ACR Electronics 8L2ACR-RLB-32 User Manual 8
ACR Electronics, Inc. 8
8
Y1-03-D148 Rev. A SATELLITE2TM 406 and RAPIDFIX TM 406 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon FCC Type Accepted Product No. 2774 Cat. I Product No. 2775 Cat. II Product No. 2776 Cat. I, GPS Product No. 2777 Cat. ll, GPS ACR Electronics, Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 USA (954) 981-3333 - Fax (954) 983-5087 http://www.acre|ectronimrcom SECTION I - THE SYSTEM 1.1 1.1.1 1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3 GENERAL This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the Satellite,"" 406 and RnpidFixTM 406 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, hereinafler referred to as the Beacon. This section describes the characteristics and details of the Beacon System. The FCC authorizes the use of 406 MHz Radio Beacons by any ship that is also equipped with a VHF Ship Station. This will make the 406 MHz Radio Beacon available for use on most US. ships and boats. EPIRB carriage requirements are contained in USCG regulations. PURPOSE The Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFix"M 406 Beacon provides distress alerting via radio transmission on 406 MHz to satellites of the COSPAS-SARSAT network. The message transmitted by the Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixTM 406 is unique for each EPIRB, which provides identification of the transmitter through computer access of registration files maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or other national authority. It is the users responsibility to fill out and mail the enclosed registration form to the appropriate agency of the country under which the vessel is registered. US flagged vessels send the enclosed NOAA/NESDIS form to NOAA in the stamped envelope provided. For vessels registered in other countries, the Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixT‘" 406 must be reprogrammed by an ACR authorized programming facility for the registered country. Remember, if your EPIRB is not registered, SAR Authorities do not know who you are, what type of vessel, your home port, or where to contact anyone who might know anything about your situation. Once Search and Rescue (SAR) forces are alerted by the Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFix"M 406 signal (406 MHz), relayed through the COSPAS-SARSAT network, they can converge on the GPS navigation position (RapidFixTM 406 only) or the position estimated by the satellite. Intermediate and short range location is aided by the Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixTM 406 on board radio beacon transmitter (121 .5 MHz) and high intensity xenon strobe light. Model numbers 2774 and 2776 of the Satellitez "4 406 and RapidFixT‘“ 406 may be deployed and activated automatically by the built-in hydrostatic float free release. Once free from the release bracket, the Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFiitTM 406 will automatically tum on if the water sensors are wet. Alternately, the Satellite,” 406 and RapidFixT’“ 406 can be manually activated by lifting the thumb switch to a vertical position, sliding it toward the antenna and [ Y1-03-0148 Rev. A 1.2.4 1.2.5 1.2.6 1.3 1.3.1 1.3.2 1.3.3 pushing back down to the opposite side of the EPIRB. Activating the beacon in this manner breaks 03 the "Activation Indicator Plastic Pin" and allows the switch to properly seat, showing the " I " symbol (ON). Power is provided by self contained long life batteries with a five year recommended replacement cycle. Self test is initiated by momentarily lifiing the thumb switch to a vertical position and holding it in this position for at least one second. The initiation of the test is indicated by a beep and the simultaneous lighting of the green and red LED's. The buzzer will beep three times as both the red and green LED‘s light simultaneously. The green LED will then light. followed by a flash of the strobe, indicating a successful test. During self test, an actual satellite message is transmitted while certain key performance parameters are measured and recorded. The self test message is modified to prevent the satellite from forwarding an alert message during self test. Following self test, the RapidFixT“ 406 (if connected to a GPS), will beep and simultaneously light the green and red LED's, to indicate valid GPS data acquisition. This GPS data is then stored in the beacon. (See Section 3.7) SATELLITE DETECTION The SatellitezTM 406 and RapidFiir'M 406 constitute the satellite EPIRB portion of the COSPAS-SARSAT System. The system was developed and implemented by the COSPAS-SARSAT Partners (Russian Federation, Canada, France and the United States). COSPAS-SARSAT is an international system that uses Russian Federation and United States low altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites that assist in detecting and locating activated 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs and 406 MHz Satellite EPIRBs. The Russian Federation provides aboard COSMOS navigation spacecrafi COSPAS payloads that are inter—operable with the SARSAT System. In addition to weather and environmental sensors, SARSAT payloads, provided by Canada and France, are carried aboard the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Advanced TIROS environmental satellites. (See Figure 1: Satellite Detection) COSPAS and SARSAT satellites receive distress signals from satellite EPIRBs transmitting on the frequency of 406.025 MHz. The COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz satellite EPIRB signal consists of a transmission of non-modulated carrier followed by a digital message format that provides identification data. The 406 MHz system uses spacecraft-home equipment to measure and store the Doppler— shifled frequency along with the satellite EPIRB digital data message and time of measurement. This information is transmitted in real time to an earth station 2 v1-oso14a Rev. A 13.4 1.3.5 1.3.6 1.3.7 called the Local User Terminal (LUT), which may be within the view of the satellite, as well as being stored for later uansmission to other LUTs. In the real— time mode, the sigma] detection is limited to a mutual EPIRB-satellite-LUT circular visibility area of about 2500 km radius that moves with the satellite along its track. However, because of the stored-mode capability at 406 MHz, the need for this mutual EPIRB-satellite-LUT visibility is not essential, and the system is fully fimctional worldwide. The LUT processes the Doppler-shifled signal and determines the location of the satellite EPIRB; then the LUT relays the position of the distress to a Mission Conn-01 Center (MCC) where the distress alert and location information is immediately forwarded to an appropriate maritime Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). The RCC dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces. The COSPAS-SARSAT System includes 33 LUTs and 19 MCCs that provide real-time as well as global-mode coverage for the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere is presently served primarily by the global mode. Additional LUTs and MCCs are planned for installation in the near future both in the northern and southern hemispheres. Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home on the 406 MHZ Satellite EPIRB signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz. The Satellitezr‘“ 406 and RapidFixT" 406 EPIRB are available in multiple combinations. The following product codes define the options available to meet specific operational requirements: Product No. Model No. Cat. 1 Cat II GPS Interface 2774 RLB-32 X 2775 RLB-32 X 2776 RLB-33 X X 2777 RLB-33 X X Note; All models above conform to Class 1 Requirements (operations: —40°C to 55° C storage: -50°C to 70°C) 3 Y1-03-U148 Rev, A 1.4 1.4.1 1.5 1.5.1 1.6 1.6.1 162 AUTHORIZATIONS The Satellitez'rM 406 and RapidFixT'“ 406 EPIRB meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 80 (Product No.’s 2774, 2775, 2776, and 2777) and GMDSS (Product No.'s 2774 and 2776) CHARACTERISTICS The Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixW 406 EPIRB is a floatable, battery operated unit. The beacon case, with its external antenna, is waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly that also contains the battery power supply. A “Test/On" switch is installed on top of the beacon, along with a strobe light. The beacon must be stored in its special mount, free of obstructions aboard a vessel for automatic float—off. The unit is self buoyant and no external floatation devices are required. TECHNICAL DATA — Satellite?“ 406 and RapidFixTM 406 Applicable Documents RTCM Stande for 406 MHz Satellite EPIRBs COSPAS-SARSAT Document C/S T.001 Oct. 98 FCC Part 80 (Model No.'s RLB-32 and RLB-33) and GMDSS (Product No.'s 2774 & 2776) Specifications 406 MHz Transmitter Frequency 406.025 MHz Frequency Stability 12 parts per billion/100ms Output Power 5 watts Digital Message Format RLB-32: Serialized‘ RLB-33: SerializedZ Duration 440 ms (RLB-32) 520 ms (RLB—33) Rate 400 bps Encoding Biphase L Modulation 11.1 radians peak ‘ Leaves ACR with Serialized U.S. code but can be reprogrammed at a service center to Maritime or other coded format including nationality of registration. 2 Leaves ACR with Serialized U.S, code but can be reprogrammed at a Service center to Maritime MMSI. 4 Y1-03-014B Rev. A 121.5 MHz Transmitter Frequency 121.5 MHz Frequency Tolerance 1:50 ppm Output Power 25 mW PEP Modulation Type AM (3K20A3X) Sweep Range 400 to 1200 Hz Sweep Rate 3 Hz Duty Cycle 37.5% Antenna Frequency 406.025 & 121.500 MHz Polarization Vertical VSWR Less than 1.5/1 Light Color White Output Power 0.75 effective candela Flash Rate 20—30 per minute General/Environmental Battery Life Operating 48 hours minimum Replacement Interval 5 years Size EPIRB less Antenna 720" (18.29 cm) Antenna 7.39" (18.77 cm) Material, EPIRB High impact and UV resistant plastic Color Yellow Weight 119 lbs. Temperature Range Operating Class I -40°C to +55°C Stowage Class 1 -50"C to +70°C Mounting Case {Product No's 2774 & 2776 only) Construction White High Impact and UV resistant plastic Size 6.5" x 17.1" Release System (16.51 cm x 43.4 cm) Hydrostatic with manual override Y1-03-0148 Rev. A Hydrostatic Release Kits No. 9323 SatellitezTM 406 and RapidFiirTM 406 hydro release kit Replacement Parts GPS Plug Encapsulated Logo 0p_tional Mounting Brackets are available for Product No’s 2775 and 2777. Construction White High Impact and UV resistant plastic Size 6.0" x 7.7" (15.2cm x19.5 cm) SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION (Attach antenna tightly onto unit) 2.1 2.li1 2.1.2 2.143 21.4 MOUN I ING LOCATION (Product No's 2774, 2776) The Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixTM 406 float-off mounting bracket should be mounted securely to a vertical or horizontal surface (the mount has predrilled holes for attachment to a flat surface) where there are no overhead obstructions. Location aboard a vessel must be chosen to allow the EPIRB to float free of sinking crafl and as high as possible especially on small vessels. This will help ensure operation of the hydrostatic release unit in the event the vessel capsizes without sinking. The location selected must be sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the total installation and at the same time consider vibration, exposure to the elements, exposure to surrounding hazards such as equipment movement, doors being opened, accidental covering, personnel traffic, etc, and yet be readily accessible at all times for the emergency use for which the beacon is intended. Also to be considered in selecting a location for installation is the harmful effect that cerwin corrosive vapors might have on the beacon. Under no circumstances should a location be selected for installation where the beacon would be jeopardized by any foreign articles being temporarily or permanently emplaced during “at sea” or “in port” activities. CAUTION: Care must be taken to prevent any lanyard, line, or other emergency equipment that may be attached to the beacon from becoming entangled or fouled which could prevent the beacon from being removed in an emergency. The Satellitez'm 406 and RapidFixTM 406 float-off mounting bracket should be securely attached to the vessels The use of #10 stainless steel hardware is recommended. 6 Y1-03-U148 Rev. A 2.1.5 2.1.6 2.2 2.2.1 Do not mount the Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixT” 406 in the vicinity (2 meters) of strong magnetic (such as loud speakers) or electric (such as radar or high power radio transmitter) fields. Consideration should be given to mounting the Satellite;TM 406 and RapidFixTM 406 in a vertical (antenna upward position). In certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies or disabled vessels, manual activation of the EPIRB for location and homing purposes is sometimes requested. Mounting in this orientation provides the best homing signal. VISUAL INSPECTION Visually inspect the area surrounding the mounting bracket installation site for hidden hazards, obstacles, etc., that may have been overlooked during selection. If there is any doubt as to the ready accessibility to the beacon at all times or if any condition may appear to be questionable, make complete and thorough investigation before making final approval of the installation. SECTION 3 - OPERATION 3.1 3.1.1 3.1.2 3.1.3 GENERAL The Satellitez'”M 406 and RapidFixTM 406 Beacon Models 2774, and 2776 are designed to be automatically deployed and activated. The Satellite,“ 406 and RapidFixTM 406 may also be hand held on the deck of vessels, or floated in water and attached to a rail or life vest with the lanyard provided. The Satellite?“ 406 and RapidFixm 406 are designed to operate best while floating in water, Hand held operation should be avoided when possible. Do not operate inside liferaft or under any similar cover or canopy. The Satellitef" 406 and RapidFixTM 406 Beacon can be deployed and activated manually in any of the available products. Because many users failed to properly place earlier generation beacons in the “ARMED” or “READY” positiom when installing them in their brackets, US. and International specifications require the elimination of the “OFF” switch position and the inclusion of sensors to automatically activate the beacon under specific conditions. The Satellite,"‘" 406 and RapidFiitTM 406 are equipped with sensors to detect when it is no longer in its bracket (a deployment condition) and other sensors to determine if it's in water. 7 Y1-03-014B Rev. A 3.1.4 3.1.5 3.2 3.2.1 3.3 3.3.1 Two conditions must be satisfied for the Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFix"M 406 to automatically activate: 1) It must be out of its bracket, 2) It must be in the water, Note: Either condition by itself will not activate the beacon. The SatellitezTM 406 and RapidFixT" 406 are designed to allow the user to perform periodic testing while EPIRB is in the release bracket to assure a fimctioning beacon. Place the Satellite.TM 406 and RapidFiir'”M 406 Product No‘s 2774 and 2756 into the release bracket with the coiled lanyard inward. The beacon should now be firmly held in the release bracket and ready for automatic deployment. AUTOMATIC DEPLOYMENT & DEACTIVATION (Product No‘s 2774 & 2776 only) Automatic deployment and activation occurs when the vessel sinks and a hydrostatic release device frees the beacon from the bracket allowing it to float to the surface. Built-in sensors detect that the beacon is no longer in its bracket and is in water. This condition will automatically activate the beacon. Note: Transmissions of the 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz signal will not occur until 50 seconds afier activation. MANUAL DEPLOYMENT & ACTIVATION The Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixTM 406 can be manually deployed by removing the retaining pin, removing the cover, then removing the beacon from the bracket. Once removed, the beacon can be activated by being placed in water or by lifting the thumb switch towards the antenna and placing the thumb switch back down on the opposite side of the EPIRB. Activating the beacon in this manner breaks off the Activation Indicator Plastic Pin and exposes the Signal Radiation Symbol on the thumb switch indicating the beacon is turned ON. Note: Some countries fine vessel owners for causing false alarms. The permanent breakage of the Activation Indicator Plastic Pin is a positive indication of a manual activation. 8 Y1—03-0146 Rev. A 3.4 3.4.1 3.5 3.5.1 3152 3.6 3.6.1 MANUAL ACTIVATION WITHOUT DEPLOYMENT The Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixTM 406 can be activated while still in its bracket by placing the thumb switch in the ON position. Activation by this method overrides all sensors and turns the beacon “ON”. The caution note above still applies. DEACTIVATION The SntelliteZ'M 406 and RapidFixTM 406 can be deactivated by: If manually activated: 1) Returning the thumb switch to the original OFF position. If automatically activated: 1) Removing the beacon from the water. The beacon normally takes up to 15 seconds to deactivate, or 2) Placing the beacon back into the release bracket. If the beacon confinues to operate afier it has been deactivated, remove the four screws holding the unit together and unplug the battery to disable the unit. Return it to a service center for repair. TEST The Satellite;TM 406 and RapidFixTM 406 can be tested in or out of the release bracket. A Self Test is initiated by lifiing the thumb switch to a vertical position and holding it in this position for at least one second. The initiation of the test is indicated by a beep and the simultaneous lighting of the green and red LED's. The sequence of tests is: 1. Check Data Integrity ..................... Beep and lights up LEDs if passed Stop if failed Beep and lights up LEDs if passed Stop if failed Beep and lights up LEDs if passed Stop if failed 4. Tum on green LED to indicate Successful Test. 5. Flash Strobe Light to test Strobe. 2: Check 406 MHz Synthesizer. If all of the above occurs, the test has been successful. NOTE: The homing beacon at 121.5 MHz is inhibited during self test. 9 Y1-03-0148 Revs A 3.6.2 3.7 3.7.1 3.7.2 3.7.3 3.7.4 It is strongly recommended to test the Satellite,m 406 and RapidFixTM 406 on a quarterly basis. External GPS Interface Connecting the Rapid FixTM 406 to a GPS via the thical Interface 13 Transmitter) Your Rapid Pix“ 406 comes with a GPS Optical Interface (transmitter plug with lead Mres) and a keyed GPS bezel. The transmitter plug attaches to your Rapid FixTM 406, via the keyed bezel. The GPS Optical Interface lead wires attach to your GPS via the NMEA 0183 connector from your GPS receiver. The black lead wire with white stripes should be connected to the positive transmitter pin. The black wire should be connected to the negative pin. NOTE: The baud rate output for your GPS receiver NMEA 0183 should be 4800 bps. Consult your GPS manufacturer for correct installation. Using the GPS Interface Once a compatible, operating GPS receiver is connected to the RapidFixTM 406, the beacon will store data for incorporation into the emergency message, which is transmitted to the satellite. This can provide more accurate positioning data to the Search and Rescue Authority and may lead to faster rescue. Since the last valid GPS position data is always kept in the memory of the RapidFixTM 406, the user should take care to make sure that the GPS position data stored is accurate. This can be accomplished by two methods: First, by always leaving a properly functioning GPS connected to the RapidFixTM 406 before activation. Second, by connecting the GPS to the RapidFixTM 406 and allowing sufficient time (approximately 30 minutes) for the RapidFixTM 406 to acquire valid GPS data before the beacon is activated. If valid GPS position data is not available, it is preferable to reset the RnpidFixTM 406 with the beacon‘s default message (See Section 3.7.5). Testing the GPS Interface Connect the Optical Interface Plug to the Rapid FixTM 406 bezel and allow sufficient time for the GPS receiver to acquire valid GPS position data (usually less than 1 minute; but it can take up to 30 minutes). Lift the thumb switch to the vertical (Self-Test) position and release. Your Rapid FixTM 406 will confirm that it has acquired valid GPS data by emitting a beep along with a flash of the red and green LED’s. This will occur approximately 2.5 seconds afler the Self-Test. Updating GPS Position data When the beacon is properly connected to a functioning and compatible GPS receiver, GPS position data is automatically updated about every 20 minutes, while valid GPS position data is present. 10 Y1-03-0148 Rev. A 3.7.5 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 The operator can force the immediate acquisition of new GPS position data, by executing Self-Test of the beacon. This by-passes the normal, programmed, waiting time of 20 minutes for the automatic update of GPS position data. NOTE: When the beacon is not activated, GPS position data will be received and stored by the Rapid FixTM 406 (No GPS position data updates will occur while the beacon is activated). Position data set to default: A new Rapid FixTM 406, is programmed with the GPS position data set to “default”. This “default” GPS position data indicates, upon activation, that to the satellite system that the beacon has no valid GPS position stored in memory. Once a functioning and compatible GPS receiver is properly connected to the beacon, this “default” data will be replaced by valid GPS position data, as described in the previous sections. Position data will be reset to default by activating the beacon (turning the beacon ON) and then turning the beacon OFF. NOTE: The action of turning the beacon ON and then OFF clears any stored GPS position data. MAINTENANCE (Check antenna for tightness) At least every ninety days, the float free mounting bracket and Satellite,TM 406 and Rapidli‘ix"M 406 EPIRB should be inspected for deterioration and/or buildup that may affect the function of the beacon or automatic release. Also carefully inspect the EPIRB case for any visible cracks. Cracks may admit moisture which could falsely activate the beacon or otherwise cause a malfunction. Any cracking observed should be immediately referred to ACR for evaluation, (1-800—432-0227 Ext. 112) Clean the beacon and the mounting bracket to remove residue buildups. It is recommended that the mounting bracket be waxed VVifl‘l a high quality marine wax. The hydrostatic release must be replaced by the date indicated on the float free mounting bracket. The hydrostatic release can be replaced by removing the Beacon from the bracket, then sliding the hydrostatic release out of the keyed opening on the spring and mounting bracket. Imert the new hydrostatic release assembly, in place by engaging it to the opening of the ejection spring and case. 11 Y1-03-D148 Rev. A 414 4.5 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Place beacon into the mounting bracket, and replace cover, securing in place with hitch pin going through the hydrostatic release rod. The battery must be replaced by the date indicated on the beacon. At each inspection, check the time remaining until replacement is required. NOTE: Them are no user serviceable items inside the EPIRB. DO NOT OPEN THE EPIRB UNLESS TO DISABLE IN CASE OF FAULTY ACTIVATION Refer all long life battery replacement and other internal EPIRB service to a factory authorized service center. For the nearest location of a factory authorized service center, call 1-800-432-0227 Ext. 112 (toll free). The SatellitezTM 406 and RapidFix"M 406 contain lithium batteries which are not subject to the requirements of the DOT Subchapter C, Hazardous Materials Regulations, because they meet the United Nations Classification of LiSOZ Batteries for Shipment of "Non — Dangerous". REGISTRATION It is imperative that this EPIRB be registered with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in the USA or with your own national authority. The EPIRB has been programmed with a unique identification number or code which is broadcast on 406 MHz. Registration provides the Search and Rescue people with important information which will speed up the rescue operation and minimize false alarms. To register this 13le with NOAA (USA registration only), simply fill out and mail the provided form in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope to NOAA or fax the completed form to NOAA at (301) 457-5406 NOAA will supply a Beacon Registration decal which is to be affixed to the Satellite,TM 406 and RapidFixTM 406. The recommended mounting location is on the front of bottom case above the instruction label. (See Figure 2) 12 Y1-01H3148 Rev. A 6.0 641 6.2 FALSE ALARMS Should there be, for any reason1 an inadvertent activation or false alarm, it must be reported to the nearest search and rescue authorities‘ The information that should be reported includes the satellite EPIRB Unigue Identifier Number (UIN); date, time, duration, and cause of activation; and the location at the time of activation. Contact the following to report false alarms (US): Atlantic Ocean/Gulf of Mexico— USCG Atlantic Area Command Center Tel: (212) 668-7055 Pacific Ocean Area— USCG Pacific Area Command Center Tel: (510) 437-3700 From any location— USCG HQ Command Center Tel: (800) 323-7233 ***WARN1NG*** THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER 13 v1-oa-014a Rev. A BASICCONCEPTOFTHHCGWWATWWM FIGURE 1: SATELLITE DETECTION 14 Y1-03-O14B Rem A < sum 2,53; m fl Swami? m8 55333. 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