PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL Y1-03-0175 Rev. E AeroFix™ 406 GPS I P-ELT Product No. 2799.2 PLB-201 AeroFix™ 406 GPS I/O P-ELT Product No. 2799.4 PLB-200 Personal Locator Beacon FCC Type Approved FCC ID:B66ACR-PLB200 FCC ID:B66ACR-PLB201 ACR Electronics, Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312 +1(954) 981-3333 • Fax +1 (954) 983-5087 www.acrelectronics.com Email: Info@acrelectronics.
* * * WARNING * * * THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER * * * DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY * * * For proper use refer to section 2 – Responsible Use PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PERFORMING ANY OF THE TESTS. Forward Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the ACR AeroFix™ 406 GPS Personal Emergency Location Transmitter.
SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION OF 406 MHz P-ELTS 1.1 Registration Importance It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz P-ELT registers it with the National Authorities*. All 406 MHz P-ELTs transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is programmed in the P-ELT based on the country in which the P-ELT was purchased. Registration provides the Search and Rescue (SAR) forces with emergency contact information, and will speed the launch of a rescue operation.
1.3.1 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 (613) 966-1504 or (800) 727-9414. National Search and Rescue Secretariat 400-275 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2 1.
SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBLE USE 2.1 The AeroFix™ 406 GPS P-ELT should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger! What exactly does this mean? Technically speaking you should only activate your P-ELT when all other means of self rescue have been exhausted. This means you have tried to use your cellular/satellite phone, signaling mirrors, strobe lights, or any other safety device you may have.
SECTION 4 - OPERATION 4.1 General The AeroFix™ 406 GPS P-ELT models are designed to be manually deployed and activated. It is only to be activated when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted. Activation of the P-ELT tells Search and Rescue who you are, where you are, and that you are facing a life threatening situation. GPS Test Button - GPS I (P/N 2799.2) - GPS I/O (P/N 2799.
4.2.3 Activation with GPS I/O (P/N 2799.4 Only) The AeroFix™ 406 GPS I/O is also equipped with an Onboard GPS receiver. Once activated the AeroFix™ 406 GPS Onboard GPS engine will start up and search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal. In the case when external and internal GPS are present, the internal GPS data will have priority at activation.
4.2.4 4.3 GPS Antenna Orientation (2799.4 ONLY) When activated it is critical that you do not cover the front bottom portion of the P-ELT with any body part, water, clothing, etc. The GPS Antenna is located under the front bottom portion of the case behind the embossed ACR logo. To ensure proper operation it needs to be unobstructed with a clear view to the sky.
4.7 GPS Testing 4.7.1 GPS O (Onboard) Test (P/N 2799.4 only) This test is NOT necessary as 100% of all Onboard GPS receivers that leave ACR have been tested to ensure they perform perfectly. However, if you would like to ensure your Onboard GPS is working properly, please follow these instructions very closely.
Figure 6. GPS Interface with holster 4.7.3 Figure 7. GPS Interface without holster GPS I (Interface) connection The AeroFix™ 406 GPS P-ELT (P/N 2799.2 and 2799.4) comes standard with an Optical GPS data interface with LED (Hard wire connection to you onboard GPS NEMA 0183 output). Connect the serial port adapter to your external GPS connection data cable. Connect data plus and minus leads to your NEMA 0183 output wire (consult onboard GPS manual for proper wiring instructions).
Note: Use care when attaching items to your P-ELT. Clipping attachments, carabineers, rope, webbing, etc. will all add weigh and can affect the buoyancy of the P-ELT. Your P-ELT may not float if items have been attached to it. Figure 8. Removable Holster To secure antenna when the holster is on your AeroFix™, be sure to deploy antenna prior to placing the holster onto the unit. Slide the antenna through the holster to secure it to the beacon. The holster will clip together at the bottom of holster.
SECTION 6 - CARE AND MAINTENANCE 6.1 Carefully inspect the P-ELT case and gasket for any visible cracks. Cracks may admit moisture, which could cause a malfunction. In the event of any cracking or structural damage, the P-ELT should be immediately sent to ACR for evaluation and repairs, (1-800-432-0227). 6.2 Do Not clean your P-ELT with household cleaners and hydrocarbon materials such as gasoline, benzene, bleach, sanitizers, soaps, etc., simply wipe your P-ELT down with a damp cloth until clean. 6.
P-ELT is not registered, Search and Rescue (SAR) Authorities do not know who you are, or how to contact anyone who might know anything about your situation (Refer to section1). Once the AeroFix™ 406 GPS signal (406 MHz) is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR network, SAR forces determine who is closest, and then track the signal using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency for intermediate and short-range location. 7.2 Satellite Detection 7.2.
GEOSAR SATELLITE COVERAGE Figure 10 SATELLITE ORBIT Figure 11 SECTION 8 - AUTHORIZATIONS 8.1 The AeroFix™ 406 GPS P-ELT meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95 Subpart K , European R&TTE Directive 8.2 Characteristics The AeroFix™ 406 GPS P-ELT is a buoyant, battery operated Personal Emergency Location Transmitter. The P-ELT case, with its antenna, is waterproof.
SECTION 9 - TECHNICAL DATA - AeroFix™ 406 9.1 The AeroFix™ 406 GPS P-ELT is available in two combinations. The following product codes define the options available to meet specific operational requirements: 9.2 Applicable Documents NSS P-ELT01-01 COSPAS-SARSAT RSS 187 FCC ETSI 9.3 Standard for 406 MHz Satellite P-ELT’s, Canada Document C/S T.001 & T.
Temperature Range Operating Class I Class II Storage Class I Class II -40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F) (future accessory) -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F) -50°C to +70°C (-58°F to +158°F) (future accessory) -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F) SECTION 10 - GPSI/O Frequently Asked Question Q. How do I download position data from my GPS to my P-ELT? A. You must have a NMEA 0183 version 1.5 or higher output ready GPS unit and a GPS Interface cable.
Q. What is the maximum length my GPS cable can be? A. ACR Electronics recommends a maximum length of 400 feet using 24 AWG wire. Contact your GPS owner’s manual for more detailed information. Q. What happens if I plug the GPS into the P-ELT first and press the GPS I or I/O button without waiting for the GPS to acquire satellites? A. The P-ELT will function normally in the off position, but will not store GPS coordinates. As soon as the GPS has acquired satellites the data will be transferred to the P-ELT.
