Owner manual
Y1-03-0180 Rev. D
15
SECTION 7- AUTHORIZATIONS
7.1 Type approvals
7.1.1 The ThunderBird SSAS meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 80
and GMDSS. FCC ID: B66ACR-RLB-33S
7.1.2 COSPAS-SARSAT Type Approval Certification No.141
7.2 Characteristics
7.2.1 The ThunderBird SSAS is a floatable, battery operated unit. The beacon case, with its external antenna,
is waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly that also contains the
battery power supply. A thumb switch is installed on top of the beacon. The beacon must be stored in its
special mount.
7.3 Technical data
7.3.1 Applicable Documents
IMO Chapter XI-2, Regulation 6: Ship Security Alert System
RTCM Recommended Standards for Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS) Using
the Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System
COSPAS-SARSAT Interim Cospas-Sarsat Type Approval Guidelines for 406 MHz SSAS beacons
FCC Part 80 and GMDSS
7.3.2 Specifications
406 MHz Transmitter
Frequency 406 MHz
Frequency Stability ±2 parts per billion/100ms
Output Power 5 watts
Digital Message
Format
Serialized
1
Duration 520 ms
Rate 400 bps
Encoding Biphase L
Modulation ±1.1 radians peak
Antenna
Frequency 406 MHz
Polarization Right-Hand Circular (RHCP)
VSWR Less than 1.5:1
General/Environmental
Battery Life
Operating 48 hours minimum
Replacement Interval 5 years
Size
SSAS less Antenna 7.20” (18.29 cm)
Material, SSAS High impact and UV resistant plastic
Color Blue
Weight 1.9 lbs. (862 g)
Temperature Range
Operating -25°C to +55°C
Stowage -25°C TO +70°C
1
Leaves ACR with Serialized U.S. code but must be reprogrammed at an authorized ACR Service center
with SSAS protocol code, the vessels Maritime MMSI and country code of the flag state before
installing on a ship.