ACR Electronics ENGLISH User Manual

PRODUCT

SUPPORT

406 PLB

MANUAL

Y1-03-0169

Rev. B

Product No. 2792

GyPSI™ 406 PLB

(with GPS Interface)

Product No. 2793

Model PLB-100

Personal Locator Beacon

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312

[phone] • Fax [phone]

www.acrelectronics.com

Email: [e-mail]

A Chelton Group company

* * * WARNING * * *

THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY

DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER

DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY RESULT IN A SEVERE PENALTY

Advice to owners of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Registration of 406 MHz satellite PLB with the PLB Registration Section of the national authority* is mandatory

because of the global alerting nature of the system.

The information provided on the Registration Form is used only for rescue purposes and will greatly assist in any
beacon alarm incident.

Fill in the owner registration form immediately upon completion of the sales transaction. Mail the Registration
Form immediately.

If the beacon is to enter service immediately, complete the Registration Form and fax the information to the

national authority. The original card must still be mailed to the national authority* for hard-copy reference and

filing.

If the current owner is transferring the beacon to a new owner, the current owner is required to inform the national
authority* by letter, facsimile or telephone, of the name and address of the new owner.

The subsequent owner of the beacon is required to provide the national authority* with the information as shown

on the owner Registration Form. Additional Registration Forms may be obtained by contacting ACR or the
appropriate national authority.

THIS OBLIGATION TRANSFERS TO ALL SUBSEQUENT OWNERS.

*National Authority
The term “national authority” appears throughout this manual. Wherever these words appear, reference is made to

the government body responsible for PLB registration for the country in which the
for various national authorities can be found on the Registration Card.

The National authority in the United States is the national oceanic and atmospheric administration.

The address is:

SARSAT Beacon Registration

NOAA/NESDIS

E/SP3, Rm 3320, FB-4

5200 Auth Road

Suitland, Md 20746-4304

www.sarsat.noaa.gov

Tel No. [phone]

Fax No. [phone]

The national authority in Canada is the NSS (National Search & Rescue Secretariat)

Canadian personal emergency beacon registry.

The NSS Telephone Number is:

[phone]
[phone]

unit is registered. The addresses

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 - THE SYSTEM

1.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Purpose.................................................................................................................................. 1

1.3 Satellite Detection ................................................................................................................. 2

1.4 Authorizations....................................................................................................................... 4

1.5 Characteristics....................................................................................................................... 4

1.6 Technical Data ...................................................................................................................... 4

1.6.1 Applicable Documents.......................................................................................................... 4

1.6.2 Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 4

SECTION 2 - OPERATION

2.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 10

2.2 GyPSI™ 406 PLB Operating Instructions............................................................................ 10

2.2.1 Activation.............................................................................................................................. 10

2.2.2 Deactivation .......................................................................................................................... 10

2.2.3 Self Test ................................................................................................................................ 10

SECTION 3 - EXTERNAL GPS I/R ADAPTER

3.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 12

3.2 GPS Adapter ......................................................................................................................... 12

3.2.1 Connecting ............................................................................................................................ 12

3.2.2 Setup...................................................................................................................................... 13

3.2.3 Testing................................................................................................................................... 13

3.2.4 Position data set to default .................................................................................................... 14

4.0 MAINTENANCE................................................................................................................ 14

5.0 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS............................................................................ 14

6.0 REGISTRATION................................................................................................................ 16

7.0 FALSE ALARMS ............................................................................................................... 16

Figure 1 - GEOSAR Satellite Coverage............................................................................................3

Figure 2 - SAR Satellite Coverage.................................................................................................... 3

Figure 3 - PLB Block Diagram......................................................................................................... 5

Figure 4 - Known Compatible GPS Receiver's................................................................................. 6-9

Figure 5 - Self test............................................................................................................................. 11

Figure 6 - Operating Position........................................................................................................... 12

Figure 7 - GPS Adapter Illustration ................................................................................................. 13

Figure 8 - External GPS I/R Cable................................................................................................... 14

Figure 9 - Basic Concept of the (COSPAS-SARSAT) System........................................................... 17

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

SECTION 1 - THE SYSTEM

1.1 GENERAL

1.1.1 This manual provides operation and maintenance instructions for the 406 Personal Locator
Beacon, Product No. 2792 and the GyPSI™ 406 Personal Locator Beacon, Product No. 2793

hereinafter referred to as the PLB. This section describes the characteristics and details of the 406

PLB and GyPSI™ 406 PLB Systems.

1.2 PURPOSE

1.2.1 The PLB provides distress alerting via radio transmission on 406 MHz to satellites of the
COSPAS-SARSAT network. The GyPSI™ PLB can also transmit a distress alert to the

GEOSAR network that includes GPS latitude and longitude coordinates that are inputted through
an I/R Interface that connects to the data output of a GPS Receiver.

1.2.2 The message transmitted by the PLB is unique for each beacon, which provides identification of

the transmitter through computer access of registration files maintained by the National Search

and Rescue Secretariat or other national authority. It is the user's responsibility to fill out and

mail the enclosed registration form to the appropriate agency of the country under which
the PLB is registered. The PLB is programmed by ACR during manufacture and can be

reprogrammed by an ACR authorized programming facility for the registered country.

Remember, if your PLB is not registered, SAR Authorities do not know who you are, where you

live or where to contact anyone who might know anything about your situation.

1.2.3 Once Search and Rescue (SAR) forces are alerted by the PLB signal (406 MHz), relayed through

the COSPAS-SARSAT and/or GEOSAR network, they can converge on the position estimated by

the satellite. When GyPSI™ PLB GPS interface is used SAR authorities can know your precise
location and speed up reaction time. Intermediate and short range location is aided by the PLB

with its on board radio beacon homing signal transmitter (121.5 MHz).

1.2.4 Power is provided by a self contained long life battery pack with a recommended 5 year

replacement cycle. See Factory Authorized Service Center for replacement (Section 4.0 –

Maintenance).

1.2.5 Self test (Section 2.5) is initiated by momentarily moving the switch to the test position then
release. During self test, an actual satellite message is transmitted while certain key performance
parameters are measured and recorded. The self test message is modified such that the satellite
will not forward an alert message during self test. The LED will flash 3 times amber before

turning green. During this time the unit will also beep 3 times to indicate correct test status. In
the GyPSI™ PLB model, approximately 2 seconds after self test the unit will beep and amber

LED will flash to indicate if the unit has GPS data.

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

1.3 SATELLITE DETECTION

1.3.1 The 406 PLB and GyPSI™ 406 PLB transmit an encoded phase modulated radio signal to the

satellite portion of the COSPAS-SARSAT System. The system was developed and implemented
by the COSPAS-SARSAT Partners (Russian Federation, Canada, France and the United States).

1.3.2 COSPAS-SARSAT is an international system that uses Russian Federation and United States low
altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites that assist in detecting and locating activated 406 MHz
Satellite beacons. The Russian Federation provides aboard COSMOS navigation spacecraft
COSPAS payloads that are inter-operable with the SARSAT System. In addition to weather and
environmental sensors, SARSAT payloads, provided by Canada and France, are carried aboard the
United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Advanced TIROS
environmental satellites.

1.3.3 COSPAS and SARSAT satellites receive distress signals from the 406 PLB and GyPSI™ 406
PLB transmitting on the frequency of 406.028 MHz. The COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz satellite

signal consists of a transmission of non-modulated carrier followed by a digital message format
that provides identification data. The 406 MHz system uses spacecraft-borne equipment to
measure and store the Doppler-shifted frequency data along with the satellite digital data message
including GPS data, and time of measurement. This information is transmitted in real time to an
earth station called the Local User Terminal (LUT), which may be within the view of the satellite,
as well as being stored for later transmission to other LUTs. In the real-time mode, the signal
detection is limited to a mutual satellite-LUT circular visibility area of about 2500 km radius that
moves with the satellite along its track. However, because of the stored-mode capability at 406

MHz, the need for this mutual PLB-satellite-LUT visibility is not essential, and the system is fully

functional in just the global mode.

1.3.4 The LUT processes the Doppler-shifted signal and determines the location of the PLB; then the

LUT relays the position of the distress signal to a Mission Control Center (MCC) where the
distress alert and GPS location information is immediately forwarded to an appropriate Rescue
Coordination Center (RCC). The RCC dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces.

.

1.3.5 The COSPAS-SARSAT System includes 38 LEOSAR LUT Stations, 9 GEOSAR LUT stations
and 24 Mission Control Centers that provide real-time as well as global-mode coverage for the
northern hemisphere, while the southern hemisphere is presently served primarily by the global­mode. Additional LUTs and MCCs are planned for installation in the near future both in the
northern and southern hemispheres.

The addition of the GEOSAR Satellite system greatly improves the reaction time for a SAR event.

This satellite system has no Doppler capabilities at 406 MHz but will relay the distress alert to any
of the LUT stations. When there is GPS data included in the distress message this will instantly
tell SAR authorities where you are located, hence by not having to await the transit of the next
LEOSAR satellite.

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

GEOSAR SATELLITE COVERAGE

FIGURE 1

SAR SATELLITE ORBITS

FIGURE 2

1.3.6 Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home on the 406 MHz
Satellite signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.

1.3.7 The 406 PLB and GyPSI™ 406 PLB are Class 1, Personal Locator Beacons.

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

1.4 AUTHORIZATIONS

1.4.1 The 406 PLB and GyPSI™ PLB meets the requirements of FCC Part 95 Subpart K.

The 406 PLB and GyPSI™ 406 PLB

meets the requirements of and Canadian Specifications,

NSS PLB 01-01 & RSS 187 and Cospas/Sarsat T.001 & T.007.

1.5 CHARACTERISTICS

1.5.1 The 406 PLB and GyPSI™ 406 PLB are buoyant, battery operated Personal Locator Beacons.

The beacon case, with its external antenna, is waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted
within the case assembly that also contains the battery power supply. An “On/Off” switch is
installed on top of the beacon, along with an internal beeper. The GyPSI™ model accepts external

GPS data via an I/R interface cable that is included with your PLB.

1.6 TECHNICAL DATA

1.6.1 Applicable Documents

NSS PLB01-01 Standard for 406 MHz Satellite PLB's, Canada

COSPAS-SARSAT Document C/S T.001 & T.007 (spec for 406 MHz distress beacons)

RSS 187 Radio Standards Specification for Emergency Position Indicating

Radio Beacons, Emergency Locator Transmitter, and Personal
Locator Beacon

FCC Part 95, Subpart K

1.6.2 Specifications

406 MHz Transmitter

Frequency 406.028 MHz
Frequency Stability ±2 parts per billion/100ms
Output Power 5 watts
Digital Message
Format
Long message / serialized
Message protocol Standard Location (2792 - 2793)

Duration 520 ms
Rate 400 bps
Encoding Biphase L
Modulation ±1.1 radians peak

PLB's leave ACR with Serialized code but can be reprogrammed at a service center to other coded

formats including nationality of registration.

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

121.5 MHz Transmitter

Frequency 121.5 MHz
Frequency Tolerance ±50 ppm
Output Power 25 mW PEP
Morse Code "P" ID every 50 seconds (approximately)

Modulation
Type AM (3K20A3N)
Sweep Range 400 to 1200 Hz
Sweep Rate 3 Hz
Duty Cycle 37.5%
Morse P AM (2K00A2A)

Antenna
Frequency 406 & 121.500 MHz
Polarization Vertical
VSWR Less than 1.5/1

General/Environmental

Battery Life
Operating 24 hours minimum @ -40°C
Replacement Interval 5 years or after use in an emergency

Size
PLB less Antenna 6.65 x 3.55 inches

Material High impact and UV resistant plastic
Color High Visibility Yellow

Weight 514 grams

Temperature Range
Operating Class I -40°C to +55°C

USER /

MCP

406 / 121.5 MHz

AMPLIFIER

PROGRAMMING

INTERFACE

RF

PLB BLOCK DIAGRAM

FIGURE 3

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

KNOWN COMPATIBLE GPS RECEIVERS

(for the GyPSI™ PLB Model only)

Manufacturer Model Notes Y2K and EOW Compliant

B&G Network LCD Plotter / DGPS
B&G Network LCD Plotter / GPS
B&G Network GPS and DGPS

B&G Network GPS
Data Marine Chartlink D7000 XT
Data Marine Chartlink D7000 XTC
Data Marine Chartlink II D8000
Data Marine Link D3500

Data Marine Link D3500 LD

Furuno GP1810F
Furuno GP1810
Furuno GP1610C
Furuno GP1600F
Furuno GP1600
Furuno GP30
Furuno GP35
Garmin Etrex
Garmin 10
Garmin 12
Garmin 20
Garmin 25
Garmin 30
Garmin 31
Garmin 35
Garmin 36
Garmin 38
Garmin 40
Garmin 45
Garmin 48
Garmin 50
Garmin 75

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

6

Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

Manufacturer

Garmin 85
Garmin 89
Garmin 90
Garmin 92
Garmin 95
Garmin 120
Garmin 126
Garmin 128
Garmin 130
Garmin 135
Garmin 175
Garmin 180
Garmin 185
Garmin 190
Garmin 195
Garmin 210
Garmin GPSMAP 215
Garmin 220
Garmin GPSMAP 225
Garmin GPSMAP 230
Garmin GPSMAP 235 SOUNDER

Model Notes

Y2K and EOW Compliant

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Garmin 120XL
Garmin 12XL
Garmin 45XL
Garmin 55AVD
Garmin 95XL
Garmin GPS II
Garmin GPS II+

Garmin GPS III
Lowrance GlobalMap 12
Lowrance GlobalMap 1600
Lowrance GlobalMap Sport Some older versions of

software may not output

Lowrance LMS-160

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

GGA, contact
Manufacturer

*

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes

7

Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

Manufacturer Model Notes Y2K and EOW Compliant

Magellan GPS 2000 XL
Magellan GPS 3000
Magellan GPS 3000 XL
Magellan GPS 4000
Magellan GPS 4000XL
Magellan Meridian XL
Magellan Trailblazer
Magellan Trailblazer XL

Magellan White Meridian
NorthStar 941X
NorthStar 951X
NorthStar 961X
Raytheon Autohelm ST50 Plus GPS

Raytheon GPS-11
Raytheon HSB Chart Plotter
Raytheon NavCenter 600 * Unit will display wrong time

Raytheon Raychart 620 * Unit will display wrong time

Raytheon RC-520 * Yes
Raytheon RL-70RC * Yes

Si-Tex DGPS-11 * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-1 * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-10 * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-10A * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-4A * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-5 * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-6 * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-7 * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-77P * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-8 * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-88P * Yes

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

*
*

and date after Y2K. Send

unit to manufacturer for

and date after Y2K. Send

unit to manufacturer for

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
Yes

upgrade

upgrade

8

Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

Manufacturer

Si-Tex GPS-9 * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-99P * Yes
Si-Tex GPS-9D * Yes
Si-Tex HG-7 * Yes
Si-Tex SBR-90 * Yes
Si-Tex SBR-91 * Yes

Trimble 4000DSi * Firmware must be upgraded

Trimble 4000RSi * Users of Firmware V7.15 -

Trimble 7400MSi * Yes
Trimble MS750 * Yes
Trimble Navgraphic XL * N/A - No Date Output
Trimble NavMariner DGPS * Yes
Trimble NavTrac GPS * Version 2.09 is compliant.

Trimble NT200 * Yes
Trimble NT200D * Yes
Trimble NT300D * Yes
Trimble DSM * Yes for versions 1.10 and

Trimble NT100 * Yes

Model Notes

Y2K and EOW Compliant

to V7.19 to comply

V7.18 must upgrade to

V7.19. Users of V7.28 must

upgrade to V7.29. Users of

V7.29 are fully compliant

Earlier versions are not being

tested

later

GPS units compatible with ACR Beacons based on vendor information

(*) indicates that unit complies with ACR requirements

KNOWN COMPATIBLE GPS RECEIVERS

FIGURE 4

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

SECTION 2 - OPERATION

2.1 GENERAL

2.1.1 The 406 PLB and GyPSI™ 406 PLB Beacon Models are designed to be manually deployed and

activated.

2.1.2 The GyPSI™ 406 PLB Beacon can accept NMEA 0183 GPS Data (format GGA 1.5 and above)

through it's I/R interface. Data is updated every 20 minutes once an initial position is acquired.

2.1.3 The GyPSI™ 406 PLB is also designed to allow the user to perform periodic testing and

confirmation of GPS connection and downloaded coordinates.

2.1.4 The GyPSI™ 406 PLB checks for a valid GPS interface connector approximately every 2 seconds

if no current valid data exists.

2.1.5 The GyPSI™ 406 PLB can be forced to update its GPS data by initiating the self test function.

2.1.6 The GyPSI™ 406 PLB will hold the last GPS coordinates in memory until unit is activated. After

deactivating unit, GPS data is returned to default.

2.2 406 PLB AND GyPSI™ 406 PLB OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.2.1 Activation

Unfold Antenna from around unit and move Antenna to a vertical position (See Figure 6) Lift

Switch to "ON" position by lifting up and sliding to the right then down to "ON" to activate the

PLB. "ON" position indicated by " ▌" on the face of the switch. Your PLB comes with a

Breakaway tab on the "ON" Position to keep from accidental turn-on. PUSH SWITCH down to
break TAB. Unit will beep and the RED LED will begin to flash once approximately every 20
seconds. Unit will send Rescue message approx. every 50 seconds and will beep after the message

has been sent. Keep the PLB with you at all times.

2.2.2 Deactivation

The PLB can be deactivated by turning the switch to "OFF" position.

If the beacon continues to operate after it has been deactivated, remove the two screws at the

bottom of the unit, and unplug the battery to disable the unit. Return it to a service center for
repair.

2.2.3 Self Test

The PLB self test is initiated by lifting the switch at the top of the unit to a vertical position

momentarily and releasing it back to the "OFF" position. Switch is spring loaded to return to the
"OFF" position.

Note: "Off" position indicated by an "O" on switch face "ON" by " ▌", on the face of the switch.

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

Upon lifting the switch, a very short yellow flash will indicate self test has been initiated.

Sequence of Tests

1. Check Data I/O ....................................... Beep & flash amber LED if pass

................................................................. Stop if failed

2. Check 406 MHz Synthesizer

................................................................. Beep & flash amber LED if pass

................................................................. Stop if failed

3. Check RF Power/Battery ........................ Beep & flash amber LED if pass

................................................................. Stop if failed

4. Unit turns on green LED to indicate Successful Test.

5. On the GyPSI™ 406 PLB approximately 2 seconds after green LED flash, unit will flash

amber LED and beep if valid external GPS data has been received.

A successful test result is indicated by three beeps, three yellow flashes then the green LED

flashes. If GPS data has been loaded into the PLB, an additional yellow flash & beep will
occur after the green LED flashes.

NOTE: The homing beacon at 121.5 MHz is inhibited during self test.

It is strongly recommended to test the PLB

on a quarterly basis.

SELF TEST

FIGURE 5

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

OPERATING POSITION

FIGURE 6

SECTION 3 - GYPSI™ 406 PLB EXTERNAL GPS I/R ADAPTER

3.1 GENERAL

The GyPSI™ 406 PLB comes with a GPS cable Plug Adapter that can be interfaced to your GPS

receiver to input actual GPS data into your beacon. This extra data can help improve reaction time
to your position in the event of an emergency. This data is particularly helpful when the GEOSAR
Satellite system picks up the Distress Alert.

3.2 GPS ADAPTER

3.2.1 Connecting:

Your External GPS I/R cable attaches to your PLB and the GPS receiver, forming a data transfer

link (like a printer cable). The cable plugs into the top of the unit, into the socket labeled GPS.
The other end has two wires that should be connected to the GPS Receiver’s Data/Power Cable.
Consult your GPS Manual for wire identification for connections.

The Data/Power cable for your GPS receiver typically has connections for an external power
source and data output.

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

The External GPS adapter supplied with your GyPSI™ 406 PLB has two wires that are polarized.

The wire with the stripe on it is the + Data lead and should be connected to the + Data lead of your
GPS Data/Power connector. The other lead with no stripe is the - Data lead and should be
connected to the - Data lead of your GPS Data/Power Cable.

3.2.2 Setup:

The Data format your PLB will be accepting is the NMEA 0183, (GGA sentence). This is a

common standard for GPS receivers. Your GPS receiver needs to be set to this protocol for proper
data transfer. See Figure 4 for known compatible GPS receivers. Consult your GPS manual for
proper format setting.

3.2.3 Testing:

Plug the Adapter into the top of the PLB into the socket labeled GPS.

Ensure your GPS has acquired a valid position. Momentarily lift the "ON/OFF" switch to the test

position and stand-by. The PLB will go through its self test routine and approx. 2 seconds after the

green LED the unit will beep once and Yellow LED will flash to indicate that valid GPS data has

been transferred into your PLB.

When connected to a GPS receiver, your PLB will automatically update your position, even when

in the "OFF" mode every 20 minutes.

When you activate the self test check, your PLB will start to look for valid GPS data and update

accordingly.

Once data has been loaded into your PLB it will remain there until the unit is activated to the

"ON" mode.

GPS ADAPER ILLUSTRATION

FIGURE 7

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

EXTERNAL GPS I/R CABLE

FIGURE 8

3.2.4 Position data set to default:

GPS data will be set back to default once the beacon is turned OFF. During the self test burst,

default GPS data is transmitted even if GPS data is in memory.

4.0 MAINTENANCE

4.1 Carefully inspect the PLB case for any visible cracks. Cracks may admit moisture which could

falsely activate the beacon or otherwise cause a malfunction. Any cracking observed should
immediately be referred to ACR or nearest distributor for evaluation, (1-800-432-0227 Ext. 169)

toll free in the USA.

4.2 The battery must be replaced by the date indicated on the beacon. At each inspection, check the
time remaining until replacement is required.

NOTE: There are no user serviceable items inside the PLB. DO NOT OPEN THE PLB UNLESS

TO DISABLE IN CASE OF FAULTY ACTIVATION. Refer all long life battery replacement and
other internal PLB service to a factory authorized service center. For the nearest location of a

factory authorized service center, call 1-800-432-0227 Ext. 169 (toll free in the USA) or +1 (954)

981-3333, Ext. 169.

It is strongly recommended to test the PLB

on a quarterly basis.

5.0 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How do I download position data from my GPS to my beacon?

A. You must have

NMEA 0183 output ready GPS unit and a GPS interface cable. The NMEA

0183 optical interface connector supplied with your ACR beacon must be connected to the

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

GPS interface cable using the wiring diagram information supplied by ACR and the GPS
unit manufacturer. Turn on your GPS unit and allow it to acquire the necessary satellites.
Make sure the output is set to NMEA 0183 with the GGA sentence configured if necessary.
Connect the NMEA 0183 interface cable to the GPS unit and the ACR beacon. The ACR
beacon “wakes up” every few seconds. As soon as it detects the presence of a valid data
source it will initiate a data down load.

Q. How long does it take to down load position coordinates from my GPS to my beacon?

A. Upon connection with a properly operating and fully acquired GPS unit, the ACR beacon

will take less than four minutes to synchronize and download coordinates. Subsequent
coordinate updates occur every 20 minutes. These subsequent position updates will take
from a few seconds to no more than 20 seconds to complete. If the interface cable is
disconnected you may need to wait for up to four minutes for the GPS and the beacon data
interchange to synchronize again.

Q. How does the GPS data get from my GPS to the beacon?

A. The GPS unit transmits data as electrical energy through the GPS interface cable to the

ACR optical interfacing connector. The ACR optical interfacing connector has an infrared
LED and sensor located in it. The electrical energy supplied by the GPS unit is converted
to infrared light in the ACR optical interfacing plug. Data from the GPS unit is
transmitted via infrared light to the beacon through the translucent beacon top cap or lens
when the ACR optical interface plug is properly engaged. The beacon has an infrared
detector that decodes the light pulses. ACR uses an optical interface design to eliminate
the potential for leaks and corrosion common to mechanically interfacing devices.

Q. How can I test my beacon to see if it has acquired GPS data?

A. Lift the switch to the test position, making sure not to break the tab. If the beacon has

acquired GPS data there will be a beep and LED flash within 4 seconds after the self-test
has completed.

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 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. Does my beacon need any special set up to accept GPS data?

A. You do not have to do anything special to the beacon. If it is hooked to a valid data

source, that has been properly set up to deliver NMEA format with the GGA sentence, it
will automatically attempt to download the data and form an emergency message that
includes the position data.

Q. What is the maximum length my GPS cable can be?

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Y1-03-0169 Rev. B

A. ACR Electronics recommends a maximum length of 400 feet using 24 AWG wire. Contact

your GPS owner’s manual for more detailed information.

Q. What happens if I plug the GPS into the beacon first, without waiting for it to acquire

satellites?

A. The beacon will function normally, but will not store GPS coordinates. The beacon will

continue to look for satellites and as soon as the GPS has acquired satellites the data will
be transferred to the beacon.

Q. How long does the beacon hold data in memory?

A. The beacon retains GPS data until one of the following conditions happens:

1. The battery is disconnected.

2. The beacon is placed in the on mode and then returned to the off position.

Q. How much power is needed to run the IR LED on the GPS cable?

A. The minimum power needed is 3.3V

and 2mA.

DC

Q. What if I already have other devices hooked up to my NMEA 0183 output cable, can I

still splice my PLB GPS cable to the NMEA 0183 output cable?

A. YES – As long as you have enough current to supply 2mA to the beacon. Most GPS are

capable of supporting multiple devices on the NMEA interface.

6.0 REGISTRATION

6.1 It is mandatory that this PLB be registered with National Authorization in your country. The 406
PLB and GyPSI™ 406 PLB have been programmed with a unique identification number or code

which is broadcast on 406 MHz. Registration with the appropriate national authority provides the
Search and Rescue Authority with important information which will speed up the rescue operation
and minimize false alarms.

6.2 To register this PLB, simply fill out and mail the provided form in the enclosed pre-addressed

envelope.

7.0 FALSE ALARMS

7.1 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 satellite PLB

Unique
Identifier Number (UIN); date, time, duration, and cause of activation; and the location at the time
of activation. Information is located on the back label.

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7.2 Contact the appropriate national authority to report false alarms.

In the United States: Atlantic Ocean / Gulf of Mexico
USCG Atlantic Area Command
[phone]

Pacific Ocean
USCG Pacific Area Command
[phone]

USCG Headquarter Command Center
[phone]

In Canada: NSS - [phone]

***WARNING***

THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE

ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE

AND IMMINENT DANGER, WHEN ALL OTHER

MEANS OF SELF RESCUE HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED

BASIC CONCEPT OF THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM

FIGURE 8

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