ACR Electronics MINI B2 CLASS B PERSONAL EPIRB Installation instructions

PRODUCT

SUPPORT

MANUAL

Y1-03-0127

Rev. D

MINI B2™

Product No. 2762

MINI B2™ILS

Product No. 2763

Emergency Position Indicating

Radio Beacon (EPIRB Class B)

FCC Type Accepted Part 80

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312

+1(954) 981-3333 • Fax +1 (954) 983-5087

www.acrelectronics.com

Email: [email protected]

A Chelton Group company

Foreword:

Congratulations and thank you! You have just purchased the finest Class B personal EPIRB available on the

market. Other brands merely attempt to meet the requirements established by authorities. By purchasing this

EPIRB you have distinguished yourself as one of the safest persons in boating.

To be a responsible EPIRB owner:

•Read this manual.

•Activate your EPIRB ONLY in an emergency.

•Mount your EPIRB in an easily accessible spot or store it in your ditch/emergency kit.

•Prepare an emergency evacuation plan and rehearse it.

•In a grave and imminent situation, where you have exhausted all other means of rescue, activate your

EPIRB and leave it “ON” until Search And Rescue forces arrive. Do not turn it off and on in the

misguided belief that you are saving battery power.

•NEVER set off a false alarm. Follow the instructions in section 5 to operationally test your EPIRB.

Search And Rescue forces will respond to all known emergencies. This EPIRB will alert the authorities to an

emergency if activated in most coastal waters, (excluding parts of Africa and Antarctica). The USCG reports

that 99% of all Class A & B EPIRB activation's are false. The high number of false activation events places an

unnecessary burden on the Search and Rescue system. Don’t be guilty of causing a false or accidental

activation. Help educate others that irresponsible handling of EPIRBs risks lives by slowing the response to

real emergencies and wastes tax payer dollars. Please call or write for answers to questions or for information

on other safety products manufactured by ACR Electronics, Inc.

ACR/MINI B2TM EPIRB

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARA TITLE PAGE

- - - - Foreword i

- - - - Table of Contents ii

Figure 1 ACR/MINI B2TM Outline Drawing 1

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 2-4

1.1 General 2

1.2 Purpose 2

1.3 Satellite Detection 2

Figure 2 Search And Rescue Satellite

Aided Tracking (SARSAT) 3

1.4 Authorizations 3

1.5 Characteristics 3

1.6 Technical Data 4

SECTION 2 INSTALLATION 5

2.1 General 5

SECTION 3 OPERATION 5

3.1 General 5

3.2 Manual Deployment 5

SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 5-8

4.1 General 5

4.2 Battery Check 6

4.3 Inspection Check 6

4.4 Periodic Operational Check 7

4.5 Packaging & Transportation 7

SECTION 5 TESTING 7-8

5.1 General 7

5.2 Operational Testing 7

5.3 Operational Notes 8

FIGURE 1: ACR/MINI B2TMEPIRB

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the ACR/MINI B2TM and

ACR/MINI B2TM ILS Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB - Class B), hereinafter referred to

as the Beacon. This section describes the characteristics and details of the Beacon (See Figure 1). An FCC Ship

Station License is required to carry this unit aboard ship.

1.2 PURPOSE

The Beacon is an item of survival equipment and is designed to be carried aboard vessels at sea and in port, so

as to be readily available in any emergency. It may be used on the deck of vessels, on survival craft, or may be

attached to the latter with the provided lanyard, as well as attached to survival suits, etc. When turned “ON,” it

transmits tone modulated signals (VHF) so that rescue aircraft or vessels equipped with suitable direction

finding receiving equipment can “home” to the transmitting unit. This Beacon meets FCC Rules for improved

satellite detection.

1.3 SATELLITE DETECTION

EPIRB use is directly affected by the COSPAS-SARSAT System. SARSAT is an acronym for Search and

Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking. This international system has proven that satellites can be used to detect

distress alerts and to determine position from Class A and B EPIRBs.

COSPAS-SARSAT frequently plays a key role in many operational Search and Rescue decisions. Since the first

recorded rescue in 1982, over 5,000 persons have been rescued as a direct result of SARSAT. These successes

have brought more public awareness and an expanding growth in the use of EPIRBs.

1.4 AUTHORIZATIONS

The ACR/MINI B2TM Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon meets the requirements of Federal

Communications Commission (FCC) Part 80.1055 as a Class “B” EPIRB, for marine use.

FIGURE 2: SATELLITE DETECTION

1.5 CHARACTERISTICS

The ACR/MINI B2TM Beacon is an o-ring sealed battery operated unit. The beacon case, with its external

antenna is waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly, which also contains

the battery power supply. An “ON-OFF” switch is installed on top of the Beacon, along with a light emitting

diode (LED) operation indicator. The Beacon may be stowed in any convenient place, mounted in a special

bracket aboard a vessel, or tied with its lanyard inside survival craft. The unit is completely waterproof.

The ACR/MINI B2TM ILS Product No. 2763 also has an in-line speaker which emits an audio warble whenever

the Beacon is transmitting. The audio sound is identical to the signal being transmitted. This sound serves as an

ALERT that the Beacon is on and directly indicates that the Beacon is functioning.

ACR designed the MINI B2TM ILS with an audible warble to help reduce the incidence of accidental activation.

The audible warble also allows you to self test your beacon more effectively. NEVER operationally test your

Class B EPIRB except as noted in Section 5.2 of this manual.

1.6 TECHNICAL DATA

Pertinent technical data is listed below:

ITEM CHARACTERISTICS

Frequency 121.5 and 243.0 MHz (simultaneous)

Power Output Minimum 75 mW on each frequency during 48 hours continuous

operation

Operating Life 48 hours minimum at -20°, (-4°F) longer in temperate climates

Battery Lithium battery, 12 year shelf life, 6 year replacement interval

(as per regulation)

Emission Type A3X

Modulation Downward sweeping tone between 1600 and 300 Hz at 2 to 4 sweeps

per second

Frequency .005% (Crystal controlled)

Stability

Operating -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)

Temperatures

Activation Manual “ON-OFF” switch

Size 6.0" H x 2.6" W x 1.6" D (152mm x 66mm x 41mm) excluding

antenna

Weight 9.9 ounces (280 g)

Attachments Lanyards, Hanked and Wrist

Accessories ACR/MINI B2TM Mounting Bracket,

(Optional) PN 9321

SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION

2.1 GENERAL

The ACR/MINI B2TM Beacon has been designed for multi-purpose installation for survival use, personnel, rafts,

floats and survival craft. It should be stowed where it will be readily available in an emergency, or mounted

where easily accessible with the optional ACR/MINI B2TM Mounting Bracket.

SECTION 3 - OPERATION

3.1 GENERAL

The ACR/MINI B2TM Beacon is designed to be manually deployed and activated. It may be hand held on the

deck of vessels or attached with the lanyard provided to survival suits, a raft or life vest. The beacon should be

in a vertical orientation, (antenna “UP”), to transmit effectively. It should be operated in an area free of

obstructions.

3.2 MANUAL DEPLOYMENT

Remove the Beacon from its mounting or storage position and ensure that the antenna is in an upright position.

Flip the switch to the “ON” position. Red LED indicator will illuminate. The LED indicator will remain on for 5

seconds indicating that the batteries are functional. After 5 seconds, the LED indicator will begin flashing,

indicating that the transmitter is functioning properly. The ACR/MINI B2TM ILS, Product No. 2763, will also

emit an audio warble, again indicating that the transmitter is functioning properly. If operated from the deck of

the vessel, choose the most advantageous position free of surrounding obstacles. If deployed in water, make sure

that the antenna is positioned vertically and the antenna itself is out of the water. It is preferable to hold the unit

above the water, as immersion reduces effectiveness.

SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE

4.1 GENERAL

The Beacon has been designed for use with a minimum of maintenance required. A check list is given in this

section, and when accomplished periodically, should help to assure emergency operation and extended life use.

CAUTION: Perform all maintenance operations and checks within a screen room, if available, to prevent

inadvertent transmission of emergency signals. If a screen room is not available, use caution in handling the

Beacon during servicing to prevent signal transmission.

4.2 BATTERY CHECK AND SERVICE

1. See Section 5.2 for battery check. Replace Battery Pack immediately after extended use or emergency.

2. The ACR/MINI B2TM EPIRB has a dated battery life. The battery is dated at a six (6) year period or half

the actual life of the battery, which is 12 years. Replacement must be done at six (6) years per FCC

regulations. Read the date located on the side of the case as follows:

Battery date of 0507 would be read “05/07” or “May, 2007.”

3. All routine service or battery replacement must be carried out by factory authorized personnel at authorized

service centers. Please call ACR for the location of your nearest authorized service center at least 30 days

before expiration date.

4. Safety Precautions:

a) Warning: To avoid possible fire, explosion, leakage or burn hazard, do not open, recharge,

disassemble, heat above 71°C (160°F) or incinerate.

b) DOT regulations require that minimum packaging standards be met when shipping certain materials.

The original shipping container should be retained for this reason. If the original container is lost, please

contact ACR Customer Service prior to shipment of unit.

4.3 INSPECTION CHECK

The following checks should be made during the periodic servicing:

1. Check the antenna tip and spring for any signs of damage or corrosion.

2. Check the antenna for any signs of chafing, wear, cracks, or other damage, and signs of resultant corrosion

beneath the covering.

3. Check the antenna socket at the cap surface for any sign of looseness or corrosion.

4. Check the Beacon housing for signs of damage or mishandling. Dents, or damage to the top end could result

in an operational malfunction during an emergency.

5. Check the lanyards for chafing, fraying or any damage. Check the lanyard anchor points for chafing.

Resecure the lanyards and check the knots for tightness.

4.4 PERIODIC OPERATIONAL CHECK

1. To ensure continued reliability, the unit should be checked for operation at least once every 90 (ninety) days,

following the procedure of Section 5.2.

2. Rinse the outside of the unit with fresh water frequently to remove any salt build-up on case or exposed

parts.

4.5 PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION

The ACR/MINI B2TM contains lithium batteries (solid cathode, total 3.4 grams lithium). The original shipping

carton may be used or consult your local transportation authority with regard to applicable regulations for

transporting the EPIRB.

SECTION 5 - TESTING

5.1 GENERAL

The following paragraphs detail the Beacon testing procedures.

5.2 OPERATIONAL TESTING

The Beacon can be tested by turning it ON. The test consists of the following steps:

1. Flip the “OFF-ON” switch to “ON." Switch “OFF” when finished with test.

2. Red LED indicator will illuminate continuously for 5 (five) seconds, indicating a functional battery.

After the 5 (five) seconds, the LED will blink, confirming RF signal transmission. On the ACR/MINI B

2TM ILS the LED will blink and an audible warble will sound, confirming RF signal transmission.

NOTE: Tests of more than 5 (five) second duration must be conducted at designated times and duration unless

special arrangements are made with the USCG, FCC and/or local FAA authorities. Operational transmission

testing may be executed only during the first five (5) minute period of any hour and only for three tone or one

operational transmission (LED light flashing/audio warble) second, sweeps of the audio modulating

whichever is longer.

The ACR/MINI B2TM ILS has a speaker fed by voltage from the microprocessor and the transmitter, which

produces the audible warble. This EPIRB will emit a distinctive warbling sound when operationally tested. Any

change in the audible warble, (a loss of sound or intermittent sound), is an indication that you should have your

beacon serviced at an authorized service station. Conduct this test only during the first five (5) minutes of each

hour as indicated above.

You can verify that your EPIRB is actually transmitting by turning it “ON” near an FM radio tuned to 99.5

MHz. The radio will receive the signal and will broadcast the familiar “warble” through its speakers if the

EPIRB is transmitting properly. Conduct this test only during the first five (5) minutes of each hour as

indicated above.

5.3 OPERATIONAL NOTES

The EPIRB is designed to operate best when placed on a flat surface or while over water at sea. An operational

transmission on land should be conducted in an area free of obstructions, which could absorb RF energy and

limit radiation patterns.

Position the antenna straight up (perpendicular to ground) and not pointing toward the receiving station. Note

that the radiation field null occurs directly off the end of the antenna.

Maintain a visual path where possible between the Beacon and the receiver, since beacons characteristically

transmit “line of sight."

The Beacon transmits on 121.5 and 243.0 MHz simultaneously.

This manual suits for next models

Table of contents

Other ACR Electronics GPS manuals

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics VECTA 2 - REV A2 Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics PLB-350C Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics AIS Link MOB User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics AEROFIX 406 GPS I P-ELT - REV E Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics RESQFIX 406 User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics NAUTICAST - REV M User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics ResQLink PLB-400 Operational manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics GLOBALWATCH UAIS - QUICK User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics NAUTICAST2 - REV A User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics TERRAFIX IO406 MHZ PLB Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics PLB-350C Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics NAUTICAST inland AIS User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics NAUTICAST inland AIS User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics RLB-37 2842 Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics ResQFix PLB-300 Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics ENGLISH Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics NAUTICAST inland AIS User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics ResQLink PLB-375 User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics RLB-38 Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics AEROFIX 406 GPS I P-ELT - REV E Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics AQUAFIX 406 User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics NAUTICAST SAR AIS - User manual

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics RESQFIX 406 Installation instructions

ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics LAS TAG User manual

Popular GPS manuals by other brands

Raven

Raven Cruizer II Manual

Hama

Hama 53118 Operating instruction

Garmin

Garmin SOUNDER 125 Owner's manual & reference

Garmin

Garmin DEZL 580 owner's manual

Jigabot

Jigabot EX quick start guide

Pointer

Pointer Cellocator CelloTrack XT LTE overview

Queclink

Queclink GV55LITE user manual

Voxson

Voxson Voxtrack GPS500 Quick user guide

Garmin

Garmin ECHOMAP PLUS owner's manual

Starcom Systems

Starcom Systems Kylos Compact user guide

Garmin

Garmin 15 H Series Technical specifications

Cobra

Cobra Marine MC 600Ci owner's manual

Cellocator

Cellocator CelloTrack T installation guide

Enfora

Enfora Mini-MT GSM2228UG001 user guide

Magellan

Magellan eXplorist 100 Reference manual

LTE

LTE G50B user manual

Garmin

Garmin DEZL OTR500 owner's manual

SkyGolf

SkyGolf SkyCaddie SG1 user guide