User Manual

Y1-03-0180 Rev. T1
12
...................................................................................Stop if failed
2. Check 406 MHz Synthesizer ................................Beep and lights up LEDs if passed
..................................................................................Stop if failed
3. Check RF Power/Battery ......................................Beep and lights up LEDs if passed
..................................................................................Stop if failed
4. Turn on green LED to indicate Successful Test.
If all of the above occurs, the test has been successful.
4.7.2 It is strongly recommended to test the ThunderBird S.S.A.S. on a Monthly basis.
4.8 External GPS Interface
4.8.1 Using the GPS Interface:
Once a compatible operating GPS receiver (Figure 4) is connected to
the Beacon, the beacon will store data for incorporation into the emergency message, which is
transmitted to the satellite. This can provide more accurate positioning data to the National
Authority and may lead to faster response. Since the last valid GPS position data is always kept in
the memory of the Beacon, the user should take care to make sure that the GPS position data
stored is accurate. This can be accomplished by two methods: First, by always leaving a properly
functioning GPS connected to the Beacon before activation. Second, by connecting a properly
functioning GPS with a valid position fix to the Beacon and allowing sufficient time for the
Beacon to acquire valid position data from the GPS. This will take a nominal 20 minutes if old
GPS position data is stored in the Beacon’s memory. If there is no old GPS position data present,
the Beacon will acquire current data within a minute of being connected to a GPS with a valid
position fix. You can force the Beacon to update its position at any time by initiating the Beacon’s
Self-Test, see 4.8.2 and 4.8.3. If valid GPS position data is not available, it is preferable to reset
the Beacon with the beacon’s default message (See Section 4.8.4).
4.8.2 Testing the GPS Interface:
Connect the Optical Interface Plug to the Beacon bezel and allow
sufficient time for the GPS receiver to acquire valid GPS position data (usually less than 1
minute; but it can take up to 30 minutes). Lift the thumb switch to the vertical (Self-Test) position
and release. Your Beacon will confirm that it has acquired valid GPS data by emitting a beep
along with a flash of the red and green LED’s. This will occur approximately 2.5 seconds after
the Self-Test.
4.8.3 Updating GPS Position data:
When the beacon is properly connected to a functioning and
compatible GPS receiver, GPS position data is automatically updated about every 20 minutes,
while valid GPS position data is present. The operator can force the acquisition of new GPS
position data, by executing Self-Test of the beacon. This bypasses the normal, programmed,
waiting time of 20 minutes for the automatic update of GPS position data. Once the beacon has
completed the Self-Test sequence by emitting the beep and flash of red and green LEDs, as
described in 4.8.2, the Beacon will request and acquire new position data from the GPS. This can
take a nominal 15 seconds or up to one minute.
NOTE: When the beacon is not activated, GPS position data will be received and stored by the
Beacon (No GPS position data updates will occur while the beacon is activated).
4.8.4 Position data set to default:
A new ThunderBird is programmed with the GPS position data set to
“default”. This “default” GPS position data indicates, upon activation, to the satellite system that
the beacon has no valid GPS position stored in memory. Once a functioning and compatible GPS