ACR Electronics ACR-PLB-375 Personal Locator Beacon User Manual

ACR Electronics, Inc. Personal Locator Beacon

User Manual

Cobham Beacon Solutions5757 Ravenswood RoadFort Lauderdale, FL 33312Europe Office:ACR Electronics Europe GmbHHandelskai 388 / Top 632,1020 Vienna, Austriawww.acrelectronics.com406 MH P l L B406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUALModel: PLB-375 / Product No.: 2880Y1-03-0251RevT1Y1-03-0251 Rev. T11
PLEASE READ ALL WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES CARFULLYTable Of Contents & WarningsCAUTION: Before proceeding to test or use your new ACRElectronics’ product, please read this Product SupportManual in its entirety.Table of Contents1. Registration 32. Anatomy Of A Rescue 63At OfY B7WARNING: The PLB must be promptly registered with theappropriate National Authority. Failure to register the PLBcould delay a Search and Rescue (SAR) response and maybe unlawful.WARNING: This transmitter is authorized for use only3. Anatomy Of Your Beacon74. Activating Your Beacon 85. Turning Your Beacon Off 116 Testing Your Beacon12during situations of grave and imminent danger. Deliberatemisuse may incur a severe penalty.CAUTION: False alerts endanger lives and cause expensivedisruption to Search and Rescue services, deliberate misuseof the PLB could result in penalty and fine.6. Testing Your Beacon127. Satellite Testing 148. Preventing False Alarms 159 Beacon Maintenance16CAUTION: Contains lithium batteries. Do not incinerate,puncture, deform, short-circuit or recharge.CAUTION: Do not dismantle the PLB, contains no user-serviceable parts.9. Beacon Maintenance1610. Product Specifications 18Declaration of Conformity 19CAUTION: Remove from pouch prior to operationDisposal: Remove the Lithium battery. Dispose of the usedbattery in accordance with local waste disposal regulations.Air Travel: Product contains small lithium metal batteriesThis manual supports all configurations of PLB-375 beacons. In additionto the part numbers listed on the cover page, other configurations ofthese products may be available, thus you may have purchased aproduct configuration with a different version of the part number (forexample, 2880.63). As long as the first four digits are the same as oneof the part numbers on the cover, this manual is applicable. If you havetidithttfthlthitthat comply with IATA SP 188-PI 970 Air Cargo. Alwayscheck with air carrier concerns for any additionalrestrictions.questions regardingthecontentsofthe manualor somethingnotcovered in the manual, please contact our Technical ServiceDepartment at ACR Electronics Europe GmbH Telephone +43-1-5 237237 240. 2
1. RegistrationREGISTERING YOUR BEACONWhy is registration important?As the owner of this 406 MHz beacon, it is a requirement that you register it with therequirement that you register it with the National Authority of your country. Please note that in many countries all 406 MHz beacons are required to have their registration updated every two years by the owner. Please check the requirements for your country of registration.HOW REGISTRATION WORKS:All 406 MHz beacons transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is programmed into the beacon based on the country in which the beacon is registered, thus authorities are able to determine which country’s database will have your registration information. Search and Rescue (SAR) forces will have information as to who you are as the owner of the beacon, the name and type of vessel that you have (if applicable), your address, and who to contact that might know of your current situation - but only if your beacon has been properly registered. Valuable search and rescue resources are wasted every year responding to false alerts, and registering your beacon helps to resolve this quickly.3
1. RegistrationWhat country should I register in? The beacon must be registered in the country of the owner’s residence. If the beacon is not programmed to that country’s code and protocol, and the residence is outside of the USA, the beacon needs to be reprogrammed. Additionally, the beacon must be reprogrammed if you, as the owner, move out of the country where the beacon is registered. To verify the country for which a beacon is programmed, see the label with the UIN (Unique Identification Number) on the back of the unit. For a complete list of all countries with online registration links visit pgwww.acrelectronics.com/support/registrations/Please check to make sure that your PLB is registered correctlyUser Tip4
1. RegistrationRegistration This Personal Locator Beacon is shipped into Europe with a country code programmed for the UK. To register this in the UK fill out the form that come with the Beacon. In countries other than the United Kingdom, 406 MHz beacons are registered with that country’s national authority or on the Cospas-Sarsat International Registration Data Base (IBRD) www.cospas-sarsat.org/ibrd. The sales agent may have assisted you in filling out the forms and sending them to the country’s national authority. yyTo verify that the unit is properly programmed for your country, view the UIN label on the back of the unit. In the event that the beacon is not programmed for your country, the sales agent (if properly equipped) can reprogram the unit for the correct country.reprogram the unit for the correct country.International customers should visit www.acrelectronics.com to find the proper location to register your beacon. 5
2. Anatomy Of A RescueSTEPTWO‐ HOWTHEBEACONWORKSHowyourbeaconsummonshelp406MHzbeaconsareatypeofportableemergencyequipmentthattransmitsadistresssignaltosearchandrescue(SAR)organizations.ThepurposeofthesebeaconsistoaidSARteamsintrackingandlocatingshipsorindividuals in jeopardy as rapidly as possibleindividualsinjeopardyasrapidlyaspossible.The406MHzfrequencyisaworldwidededicatedemergencyfrequencythatisdetectedbyanetworkofsatellitescalledtheCospas‐Sarsat system.Thissatellitesystemwasestablishedby,andcontinuestobesupportedby,itsprimarybenefactors‐ theUSA,Russia,CanadaandFrance.TheCospas‐Sarsatt h d 30 500 lidtii it itiTsystemhassavedover30,500lives‐ andcounting‐ sinceitsinception.Tolearnmoreaboutthesystemvisitwww.cospas‐sarsat.org.Whena406MHzbeaconisactivated,thedigitaldistressmessageissenttoCospas‐Sarsat satellitesand,inturn,thedistressmessageisrelayedtoSARforces.ThedistressmessagecontainsthebeaconUINandonsomemodelstheGPSlocationofthebeacon.AdditionalinformationaboutthebeaconisaccessedbySARforcesfromthebeaconregistrationdatabase.Atthesametimethe406MHzsignalisactivated,a121.5MHzsignalisturnedon.The121.5MHzsignalisusedbySARforcestohomeinonthebeaconastheyapproachit.The406MHzsignalisdetectedbymultiplesatellitesandfromthatinformationthelocationofthebeaconcanbecalculated.ThisdataaloneissufficientforSARtofindpersonsorshipsindistressinareasonabletimeframe.However,asafurtherenhancement,somebeaconshaveaGPSengineonboard.ThisfeatureallowsthebeacontoacquirecurrentlocationcoordinatesfromaninternalGPSreceiver.ThepurposeofthisfeatureistoUser TipLearn more about the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system: www.cospas-sarsat.orgppsendanevenmorepreciselocationofthebeacontothesatellites,i.e.,latitudeandlongitudedata.ThishelpsSARtoreachthelocationevenfaster.6
3. Anatomy Of Your BeaconAnatomy of your beaconA. Antenna Latch – Latch unlocks antenna from beacon body. When unclipped, the antenna can be deployed to uncover On/Off and test buttons.B. Strobe Light – Activates when beacon is turned on and at the end of self test bursts.C. Green and Red LED Light – Visual indicator of beacon activity.D. GPS Receiver – Location of GPS Receiver, give clear view to sky and do not obstruct.E. ON/OFF Button – Activates the beacon when pressed for 1 second. Turns beacon off when pressed for 3 second.F. TEST Button – Self Test Beacon to ensure it is working properly.GAntennaWraps around product and protects On/Offand Test ButtonsG. Antenna–Wraps around product and protects On/Offand Test Buttons.H. Lanyard – Secures beacon to prevent loss.Warning: This transmitter is authorized for use only during situations of grave and imminent danger. Deliberate misuse may incur a severe penalty.7
4. Activating Your BeaconOverviewPersonal Locator Beacons are designed to be manually 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.How To Activate Your BeaconTo activate your beacon in a distress situation, follow these steps:1 Unclip the antenna latch from the case1. Unclip the antenna latch from the case.2. Move antenna into the upright position 3. Depress the ON/OFF button for 1 full second.When Activated (First Minute):To let you know the beacon has been activated, you will see the strobe light flash once every second while the RED light will flash once every 3 seconds.After the First Minute:While transmitting your distress signal, the RED light and Strobe light each will flash once every 3 seconds, alerting you that your beacon is active. When the Red light is replaced by the GREEN light, this indicates that gpy g,your beacon has successfully downloaded your GPS coordinates and is transmitting them along with your 406 MHz Distress Signal.8
4. Activating Your BeaconActivation with GPSWhen your unit is activated, the GPS receiver will turn on, search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal. As soon as the GPS receiver acquires valid positioning data, the red flashing light will be replaced by a green flashing light once every 3 seconds.The same GPS data will be sent with each 406 MHz signal for the next 30 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 3 seconds until new GPS data is obtained.GPS receiver orientationWh ti t d it i iti l th t d t th b ith b d t tWhen 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 where it is outline with the text “GPS, Give Clear View To Sky.”To ensure optimum performance of the GPS receiver, the beacon needs to have an unobstructed view of the sky. Avoid submerging the GPS receiver in water if possible. Water will shield and inhibit the GPS receiver and may cause difficulties obtaining your GPS coordinates Avoid leaning over the beacon to view blinking LED as you may shield the GPScoordinates. Avoid leaning over the beacon to view blinking LED as you may shield the GPS reception. Red Flashing Light = S di 406 MHSending 406 MHz Signal OnlyGreen Flashing Light = Sending 406 MHz Si l ith GPS9Signal with GPS Coordinates
4. Activating Your BeaconProper Positioning and Handling during ActivationDo not cover the GPS receiver with your hand and make sure you have a clear view to the sky to ensure GPS is downloadedto the sky to ensure GPS is downloaded.10Make sure the antenna is pointing towards the sky, out of the water. Beacon is not intended to operate in water.
5. Turning Your Beacon OffTurning off the beaconTo deactivate your beacon; depress the ON/OFF button for more than 3 seconds. Once the beacon is deactivated, all blinking LED lights will stop, signifying that the beacon Post Rescue Follow UpHopefully you are never put in the situationis no longer sending your distress message. If deactivation should fail, try again before removing the 2 screws holding the unit together and unplugging the battery to disable the unit. Return the beacon to ACR Electronics for service.Hopefully you are never put in the situation where you have to activate your beacon to be rescued, however, should you activate your beacon in an emergency that requires Search and Rescue assistance, please contact ACR Electronics in the days that follow. NOTE: Leave beacon on until rescued. Turning beacon off will prolong or prevent rescue. Repeated activations could be viewed as a hoax.It is important for us to learn the nature of your emergency, how the beacon performed so that we can continue to build the world’s best life saving equipment. Real life activations and how people use our beacons in these situations plays a major role in designing and manufacturing our products. We also like to share these rescues with others in an effort to promote proper use of pppPersonal Locator Beacons.You can learn more about our Post Rescue Follow Ups by visiting our Survivor Club at www.acrelectronics.com/survivors/11
6. Testing Your BeaconYour beacon has the ability to perform 2 different tests to ensure the beacon is working perfectly. The first is a basic self test which checks the beacons Data Integrity and Memory; 406 MHz Synthesizer; RF Power/Battery; GPS header and sends a satellite burst. The second test is a GPS Self Test that actually 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.yturns the GPS Receiver on, downloads your position and then transmits this data in the Self Test satellite burst.Note: Self test should only be performed in the first 5 minutes of any hour.Battery Witness Seal LifeIf your beacon flashes an initial Orange light 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. While the beacon will still operate normally in a distress situation ACR stronglyBasic Self Test (No GPS Data)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.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 at least 24 hours of battery power.This beacon has enough excess battery life to perform 220 self tests over the 5 year life of the battery.To perform a Basic Self Test:1. Unclip the antenna latch from the case.Light Scheme Light MeaningSelf Test Passed2. Move the antenna into the upright position3. Depress the Test button for 1 full secondA Green Light will flash followed by a Second Long Green Light flash and the strobe light. This indicates a successful Basic Self Test.Self Test Passed(Battery: <24 Hours)Self Test FailSelfTestFailIf 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.SelfTestFail(Battery: <24 Hours)12
6. Testing Your Beacon Quick Tip:A Basic Self Test will take GPS Self Testing (GNSS Self-Test)The GPS receiver is located under the bottom front portion of the case. It is imperative that the receiver is not obstructed di SlfT t ti ti t th t th GPS i iroughly 10 seconds to perform and complete.A GPS Self Test will take roughly 45-120 seconds to perform and complete.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. This beacon has enough excess battery life to perform 10 GPS self tests over the 5 year life of the battery. Once this GPS perform and complete.testing feature reaches 10 times, the feature will be disabled by internal software. To perform a GPS Self Test:1. Unclip the antenna latch from the case.2. Move antenna into the upright positionLight Scheme Light MeaningGPS Downloaded and Sent inTest Burst3. Depress the Test button for 5+ seconds3 Green Lights will flash followed by a series of RED flashes until GPS has been downloaded into the beacon. Once valid GPS data has been obtained, a long GREEN flash will appear followed by a flash of the Strobe Light. This indicates a successful Basic GPS Unable DownloadedTest Not Initiated: either GPSSelfTestLimitExceededorygSelf Test.If at the end of the GPS Self Test, a long Red light appears, this indicates that the beacon was unable to find your GPS coordinates.SelfTestLimitExceededorBattery <24 Hours Remaining13
8. False AlarmsFalse alertA false alert must be reported to the search and rescue authorities. False alerts in the USA that are rectified must be reported toPreventing false alertsA false alert is any activation of the beacon, intentional or otherwise, that does not result from a situation of grave and imminent danger.False alerts in the USA that are rectified must be reported to the US Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (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 iltBe sure to do the following to help minimize false alerts:Register your beacon. This does not reduce false alert rates; however, when the beacon is properly registered, the situation can usually be resolved with a phone call.incur a severe penalty.ReportingShould there be a false alert for any reason, it must be reported to the nearest search and rescue authorities. The information that should be reported includes:ypBe careful with whom you leave your beacon. Make sure that they know 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•The PLB 15-digit Unique Identifier Number (UIN)•Time and date•Duration and cause of activation•Location of beacon at the time of activationTo report false alerts outside of the USA, contact the notice the beacon is flashing the red or green LED and strobing 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 and locate the transmissionnational authority where your beacon is registered.To report false alert in the United States,contact the AFRCC: transmissions immediately and locate the transmission within a few minutes of beacon activation. NOTE: If you report a false alert and the authorities have not received the signal, do not be concerned. This may mean that you were able to deactivate the beacon before transmitting the signalUnited States Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC)Tel: 1-800-851-305114transmitting the signal.
9. Beacon MaintenanceRoutine MaintenanceCarefully inspect the beacon case for any visible cracks. Cracks may admit moisture, which could falsely activate the beacon or otherwise cause a malfunction. Any cracks observed should be immediately referred to ACR forobserved should be immediately referred to ACR for evaluation by calling +43-1-5 237 237 240. ACR Technical Support can also be reached by sending an email to: Technical.Support@acr-euope.comAfter checking the beacon case for cracks, it may be wiped down with a clean damp cloth Do not use any type ofdown with a clean, damp cloth. Do not use any type of cleaner on your beacon.Battery ReplacementReplace the battery no later than 6 years from beacon date of manufacture, 5 years from in service date, or after At h i ti h k th tiFor the nearest location of a Battery Replacement Center, iit bit tlt i /htemergency use.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 battery replacements and other beacon service to a factory authorized Battery Replacement Center. Battery replacement includes servicing visit our website at www.acrelectronics.com/where-to-buy/find-a-battery-service-provider/This beacon contains 1 lithium metal battery pack that is less than 0.8 grams. They are not classified as Hazmat for 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. Opening the beacon will void the warranty.transportation. Prior to shipping beacon for service, alert your carrier about the batteries contained in this equipment to make sure they properly label your package. Call ACR’s Technical Service department at +43-1-5 237 237 240 for proper shipping instructions or visit the ACR website for an MSDS at y15http://www.acrelectronics.com/media/products/1465/194201113556817/MSDS-57.pdf
9. Beacon MaintenanceChanging ownership or contact informationAs the owner of the beacon, it is your responsibility to advise the national authority of any change in your registration information. If you are transferring the beacon to a new owner, you are required to inform the national Lost or stolen PLBsIf your PLB is lost or stolen, do the following immediately:// Report to your local authorities that the PLB has been lost or stolen//Contact your National Authority with the followingauthority. You can do this by using their online database or by letter, fax or telephone and informing the authority 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 //Contact your National Authority with the following information:•Police department name•Police department phone number•Police case number If your PLB were to be activated, the information you provided ill b f d d t th i t h dyqthe registration form. This obligation transfers to all subsequent owners. will be forwarded to the appropriate search and rescue authorities who will ensure that your PLB gets back to you. If someone attempts to register a PLB reported as stolen, your national authority will notify the appropriate police department. 16
10. Product Specifications PLB-375 meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95 Subpart K. For all other type approval information, please visit our website at www.acrelectronics.com. Find the product than click on “Downloads”.GENERAL/ENVIRONMENTALProduct Number 2880Model Number PLB-375Size 1.3 x 1.9 x 3.9” (3.3 x 4.8 x 9.9 cm)Weight 4.6 oz (130 g) Material High impact and UV resistant plasticColorACRtreuse™(high visibility yellow)406 MHZ TRANSMITTERFrequency 406.037 MHzOutput Power 5+ WattsStability 2 ppb/100msDIGITAL MESSAGEFormat144 bitsColorACR-treuse (high visibility yellow)Strobe Bright white, one flash per three secondsActivation ManualOperation 2 steps: deploy antenna, press ON button. Give clear view of skyWaterproof 16.40 ft (5 m) @ 1 hr., 33 ft (10 m) @ 10 min. Factory tested @ 70°F, exceeds RTCM waterproof requirementsFormat144 bitsLong Message Serialized*Message Protocol Standard LocationDuration 520 msRate 400 bpsEncoding Biphase LModulation ±1.1 radians peak*Beacons are shipped from ACR with a Serialized code but canwaterproof requirementsBuoyancy Category 2, non buoyantAccessories P/N 9521 Flotation PouchApprovals Pending: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, Canada, R&TTELimited Warranty 5 yearsLead Free YesTEMPERATURE RANGE 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 TRANSMITTERFrequency 121.5 MHzTolerance ±50 ppmOutput Power >25mW PEP (typical 63mW)TEMPERATURE RANGEOperating -4°F/ -20°C to +131°F/ +55°CStorage -40°F/-40°C to + 158°F/+70°CBATTERY*Batteries meet the UN Classification for non-dangerous goodsClass Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium batteriesp(yp )Morse Code “P” ID Every 50 seconds(approx.) (U.S. Protocol)MODULATIONType AM (3K20A3N)Sweep Range 500 to 1600 HzSweep Rate 4 HzDuty Cycle 33.3%Morse P AM (2K00A2A)Replacement Replacement due six (6) years from date of manufacture or five (5) years after beacon is placed into service, whichever is first, or after emergency useOperational Life Exceeds 24 Hours @ -4°F/-20°C to +131°F/+55°CANTENNAFrequency 406.037 & 121.5 MHzPolarization VerticalVSWR Less than 1.5:117CAUTION: Contains lithium batteries. Do not incinerate, puncture, deform, short-circuit or recharge. Do not dismantle the PLB, contains no user-serviceable parts. Dispose of the used PLB with the battery removed in accordance with local waste disposal regulations.
Limited WarrantyThis product is warranted against factory defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 (one) year* from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will repair or, at its option, replace the unit at no cost to you for labor, materials and return transportation from ACR. For further assistance, please contact our Technical Service Department at ACR Electronics Europe GmbH Handelskai 388 / Tpo 632, 1020 Vienna, Austria Email: Technical.Support@acr-euope.com Fax: +43-1 5 237 237 150, Telephone: +43-1 5 237 237 240.This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse, or as a result of service or modification performed by an unauthorized factoryExcept as otherwise expressly stated in the previous paragraph THE COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OFunauthorized factory.Except as otherwise expressly stated in the previous paragraph, THE COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER MATTER WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. The Company shall not be liable for consequential or special damages.To place the warranty in effect, register online at www.acrelectronics.com or return the attached card within 10 days.*Five years for the following products: EPIRB, PLB, S-VDR, SSAS.ygp,,,Useful Life PolicyThe typical service life of a properly maintained Product is limited to 12 years from date of manufacture. Products that are 12 years and 1 month or older from date of manufacture will not be serviced by ACR or our Battery Replacement Centers. A Product that is 12 or less years old from date of manufacture will be serviced as long as the unit appears fit to be placed back into its final operational cycle. Service includes the replacement of those items that must be replaced at service intervals and the verification that the device appears to be in good mechanical and electrical working condition by an ACR authorized service technicianan ACR authorized service technician.Complete Warranty Online18

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