons installed in commercial craft there are often regulatory requirements that define how often these tests should be performed.

Are there any Beacons that I can't test Through the Satellites?

Yes, in particular some older models of Beacons do not transmit a 406 MHz burst, so they cannot be tested in this way.

In addition some current other manufacturers models of Beacon incorporate features (e.g. a rolled up one time only use antenna) that reduce their radiated power output during a Self Test and therefore these beacons do not transmit a signal that is strong enough to reach the satellites.

What should I do if I get a Self Test failure?

If you get a Self Test failure, first check the instructions in the user manual supplied with your Beacon, make sure you carried out the test correctly and that you have followed any instructions provided. If you are sure your Beacon failed the self test then you should contact the beacon manufacturer or one of their appointed service agents for further advice and instructions.

How does one take care of a beacon?

Taking care of a beacon is quick and easy. Routine maintenance is part of having the beacon ready at all times. Follow the maintenance recommendations in the Owner’s Manual.

How do I get a replacement antenna for my Beacon?

Contact any Battery/Service Center for replacement. Please have the beacon in hand and be prepared to provide the beacon model number and whether the unit is in warranty or out of warranty.