ACR Electronics ACR-PLB100 Personal Locator Beacon User Manual y1030155 t1
ACR Electronics, Inc. Personal Locator Beacon y1030155 t1
Instruction Manual
APPENDIX Instruction Manual FCC ID: B66-ACR-PLB100 Type acceptance under Part 95 Subpart K ACR ELECTRONICS INC 5757 Ravenswood Road FT. Lauderdale Fl. (954) 981-3333 DRAWN. Bill Cox CHECKED. ENG Bill Cox APVD DATE. 4/9/2003 DATE. DATE. 4/9/2003 DATE. 18560 Cover Sheet Instruction Manual PLB-100 DRAWING NO APPENDIX 2 REV * * * WARNING * * * THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY RESULT IN A SEVERE PENALTY Advice to owners of Personal Satellite EPIRBs Registration of 406 MHz satellite P-EPIRB with the Registration Section of the national authority* is mandatory because of the global alerting nature of the system. The information provided in the Registration Card is used only for rescue purposes and will greatly assist in any beacon alarm incident. Fill in the owner registration card immediately upon completion of the sales transaction. Immediately Mail the Registration Card. If the beacon is to enter service immediately, complete the Registration Card and fax the information to the national authority. The original card must still be mailed to the national authority* for hard-copy reference and filing. If the current owner is transferring the beacon to a new owner, the current owner is required to inform the national authority* by letter, facsimile or telephone, of the name and address of the new owner. The subsequent owner of the beacon is required to provide the national authority* with the information as shown on the owner Registration Card. Additional Registration Cards may be obtained by contacting ACR or the appropriate national authority. THIS OBLIGATION TRANSFERS TO ALL SUBSEQUENT OWNERS. *National Authority The term “national authority” appears throughout this manual. Wherever these words appear, reference is made to the government body responsible for registration for the country in which the unit is registered. The addresses for various national authorities can be found on the Registration Card. TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 - THE SYSTEM ........................................................................................................ 2 1.1 General ........................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Purpose........................................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Satellite Detection.......................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Authorizations ............................................................................................................................... 5 1.5 Characteristics............................................................................................................................... 5 1.6 Technical Data ............................................................................................................................... 5 1.6.1 1.6.2 Applicable Documents .......................................................................................................................... 5 Specifications........................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 2 - OPERATION........................................................................................................ 10 2.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 10 2.2 P-EPIRB™ 406 Operating Instructions .................................................................................. 10 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 Activation............................................................................................................................................ 10 Deactivation ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Self Test .............................................................................................................................................. 11 SECTION 3 - EXTERNAL GPS I/R ADAPTER ....................................................................... 12 3.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 12 3.2 GPS Adapter................................................................................................................................ 12 3.2.1 3.2.2 3.2.3 3.2.4 Connecting: ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Setup: .................................................................................................................................................. 13 Testing: ............................................................................................................................................... 13 Position data set to default: ................................................................................................................. 14 4.0 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................ 14 5.0 REGISTRATION........................................................................................................................ 15 6.0 FALSE ALARMS........................................................................................................................ 15 Figure 1 – GEOSAR Satellite Coverage ..........................................................................4 Figure 2 – SAR Satellite Coverage ...................................................................................4 Figure 3 – Block Diagram ................................................................................................ 6 Figure 4 – Known Compatible GPS Receiver's........................................................... 7-9 Figure 5 – Self test............................................................................................................11 Figure 6 – Operating Position.........................................................................................12 Figure 7 – GPS Adapter Illustration ..............................................................................13 Figure 8 – External GPS I/R Cable ................................................................................14 Figure 9 - Basic Concept of the (COSPAS-SARSAT) System .....................................16 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A SECTION 1 - THE SYSTEM 1.1 GENERAL 1.1 1.1.1 This manual provides operation and maintenance instructions for the P-EPIRB™ 406, Personal Satellite EPIRB, model RLB-36 hereinafter referred to as the beacon or unit. This section describes the characteristics and details of the P-EPIRB™ 406 system. 1.2 PURPOSE 1.2 1.2.1 The beacon provides distress alerting via radio transmission on 406 MHz to satellites of the COSPAS-SARSAT network. The unit can also transmit a distress alert to the GEOSAR network that includes GPS latitude and longitude coordinates that are inputted through an I/R Interface that connects to the data output of a GPS Receiver. 1.2.2 The message transmitted by the beacon is unique for each unit, which provides identification of the transmitter through computer access of registration files maintained by the National Authority. It is the user's responsibility to fill out and mail the enclosed registration form to the appropriate agency of the country under which the beacon is registered. The beacon is programmed by ACR during manufacture and can be reprogrammed by an ACR authorized programming facility for the registered country. Remember, if your beacon is not registered, SAR Authorities do not know who you are, where you live or where to contact anyone who might know anything about your situation. 1.2.3 Once Search and Rescue (SAR) forces are alerted by the units signal (406 MHz), relayed through the COSPAS-SARSAT and/or GEOSAR network, they can converge on the position estimated by the satellite. With GPS data in the message SAR authorities can know your precise location and speed up reaction time. Intermediate and short range location is aided by the unit with its on board radio beacon homing signal transmitter (121.5 MHz). 1.2.4 Power is provided by a self-contained long life battery pack that has a recommended 5year replacement cycle. See Factory Authorized Service Center for replacement (Section 4.0 – Maintenance). 1.2.5 Self-test (Section 2.5) is initiated by momentarily lifting the switch to the test position (vertical stance) then releasing back to original position. During self-test, an actual satellite message is transmitted and certain key performance parameters are measured and recorded. The self-test message is modified such that the satellite will not forward an alert message during self-test. The LED will flash 3 times amber before turning green. During this time the unit will also beep 3 times to indicate correct operational status. Approximately 2 seconds after self-test the unit will beep and the amber LED will flash to indicate if the unit has GPS data. Y1-03-0155 Rev. A 1.3 SATELLITE DETECTION 1.3.1 The beacon transmits an encoded phase modulated radio signal to the SAR satellite 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). 1.3.2 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 and 406 MHz Satellite beacons. The Russian Federation provides aboard COSMOS navigational spacecraft COSPAS payloads that are interoperable 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) Advanced TIROS environmental satellites. 1.3.3 COSPAS and SARSAT satellites receive distress signals from the beacon transmitting on the frequency of 406 MHz. The COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz satellite signal consists of a transmission of non-modulated carrier followed by a digital message format that provides identification data for SAR authorities. The 406 MHz system uses spacecraftborne equipment to measure and store the Doppler-shifted frequency data along with the satellite digital data message including GPS data, and time of measurement to identify your position. 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. In the real-time mode, the signal detection is limited to a mutual 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 satellite-LUT visibility is not essential, and the system is fully functional in just the global mode. 1.3.4 The LUT processes the Doppler-shifted signal and determines the location of the distress signal; then the LUT relays the position of the distress signal to a Mission Control Center (MCC) where the distress alert and GPS location information is immediately forwarded to an appropriate Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). The RCC dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces. 1.3.5 The COSPAS-SARSAT System includes 36 LEOSAR LUT Stations, 6 GEOSAR LUT stations and 19 Mission Control Centers 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. 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 but will relay the distress alert to any of the LUT stations. When there is GPS data included in the distress Y1-03-0155 Rev. A message this will instantly tell SAR authorities where you are located. Hence speeding up the reaction time by not having to wait for one of the LEOSAR satellite's to come around. GEOSAR SATELLITE COVERAGE FIGURE 1 SAR SATELLITE ORBITS FIGURE 2 1.3.6 Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home on the 406 MHz Satellite signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz. 1.3.7 The P-EPIRB™ 406 is a Class 1, P-EPIRB. Y1-03-0155 Rev. A 1.4 AUTHORIZATIONS 1.4.1 The P-EPIRB™ 406 meets the requirements of the RTCM version 1:1997 for PLB’s, and Cospas/Sarsat T.001 & T.007. 1.5 CHARACTERISTICS 1.5.1 The beacon is a floatable; battery operated unit that accepts external GPS data via an I/R interface cable that is included with your unit. The beacon case, with its external antenna, is waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly along with the battery power supply. A “On/Off” switch is installed on top of the beacon, along with an internal beeper. 1.6 TECHNICAL DATA 1.7 1.6.1 Applicable Documents 1.6.2 COSPAS-SARSAT Document C/S T.001 & T.007 (specification for 406 MHz distress beacons) RTCM RTCM Version 1.0 1997 Specifications 406 MHz Transmitter Frequency Frequency Stability Output Power Digital Message Format Long message / serialized Message protocol Duration Rate Encoding Modulation 406.025 MHz ±2 parts per billion/100ms 5 watts Standard Location or optional National location Protocol 520 ms 400 BPS Biphase L ±1.1 radians peak The unit leaves ACR with a serialized code but can be reprogrammed at a service center to other coded formats including country of registration. 121.5 MHz Transmitter Frequency 121.5 MHz Frequency Tolerance ±50 ppm Y1-03-0155 Rev. A Output Power 25 mW PEP Modulation Type Sweep Range Sweep Rate Duty Cycle AM (3K20A3N) 400 to 1200 Hz 3 Hz 37.5% Antenna Frequency Polarization VSWR 406.025 & 121.500 MHz Vertical Less than 1.5/1 General/Environmental Battery Life Operating Replacement Interval 24 hours minimum @ -40°C 5 years Size Unit less Antenna 6.65 x 3.55 inches Material Visibility Yellow High impact and UV resistant plastic Color High Weight 514 grams Temperature Range Operating Class I -40°C to +55°C USER / PROGRAMMING INTERFACE MCP 406 / 121.5 MHz RF AMPLIFIER BLOCK DIAGRAM FIGURE 3 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A KNOWN COMPATIBLE RECEIVERS Manufacturer Model Notes Y2K and EOW Compliant B&G Network LCD Plotter / DGPS Yes B&G Network LCD Plotter / GPS Yes B&G Network GPS and DGPS Yes B&G Network GPS Yes Data Marine Chartlink D7000 XT Yes Data Marine Chartlink D7000 XTC Yes Data Marine Chartlink II D8000 Yes Data Marine Link D3500 Yes Data Marine Link D3500 LD Yes Furuno GP1810F Yes Furuno GP1810 Yes Furuno GP1610C Yes Furuno GP1600F Yes Furuno GP1600 Yes Furuno GP30 Yes Furuno GP35 Yes Garmin 10 Yes Garmin 12 Yes Garmin 20 Yes Garmin 25 Yes Garmin 30 Yes Garmin 31 Yes Garmin 35 Yes Garmin 36 Yes Garmin 38 Yes Garmin 40 Yes Garmin 45 Yes Garmin 48 Yes Garmin 50 Yes Garmin 75 Yes Garmin 85 Yes Garmin 89 Yes Garmin 90 Yes Garmin 92 Yes Garmin 95 Yes Garmin 120 Yes Garmin 126 Yes Garmin 128 Yes Garmin 130 Yes Garmin 135 Yes Y1-03-0155 Rev. A Manufacturer Model Notes Y2K and EOW Compliant Garmin 175 Yes Garmin 180 Yes Garmin 185 Yes Garmin 190 Yes Garmin 195 Yes Garmin 210 Yes Garmin GPSMAP 215 Yes Garmin 220 Yes Garmin GPSMAP 225 Yes Garmin GPSMAP 230 Yes Garmin GPSMAP 235 SOUNDER Yes Garmin 120XL Yes Garmin 12XL Yes Garmin 45XL Yes Garmin 55AVD Yes Garmin 95XL Yes Garmin GPS II Yes Garmin GPS II+ Yes Garmin GPS III Yes Lowrance GlobalMap 12 Yes Lowrance GlobalMap 1600 GlobalMap Sport Some older versions of software may not output GGA, contact Manufacturer Yes Lowrance Lowrance LMS-160 Yes Magellan GPS 2000 XL Yes Magellan GPS 3000 Yes Magellan GPS 3000 XL Yes Magellan GPS 4000 Yes Magellan GPS 4000XL Yes Magellan Meridian XL Yes Magellan Trailblazer Yes Magellan Trailblazer XL Yes Magellan White Meridian Yes NorthStar 941X Yes NorthStar 951X Yes NorthStar 961X Yes Raytheon Autohelm ST50 Plus GPS Yes Raytheon GPS-11 Yes Raytheon HSB Chart Plotter Raytheon NavCenter 600 Yes Raytheon Raychart 620 Raytheon RC-520 Yes Raytheon RL-70RC Yes Yes Unit will display wrong time and date after Y2K. Send unit to manufacturer for upgrade Unit will display wrong time and date after Y2K. Send unit to manufacturer for upgrade Y1-03-0155 Rev. A Manufacturer Model Notes Y2K and EOW Compliant Si-Tex DGPS-11 Yes Si-Tex GPS-1 Yes Si-Tex GPS-10 Yes Si-Tex GPS-10A Yes Si-Tex GPS-4A Yes Si-Tex GPS-5 Yes Si-Tex GPS-6 Yes Si-Tex GPS-7 Yes Si-Tex GPS-77P Yes Si-Tex GPS-8 Yes Si-Tex GPS-88P Yes Si-Tex GPS-9 Yes Si-Tex GPS-99P Yes Si-Tex GPS-9D Yes Si-Tex HG-7 Yes Si-Tex SBR-90 Yes Si-Tex SBR-91 Yes Trimble 4000DSi Firmware must be upgraded to V7.19 to comply Trimble 4000RSi Users of Firmware V7.15 - V7.18 must upgrade to V7.19. Users of V7.28 must upgrade to V7.29. Users of V7.29 are fully compliant Trimble 7400MSi Yes Trimble MS750 Yes N/A - No Date Output Trimble Navgraphic XL Trimble NavMariner DGPS Yes Trimble NavTrac GPS Version 2.09 is compliant. Earlier versions are not being tested Trimble NT200 Yes Trimble NT200D Yes Trimble NT300D Yes Trimble Trimble DSM NT100 Yes for versions 1.10 and later Yes GPS units compatible with ACR Beacons based on vendor information (*) Indicates that unit complies with ACR requirements Known Compatible GPS Receivers FIGURE 4 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A SECTION 2 – OPERATION 2.1 GENERAL 2.1.1 The beacon is designed to be manually deployed and activated. 2.1.2 The beacon can accept NMEA 0183 GPS Data (Version 1.5 and above, the GGA sentence string must be enabled) through its I/R interface. Data is updated every 30 minutes once an initial position is acquired. 2.1.3 The beacon is also designed to allow the user to perform periodic testing and confirmation of GPS connection and downloaded coordinates. 2.1.4 The beacon checks for a valid GPS data approximately every 2 seconds if no current valid data exists. 2.1.5 The beacon will update its GPS data by initiating the self-test function if data is present. 2.1.6 The beacon will hold the last GPS coordinates in memory until the unit is activated. After deactivating the unit, GPS data is returned to default. 2.2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.2.1 Activation Unfold Antenna from around unit and move Antenna to a Vertical position (See Figure 6) Lift Switch to the "ON" Position by lifting up and sliding over then down to "ON" to activate the unit. "ON" position is indicated by "y" on the face of the switch. Your beacon comes with a Breakaway tab on the switch to keep from accidental turn-on. PUSH SWITCH down to break TAB in case of an emergency. Once activated the unit will; Beep and the RED LED will begin to flash one red flash approximately every 20 seconds. Unit will send Rescue message approx. every 50 seconds and will beep after each message that has been sent. Keep beacon with you at all times. 2.2.2 Deactivation Turning the switch to the “Off” position will deactivate the beacon. If the beacon continues to operate after it has been deactivated, remove the two screws at the bottom of the unit, and unplug the battery to disable the unit. Return it to a service center for repair. 10 2.2.3 Self Test The beacon self-test is initiated by lifting the switch at the top of the unit to a Vertical Position momentarily and releasing it back to the "Off" position. Switch is spring loaded to return to the "Off" position. Note: "Off" Position indicated by a "O" on switch face "ON" by "y", on the face of the switch. Upon lifting the switch, a very short yellow flash will indicate self-test has been initiated then the following: Sequence of Tests 1. Check Data I/O .........................................Beep & flash yellow LED if pass ...................................................................Stop if failed 2. Check 406 MHz Synthesizer.....................Beep & flash yellow LED if passed ...................................................................Stop if failed 3. Check RF Power/Battery...........................Beep & flash yellow LED if passed ...................................................................Stop if failed 4. Unit turns on green LED to indicate Successful Test. 5. Approximately 2 seconds after the LED flashes green it will flash amber and beep if valid external GPS data has been received. A successful test result is indicated by: a short beep then three beeps with three yellowish flashes concurrently then the LED turns green for pass. NOTE: The 121.5 MHz homing beacon is inhibited during self-test. It is strongly recommended to test the beacon on a quarterly basis. SELF TEST FIGURE 5 11 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A OPERATING POSITION FIGURE 6 SECTION 3 - EXTERNAL GPS I/R ADAPTER 3.1 GENERAL Your unit comes with a GPS cable Plug Adapter that can be interfaced to your GPS receiver to input actual GPS data into your beacon. This extra data can help improve reaction time to your position in the event of an emergency. This data is particularly helpful when the GEOSAR Satellite system picks up the Distress Alert. 3.2 GPS ADAPTER 3.2.1 Connecting: Your External GPS I/R cable attaches to your UNIT and the GPS receiver, forming a Link for data to transfer. (Like a printer) The cable Plug’s into the socket labeled GPS located at the top of the unit. The other end has two wires that need to be connected to the GPS Receiver’s Data/Power Cable. Consult your GPS Manual for wire identification. 12 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A The Data/Power cable for your GPS receiver typically has connections for an external power source and data output. Ensure proper connection. The External GPS adapter that is supplied with your UNIT has two wires that are polarized. The wire with the white stripe on it is the + data lead and should be connected to the + Data lead of your GPS Data/Power connector. The other lead with no stripe is the - Data lead and should be connected to the - Data lead of your GPS Data/Power Cable. Use an Epoxy type Heat shrink for weatherproofing connection. GPS ADAPTER ILLUSTRATION FIGURE 7 3.2.2 Setup: The Data protocol your beacon will be accepting is the NMEA 0183 Version 1.5 and above. Set baud rate to 4800 and the GGA sentence string needs to be enabled. Some GPS receivers have options on what strings are enabled. Ensure the GGA string is enabled. Consult your GPS manual for further information. This is a very common standard for GPS receivers. Check your cable to ensure that the polarity is correct for the + data and – data leads. It will not work if polarity is wrong. Your GPS receiver needs to be set to this data protocol for data transfer into the beacon. If the beacon is not showing conformation of GPS data check, protocol, baud-rate, ensure GGA string is enabled and cable is wired correctly. See Figure 4 for known compatible GPS receivers. Consult your GPS manual for proper data protocol settings. 3.2.3 Testing: Plug the Adapter into the top of the UNIT into the socket labeled GPS. 13 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A Ensure your GPS has acquired a valid position. Momentarily lift the "ON/OFF" switch to the self-test position and stand-by. The beacon will go through it’s self test routine and approx. 2 seconds after the LED turns green the unit will beep once and the Yellow LED will flash to indicate that valid GPS data has been transferred into your UNIT. Repeat step 3.2.2 if no conformation. The beacon will automatically up load new GPS position every 30 minutes if you leave it connected to your GPS receiver. When you activate self-test the beacon will start to look for new GPS data and update accordingly, if no new data is present or cable is disconnected the original data will still stay in memory. Once data has been loaded into your UNIT it will remain there until the unit is activated to the "ON" mode. EXTERNAL GPS I/R CABLE FIGURE 8 3.2.4 Default data: Default data is when there is no GPS data in the unit. The beacon reverts to default data once the unit has been activated and then shutoff. The unit will function normally without GPS data. 4.0 MAINTENANCE 14 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A 4.1 Carefully inspect the unit’s 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 or nearest distributor for evaluation, (1-800-432-0227 Ext. 112) toll free in the USA. 4.2 The battery must be replaced by the date indicated on the beacon. At each inspection, check the time remaining until replacement is required. NOTE: There are no user serviceable items inside the unit. DO NOT OPEN THE beacon UNLESS TO DISABLE IN CASE OF FAULTY ACTIVATION. Refer all long life battery replacement and other internal unit 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 in the USA) or +1 (954) 981-3333, Ext. 112. It is strongly recommended to test the beacon on a quarterly basis. 5.0 REGISTRATION 5.1 It is imperative that this unit is registered with NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) if used in the USA or with your own national authority accordingly. The beacon has been programmed with a unique identification number or code which is broadcast on 406 MHz. Registration with the appropriate national authority provides the Search and Rescue people with important information which will speed up the rescue operation and minimize false alarms. 5.2 To register this unit with NOAA, simply fill out and mail the provided form in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope to NOAA or FAX the completed form to (301) 457-5406. 5.3 NOAA will supply a beacon registration decal, which is to be affixed to the unit. 6.0 6.1 FALSE ALARMS Should there be, 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 units Unique Identifier Number (UIN); date, time, duration, and cause of activation; and the location at the time of activation. Information is located on the label. 6.2 Contact the appropriate national authority to report false alarms 15 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A ***WARNING*** THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER! FIGURE 9 16 Y1-03-0155 Rev. A
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