ACR Electronics TERRAFIX IO406 MHZ PLB Installation instructions

PRODUCT

SUPPORT

MANUAL

Y1-03-0174

Rev. D

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

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312

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

www.acrplb.com

Email: [email protected]

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D1

* * * 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.

The combination of superior design, high quality raw materials and quality controlled manufacturing

produce a product that will perform for years to come. The Test Facility at ACR can reproduce some of the

harshest environmental conditions known to man. This assures that the life saving devices can stand up to

the rigors found in any environment on earth. With proper care and maintenance, your PLB will be in service

for years to come.

ACR is proud to be certified to the ISO 9001:2000, the International Standard for Quality.

This manual provides operation and maintenance instructions for the TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB, hereinafter

referred to as the PLB. This manual also describes the characteristics and details of the PLB System.

Table of Contents

1.0 Registration..................................................................................................................................2

2.0 Responsible Use ..........................................................................................................................4

3.0 False Alarms................................................................................................................................4

4.0 Operation.....................................................................................................................................5

5.0 PLB Holster ................................................................................................................................9

6.0 Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................................10

7.0 The Search and Rescue System...................................................................................................11

8.0 Authorizations ............................................................................................................................13

9.0 Technical Data.............................................................................................................................14

10.0 GPS FAQ.....................................................................................................................................15

11.0 Warranty......................................................................................................................................16

Figure 1 Key Pad Functions.......................................................................................................................5

Figure 2 Antenna Position .........................................................................................................................6

Figure 3 Keypad Cover..............................................................................................................................6

Figure 4 Activation....................................................................................................................................6

Figure 5 Deactivation.................................................................................................................................6

Figure 6 GPS Interface with holster...........................................................................................................9

Figure 7 GPS Interface without holster................................................................................................... ..9

Figure 8 Removable holster.......................................................................................................................10

Figure 9 Satellite Orbit...............................................................................................................................13

Figure 10 GEOSAR Satellite Coverage.......................................................................................................13

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D2

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. The National Authorities use the information to verify if an actual emergency exists.

Valuable Search and Rescue resources are wasted every year responding to false alarms. For PLBs

that are not registered, SAR authorities will not know who you are, or who to contact regarding

additional information of your current situation. This could delay the launch of a rescue operation.

*A National Authority is the governmental body that is responsible for PLB Registration Database

administration for the country for which the PLB is programmed.

1.2 Where to register

The owner of a 406 MHz PLB should register it with the National Authority of which the PLB was

programmed, (typically the country where purchased), regardless of where you use your PLB. Each

PLB is programmed with a UIN for the country where the unit is shipped, and will only be accepted

for registration in that country. To verify the country, for which a PLB is programmed, see the label

with the UIN on the back of the unit. Units that do not have a country specified on the UIN label are

programmed for the United States. For a list of the national authorities in your area, please view

them at http://www.cospas-sarsat.com/Management/listOfParticipants.htm

1.3 Registration in the United States

It is the Owner’s responsibility and required by law to Register 406 MHz PLBs that are programmed

for and purchased in the United States. The National Authority that accepts registrations in the United

States is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The owner should

complete the enclosed registration form (Do not confuse this with the ACR Electronics Warranty

Card) and mail it with the pre-addressed; postage paid envelope to:

SARSAT Beacon Registration,

E/SP3, RM 3320, FB-4

NOAA/NESDIS

5200 Auth Rd.

Suitland, MD 20746-4304

PLB registration is also available online at: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov

The information provided on the Registration Form is used only for rescue purposes. The

Registration Form should be filled out and mailed immediately. Registration can be expedited by

faxing the registration form or by completing the form online in the event the PLB is to be placed in

immediate use.

Typically, registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz PLB Registration Database within 48

hours of receipt. A confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-of-registration

decal will be mailed to you within two weeks. When you receive these documents, please check the

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D3

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.

National Search and Rescue Secretariat

400-275 Slater Street

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

1.4 Registration Outside of the United States

In countries other than the United States, 406 MHz PLBs are registered with that country’s National

Authority at the time of Purchase. The Sales agent should assist in filling out the forms and sending

to that country’s National Authority. To verify that the unit is properly programmed for that country,

view the UIN label on the side of the unit. In the event that the PLB is not programmed for the

country in which it has been purchased, the sales agent, (if properly equipped) can reprogram the unit

for that country.

1.5 Change of ownership or contact information

It is the owner’s responsibility to advise the National Authority of any change in the information on

the registration form. If the current owner of the PLB is transferring the PLB to a new owner, the

current owner is required to inform the National Authority by Letter, Fax or telephone, of the name

and address of the new owner. The new owner of the PLB is required to provide the National

Authority with all of the information requested on the Registration form. This obligation transfers to

all subsequent owners. Registration forms are available from NOAA, call +1(888) 212-7283 or visit

our website at www.acrelectronics.com.

1.6 Lost PLB’s

Inform NOAA immediately at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283), or your national authority, that your PLB

has been lost. They will update your PLB registration information with the appropriate information.

1.7 Stolen PLB’s

Things That You Need To Do:

• Report to your local police department that the PLB has been stolen.

• Contact NOAA at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283), or your national authority, with the following

information so your PLB registration information can be updated with the appropriate remarks:

- Police Department Name

- Police Phone Number

- Police Case Number

If your PLB was to activate, the information you provide will be forwarded to the appropriate Search

and Rescue Authorities who will ensure that your PLB gets back to you. And, if someone attempts to

Department.

Visit the COSPAS-SARSAT website for more detailed information: www.cospas-sarsat.org

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D4

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.

When all else fails and you feel your situation has truly become extreme, ask yourself the following

questions:

Am I in danger of losing life, limb, eye sight, or valuable property if I am not rescued soon?

Am I in danger of not surviving the night or upcoming hours if not rescued soon?

If you answer yes with confidence to these questions, it is time to activate your PLB.

SECTION 3 - FALSE ALARMS

3.1 Preventing False Alarms

•Ensure that your PLB is registered with NOAA or your national authority. This does nothing to

reduce false alarm rates, but does have a dramatic effect on the impact of a false alarm. If the PLB

is properly registered, the situation will be resolved with a phone call most of the time. It will also

help speed rescue in an actual distress.

•Test your PLB in accordance with the recommendations enclosed in this manual.

•Use care when leaving your PLB and with whom you leave it with. Ensure that they are aware of

the device and know the ramifications of causing a false alarm. A lot of false alarms are

generated by curious individuals.

•Maintain your PLB. Ensure that the batteries are within their expiration date and that all

manufacturer recommendations are followed.

•Finally, realize that the COSPAS-SARSAT satellites are very good at what they do, detecting

emergency PLBs. An activation of a 406 MHz PLB for just a few seconds will usually be

detected. After a few minutes, it will usually be detected and located. This is good if you're in

distress, but if you're not, you just generated a false alarm.

3.2 Should there be an inadvertent activation or false alarm, it must be reported to the nearest search and

rescue authorities. The information that should be reported includes the PLB Unique Identifier

Number (UIN), Date, Time, duration and cause of activation, as well as location of PLB at the time

of activation. Outside the United States contact your National Authority.

3.3 To report false alarms in the United States contact any of the following:

Atlantic Ocean / Gulf of Mexico

USCG Atlantic Area Command Center Tel: (757) 398-6390

Pacific Ocean Area

USCG Atlantic Area Command Center Tel: (510) 437-3700

USCG HQ Command Center (From any location) Tel: (800) 323-7233

NOAA Tel: 1-888-212-SAVE (7283)

AFRCC Console Tel: 800-851-3051

(for official mission correspondence only)

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D5

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.

4.2 TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB Emergency Activation

4.2.1 Activation

To activate your PLB in an emergency situation, unfasten the antenna from the case or holster and

move it into the upright position (See figure 2). Lift the holster cover revealing the PLB keypad (see

figure 3). Depress the “self-test” and “GPS I” or “GPS I/O” buttons simultaneously for at least 1/2

second and less than 5 seconds (see figure 4). Your PLB is now activated. While transmitting your

emergency signal, the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds alerting you that your PLB is

activated. If GPS data is present in the PLB via the GPS I or GPS O the red LED will turn off and

the green LED will take over flashing once every 2 seconds.

4.2.2 Activation with GPS I (P/N 2798.2 and P/N 2798.4)

The TerraFix™ 406 GPS I and GPS I/O are equipped with a GPS Interface. Prior to activating

your PLB you can download your GPS LAT/LON into the PLB using an external GPS receiver and

the GPS Interface cable provided with the PLB. Once your external GPS has acquired good global

positioning data, press the GPS test button for at least ½ second and no longer than 5 seconds and

your GPS data will download into the PLB (for full instructions see Section 4.7.2). Once you

activate your PLB, your GPS coordinates are included in the distress signal. The green LED will

immediately start flashing every 2 seconds to alert you that your PLB is activated and transmitting

your GPS coordinates with the 406 MHz signal.

Off Button

Self Test Button GPS Test Button

-GPS I (P/N 2798.2)

-GPS I/O (P/N 2798.4)

Green & Red LED

GPS Interface

Press both test and

GPS buttons

together for 1

second to activate

the beacon in an

emergency

Figure 1. Key Pad Functions

(P/N 2798.4 shown)

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D6

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.

When the TerraFix™ 406 GPS I/O is turned ON, the GPS Onboard receiver is also immediately

turned ON and will immediately begin acquiring data. As soon as the GPS receiver acquires good

positioning data the red LED will stop blinking and the green LED will begin flashing once every 2

seconds. Once good global positioning data has been obtained, the GPS receiver waits for 20

minutes before looking for new positioning data again. If for any reason a time period of 4 hours

passes without the GPS receiver being able to update the last good set of GPS coordinates, the

message transmitted by the TerraFix™ 406 GPS I/O will revert to default data. At this point the

green LED will stop blinking and the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds. If at any time after

this, good GPS data is obtained, this data will be transmitted, the red LED will stop blinking and the

green LED will begin flashing again.

Figure 2 Antenna Position

Unlock and position Upright

Figure 3 Key pad cover

Open the key pad cover for access to

Test or activate the beacon

Figure 5 Deactivation

Press red OFF button for more than ½ second

Figure 4 Activation

Press both test buttons simultaneously for more

than ½ second and no longer than 5 seconds

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D7

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. Avoid submerging this portion of the PLB in water if possible, as water will shield

and inhibit the GPS receiver and may cause difficulties obtaining LAT/LON coordinates.

4.3 406/121.5 Antenna Position

For maximum performance you must deploy the PLB antenna into the proper position (see figure 2).

The antenna will snap into place and be slightly slanted to the side. Be sure the antenna is positioned

facing the sky and avoid submerging in water. If afloat employ all means to keep the PLB out of the

water and the antenna dry. For best results it is important to keep the antenna dry and away from the

water. Water acts as a detractor from the performance and reduces the PLB’s effectiveness.

4.4 Deactivation

To deactivate your PLB, depress the “OFF” button for 1 second (see figure 5).

Once off, all blinking LED’s will stop signifying that the PLB is no longer sending your rescue

message.

4.5 Self Test

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PERFORMING ANY OF THE TESTS.

BE PREPARED TO RECORD DATA FROM THE TEST

Self test is initiated by holding the self test button (see figure 1) for at least ½ second and less than

five seconds. Your PLB will sound an initial beep and green LED (Light Emitting Diode) flash to

signify the test has begun. The green LED will flash a second time to indicate that the self test was

successful.

TerraFix™ 406 GPS I (P/N 2798.2) Self tested components: Data Integrity and Memory;

406 MHz Synthesizer; RF Power/Battery

TerraFix™ 406 GPS I/O (P/N 2798.4) Self tested components: Data Integrity and Memory;

406 MHz Synthesizer; RF Power/Battery; GPS header

If your PLB flashes two green LED’s, the test has been successfully completed. If you encounter

only the initial green LED flash alone, your PLB has failed the self test, please contact

ACR Electronics or an authorized Battery Replacement Center for servicing of your PLB.

NOTE: During a self test your PLB will send a 406 MHz signal coded as self-test to the satellite

system. The homing signal at 121.5 MHz is inhibited during self test; this allows you to test your

PLB any time during the day without causing any false alarms.

4.6 Battery Witness Seal Life

ACR strongly recommends performing the self test on the TerraFix™ 406 GPS on a monthly basis.

If your PLB flashes an initial Red LED at the beginning of the Self Test, this indicates that your

electronic witness has been broken and you have used more than 1 hour of battery life. While the

PLB will still operate normally in an emergency, ACR strongly recommends you have your battery

replaced and the electronic witness reset to ensure that you will have 24 hours of battery power

should you ever need to activate your unit in an emergency

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D8

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.

Warning: To conserve battery power the following test should not be performed more than

once during the five-year life of the battery pack!

Note: The GPS Antenna is located under the bottom front portion of the case behind the embossed

ACR logo. It is imperative that this location not be obstructed during self test or activation to ensure

that the GPS antenna is acquiring your latitude and longitude position. This test must be performed

outside with a clear view of the sky.

The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB is fitted with an internal Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver

that will determine the latitude and longitude of its position. To test the internal GPS you must be

outdoors and have a clear view of the sky. The PLB must remain under observation in order to

witness the results of the test. In order to best view the results, avoid bright sunlight and noisy

locations. Depress and hold the GPS I/O button until one Red LED flash, beep and one Green LED

flash, beep are observed. (about 5 seconds apart) Then release the GPS I/O button. The live test of

the internal GPS has begun. The GPS will remain ON until LAT/LON position coordinates have

been obtained or until 10 minutes has elapsed. If valid navigation data has been obtained, the GPS

will be turned OFF and the green LED will light for at least 3 seconds. This LAT/LON data is not

saved for use when the PLB is turned ON. The green LED is proof that the GPS is functioning

properly and that the PLB is in a location or environment where it can receive the necessary signals

from satellites. If the GPS does not acquire good navigation data, the GPS will turn OFF after 10

minutes and there will be no successful green LED indication. This test should not be performed

more than once during the five-year life of the battery pack to prevent excessive battery drain.

4.7.2 Preload external GPS I (Interface)

The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB (P/N 2798.2 and 2798.4) can interface with a handheld GPS receiver

to provide your LAT/LON to SAR forces and narrow your search area to 110 yards (100 meters).

The PLB can accept NMEA 0183 version 1.5 and above GPS Data (format GPGGA sentence)

through its infra-red interface. The PLB can be forced to update its GPS data by pressing the GPS I

or GPS I/O button for at least 1/2 second and not longer than 5 seconds only when the beacon is off.

The TerraFix PLB will hold the last GPS coordinates in memory for 4 hours before returning to the

default. Upon activation, your GPS data will be transmitted to the GEOSAR satellite on the very first

burst. TerraFix 406 PLB will interface with most GPS receivers, if you are not sure if your receiver

is NMEA 0183 compliant please check the interface settings listed in your GPS manual.

Maximum 500 preloads during the life of the battery.

To optimize your GPS Interface feature be sure that your portable GPS receiver is equipped with the

following:

NMEA 0183 Version 1.5 or higher

GPGGA sentence is enabled

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D9

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). Push down and turn to secure the interface

cable to the holster. If the holster in not on the PLB simply hold the interface head on top of the

interface port with your finger (see figure 7).

SECTION 5 – PLB Holster

5.1 The TerraFix™ comes standard with a protective holster that will help protect your PLB from

damage. To install the holster, deploy the external antenna and slide antenna through the open hole

located on the left side of the holster. Slide the holster to the base of the PLB so that the open

antenna hole is flush with the side of the PLB. Close the back of the holster around the back of the

PLB and clip into the front of the holster. Once secured, wrap the external antenna around the base

of the holster and clip into antenna slot on the top right side of the holster (See figure 8).

Note: Use extreme caution; do not apply the holster over the external antenna. In an emergency it is

critical that you deploy the antenna. If the holster is covering the antenna you will not be able to

deploy properly.

5.2 The TerraFix™ holster has been designed to accommodate your extreme adventures. You can secure

your PLB directly to backpack webbing straps or belts to ensure the PLB is close at hand. Ensure the

PLB is secured firmly and is protected before heading out to avoid damage or loss. ACR recommends

that you secure your PLB someplace that is easily accessible in case of an emergency for rapid

activation.

Note: Use care when attaching items to your PLB. Clipping attachments, carabineers, rope,

webbing, etc. will all add weigh and can affect the buoyancy of the PLB. Your PLB may not float if

items have been attached to it.

Figure 7.

GPS Interface without holste

Figure 6.

GPS Interface with holster

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