User Guide

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A
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3.2.5 Connecting the beacon to a GPS receiver via the optical Interface (IR Transmitter)
Your Beacon comes with a NMEA GPS Optical Interface cable (transmitter plug with lead wires)
that should be connected to the ship’s GPS system. The IR transmitter plug attaches to your
Beacon, via the keyed blue bezel on the top left of the beacon. The cable can be routed through
the hole in the upper left corner of bracket. The lead wires attach to the ship’s GPS system via the
NMEA 0183 connector from your GPS receiver. The black lead wire with white stripes should be
connected to the positive transmitter pin (Data Out). The black wire should be connected to the
negative pin (Ground).
NOTE: The baud rate output for your GPS receiver NMEA 0183 should be 4800. Consult your
GPS manufacturer for correct installation.
3.3 Activation switch installation
• Per IMO’s SOLAS Chapter XI-2, Regulation 6: Ship Security Alert System:
o Paragraph 3.1: “The ship security alert system shall be capable of being activated from the
navigation bridge and in at least one other location;”
3.3.1 General information
SSAS beacons are required to have at least two remote activation points, one of which is on the
navigation bridge. Two switches are supplied with the ThunderBird SSAS. Contact the factory
if additional switches are required.
The switches are required to be protected from inadvertent activation and activate only with two
independent mechanical actions. These requirements are satisfied by the spring-loaded switch
guard attached to the switch when shipped. The switches must be installed with the guard in
place.
3.3.2 Switch location
The switches are designed to be installed through a hole in a panel and require approximately 1”
(25.4 mm) by 1” (25.4 mm) clearance on both the front and the back. The recommended panel
thickness is 0.039” (1mm) to 0.106” (3.2mm).
There are some additional factors that should be considered when selecting the switch locations.
A primary consideration is installing the switches per IMO requirements: one on the navigation
bridge and the other in a secondary covert location. Each switch should also be installed in a
location that will not draw unnecessary attention, yet be easy to access. The switches should not
be installed in a location where they might be confused with other switches. Lastly, the wiring
routing may also be considered.
3.3.3 Recommended wire
ACR recommends using stranded, tinned wire between 16 to 22 AWG to connect between the
remote activation switches and the beacon mounting bracket. Stranded wire is recommended to
better withstand the effects of vibration. Tinned wire is resistant to corrosion. The recommended
wire gauge is a compromise between weight and strength. ACR provides crimp-on terminal lugs