PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL Y1-03-0174 Rev. E TerraFix™ 406 GPS I PLB Product No. 2798.2 PLB-201 TerraFix™ 406 GPS I/O PLB Product No. 2798.4 PLB-200 Personal Locator Beacon FCC Type Approved FCC ID:B66ACR-PLB200 FCC ID:B66ACR-PLB201 ACR Electronics, Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312 +1(954) 981-3333 • Fax +1 (954) 983-5087 www.acrplb.com Email: Info@acrelectronics.
* * * WARNING * * * THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER * * * DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY * * * For proper use refer to section 2 – Responsible Use PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PERFORMING ANY OF THE TESTS. Forward Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the ACR TerraFix™ 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon.
SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION OF 406 MHz PLBS 1.1 Registration Importance It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz PLB registers it with the National Authorities*. All 406 MHz PLBs transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is programmed in the PLB based on the country in which the PLB was purchased. Registration provides the Search and Rescue (SAR) forces with emergency contact information, and will speed the launch of a rescue operation.
information carefully and affix the decal to your PLB in the area marked “Beacon Decal here”. If you do not receive confirmation, contact NOAA for additional information at: +1-888-212-7283. 1.3.1 Registration in Canada The National Authority in Canada is the NSS (National Search & Rescue Secretariat). Canadian residents can register online at http:beacons.nss.gc.ca. For more information please contact the NSS at (613) 966-1504 or (800) 727-9414.
SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBLE USE 2.1 The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger! What exactly does this mean? Technically speaking you should only activate your PLB when all other means of self rescue have been exhausted. This means you have tried to use your cellular/satellite phone, signaling mirrors, strobe lights, or any other safety device you may have.
SECTION 4 - OPERATION 4.1 General The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB models are designed to be manually deployed and activated. It is only to be activated when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted. Activation of the PLB tells Search and Rescue who you are, where you are, and that you are facing a life threatening situation. GPS Test Button - GPS I (P/N 2798.2) - GPS I/O (P/N 2798.
4.2.3 Activation with GPS I/O (P/N 2798.4 Only) The TerraFix™ 406 GPS I/O is also equipped with an Onboard GPS receiver. Once activated the TerraFix™ 406 GPS Onboard GPS engine will start up and search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal. In the case when external and internal GPS are present, the internal GPS data will have priority at activation.
4.2.4 GPS Antenna Orientation (2798.4 ONLY) When activated it is critical that you do not cover the front bottom portion of the PLB with any body part, water, clothing, etc. The GPS Antenna is located under the front bottom portion of the case behind the embossed ACR logo. To ensure proper operation it needs to be unobstructed with a clear view to the sky.
4.7 GPS Testing 4.7.1 GPS O (Onboard) Test (P/N 2798.4 only) This test is NOT necessary as 100% of all Onboard GPS receivers that leave ACR have been tested to ensure they perform perfectly. However, if you would like to ensure your Onboard GPS is working properly, please follow these instructions very closely.
Figure 7. GPS Interface without holster Figure 6. GPS Interface with holster 4.7.3 GPS I (Interface) connection The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB (P/N 2798.2 and 2798.4) comes standard with a GPS interface cable with serial port adapter. Connect the serial port adapter to your external GPS connection data cable. If the holster is on the PLB, align the two tabs on the bottom of the interface with the holes in on the holster directly above the interface port (see figure 6).
Figure 8. Removable Holster To secure antenna when the holster is on your TerraFix™, be sure to deploy antenna prior to placing the holster onto the unit. Slide the antenna through the holster to secure it to the beacon. The holster will clip together at the bottom of holster. Rotate antenna into down position in order to wrap it around the holster to lock it in place. Make sure the antenna runs between the two guides on the bottom of the holster.
6.3 Battery Replacement Power is provided by self contained long life batteries with a five-year recommended replacement cycle. See Factory Authorized Service Center for replacement. The batteries (P/N 1099.2) must be replaced by the date indicated on the PLB. At each inspection, check the time remaining until replacement is required. Batteries should be replaced if the PLB has been activated for any use other than the self test.
7.2 Satellite Detection 7.2.1 The TerraFix™ 406 GPS transmits an encoded phase modulated radio signal to the satellite portion of the COSPAS-SARSAT System. The system was developed and implemented by the COSPASSARSAT Partners (Russian Federation, Canada, France and the United States). 7.2.2 COSPAS-SARSAT is an international system that uses Russian Federation and United States low altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites (LEOSAR) that assist in detecting and locating activated 121.
GEOSAR SATELLITE COVERAGE Figure 9 SATELLITE ORBIT Figure 10 SECTION 8 - AUTHORIZATIONS 8.1 The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95 Subpart K , European R&TTE Directive 8.2 Characteristics The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB is a buoyant, battery operated Personal Locator Beacon. The PLB case, with its external antenna, is waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly which also contains the battery power supply.
with your PLB. The TerraFix™ 406 GPS I/O (P/N 2798.4) also contains an Onboard GPS engine that will acquire your LAT/LON if an external GPS receiver is not present. SECTION 9 - TECHNICAL DATA -TerraFix™ 406 9.1 9.2 The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB is available in two combinations. The following product codes define the options available to meet specific operational requirements: Applicable Documents NSS PLB01-01 COSPAS-SARSAT RSS 187 9.3 FCC Standard for 406 MHz Satellite PLB’s, Canada Document C/S T.
Material Color Weight (less holster) Waterproof Temperature Range Operating Class I Class II Storage Class I Class II High impact and UV resistant plastic ACRtreuse 12 oz (338 grams) Exceeds RTCM Standards - Factory Tested to 10 meters at room temperature -40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F) (future accessory) -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F) -50°C to +70°C (-58°F to +158°F) (future accessory) -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F) SECTION 10 - GPSI/O Frequently Asked Question Q.
Q. Does my GPS unit have to be set up in a special way to transmit position coordinates via the NMEA 0183 Interface? A. For the GPS to transmit data, go to GPS setup and make sure the NMEA 0183 output is turned on and the GGA NMEA sentence is selected or turned on. Consult your GPS user’s manual for information on configuring the NMEA output. Q. What is the maximum length my GPS cable can be? A. ACR Electronics recommends a maximum length of 400 feet using 24 AWG wire.
