Product Support Manual MicrOFix™ 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon Product No. 2898 PLB-300 Y1-03-0215-1 Rev. C Personal Locator Beacon FCC ID: B66ACR-PLB-300 ACR Electronics, Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312 Tel : +1(954) 981-3333 Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087 www.acrartex.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. If you should have any questions or problems with this product, do not return to the store, in which you purchased, call ACR Electronics, Inc. directly at 1 (800) 432-0227 or +1 (954) 981-3333.
SECTION 1 - FREE REGISTRATION OF 406 MHz PLBS 1.1 Registration Importance (Registration is FREE and can be updated as many times as you want) It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz PLB registers it with the National Authority*. All 406 MHz PLBs transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is programmed in the PLB based on the country in which the PLB was purchased.
If your country has registered with the International Registration Database can apply easily online at www.406registration.com. 1.6 Change of ownership or contact information It is the owner’s responsibility to advise the National Authority of any change in the information on the registration form. If the current owner of the PLB is transferring the PLB to a new owner, the current owner is required to inform the National Authority by Letter, Fax or telephone, of the name and address of the new owner.
SECTION 3 – OPERATION The MicrOFix™ 406 GPS PLB model is designed to be manually deployed and activated. It is only to be activated when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted. When properly registered as required, the activation of the PLB tells Search and Rescue who you are, where you are, and that you are facing a life threatening situation.
3.2 Activation with GPS This PLB is equipped with an internal GPS receiver. Once activated the GPS engine will start up and search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal. As soon as the GPS receiver acquires good positioning data the red LED will stop blinking and the green LED will begin flashing once every 2 seconds. Once good global positioning data has been obtained, the GPS receiver waits for 20 minutes before looking for new positioning data again.
3.7 Battery Witness Seal Life If your PLB flashes an initial Red LED at the beginning of the Self Test, this indicates that your electronic witness has been broken and you have used more than 1 hour of battery life. While the PLB 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. 3.
SECTION 5 - CARE AND MAINTENANCE Carefully inspect the PLB case and gasket for any visible cracks or damage after any abusive use. Cracks may admit moisture, which could cause a malfunction. In the event of any cracking or structural damage, the PLB should be immediately sent to ACR for evaluation and repairs, (Call toll free 1-800-432-0227 or +1 (954) 9813333). Do not clean your PLB with household cleaners and materials such as gasoline, benzene, bleach, sanitizers, soaps, etc.
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.
SECTION 8 - Technical Data - MicrOFix™ 406 8.1 Applicable Documents NSS PLB01-01 Standard for 406 MHz Satellite PLB’s, Canada COSPAS-SARSAT Document C/S T.001 & T.007 (spec for 406 MHz distress beacons) RSS 187 Radio Standards Specification for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, Emergency Locator Transmitter, and Personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon FCC Part 95, Subpart K ETSI 302152/1 version 2003 8.
Temperature Range Operating Class 2 -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F) Storage Class 2 -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F) *This device is intended to operate on or above the ground or while attached to your persons above the water line. This device is not intended to operate while floating. SECTION 9 – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS QUESTION: Why do I have to register my beacon? ANSWER: Registering your PLB is mandatory. Registration is FREE and should be continually maintained.
QUESTION: Is it okay if I lend my PLB to a friend who is going on a trip? Answer: YES, give a copy of this product support manual so your friend will properly know how to use this beacon in an emergency, along with the responsibilities that come along with owning one. Then you must register the beacon again with your friend’s information in case an emergency should arise. Once the PLB is returned to you, update your registration.
SECTION 10 – LIMITED WARRANTY This product is warranted against factory defects in material and workmanship for a period of five years from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will repair or, at its option, replace at no cost to you for labor, materials or return transportation, provided you obtain a Return Authorization from ACR Electronics, Inc., 5757 Ravenswood Road, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33312-6645.
