Acr Electronics Aqualink 2883 Users Manual

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About Cobham Life Support, ACR Products
Cobham Life Support, ACR Products www.acrelectronics.com,
designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival
products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS, SARTs, Strobe Lights, Life
Jacket Lights, Search Lights and safety accessories. The quality
systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO
9001:2000 Series Standards. Recognized as the world leader in
safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided safety
equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the
military since 1956.
About Cobham plc
Cobham plc is an international company engaged in the
development, delivery and support of advanced aerospace and
defense systems for land, sea, air and space. The company has
four divisions that collectively specialize in the provision of
components, subsystems and services that keep people safe,
improve communications and enhance the capability of aerospace
and defense platforms.

CAUTION: Before proceeding to install, test or use your new
ACR Electronics’ product, please read this Product Support Manual
in its entirety.
If you have questions regarding the contents of the manual or
something not covered in the manual, please contact our Technical
Service Department at ACR Electronics, Inc., Telephone +1 (954)
981-3333.
You
can
also
visit
our
website
at
www.acrelectronics.com and access the Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs) section for further information. If in the future you
lose this manual, you may access and print a replacement on the
ACR website.

PLEASE READ ALL WARNINGS,
CAUTIONS AND NOTES CAREFULLY

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Table of Contents

STEP ONE - REGISTERING YOUR BEACON _____________________ 3
STEP TWO - HOW THE BEACON WORKS ______________________ 5
STEP THREE - MAINTAINING YOUR PLB ______________________ 13
APPENDIX A - ACCESSORIES _______________________________ 16
APPENDIX B - THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM ___________________ 18
APPENDIX C - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ____________________ 19
APPENDIX D - WARRANTY, USEFUL LIFE POLICY, NOTICES ________ 20
NOTE re: Applicable products
This manual supports all configurations of PLB-350B beacons. In addition
to the part numbers listed on the cover page, other configurations of these
products may be available, thus you may have purchased a product
configuration with a different version of the part number (for example,
2880.63). As long as the first four digits are the same as one of the part
numbers on the cover, this manual is applicable.

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STEP ONE - REGISTERING YOUR BEACON
Why is registration important?
As the owner of this 406 MHz beacon, it is mandatory that you register
it with the PLB national authority of your country: It is the law. Please
note that all 406 MHz beacons are required to have their registration
updated every two years by the owner.

Your personalized ID code
programmed inside each beacon is
transmitted to Search and Rescue
(SAR). SAR forces use this code to pull
up your registration to find out valuable
information about who needs help.

YOUR RESCUE WILL
BE DELAYED IF YOUR
BEACON ISN’T PROPERLY
REGISTERED!

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. 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.

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What country should I register in?
Register your beacon with the PLB national authority of the country for
which the beacon was programmed, typically the country where
purchased, regardless of where you live or do your adventuring.
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. Units that do not have a
country specified on the UIN label are programmed for the United
States.
How do I register?
Registration 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 ways to register:
1. The fastest and easiest way to register is online at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/.
2. Faxing a registration is also acceptable. Fax the registration form to
the fax number on the top of the registration form.
NOTE: Do not confuse the registration form with the ACR Electronics
warranty card.
3. If online or fax registration is not available, mail the registration form
with the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope to:
Registration NOAA/NESDIS
NSOF, E/SP3
4231 Suitland Road
Suitland, MD 20746
All registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz beacon registration
database within 48 hours of receipt. The information you provide on the
registration form is used for rescue purposes only.
A confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-ofregistration decal will be mailed to you within two weeks. When you
receive these documents, please check the information carefully,
and then affix the decal to your beacon in the area marked “BEACON
DECAL HERE.” It is very important that the proof of registration
decal matches the UIN on the beacon. If you do not receive
confirmation back from NOAA within two weeks, call toll free (888) 2127283 for assistance.
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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 (877) 406-7671.
Canadian Beacon Registry
CFB Trenton, PO Box 1000 Stn Forces
Astra, Ontario K0K 3W0
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 may have assisted you in filling out the
forms and sending them to the country’s national authority. Alternatively,
many countries allow online registration in the International 406 MHz
Beacon Registration Database (IBRD) at www.406registration.com.
To 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.

STEP TWO - HOW THE BEACON WORKS
1. How your beacon brings help
406 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 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 system has saved over 28,400 lives - and
counting - since its inception. See Appendix or the Cospas-Sarsat
website for more information about the system at www.cospassarsat.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. 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 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 to home
in on the beacon as they approach it.
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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 send 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.
2. Internal GPS position system
The PLB-350 is fitted with an internal GPS receiver that will determine
the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the beacon’s position on the
globe, to be transmitted to the Cospas-Sarsat emergency system.
When the beacon is activated, the internal GPS immediately attempts to
acquire positional coordinates. GPS coordinates can be acquired any
time that the GPS is on, but only valid data is saved. Once the beacon
acquires valid coordinates, the data is included as part of the next
transmitted 406 MHz digital message.
The internal GPS operates on a schedule during a beacon activation.
The GPS is on for a time, actively acquiring coordinates, and off for a
time, in a standby state. The schedule is designed to conserve battery
but, at the same time, assure that navigational coordinates are regularly
updated.

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3. Anatomy of your beacon

Antenna:
Wrapped
around
beacon.

FRONT

BACK

UIN Label: Applied at
the factory, the 15
character hexadecimal
number is unique to
each beacon.
Multi-language label:
This optional label may
be applied for ease of
use.

Activation
button cover

Registration decal
supplied by some
countries: Once the
beacon is registered,
the label goes here.

Keypad

Battery expiration label
with the month/ year
the battery needs to be
replaced.

GPS antenna
location

Figure 1
NOTE: The appearance of your beacon may vary from this picture.

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4. Distinguishing PLB Features
The distinguishing features available on your PLB vary with the
particular model that you selected. The following table summarizes the
similarities and differences in models.
Product
names
ACR
Product
Number
Unique
features
GPS engine
Top case
Buoyant
Included
Accessories
Optional
Accessories

PLB-350B
AquaLink™ 406 GPS PLB

SARLink™ 406 GPS PLB

2882

2883

LED strobe, 12 GPS
acquisition tests
Internal, 66-channel GPS
receiver
Clear
Yes
Attachment Clip

LED strobe, 12 GPS acquisition
tests
Internal, 66-channel GPS receiver
Clear
No
Multi-Function Belt Clip

Flotation pouch (ACR P/N 9504)

5. Activating your beacon

WARNING: This transmitter is authorized for use only during
situations of grave and imminent danger. Deliberate misuse may incur
a severe penalty.
Overview
Personal 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.

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NOTE: The appearance of your key pad may vary from this picture.
PLB-350B

ON / OFF Button
(visible only when
antenna is deployed)

Activation
diagram
When activated:
(Red LED) transmitting
406 MHz during
activation
(Green LED) 406 MHz
includes GPS data

Self-test /
GPS Test Button

Figure 2 - Key Pad Functions

(IR LED) Programming
Interface
(Not owner accessible)

NOTE: If you notice the PLB 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 as a false alert (see
page 12).

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6. Activation (406 MHz and 121.5 MHz)
To activate your beacon in a distress situation, follow these steps (see
Figure 3 below).
1) Unfasten the antenna from the case.
2) Move it into the upright position
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 3

7. 406 MHz/121.5 MHz antenna position
For maximum performance you must deploy the beacon antenna into
the proper position as shown in 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 or while
attached to your person above the water line.
8. Activation with GPS
If your unit is activated, the GPS receiver will start up, 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 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
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will stop blinking and the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds until
new GPS data is obtained.
9. GPS receiver orientation
When 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 product logo (see Figure 4).
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 GPS reception.

Figure 4 – GPS Receiver Location

10. Turning off the beacon
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.
If deactivation should fail, remove the six screws holding the unit together
and unplug the battery to disable the unit. Return the beacon to ACR
Electronics for service.
NOTE: Leave beacon on until rescued. Turning beacon off will prolong or
prevent rescue. Repeated activations could be viewed as a hoax.

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11. Preventing 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 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.
Be 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 “beeping” periodically on its own, this likely means it has
accidentally been activated and needs to be shut off and reported.
Do not stow beacon while other gear is in contact with the
keypad.
The Cospas-Sarsat satellites detect distress beacon 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 signal.
12. False alert
A false alert must be reported to the search and rescue authorities.
False alerts in the US 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 incur a severe penalty.
Reporting
Should 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:
// The PLB 15-digit Unique Identifier Number (UIN)
// Time and date
// Duration and cause of activation
// Location of beacon at the time of activation
To report false alert in the United States, contact the AFRCC:
United States Air Force Rescue
Coordination Center (AFRCC)
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12

To report false alerts outside of the USA, contact the national
authority where your beacon is registered.

STEP THREE - MAINTAINING YOUR PLB
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 cracks observed should be immediately
referred to ACR for evaluation by calling +1 (954) 981-3333. 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.
2. Battery Replacement
Replace the battery no later than 6 years from date of manufacture, 5
years from date of install, or after emergency 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 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.
For the nearest location of a Battery Replacement Center, visit our
website at www.acrelectronics.com. Click on “Support”.
This beacon contains 2 Lithium Metal Battery Packs that are less than 2
grams each. They are not classified as Hazmat for 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 +1 (954) 9813333 for proper shipping instructions or visit the ACR website in the
Support section entitled “Hazmat, MSDS Sheets, & Info”.
3. Self-Test
ACR strongly recommends performing a Self-test once per month, or at
least two weeks prior to a trip, to allow enough time for service, should
your beacon require it.

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A Self-test is initiated by holding the Self-test button (
or
) for at
least 1 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 some people are unable to
hear. Watching the LEDs may be more useful to you.
Components Tested: Data integrity and memory,
synthesizer, RF power/battery, GPS header (if equipped).

406

MHz

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 to have your
beacon serviced.
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
Green LED with beep, 4
additional “beeps”,
Green LED,
strobe flash
Green LED, Less than 4 “beeps”,
Red LED
Red LED with beep, 4 additional
“beeps”,
Green LED, strobe flash
Red LED with or without beep,
Less than 4 additional “beeps”,
Red LED, strobe flash (PLB-350B
only)

Self-Test Guide
(

Green LED

Red LED)

Successful Self-test
Failed Self-test: Return unit
to ACR for service
Successful Self-test: Less
than
24
hours
of
transmission life is left in the
batteries.
Failed Self-test: Return unit
to ACR for service. Less
than
24
hours
of
transmission life is left in the
batteries.

4. Battery witness seal failure
If your beacon flashes an initial red LED at the beginning of the Selftest, this indicates that your electronic witness has been broken and you
have used more than the allotted battery life for self-testing. 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.

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5. GPS acquisition 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: 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
until the battery is replaced.
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
406 MHz test signal 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 406 MHz signal will be sent out.
GPS Test Sequences (max. 2
minutes 50 seconds)
Green LED and BEEP at start
followed by continuous BEEPS
every 5 seconds,
Green LED
& Long BEEP
Green LED and BEEP at start
followed by continuous BEEPS
every 5 seconds,
Red LED
& Long BEEP

GPS Test Guide
Successfully acquired GPS
data, 406 MHz signal sent out
with location data
GPS data was not successfully
acquired, no signal sent out.

6. Changing ownership or contact information
As 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 authority. You can do this by using their online database or by
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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 the registration form.
This obligation transfers to all subsequent owners. See step 1, page 3
for further details on this process.
7. Lost or stolen PLBs
If your PLB is lost or stolen, do the following immediately:
// Report to your local authorities that the PLB has been lost or stolen
// Contact NOAA at (888) 212-7283 (212-SAVE), or your national
authority, with the following information:
o Police department name
o Police department phone number
o Police case number
If your PLB were to be activated, the information you provided 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, NOAA or your national authority will notify the
appropriate police department.

APPENDIX A - ACCESSORIES
1. Multi-Function Belt Clip
The SARLink™ comes standard with a multifunction 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 5). 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
accommodate your extreme adventures.

to

Figure 5 - Belt Clip
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.

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NOTE: ACR recommends that once you have clipped your beacon
in place that you also anchor the beacon with the lanyard to your life
jacket, backpack, etc. to ensure the unit will not be lost if it should
break out of the clip.
2. Attachment Clip
The AquaLink™ comes standard with an
attachment 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 6). To remove
the clip, push up and back on the top tabs one at
a time to disengage from the beacon.
This clip has been designed to secure your
beacon directly to life jacket webbing straps or
belts to ensure the beacon is close at hand. ACR
recommends that you have a strap on your life
jacket in the shoulder area for attachment of the
PLB. The beacon should hang with the GPS
receiver up (so that the beacon is inverted). This
will give the GPS receiver the best possible view
Figure 6 –
of the sky. It is also recommended that you try
Attachment Clip
your life jacket on in the water to see how you
float in it and where to best locate the beacon so
that the beacon is not in the water. You may choose to carry your beacon
in a pocket but you should have a strap installed on your life jacket to
attach the beacon when it is activated. This will leave your hands free
while treading water.
NOTE: ACR recommends that once you have clipped your beacon in
place that you also secure the beacon with the lanyard to your life
jacket, backpack, etc. to ensure the unit will not be lost if it should
break out of the clip.

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APPENDIX B - THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM
1. General overview
Beacons transmit to the satellite portion of the Cospas-Sarsat system. CospasSarast satellites are 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-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
asure and store the Doppler-shifted
frequency along with the beacon’s digital
data message and 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 beacons signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.
Once the 406 MHz signal is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR
network, SAR forces determine who is closest, and then proceed to the beacon
using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency.

2. 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. Beacons that have GPS engines add this data to its distress
transmission, allowing search and rescue forces to narrow the search to a very
small area, thus minimizing the resources required, and dramatically increasing
the effectiveness of the overall operation.
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APPENDIX C - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
406 MHz Transmitter
Frequency
406 MHz
Output Power
greater than 5 watts (typical: 6.3 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)
Antenna
Frequency
406.037 & 121.5 MHz
Polarization
Vertical
VSWR
Less than 1.5:1
General/Environmental
Minimum Battery
+24 hours minimum @ -4°F to +131°F (-20°C to +55°C)
Operating Life
Battery Replacement
Battery replacement due no later than 6 years from date of
Interval
manufacture, 5 years from date of install, or after emergency use
*Batteries meet the UN Classification for Non-dangerous goods
Size of beacon less 2.31 x 5.81 x 1.25 in (5.87 x 14.76 x 3.17 cm) (SARLink™)
Antenna
2.31 x 5.81 x 1.45 in (5.87 x 14.76 x 3.68 cm) (AquaLink™)
Material
High-impact and UV-resistant plastic
Color
ACR-treuse™ (High-visibility yellow)
8.9 oz (252 g) without belt clip (SARLink™)
Weight
9.2 oz (260 g) without attachment clip (AquaLink™)
Factory tested to 16.4 ft (5 m) for 1 hour and to 32.8 ft (10 m) for 10
Waterproof
minutes, both at room temperature
Buoyancy
See section 4 “Distinguishing PLB Features”, page 8
Temperature Range
Operating
-4°F to +131°F (-20°C to +55°C)
Storage:
-40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C)

PLB350B 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.

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APPENDIX D - WARRANTY, USEFUL LIFE POLICY,
NOTICES
Limited Warranty
This 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,
Inc., 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-6645. Email:
service@acrelectronics.com, Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087, Telephone: +1 (954) 9813333.
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
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.

Useful Life Policy
The 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 technician.

Notices
ACR Electronics diligently works to provide a high quality Product Support Manual,
however, despite best efforts, information is subject to change without notice, and
omissions and inaccuracies are possible. ACR cannot accept liability for manual
contents. To ensure that you have the most recent version of the Product Support
Manual, please visit the ACR website at www.acrelectronics.com.
©2009 by ACR Electronics, Inc., part of Cobham plc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted only with permission of ACR
Electronics, Inc.
Ongoing product improvements may change product specifications without notice.
Trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
ACR Electronics, Inc. hereby declares that the following products are in conformity with Directive
1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on Radio Equipment and
Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE), and has been type examined as described in this
Declaration. In accordance with the Directive, the product will be marked with the CE conformity marking
as follows:

Product:

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with GPS Receiver
Trade Names: AquaLink™ and SARLink™
Model: PLB-350B

Notified Body:

BABT (British Approvals Board for Telecommunications), Notified Body No. 0168
Balfour House, Churchfield Road
Walton on Thames
Surrey, KT12 2TD, United Kingdom
Certificate No. NC/14342

Regulations and
Standards:

ETSI EN 302 152-1: V1.1.1 (2003-11)
IEC 60945: 2002
EN 301 843-1: V1.2.1 (2004-06)
EN 60950-1:2001
EN 301 489-1: V1.8.1 (2008-04)
EN 62311: 2008
ETS 300 487: 1996 + A1: 1997
COSPAS-SARSAT C/S T.001 – Issue 3 - Revision 9
COSPAS-SARSAT C/S T.007 – Issue 4 - Revision 3

Manufacturer:

ACR Electronics Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
USA

European
Representative:

ACR Electronics Inc.
(European Office)
1 Rose Cottages, Pitmore Lane,
Sway, Lymington, Hampshire
SO41 6BX, United Kingdom

Signed on behalf of ACR Electronics Inc.
Signed: ____________________________________
Name:
Kerry Greer
Date: August 6, 2009
Title:
Executive Director – Research & Development
Document PLB-350B-001

This Declaration complies with
ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004

ACR Electronics, Inc. is registered by UL to ISO 9001:2000

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