User's Manual

Y1-03-0241, rev.T2
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3.2 406/121.5 Antenna Position
For maximum performance you must deploy the beacon antenna into the proper position (see Figure 3). If at
all possible, be sure the antenna is positioned facing the sky and avoid submerging in water. This device is
intended to operate on or above the ground only: It is not intended to operate while floating in water.
3.3 Activation with GPS (PLB-350B only)
Your beacon is equipped with an internal GPS receiver if you purchased the PLB-350B model. 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.
The same GPS data will be sent with each 406 MHz signal for the next twenty minutes. At that time the
internal GPS will start up again, search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your next 406 MHz signal.
If for any reason the internal GPS cannot update your LAT/LON, your last position will be used for the next
four hours. At that time the green LED will stop blinking and the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds until
new GPS data is obtained.
3.4 GPS Receiver Orientation
When a model PLB350B with GPS is activated, it is critical that you do not cover the beacon with any body
part, water, clothing, etc. The GPS receiver is located under the bottom portion of the case behind the
ResQFix™
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or MicrOFix™
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logo. To ensure optimum performance of the GPS receiver, the beacon needs
to have an unobstructed view of the sky.
3.5 Deactivation
To deactivate your beacon, depress the ON/OFF button for 1 second. Once the beacon is
deactivated, all blinking LED’s will stop, signifying that the beacon is no longer sending your distress message.
3.6 Self- test
ACR strongly recommends performing the Self- test once per month, or at least two weeks prior to a trip
allowing enough time for service should your beacon require it.
A Self- test is initiated by holding the Self- test button
for at least ½ second and less than 5 seconds.
Your beacon will sound an initial beep and flash the green LED to signify the test has begun. The green LED
will flash a second time to indicate that the self test was successful.
NOTE: The beep is a very high pitch that many people are unable to hear.
Components Tested: Data Integrity and Memory; 406 MHz Synthesizer; RF Power/Battery; GPS header
If a red LED flashes at the completion of the Self- test, your beacon has failed. Repeat the Self- test. If the
failure persists, contact ACR Electronics or an authorized Battery Replacement Center for servicing of your
beacon.
NOTE: During a Self- test your beacon will send a 406 MHz signal coded as Self-test to the satellite system.
The 121.5 MHz homing signal is inhibited during Self- test; this allows you to test your beacon any time during
the day without causing false alerts.
Self Test Sequences
Self Test Guide ( Green LED Red LED)
Green LED, 4 BEEPS, Green LED
Successful Self- test
Green LED, Less than 4 BEEPS, Red LED
Failed Self- test – Return beacon to ACR
Red LED, 4 BEEPS, Green LED
Successful Self- test – At least 1 hour of battery
power has been depleted, have battery replaced.
Red LED, Less than 4 BEEPS, Red LED
Failed Self- test – Return unit to ACR for service.