User's Manual
15
Y1-03-0233 Rev. T2
is present. The operator can force the acquisition of new GPS position data, by executing
a Self-Test with the beacon connected to a GPS with a valid position x. This bypasses the
normal, programmed, waiting time of 20 minutes for the automatic update of GPS position
data. If the new GPS position is acquired, the coordinates will be displayed, after the beacon
has completed the Self-Test.
A new beacon 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 receiver is properly
connected to the beacon, this “default” data will be replaced by valid GPS position data, as
described in the previous sections.
6.6 Internal GPS navigation system
The RLB-36 is tted with an internal Global Positioning System receiver that will determine
the navigational coordinates, latitude and longitude, of its position on the globe to be trans-
mitted to the emergency system. The internal GPS will be formatted in accordance with the
NMEA-0183 interface. The serial rate will be 9600 baud, eight data bits, no parity and one
stop bit. When the RLB-36 is turned on the GPS is immediately turned on and it attempts to
acquire good navigation data for a period of 30 minutes. If the GPS receiver obtains good
data anytime in this period or the 30 minutes elapses, the GPS receiver is turned off for 20
minutes and 45 seconds. This is to prevent an update from happening in less than 20 min-
utes. GPS data can be acquired anytime the GPS is on, but only good quality factor data
is recognized and saved. Once the beacon acquires good quality GPS data in this manner
it puts the GPS data into the next transmitted 406 MHz digital message. After the GPS is
turned off for 20 minutes and 45 seconds, the GPS is turned on for ten minutes to attempt
to acquire or update good navigation data. If the GPS acquires good data or the 10-minute
period elapses, the GPS is turned off for another 20 minutes and 45 seconds. The third time
the beacon looks for GPS data the GPS is turned on for 5 minutes. From then on each GPS
on time is 5 minutes and each following off period is increased by an additional 9 minutes
until the GPS has been on fo r a total of 18 periods, at this time the off time the GPS engine
reaches 2.5 hours, then it turns on for 5 minutes then off for 2.5 hours, till the battery dies
out.
6.7 Internal GPS Testing
This test is NOT required as 100% of all GPS receivers that leave ACR have been tested
to ensure they perform perfectly. However, if you would like to ensure your GPS receiver is
working, please follow these instructions very closely.
Warning: To conserve battery power the following test should not be performed
more than once during the ve-year life of the battery pack!
Note: The GPS receiver is located under the top cap (next to the thumb switch). It is impera-
tive 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.
To test the internal GPS you must be outdoors and have a clear view of the sky. Observe
the beacon for the entire GPS test. Lift the thumb switch to vertical position and hold it in this
position for at least 9 seconds. The “GPS” will display on the OLED and a beep will indicate
that the GPS has been turned on. The GPS will remain ON until LAT/LON coordinates have
been obtained or until 10 minutes have elapsed. If good navigation data has been obtained,
the GPS will be turned OFF and the coordinates will be displayed on the OLED display.
The LAT/LON data is not saved for use when then beacon is turned on and there is no RF
burst during this GPS test. This is only to proof 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 navigation data, the GPS will turn OFF after 10
minutes.