ACR Bivy Stick Satellite Communicator Manual

BIVY STICK

USER GUIDE

GETTING STARTED

Download the Bivy app for iOS from the
App Store or for Android from the Play Store.
Create a Bivy account.

While in phone service or WiFi, turn on your Bivy Stick by
pressing the power button for 2 seconds. The power indicator
light will illuminate.

On the app menu, select “STICK.”

PROFILE MAP MESSAGES STICK

Tap on the "CONNECT" icon in the upper left corner to connect
to your Bivy Stick and pair it with your phone. This will only
take a few seconds. Once it is connected, you will see the
battery life and signal strength displayed on this icon.

If it does not connect press the power button on the Bivy Stick
briefly to re-attempt your Bluetooth connection.

Once your phone is connected to the Bivy Stick, select
"ACTIVATE". Follow the steps to activate your Bivy Stick. It will
require you to input emergency contact information and
credit card info. During this process you will also have the
opportunity to purchase a Global Rescue membership for
additional coverage in case of an emergency.

NOTE: SOS Monitoring and dispatch is a service provided
by Global Rescue to all active Bivy Stick users as part of your
monthly service fee. A Global Rescue membership provides
additional services. More info about a membership can be
found here: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/bivy/

During the activation process you will choose your data plan.
All plans use the Iridium satellite network. There is a four
month commitment for the first activation, but after that you
can change plans as needed. If you use all of your allotted
credits, you can still continue to use the Stick at the overage
rate indicated. For more plan details please go to:

https://www.bivy.com/data-plans

Once your Bivy Stick is activated, you will be assigned your
own dedicated phone number which will stay the same until
you deactivate service. You can find this phone number on
the STICK screen in the app when the Stick is connected.

USING THE APP

You can see the status of your Bivy Stick and account at any
time by using the app. On the STICK screen you can see how
many credits you have available for the month and how many
you have used.

On the STICK screen, you'll be able to see if your Stick is active,
when your active account renews or ends, and your credit
status. You can also navigate to many features of the Bivy Stick,
including SOS, Weather, Check-In Setup, and Send Check-In.

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AVAILABLE CREDITS

SOS

CALL FOR HELP

0

USED CREDITS

Weather

GET REPORT

Check-In Setup

CREATE NEW

Send Check-In

SEND MESSAGE

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MESSAGING

Make sure you are connected to the Bivy Stick via Bluetooth.
Enter the Messages screen by tapping “MESSAGES” on the
bottom menu.

PROFILE MAP MESSAGES STICK

The Bivy app will ask if you would like to sync your contacts.
This can take up to 5 minutes, depending on how many
contacts you have in your phone.

Use the New Message button to start a new text chain.
Type in the name, number or email address of the person
you want to message. You can send one message to multiple
people, but each message will go to the recipient individually,
and replies will come in their own thread. It does not work like
standard group messaging.

Once you have picked your recipient, enter your message into
the message field at the bottom of the screen. Maximum 160
characters.

You can also hit the Location button to the left of the
message field to automatically add your GPS coordinates and
a link for recipients to see your location on a map.

When a message is being sent out, the status of the message
will say “Sending.” The Status light on the Stick will flash
yellow. Once it has successfully been sent, the Status light on
the Stick will no longer flash yellow and the message status on
the app will change from “Sending” to a timestamp.

To create a preset Check-In message, tap on Check-In Setup
on the STICK screen. You can enter up to five recipients,
comprised of phone numbers or email addresses. Then enter
your message text, up to 160 characters. This will be sent along
with your GPS coordinates and a URL link the recipient(s) can
click on to see your location when you send the Check-In.

The Check-In button sends a Check-In using the phone's
location information to the recipients setup in Check-In Setup.

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The Mailbox Check button will send a request to pull
down any messages from satellite that may be waiting. If
there is an urgent matter, use the Mailbox Check button to
check for messages immediately. You can do six Mailbox
Checks for 1 credit.

The Bivy Stick automatically listens for incoming messages
for 15 minutes after sending or receiving a message. It then
goes to sleep to preserve battery life, but wakes up every 15
minutes to check for messages. When the Signal light is on,
the Stick is listening for messages. When the Signal light is off,
it's sleeping to preserve battery life. You can manually wake up
the Stick to listen for messages for 3 minutes with a very short
press of the Power button.

WEATHER

Navigate to the Weather screen from the STICK screen.
If you are in cell/WiFi service, you can update a weather
report for free at any time.

When you are off-grid, tap the Refresh button in the top
right corner of the Weather screen to get the latest report.

You will have 2 options:

- Standard 3 day 3-hour-increment forecast for 1 credit

- Premium 7 day 2-hour-increment forecast for 2 credits
If you have an Unlimited plan, it will default to the Premium
forecast. Each forecast will take a few minutes to update
depending on the strength of the satellite signal. You will
receive a push notification once your forecast is ready to view.
The forecast is based on your current location.

TRACKING/SHARING LOCATION

The best way to share your location with others is to tap the
Share Location button on either the PROFILE screen or the
STICK screen or send a Check-In message. This will send
a message containing your GPS coordinates and a private
URL that will direct the recipient(s) to a map displaying your
current location or track if you are tracking. The location will
update based on the interval you select on the STICK screen.
The recipient(s) will need to reresh the webpage to see your
updated location. Tracking through the app relies on your

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phone's GPS and will use more phone battery, but will give
you a more detailed track than using the Bivy Stick alone.
The URL that is sent when sharing your location, either with
location share or a Check-In, is a private link enabling only
those who have that link to see your location. The link is good
for 7 days, at which point it will expire.

To track using the app and send your live location to your
private URL, make sure you are connected via Bluetooth.

On the MAP screen, push the large “TRACK” button
on the bottom center.

Choose your activity type.

It will ask you if you want to track through Bivy Stick. Select
"Enable Bivy Stick Tracking."

To stop tracking, push the “PAUSE” button and then
the Check button.

Your distance, speed, calories burned, and other stats will be
recorded and saved to your profile. You can name your tracks or
upload them to the Bivy database for others to use if you want.

SOS

In case of emergency you can hit the SOS button on
the app and establish 2-Way communication with
Global Rescue. You can also activate an SOS from the
button on the Bivy Stick (see pg 6) but using the app allows
for communication directly with Global Rescue. They will
dispatch and manage all the emergency needs and resources
necessary. This service is available world wide.

Touch the SOS button on the Bivy Stick screen. You will be
asked to confirm your request and to type in the letters SOS to
verify it's not an accidental SOS call.

Once you have confirmed, it will send an emergency text with
your GPS coordinates and location to Global Rescue. Be sure
to keep your Bivy Stick visible to the sky to ensure satellite
connectivity. You will receive a confirmation text letting you

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know the message has been received. Your Bivy Stick will
automatically send your location to Global Rescue once per
minute for 10 minutes, and then every 10 minutes thereafter.

At this point you can communicate any details with them via
text message. Global Rescue will keep you apprised of the
rescue plan and status.

If you need to cancel the SOS call, you can do so by touching
the cancel SOS button on the app. This will send a message to
Global Rescue and they will confirm it has been received
and canceled.

NOTE: Please be sure to treat the SOS service with complete
seriousness. Only use in the case of a real emergency.
Depending on your location and needs, you may be
responsible for any cost associated with a rescue operation.

USING YOUR BIVY STICK WITHOUT YOUR PHONE

If you do not want to carry your phone, or it is not functioning,
your Bivy Stick can be used without it. All of the essential
features can be used on the device itself, with the exception
of 2-way communication. You are only able to send preset
outgoing messages with the Bivy Stick alone. Here is how to
use the Stick without a phone.

CHECK-IN MESSAGE

Press the Check-In button (a press and hold will initiate
tracking - see page 7). Once a message is queued up to
be sent, the status light will flash yellow until the
message is successfully sent. Bivy Stick will send the message
you wrote to the recipient(s) you identified in the Check-In
message setup in the Bivy app. The message will also include
your GPS coordinates and a link to a map showing your
location. Pressing the Check-In button on the Stick uses the
device's GPS data in the message.

SOS

The SOS button is located under the red flap on the
bottom of the device. To activate, lift the flap and press
and hold the button for 5 seconds. Once the SOS is
activated, the status light will begin to flash red and an

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emergency message will be sent to Global Rescue, along with
your location, at regular intervals. It will also flash yellow initially
letting you know that a message is queued up to be sent.

When possible, it's better to activate an SOS through the Bivy
app (see page 5) so you can communicate directly with Global
Rescue about the nature of your emergency.

To cancel an SOS from the Bivy Stick, press and hold the SOS
button for 5 seconds. Once the red light stops flashing, the
SOS has been canceled.

TRACKING

You can start tracking your location by pressing the Check-In
button for 5 seconds. While tracking, your location will be sent
to your Bivy profile on the cloud at the interval designated in
the app. The default interval is 10 minutes. The Status light will
flash blue while you are tracking. Stop tracking by pressing the
Check-In button for 5 seconds. You can later view this track by
going to your profile in the Bivy app and then select Tracks.

BIVY STICK MOUNTING SYSTEM

The Bivy Stick comes ready to adapt to any GoPro® mounting
system. This is done by using the provided ¼" – 20, 2-prong
GoPro® mount adapter. Thread the adapter into the back of
the Bivy Stick, then attach to the GoPro® mounting system of
your choice.

GoPro® is a registered trademark of GoPro, Inc. of Delaware,
which is not affiliated with the maker of this product and does
not endorse this product.

NOTE: If attaching to the outside of a vehicle or location that
may see high wind speeds, vibrations or force, you should use
a secondary tether to ensure you do not lose or damage your
Bivy Stick.

CHARGING YOUR BIVY STICK

The Bivy Stick charges using a USB-C cable and can be
charged via any USB charge port. Use the supplied USB-C to
USB-A cable or any other USB-C cable. The power indicator
light will flash while charging. Once the Bivy Stick is fully

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charged, the light will be solid if the device is on, or will turn off
if the device is off. Charge time is 2–4 hours depending on
power source. Charge time is approximately 1.5 hours if you use
a USB-C charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable.

WARNING

The Bivy Stick uses a standard USB voltage of 5V DC and
consumes up to 1A. Applying a voltage higher than 5V

may damage the device.

TECH SPECS

Battery Type: Lithium Ion Polymer
Battery Size: 1400 mAh
Battery Life: Up to 120 hrs standard operation at default setting
Optimal Operating Temperature: 10F - 105F
Dimensions: 1 ⁄ in / 45 mm wide, 4 ⁄ in / 111.5 mm tall,
⁄ in / 20.5 mm thick
Weight: 3.35 oz / 95 g
Ingress Protection Rating: IPX7

UNDERSTANDING THE LIGHTS ON THE BIVY STICK

1. Power indicator light: The light next to the power button
will show the device is on. It will normally be dim to preserve
battery life. Pressing the power button quickly will brighten
the light for better visibility.

Green = 50 – 100% | Yellow = 20 – 50% | Red = 0 – 20%

You can charge your device with any USB-C cable by plugging
it into the port on the bottom of the Bivy Stick.

2. Signal light: The Signal light indicates satellite visibility status.

Green = Strong | Yellow = Medium/Weak | Red = Weak/None

The Signal light will turn off after a few minutes to preserve
battery. Quickly push the power button to turn the Signal light
back on. Occasionally, you may see the Signal light flashing
green. This means the device is acquiring a GPS location lock
and should only last a few seconds if you are out in the open. It
will not get a GPS lock if you are inside.

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3. Status light: The Status light can show several different colors.

Yellow = Message is being sent

Green = Message has been received

Blue = Currently tracking

Red = SOS has been activated

If the Status light is flashing green, that means a message has
been received from the satellites but has not been sent to the
phone yet. Make sure your phone is connected to the Stick via
Bluetooth and open the Bivy app to receive the message.

If the Status light is yellow, a message is on the Stick trying to
send to the satellite. Move to a different location with a more
open view of the sky or wait a few minutes for a satellite to
make a connection. The Iridium network is largest commercial
satellite network in the world and offers true global
communications coverage over 100% of the planet.

SAFETY AND PRODUCT INFORMATION USAGE
REQUIREMENTS

• Messaging, tracking, SOS, weather and all Bivy Stick features
require an active Bivy Stick base data plan. You will need to
pay for a base plan of service in order for your Bivy Stick to
communicate with the satellite network. Always test your
device before taking it off grid.

• Ensure that you have clear view of the sky when using
messaging, tracking and SOS.

• Battery Warning and Notices: A lithium-ion polymer battery
is used in this device. The battery is internal and non-user­replaceable for various purposes. If these guidelines are not
followed, batteries may experience a shortened life span or
may present a risk of damage to the device, fire, chemical
burn, electrolyte leak, and/or injury. Also, failure to heed the
following notice could result in personal or property damage,
or negatively impact the device functionality.

• Do not disassemble, modify, re-manufacture, puncture or
damage device or battery.

• Do not remove or attempt to remove any components of the
device.

• Do not expose device to fire, explosions, high temperatures or
other hazards.

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• Do not place in high temperature environments. Such as an

unattended vehicle, near a heater, or fire, or in direct sunlight
for extended periods of time.

• Do not submerge or soak device in any liquid.

• Do not operate device outside of the recommended

temperature ranges.

• When storing the device for extended periods of time, store

in a dry environment in temperatures between 35F and 75F.

• Do not use a power/data cable that is not approved or

supplied by Bivy.

• Do not place device on dashboard or any other unsecured

place in vehicle. Also be sure that it is not located someplace
that will be a distraction while operating a vehicle. In the case
of accident or crash, an unsecured device could injure driver
or passenger.

• Do not use the Bivy Stick or Bivy app while driving. Always

stop and park vehicle before using cell phone or app.

• Bivy uses maps provided by public and private sources and is

not responsible for the accuracy of the map. Some data may
be inaccurate and incomplete.

• Always use your best judgment when navigating off road or

participating in outdoor activities.

• Bivy Stick and Bivy app is a resource for suggested routes. It

should not take the place of research, preparation and
experience in the backcountry.

• Do not follow route suggested if it directs you into illegal

activity such as trespassing, or into a dangerous situation.
Know your limits and exposure to risk.

• Always defer to posted signs and conditions during navigation.

• Always be mindful of inherent risks, environment, weather

and other factors before embarking on an outdoor activity.

• By using the device you agree to the terms and conditions

of the user agreement. To review those terms please visit:
https://www.bivy.com/terms

• By using the device you also agree to the terms and

conditions of the privacy policy. To review those please visit:

https://www.bivy.com/privacy

• If disposing of the device, please do so in accordance with

local regulations according to Lithium Ion Polymer battery
disposal.

• The Bivy Stick may experience degraded performance if

you use it in proximity to any device that uses a terrestrial

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broadband network operating close to the frequencies used
by any global Navigation Satellite system (GNSS), Such as the
Global Positioning Service (GPS). Use of such devices may
impair reception of GNSS signals.

• The Bivy Stick is a mobile transmitter and receiver that uses
an internal antenna to send and receive low levels of radio
frequency energy for data communications. The device emits
RF energy below the published limits when operating in its
maximum output power mode. To comply with RF exposure
compliance requirements, the device should be a minimum
of 20cm between the device and your body during operation.
The device should not be used in other configurations. This
device must not be co-located or operated in conjunction
with any other transmitter or antenna.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Hereby, ACR Bivy declares that this product is in compliance
with the Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU
declaration of conformity is available at the following Internet
address: www.acrartex.com

UK DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Hereby, ACR Bivy declares that this product is in compliance
with the relevant statutory requirements. The full text of the
declaration of conformity is available at the following Internet
address: www.acrartex.com

RADIO FREQUENCY RADIATION EXPOSURE

This device is a portable transmitter and receiver that uses
an internal antenna to send and receive low levels of radio
frequency (RF) energy for data communications. The device
emits RF energy below the published limits for portable use
when operating in its maximum output power mode and
when used with ACR Bivy authorized accessories. To comply
with RF exposure compliance requirements, the device should
be used as described in the manual. The device should not be
used in other configurations.

FCC INFORMATION

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept

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any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. This device has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and may cause harmful
interference to radio communications if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the device and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different

from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device does not contain any user-serviceable parts.
Repairs should only be made by Bivy or an ACR authorized
service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could
result in permanent damage to the device, and void your
warranty and your authority to operate this device under part
15 regulations. Bivy is an ACR company.

INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CANADA COMPLIANCE

This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/ receiver(s)
that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada's license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND PURCHASED GOODS

ACR Bivy goods and services come with guarantees that
cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law and
similar legislation in New Zealand. For major failures with the
service, you are entitled:

• to cancel your service contract with us; and

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• to a refund for the unused portion, or to compensation for its
reduced value.

You are also entitled to choose a refund or replacement for
major failures with goods. If a failure with the goods or service
does not amount to a major failure, you are entitled to have
the failure rectified in a reasonable time. If this is not done,
you are entitled to a refund for the goods and to cancel the
contract for the service and obtain a refund of any unused
portion. You are also entitled to be compensated for any other
reasonably foreseeable loss or damage from a failure in the
goods or service.

ACR Electronics, Inc., 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33312, USA. +1.954.981.3333

WARRANTY
THIS SAFETY AND WARRANTY SECTION CONTAINS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BIVY STICK.
HOWEVER, THE TERMS UNDER WHICH YOU USE THE BIVY
STICK ARE LISTED AT https://www.bivy.com/terms. YOU
WILL BE REQUIRED TO ACCEPT THOSE TERMS WHEN YOU
ACTIVATE THE BIVY STICK.

LIMITED WARRANTY
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC RIGHTS, AND
YOU MAY HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE (OR BY COUNTRY OR PROVINCE). BIVY DOES
NOT EXCLUDE, LIMIT OR SUSPEND OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS
YOU MAY HAVE UNDER THE LAWS OF YOUR STATE (OR
COUNTRY OR PROVINCE). FOR A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF
YOUR RIGHTS YOU SHOULD CONSULT THE LAWS OF YOUR
STATE, COUNTRY OR PROVINCE.
We warrant this device to be free from defects in materials or
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within
this period, Bivy will, at its sole option, repair or replace any
components that fail in normal use under normal conditions.
Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to
the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer
shall be responsible for any transportation costs. This Limited
Warranty does not apply to: (i) cosmetic damage, such as
scratches, nicks, and dents; (ii) consumable parts, such as
batteries, unless product damage has occurred due to a defect

13

in materials or workmanship of the product; (iii) damage
caused by accident, abuse, misuse, water, flood, fire, or other
acts of nature or external causes; (iv) damage caused by service
performed by anyone who is not an authorized service provider
of ACR; or (v) damage to a product that has been modified or
altered except by specific written instruction from Bivy.

This device is intended to be used only as a travel aid and must
not be used for any purpose requiring precise measurement
of direction, distance, location or topography. Bivy makes no
warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of map data.
This Limited Warranty also does not apply to, and Bivy is not
responsible for, any degradation in the performance of this
device resulting from its use in proximity to any handset or
other device that utilizes a terrestrial broadband network
operating on frequencies that are close to the frequencies
used by any Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as
the Global Positioning Service (GPS). Use of such devices may
impair reception of GNSS signals.

THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED IN THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY ARE IN LIEU OF, AND BIVY EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES,
WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY REMEDY
OR OTHERWISE. IF IMPLIED WARRANTIES CANNOT BE
DISCLAIMED UNDER THE LAWS OF YOUR STATE OR
COUNTRY, THEN SUCH WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN
DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
IN NO EVENT SHALL BIVY OR ACR BE LIABLE IN A CLAIM FOR
BREACH OF WARRANTY FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,
INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE
THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. IN NO
EVENT SHALL BIVY’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU
PAID FOR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH ANY CLAIM RELATES.

If during the warranty period you submit a claim for warranty
service in accordance with this Limited Warranty, then Bivy
will, at its option: (i) repair the device using new parts or

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previously used parts that satisfy Bivy’s quality standards, (ii)
replace the device with a new device or a refurbished device
that meets Bivy’s quality standards, or (iii) exchange the device
for a full refund of your purchase price.

SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.

Repaired or replaced devices have a 90-day warranty. If the
device sent in is still under its original warranty, then the new
warranty is 90 days or to the end of the original 1 year warranty,
whichever is longer. Before seeking warranty service, please
access and review the online help resources available on
www.bivy.com. If your device is still not functioning properly
after making use of these resources, contact Bivy at
[e-mail] to obtain warranty service. If you are in
the United States, you can also call 1-385-955-0998. Warranty
service is only available inside the United States.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

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FCC ID: B66-ACRBV2 IC: 1322A-ACRBV2
CONTAINS FCC IDs: HSW2832, Q639603N

CONTAINS IC IDs: 4492A-2832, 4629A-9603N

MADE IN USA

www.bivy.com