ACR Electronics ACR-PLB-350 Personal Locator Beacon User Manual

ACR Electronics, Inc. Personal Locator Beacon Users Manual

Users Manual

i Y1-03-0241 rev T2 PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL PLB350 series GPS Personal Locator Beacons Model No.: PLB-350A, PLB-350B Product Variants: PLB-350A Float, PLB-350A Slim, PLB-350B Float, PLB-350B Slim Y1-03-0241 Rev. T2 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
2 Y1-03-0241 rev T2 Table of Contents SECTION 1 – REGISTRATION OF 406 MHZ BEACONS ___________________________________ 3 SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBLE USE ______________________________________________________ 5 SECTION 3 – OPERATION _____________________________________________________________ 6 SECTION 4 – ACCESSORIES __________________________________________________________ 8 SECTION 5 – CARE AND MAINTENANCE _______________________________________________ 9 SECTION 6 – THE SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM _____________________________________ 9 SECTION 7 – TECHNICAL INFORMATION _____________________________________________ 11 APPENDIX PHOTOS OF BEACON ON-GROUND AND ABOVE-GROUND CONFIGURATIONS ___________ 13 Foreword Thank you for purchasing from ACR Electronics, Inc. We design, manufacture and distribute quality products knowing they are used to save lives. Many of our products are required to be tested and approved by regulatory bodies worldwide. We believe in going beyond those specifications to insure our products work when needed in real world conditions. With proper care and maintenance your ACR product will last for years. It is important that you thoroughly read this product support manual to understand the proper care and use of your ACR product. ACR is proud to be certified to ISO 9001:2000, the International Standard for Quality. Summary of products This manual provides operation and maintenance instructions for Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), models PLB-350A and PLB-350B. This manual also describes the characteristics and details of the PLB350 series. Model PLB-350A PLB-350A PLB-350B PLB-350B ACR Product Variants PLB-350A Slim PLB-350 Float PLB-350B Slim PLB-350B FLoat Category Category II Category I* Category II Category I* GPS engine none none Internal Internal Top case Opaque Opaque Clear Clear *Floatation bottom case Slim bottom case Larger bottom case Slim bottom case Larger bottom case
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 3 SECTION 1 – REGISTRATION OF 406 MHZ BEACONS 1.1 Registration Importance (Registration is FREE and can be updated as many times as you want) It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz beacon registers it with the national authority*. All 406 MHz beacons transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is programmed in the PLB based on the country in which the beacon was purchased. Registration provides the Search and Rescue (SAR) forces with emergency contact information, and will speed the launch of a rescue operation. The National Authorities use the information to verify if an actual emergency exists. Valuable Search and Rescue personnel are put at risk and resources are wasted every year responding to false alerts. For beacons that are not registered, SAR authorities will not know who you are, or who to contact regarding additional information about your current situation. This could delay the launch of a rescue operation. *The national authority is the governmental body that is responsible for Beacon Registration Database administration in the country for which the beacon is programmed. 1.2 Where to Register You must register your beacon with the national authority of your resident country. Verify that your beacon’s UIN is programmed for your resident country, regardless of where you do your adventuring. To verify the country for which a beacon is programmed, see the label with the UIN on the back of the unit. Units that do not have a country specified on the UIN label are programmed for the United States. If you should move to a new country, you must register your beacon with the national authority of that country and have the UIN reprogrammed for that country (if necessary). For a list of the national authorities in your area, please view them at http://www.cospas-sarsat.com/Management/listOfParticipants.htm 1.3 Registration in the United States It is your responsibility to register your 406 MHz beacon(s) that are programmed for and purchased in the United States. The national authority that accepts registrations in the United States is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). There are three options by which the beacon can be registered: A. The fastest and easiest way to register your beacon with NOAA is to use the online registration database. B. If the internet is not accessible to you, complete the enclosed registration form. Do not confuse this with the ACR Electronics warranty card. Mail with the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope to: C. Faxing your registration is also acceptable. Fax the registration form to fax # +1 (301) 817-4565. Note that the information you provide on the registration form is used only for rescue purposes. Complete and send the registration immediately. All registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz beacon registration database within 48 hours of receipt. For the fastest service, register online! In the United States: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov NOAA SARSAT Beacon Registration NSOF, E/SP3 4231 Suitland Road Suitland, MD 20746
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 4 A confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-of-registration decal will be mailed to you within two weeks. When you receive these documents, please check the information carefully, then affix the decal to your beacon in the area marked “BEACON DECAL HERE.” If you do not receive confirmation back from NOAA in the expected timeframe, call toll free +1 (888)-212-7283 for assistance. 1.4 Registration in Canada The national authority in Canada is the NSS (National Search & Rescue Secretariat). Canadian residents can register online at http://beacons.nss.gc.ca/. For more information please contact the NSS at +1 (613) 966-1504 or +1 (800) 727-9414. 1.5 Registration in Other Countries In countries other than the United States and Canada, 406 MHz beacons are registered with that country’s national authority at the time of purchase. The sales agent should assist in filling out the forms and sending to that country’s national authority. To verify that the unit is properly programmed for that country, view the UIN label on the side of the unit. In the event that the beacon is not programmed for the country it has been purchased in, the sales agent, (if properly equipped) can reprogram the unit for that country. 1.6 Change of Ownership or Contact Information It is your responsibility to advise the national authority of any change in the information on the registration form. If the current owner of the beacon is transferring the beacon to a new owner, the current owner is required to inform the national authority by using their online database or by letter, fax or telephone, of the name and address of the new owner. The new owner of the beacon is required to provide the national authority with all of the information requested on the registration form. This obligation transfers to all subsequent owners. Registration forms for the United States are available from NOAA by calling 1 (888) 212-7283 or by visiting our website at www.acrelectronics.com. 1.7 Lost or Stolen Beacons Things you need to do if your beacon is stolen: • Report to your local authorities that the beacon has been lost or stolen. • Contact NOAA at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283), or your national authority, with the following information so your beacon registration information can be updated with the appropriate remarks: o Police Department Name o Police Phone Number o Police Case Number If the beacon were to be activated, the information you provided will be forwarded to the appropriate search and rescue authorities who will ensure that your beacon gets back to you. If someone attempts to register an beacon reported as stolen, NOAA or your national authority will notify the appropriate police department. Visit www.cospas-sarsat.org for more detailed information. National Search and Rescue Secretariat 400-275 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 5 SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBLE USE A Personal Locator Beacon is a distress signaling device of last resort, for use when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted; where the situation is grave and imminent, and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance. Deliberate misuse may incur a severe penalty. 2.1 Prevention of False Alerts A false alert is any activation of the beacon, intentional or otherwise, that does not result from a situation of grave and imminent danger. Be sure to do the following: • Register your beacon. This does not reduce false alert rates; however, it does have a dramatic effect on the impact of a false alert. When the beacon is properly registered, the situation can be resolved with a phone call. • Be careful who you leave your beacon with. Make sure that they how to use it, and that they understand the ramifications of causing a false alert. A lot of false alerts are generated by curious individuals. If you notice the beacon is flashing the red or green LED and BEEPING periodically on its own, this likely means it has accidentally been activated and needs to be shut off and reported. The COSPAS- SARSAT satellites detect distress beacon transmissions immediately. These satellites will locate the transmission within a few minutes of the beacon activation. This is good if you are in distress, but if you are not, you just generated a false alert. NOTE: If you report a false alert and the authorities have not received the signal, don’t worry. This may mean the beacon was deactivated before transmitting the signal. 2.2 Reporting of False Alerts A false alert must be reported to the nearest search and rescue authorities. The information reported must include the beacon Unique Identifier Number (UIN), date, time, duration and cause of activation, as well as location of beacon at the time of activation. If the beacon is registered outside of the United States, contact your national authority. United States Air Force Rescue Tel: 1-800-851-3051 Coordination Center (AFRCC) False alerts that are rectified must be reported to the AFRCC to let them know that the situation has been corrected and everything is fine. Responsibly reporting these events to the AFRCC or your proper authority will not incur a penalty, but deliberate misuse or not notifying the proper authority may incur a severe penalty. TO REPORT FALSE ALERTS WORLDWIDE, CONTACT THE NATIONAL AUTHORITY WHERE YOUR BEACON IS REGISTERED.
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 6 SECTION 3 – OPERATION The PLB350 beacon models are designed to be manually deployed and activated. They are only to be activated when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted. When properly registered as required, the activation of the beacon tells Search and Rescue who you are, where you are, and that you are facing a life threatening situation. Note that the keypad functions for all PLB350 models are the same and in the same location. See Figure 2. NOTE: Reference to GPS functionality in Figure 2 applies only to those PLB-350B models that are equipped with an internal GPS system. 3.1 Activation (406 MHz and 121.5 MHz) To activate your beacon in a distress situation, follow these steps: 1) Unfasten the antenna from the case. 2) Move it into the upright position (see Figure 3 below). 3) Depress the ON/OFF button for 1 full second. You will hear a BEEP and your beacon is now activated. While transmitting your distress signal, the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds alerting you that your beacon is active. An additional BEEP will sound every time your beacon transmits data to the satellites (roughly every 50 seconds).    Figure 2 - Key Pad Functions Self- test/ GPS Button Activation Diagram When activated: (Red LED) 406 MHz Only (Green LED) 406 MHz includes GPS data ON / OFF Button Figure 3 - Activation (IR LED) Programming Interface (Not owner accessible)
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 7 3.2 406/121.5 Antenna Position For maximum performance you must deploy the beacon antenna into the proper position (see Figure 3). If at all possible, be sure the antenna is positioned facing the sky and avoid submerging in water. This device is intended to operate on or above the ground only: It is not intended to operate while floating in water. 3.3 Activation with GPS (PLB-350B only) Your beacon is equipped with an internal GPS receiver if you purchased the PLB-350B model. Once activated, the GPS engine will start up and search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal. As soon as the GPS receiver acquires good positioning data the red LED will stop blinking and the green LED will begin flashing once every 2 seconds. The same GPS data will be sent with each 406 MHz signal for the next twenty minutes. At that time the internal GPS will start up again, search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your next 406 MHz signal. If for any reason the internal GPS cannot update your LAT/LON, your last position will be used for the next four hours. At that time the green LED will stop blinking and the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds until new GPS data is obtained. 3.4 GPS Receiver Orientation When a model PLB350B with GPS is activated, it is critical that you do not cover the beacon with any body part, water, clothing, etc. The GPS receiver is located under the bottom portion of the case behind the ResQFix™12 or MicrOFix™12 logo. To ensure optimum performance of the GPS receiver, the beacon needs to have an unobstructed view of the sky. 3.5 Deactivation To deactivate your beacon, depress the ON/OFF button for 1 second. Once the beacon is deactivated, all blinking LED’s will stop, signifying that the beacon is no longer sending your distress message. 3.6 Self- test ACR strongly recommends performing the Self- test once per month, or at least two weeks prior to a trip allowing enough time for service should your beacon require it. A Self- test is initiated by holding the Self- test button for at least ½ second and less than 5 seconds. Your beacon will sound an initial beep and flash the green LED to signify the test has begun. The green LED will flash a second time to indicate that the self test was successful. NOTE: The beep is a very high pitch that many people are unable to hear. Components Tested: Data Integrity and Memory; 406 MHz Synthesizer; RF Power/Battery; GPS header If a red LED flashes at the completion of the Self- test, your beacon has failed. Repeat the Self- test. If the failure persists, contact ACR Electronics or an authorized Battery Replacement Center for servicing of your beacon. NOTE: During a Self- test your beacon will send a 406 MHz signal coded as Self-test to the satellite system. The 121.5 MHz homing signal is inhibited during Self- test; this allows you to test your beacon any time during the day without causing false alerts. Self Test Sequences Self Test Guide ( Green LED Red LED) Green LED, 4 BEEPS, Green LED Successful Self- test Green LED, Less than 4 BEEPS, Red LED Failed Self- test – Return beacon to ACR Red LED, 4 BEEPS, Green LED Successful Self- test – At least 1 hour of battery power has been depleted, have battery replaced. Red LED, Less than 4 BEEPS, Red LED Failed Self- test – Return unit to ACR for service.
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 8 Figure 4 - Belt Clip  3.7 Battery Witness Seal Life If your beacon flashes an initial red LED at the beginning of the Self- test, this indicates that your electronic witness has been broken and you have used more than 1 hour of battery life for the PLB-350A models and more than 1 hour 20 minutes for the PLB-350B models. While the beacon will still operate normally in a distress situation, ACR strongly recommends you have your battery replaced and the electronic witness reset to ensure that you will have 24 hours of battery power. 3.8 GPS Testing (GNSS Self-Test) This test is NOT required as 100% of all GPS receivers that leave ACR have been tested to ensure they perform correctly. However, if you would like to ensure your GPS receiver is working, please follow these instructions very closely. CAUTION: For PLB-350B models, the following test should not be performed more than twelve times during the life of the battery pack. Once this GPS testing feature reaches 12 times, the feature will be disabled by internal software. NOTE: The GPS receiver is located under the bottom front portion of the case. It is imperative that the receiver is not obstructed during Self- test or activation to ensure that the GPS receiver is acquiring your latitude (LAT) and longitude (LON) position. This test must be performed outside with a clear view of the sky. Press the self-test button for greater than 5 seconds. Observe the beacon for the entire GPS test. A BEEP and green LED will indicate that the GPS has been turned ON. The beacon will BEEP every 5 seconds and the GPS will remain ON until LAT/LON coordinates have been obtained or until 2 minutes have elapsed. If good LAT/LON data has been obtained, a single 406MHz test burst will be sent out with location data and the GPS will be turned OFF and the green LED will light for at least 3 seconds along with a long beep. This LAT/LON data is not saved for use. The green LED indicates that the GPS is functioning properly and that the beacon is in a location or environment where it can receive the necessary signals from satellites. If the GPS does not acquire good LAT/LON data, the GPS will turn OFF after 2 minutes, followed with a RED LED light up for 3 seconds along with a long beep, and no 406MHz burst sent out. GPS Test Sequences (maximum duration 121 seconds) GPS Test Guide Green LED and BEEP at start followed by continuous BEEPS every 5 seconds, Green LED & Long BEEP Successfully acquired GPS data, 406 MHz burst sent out with location data Green LED and BEEP at start followed by continuous BEEPS every 5 seconds, Red LED & Long BEEP GPS data was not successfully acquired, no burst sent out. SECTION 4 – ACCESSORIES 4.1 Multi-Function Belt Clip The TerraFix™ 406 and MicrOFix™12 come standard with a multi-functional belt clip. To install the clip, simply align the bottom tabs on the clip with the insert holes located on the bottom of the beacon. Snap the clip in place by pressing the top of the clip so that the two top tabs engage in the two insert holes on the top of the beacon (see Figure 4). To remove the clip, push up and back on the top tabs one at a time to disengage the clip from the beacon. The belt clip has been designed to accommodate your extreme adventures. You can secure your beacon directly to backpack webbing straps, life jackets or belts to ensure the beacon is close at hand. ACR recommends that you secure your beacon someplace on your person that is easily accessible in case of an emergency for rapid activation. Ensure the beacon is secured firmly and is protected before heading out to avoid damage or loss.
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 9 SECTION 5 – CARE AND MAINTENANCE 5.1 Routine Maintenance Carefully inspect the beacon 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 by calling 1-800-432-0227 in the US, or +1-954-981-3333 elsewhere. ACR technical support can also be reached by sending an email to service@acrelectronics.com. After checking the beacon case for cracks, it may be wiped down with a clean, damp cloth. Do not use any type of cleaner on your beacon. 5.2 Battery Replacement The battery must be replaced by the date indicated on the beacon or every five (5) years. At each inspection, check the time remaining until replacement is required. The battery should be replaced if the beacon has been activated for any use other than the self test. Always refer all long life battery replacement and other beacon service to a factory authorized service center. Battery replacement includes servicing the beacon by replacing all o-rings, testing the water seal and the electrical properties. NOTE: There are no user serviceable items inside the beacon. DO NOT OPEN THE BEACON. For the nearest location of a Battery Replacement Center, visit our website at www.acrelectronics.com The beacon may or may not require special shipping instructions due to the lithium batteries and changes in shipping regulations. Call ACR’s customer service department at +1 (954) 981-3333 ext. 2110 for proper shipping instructions. SECTION 6 – THE SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM 6.1 General Overview Beacons provide distress alerts via radio transmission on 406 MHz to the LEOSAR satellites of the Cospas- Sarsat network. Some beacons can also transmit a distress alert (acquired by the internal GPS) to the GEOSAR network that includes GPS latitude and longitude coordinates. The message transmitted is unique for each beacon, which provides identification of the transmitter through computer access of registration files maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or other national authority*. Remember, SAR forces will know who you are and who to contact that might know of your current situation only if your beacon has been properly registered. This will help expedite the launch of a rescue operation. NOTE: 406 MHz beacons are required to have their registration updated every two years. *The national authority is the governmental body responsible for beacon registration database administration for the country for which the beacon is programmed. Once the 406 MHz signal is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR network, SAR forces determine which SAR group is closest. This group proceeds to the beacon using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency. 6.2 Satellite Detection Beacons transmit to the satellite portion of the Cospas- Sarsat system. Cospas- Sarsat is an international system that utilizes Russian Federation and United States’ low altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites (LEOSAR). These satellites assist in detecting and locating activated 406 MHz satellite beacons. Cospas and Sarsat satellites receive distress signals from beacons transmitting on the frequency of 406 MHz. The Cospas- Sarsat 406 MHz beacon signal consists of a transmission of non-modulated carriers followed by a digital message format that provides identification data. The 406 MHz system uses Satellite-borne equipment to measure and store the Doppler-shifted frequency along with the beacon’s digital data message
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 10and time of measurement. This information is transmitted in real time to an earth station called the Local User Terminal (LUT), which may be within the view of the satellite, as well as being stored for later transmission to other LUTs. The LUT processes the Doppler-shifted signal from the LEOSAR and determines the location of the beacon, then the LUT relays the position of the distress to a Mission Control Center (MCC) where the distress alert and location information is immediately forwarded to an appropriate Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). The RCC dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces. The addition of the GEOSAR satellite system greatly improves the reaction time for a SAR event. This satellite system has no Doppler capabilities at 406 MHz, but will relay the distress alert to any of the LUT stations. When there is GPS data included in the distress message, SAR authorities instantly know your location to within 110 yards (100 m). This speeds up the reaction time by not having to wait for one of the LEOSAR satellite to pass overhead. Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home in on the 406 MHz Satellite beacon signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz. 6.3 Global Positioning System (GPS) The GPS system is a satellite group that enables a GPS receiver to determine its exact position to within 30 m (100 ft.) anywhere on earth. With a minimum of 24 GPS satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of approximately 11,000 miles they provide users with accurate information on position, velocity, and time anywhere in the world and in all weather conditions. The PLB350 stores this data into its distress transmission allowing search and rescue forces to narrow the search into a very small area and thus minimize the resources required, dramatically increasing the effectiveness of the overall operation. Figure 6- Satellite Coverage Figure 7- GEOSAR Satellite Orbits Figure 8 – GPS Satellite
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 11 SECTION 7 – TECHNICAL INFORMATION 7.1 Characteristics The PLB350 series are battery operated Personal Locator Beacons. The beacon case, with its antenna, is waterproof, while semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly which also contains the battery power supply. Keypads with “self test” and “ON” buttons are installed on the case, along with an internal beeper and three LEDs. The beacon contains a GPS receiver that will acquire your LAT/LON located under the bottom of the front case. The PLB350 series meet the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95 Subpart K; and European R&TTE Directive. NOTE: FCC approval is pending. R&TTE approval is pending. CE mark is pending. 7.2 Applicable Documents COSPAS- SARSAT C/S T.001 Specification for 406 MHz Distress Beacons COSPAS- SARSAT C/S T.007 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval Standard ETSI 302 152-1 Technical Characteristics of 406 MHz Satellite PLBs RTCM Paper 76-2002/SC110-STD RTCM Recommended Standards for 406 MHz Satellite PLBs Industry Canada RSS-287 Radio Standards Specification for EPIRBs, ELTs and PLBs Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS 4280.2 406 MHz Satellite Distress Beacons; Part 2: PLBs NOTE: For all other type approval information, please visit our website at www.acrelectronics.com. 7.3 Specifications 406 MHz Transmitter Frequency 406 MHz Output Power 5 watts Frequency Stability ±2 parts per billion/100ms Digital Message: Format Long message Serialized1* Message protocol Standard Location Duration 520 ms Rate 400 bps Encoding Biphase L Modulation ±1.1 radians peak 1* Beacons are shipped from ACR with a Serialized code but can be reprogrammed at a service center to other coded formats including nationality of registration. 121.5 MHz Transmitter Frequency: 121.5 MHz Frequency Tolerance ±50 ppm Output Power 25 mW PEP Morse Code “P” ID Every 50 seconds (approximately) (U.S. Protocol) Modulation Type AM (3K20A3N) Sweep Range 400 to 1200 Hz Sweep Rate 3 Hz Duty Cycle 37.5% Morse P AM (2K00A2A) (U.S. Protocol) STROBE LIGHT Light color Bright White Flash rate 1 flash per 3 seconds
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 12Antenna Frequency 406 & 121.500 MHz Polarization Vertical VSWR Less than 1.5:1 General/Environmental Minimum Battery Operating Life +24 hours minimum @ -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F) Battery Replacement Interval 5 years, after use in an emergency, or expired battery witness seal *Batteries meet the UN Classification for Non-dangerous goods Size of beacon less Antenna 1.25 x 5.81 x 2.31 in (3.71 x 14.75 x 5.8 cm) Material High impact and UV resistant plastic Color ACR-treuse™ (High Visibility Yellow) Weight 9.8 oz (277 grams) w/o holster Waterproof Factory Tested to 3.28 ft (1 m) for 1 hour and to 32.8 ft (10 m) for 10 minutes, both at room temperature Buoyancy See “Summary of products” table, page 1 Temperature Range Operating -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F) Storage: -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 13APPENDIX Photo of Beacon in the ON-GROUND Operating Configuration:
Y1-03-0241, rev.T2 14 Photo of Beacon in the Above GROUND Operating Configuration:

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