User's Manual

Y1-03-0241, rev.T2
9
SECTION 5 – CARE AND MAINTENANCE
5.1 Routine Maintenance
Carefully inspect the beacon case for any visible cracks. Cracks may admit moisture, which could falsely
activate the beacon or otherwise cause a malfunction. Any cracking observed should be immediately referred
to ACR for evaluation by calling 1-800-432-0227 in the US, or [phone] elsewhere. ACR technical
support can also be reached by sending an email to [e-mail].
After checking the beacon case for cracks, it may be wiped down with a clean, damp cloth. Do not use any
type of cleaner on your beacon.
5.2 Battery Replacement
The battery must be replaced by the date indicated on the beacon or every five (5) years. At each inspection,
check the time remaining until replacement is required. The battery should be replaced if the beacon has been
activated for any use other than the self test. Always refer all long life battery replacement and other beacon
service to a factory authorized service center. Battery replacement includes servicing the beacon by replacing
all o-rings, testing the water seal and the electrical properties.
NOTE: There are no user serviceable items inside the beacon. DO NOT OPEN THE BEACON.
For the nearest location of a Battery Replacement Center, visit our website at www.acrelectronics.com
The beacon may or may not require special shipping instructions due to the lithium batteries and changes in
shipping regulations. Call ACR’s customer service department at [phone] ext. 2110 for proper
shipping instructions.
SECTION 6 – THE SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM
6.1 General Overview
Beacons provide distress alerts via radio transmission on 406 MHz to the LEOSAR satellites of the Cospas-
Sarsat network. Some beacons can also transmit a distress alert (acquired by the internal GPS) to the
GEOSAR network that includes GPS latitude and longitude coordinates.
The message transmitted is unique for each beacon, which provides identification of the transmitter through
computer access of registration files maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or
other national authority*. Remember, SAR forces will know who you are and who to contact that might know of
your current situation only if your beacon has been properly registered. This will help expedite the launch of a
rescue operation.
NOTE: 406 MHz beacons are required to have their registration updated every two years.
*The national authority is the governmental body responsible for beacon registration database administration
for the country for which the beacon is programmed.
Once the 406 MHz signal is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR network, SAR forces determine
which SAR group is closest. This group proceeds to the beacon using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency.
6.2 Satellite Detection
Beacons transmit to the satellite portion of the Cospas- Sarsat system. Cospas- Sarsat is an international
system that utilizes Russian Federation and United States’ low altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites
(LEOSAR). These satellites assist in detecting and locating activated 406 MHz satellite beacons.
Cospas and Sarsat satellites receive distress signals from beacons transmitting on the frequency of 406 MHz.
The Cospas- Sarsat 406 MHz beacon signal consists of a transmission of non-modulated carriers followed by
a digital message format that provides identification data. The 406 MHz system uses Satellite-borne
equipment to measure and store the Doppler-shifted frequency along with the beacon’s digital data message