The ACR GlobalFix V6 is a 406 MHz EPIRB, which stands for emergency position-indicating radio beacon, an onboard distress signal beacon or emergency transmitter. This Cat II version comes with a manual bracket. It features Return Link Service, an NFC app, and a minimum operating life of 48 hours.
Complete 406 MHz distress beacon with confirmation that your distress call has been received
The ACR GlobalFix V6 is an EPIRB for both recreational and professional use. When you activate the beacon, it transmits a digital mayday via the Cospas-Sarsat satellite network, including your position determined by GPS, Galileo, and Glonass. This version is supplied with the Cat II bracket, from which you remove the beacon manually.
What sets the V6 apart is the Return Link Service. A blue flashing light on the beacon indicates that your distress message has actually been received and that your position is known. That may sound like a detail, but in a situation where you hear nothing else, it is a huge relief to know that your call has arrived.
Why choose the GlobalFix V6 EPIRB?
406 MHz with global coverage: your distress signal is sent via Cospas-Sarsat to rescue services anywhere in the world
Return Link Service: a blue flashing light confirms that your distress message has been received and your position has been fixed
Position accuracy up to 100 meters: the built-in 72-channel receiver uses GPS, Galileo, and Glonass simultaneously
121.5 MHz homing signal: helps rescuers locate the beacon on-site, even if it has drifted away
White and infrared strobe light: makes you visible in the dark, including to helicopters with night-vision equipment
NFC and free ACR app: hold your phone against the beacon to view battery status, self-tests, and GNSS tests
Who is this product for?
The GlobalFix V6 is intended for anyone heading further offshore, regardless of the vessel type. The beacon is suitable for all types and sizes of ships: motorboats, sailboats, sport fishing boats, charter yachts, workboats, tugboats, and commercial fishing vessels. Whether you are crossing the North Sea, sailing along the coast, or working on the water, the requirements for a distress beacon are the same. This Cat II version is suitable for vessels where you want to mount the beacon in a protected and easily accessible location.
What are the benefits for you?
Certainty about your distress call: you see the blue light confirming your message has arrived
Ten years of peace of mind: the battery only needs to be replaced after ten years
Check whenever you want: use the app to see if the beacon is still in good working order
No subscription: registration is free and there are no monthly fees
Complies with requirements: approved according to Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, RED, and Canada ISED
Technical specifications
Product type
EPIRB, onboard distress beacon
Model number
RLB-43
Article number
2854.62
Transmit power
406.040 MHz 5 W nominal and 121.5 MHz 50 mW nominal
Return Link Service
Yes, confirmation directly on the beacon
NFC and mobile app
Yes, readable with the free ACR app
Strobe
White light and infrared
Dimensions (antenna up)
470 x 109 x 111 mm
Weight (beacon only)
810 g
Battery
Lithium Li/FeS2
Battery replacement
After 10 years or after activation
GNSS receiver
72 channels, GPS, Galileo, and Glonass
Activation
Out of the bracket and wet, or manually in/out of the bracket
Waterproof
10 meters for 5 minutes
Floating
Yes
Operating life
Minimum 48 hours at -20 degrees Celsius
Temperature range
Storage -30 to +70 degrees, operating -20 to +55 degrees
Mounting
Cat II, manual bracket included
Warranty
5 years
Brand
ACR
Extra features
Return Link Service
Confirmation via the Galileo satellite network, visible as a blue flashing light
NFC diagnostics
Battery status, number of self-tests, number of GNSS tests, and activation duration
GNSS test data
Map view of previous tests, date and time, fix time, number of satellites, and accuracy
Included
Mounting hardware article number 9657
Compatible
Cat II bracket 9656, Cat I enclosure 2832, HydroFix HRU 9490.1
Approvals
Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, RED, and Canada ISED
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is an EPIRB?
An EPIRB is a distress beacon mounted on board a vessel. As soon as you activate it, it transmits a digital distress signal on 406 MHz to the global Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, containing your position and your ship's identification. This allows rescue services to know exactly who you are and where you are.
Do I need to register my beacon?
Yes, that is mandatory. In the Netherlands, you register an EPIRB with the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure (RDI). You will then receive an MMSI number that must be programmed into the beacon, which your supplier can do for you. Using an EPIRB requires at least a Marcom-B certificate.
What is the difference between Cat I and Cat II?
The difference lies in how the beacon is released from its holder. A Cat I beacon is housed in a hydrostatic enclosure and is released automatically if the ship sinks at a depth between 1.5 and 4 meters. A Cat II beacon is removed from the bracket by hand. Both types can also be activated manually.
How long does the beacon continue to transmit?
The beacon transmits for at least 48 hours at -20 degrees Celsius. This is the international requirement for EPIRBs.
How do I know if my beacon is still working properly?
Perform a self-test monthly. If the test passes, the beacon is working. With this model, you can also view the test results using the free ACR app by holding your phone against the beacon.
Ultimate UpgradeUp to €600 extra off Simrad and B&G
On top of our regular price, Simrad and B&G add an extra discount on chartplotters, HALO radar, autopilots, VHF radios and sailing instruments. Already deducted, no code needed.
