PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL Y1-03-0173 Rev. E AquaFix™ 406 GPS I P-EPIRB Product No. 2797.2 PLB-201 AquaFix™ 406 GPS I/O P-EPIRB Product No. 2797.4 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 AquaFix™ 406 GPS Personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.
SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION OF 406 MHz P-EPIRBS 1.1 Registration Importance It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz P-EPIRB registers it with the National Authorities*. All 406 MHz P-EPIRBs transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is programmed in the P-EPIRB based on the country in which the P-EPIRB 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 AquaFix™ 406 GPS P-EPIRB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger! What exactly does this mean? Technically speaking you should only activate your P-EPIRB 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 AquaFix™ 406 GPS P-EPIRB 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-EPIRB 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 2797.2) - GPS I/O (P/N 2797.
The green LED will immediately start flashing every 2 seconds to alert you that your P-EPIRB is activated and transmitting your GPS coordinates with the 406 MHz signal. 4.2.3 Activation with GPS I/O (P/N 2797.4 Only) The AquaFix™ 406 GPS I/O is also equipped with an Onboard GPS receiver. Once activated the AquaFix™ 406 GPS Onboard GPS engine will start up and search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal.
4.2.4 GPS Antenna Orientation (2797.4 ONLY) When activated it is critical that you do not cover the front bottom portion of the P-EPIRB 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 2797.4 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 AquaFix™ 406 GPS P-EPIRB (P/N 2797.2 and 2797.4) 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).
Figure 8. Removable Holster To secure antenna when the holster is on your AquaFix™, 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. Rotate antenna into down position in order to wrap it around the holster to lock it in place. Make sure the antenna runs between the two guides on the bottom of the holster. This will prevent the antenna from slipping out of position.
SECTION 6 - CARE AND MAINTENANCE 6.1 Carefully inspect the P-EPIRB 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-EPIRB should be immediately sent to ACR for evaluation and repairs, (1-800-432-0227). 6.2 Do Not clean your P-EPIRB with household cleaners and hydrocarbon materials such as gasoline, benzene, bleach, sanitizers, soaps, etc.
P-EPIRB 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 AquaFix™ 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.
SECTION 8 - AUTHORIZATIONS 8.1 The AquaFix™ 406 GPS P-EPIRB meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95 Subpart K, European R&TTE Directive 8.2 Characteristics The AquaFix™ 406 GPS P-EPIRB is a buoyant, battery operated Personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The P-EPIRB case, with its antenna, is waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly which also contains the battery power supply.
SECTION 9 - TECHNICAL DATA - AquaFix™ 406 9.1 The AquaFix™ 406 GPS P-EPIRB is available in two combinations. The following product codes define the options available to meet specific operational requirements: 9.2 Applicable Documents NSS P-EPIRB01-01 COSPAS-SARSAT RSS 187 FCC ETSI 9.3 Standard for 406 MHz Satellite P-EPIRB’s, Canada Document C/S T.001 & T.
Waterproof Temperature Range Operating Class I Class II Storage Class I Class II Exceeds RTCM Standards - Factory Tested to 10 meters at room temperature -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-EPIRB? A. You must have a NMEA 0183 version 1.
Q. Does my GPS unit have to be set up in a special way to transmit position coordinates via the NMEA 0183 Interface? A. For the GPS to transmit data, go to GPS setup and make sure the NMEA 0183 output is turned on and the GGA NMEA sentence is selected or turned on. Consult your GPS user’s manual for information on configuring the NMEA output. 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.
