User Guide

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

stored is accurate. This can be accomplished by two methods: First, by always leaving a properly

functioning GPS receiver connected to the Beacon before activation. Second, by connecting a

properly functioning GPS receiver with a valid position fix to the Beacon and allowing sufficient

time for the Beacon to acquire valid position data from the GPS. This will take a nominal 20

minutes if old GPS position data is stored in the Beacon’s memory. If GPS data is not stored, the

Beacon will acquire current data within a minute of being connected to a GPS with a valid

position fix. You can force the Beacon to update its position at any time by initiating the Beacon’s

Self-Test, see 4.8.3 and 4.8.4. If valid GPS position data is not available, it is preferable to reset

the Beacon with the beacon’s default message (See Section 4.8.5).

4.8.3 Testing the GPS Interface: Connect the Optical Interface Plug to the Beacon bezel and allow

sufficient time for the GPS receiver to acquire valid GPS position data (usually less than 1

minute; but it can take up to 30 minutes). Lift the thumb switch to the vertical (Self-Test) position

and release. Your Beacon will confirm that it has acquired valid GPS data by emitting a beep

along with a flash of the green LED. This will occur approximately 2.5 seconds after the Self-

Test.

4.8.4 Updating GPS Position data: When the beacon is properly connected to a functioning and

compatible GPS receiver, GPS position data is automatically updated about every 20 minutes,

while valid GPS position data is present. The operator can force the acquisition of new GPS

position data, by executing Self-Test of the beacon. This bypasses the normal, programmed,

waiting time of 20 minutes for the automatic update of GPS position data. Once the beacon has

completed the Self-Test sequence by emitting the beep and flash of red and green LEDs, as

described in 4.8.3, the Beacon will request and acquire new position data from the GPS. This can

take a nominal 15 seconds or up to one minute.

NOTE: When the beacon is not activated, GPS position data will be received and stored by the

Beacon (No GPS position data updates will occur while the beacon is activated. However,

subsequent position information is determined by the Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System as

described in Section 6.)

4.8.5 Position data set to default: A new ThunderBird SSAS is programmed with the GPS position

data set to “default”. This “default” GPS position data indicates, upon activation, to the satellite

system that the beacon has no valid GPS position stored in memory. Once a functioning and

compatible GPS receiver is properly connected to the beacon, this “default” data will be replaced

by valid GPS position data, as described in the previous sections.

Position data will be reset to default by activating the beacon (by placing the thumb switch in

the ready position and then pressing one of the remote activation points) and then turning the

beacon off by returning the thumb switch to the off position. Once the beacon is in ON mode, it

must be turned OFF within 45 seconds to prevent transmission of a live burst. Because the

activation points must be remote from the beacon, it is recommended that two people with 2-

Way radios perform this procedure to prevent false alarms.

NOTE: THIS BEACON IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY DURING SITUATIONS

WHERE THE SECURITY OF YOUR VESSEL IS UNDER THREAT OR HAS BEEN

COMPROMISED AND POLICE ACTION IS REQUIRED.

ALSO NOTE: The action of turning the beacon ON and then OFF clears any stored GPS position

data.