ACR Electronics MINIB300 ILS H2ON User Manual

PRODUCT

SUPPORT

MANUAL

Y1-03-0160

Rev. B

Mini B

Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

ETSI Type Approved to ETS 300 152

300

™ ILS H2ON

Product No. 2767

Emergency Position

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312

[phone] • Fax [phone]

www.acrelectronics.com

Email: [e-mail]

* * * WARNING * * *

THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE

ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE

AND IMMINENT DANGER

DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY

INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY

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Y1-03-0160 Rev. B

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.

• 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
Antarctica). The USCG reports that 99% of all Class A & B EPIRB activation's are false

waters, (excluding parts of Africa and

. 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.

Limited Warranty This product is warranted against factory defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the
warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will repair or, at its option, replace at no cost to you for
labor, materials or return transportation, provided you obtain a Return Authorization and the return
shipping is prepaid to ACR Electronics, Inc., 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-

6645. To obtain a Return Authorization call our Customer Service department at [phone] or
[phone], ext. 112. This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by
accident or misuse, or as a result of service or modification by other than the factory.

Except as otherwise expressly stated in the previous paragraph, the COMPANY MAKES NO
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER
MATTER WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. The Company shall not be liable for,
consequential or special damages.

In order to place the warranty in effect, the accompanying registration card must be returned to
us within ten (10) days of purchase or receipt as a gift.

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Y1-03-0160 Rev. B

ACR MINI B

TM

ILS H2ON EPIRB

300

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARA TITLE PAGE

TM

Figure 1 ACR Mini B

ILS H2ON Outline Drawing 1

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SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 2 - 4

1.1 General 2

1.2 Purpose 2

1.3 Satellite Detection 2

1.4 Authorizations 2
Figure 2 Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) 3

1.5 Characteristics 3

1.6 Technical Data 4

SECTION 2 INSTALLATION 5

2.1 General 5

SECTION 3 OPERATION 5 - 6

3.1 General 5

3.2 Automatic Activation 5

3.3 Manual Activation 5

3.4 Deactivation 6

3.5 Operational Notes 6

SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE 6 - 8

4.1 General 6

4.2 Battery Check 6

4.3 Inspection Check 8

4.4 Periodic Operational Check 8

4.5 Packaging & Transportation 8

SECTION 5 TESTING 8 - 9

5.1 General 8

5.2 Operational Testing 8

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Y1-03-0160 Rev. B

FIGURE 1: MINI B

300

TM

ILS H2ON EPIRB

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Y1-03-0160 Rev. B

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the MINI B
ILS H2ON 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). You must add this device to your FCC ship station license if you have one.

1.2 PURPOSE

The Beacon is an item of survival equipment that is designed to be carried or on your person, so as
to be readily available in any emergency. It may also be used on the deck of vessels, on survival
craft, 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 10,000 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. (Satellite detection of this beacon will cease by 2009. See

www.acrelectronics.com for details.)

1.4 AUTHORIZATIONS

The MINI B

TM

ILS H2ON (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) EPIRB meets the

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requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 80.1055 as a Class "B" EPIRB,
for marine use.

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TM

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1.5 CHARACTERISTICS

The MINI B

TM

ILS H2ON Beacon is an o-ring sealed battery operated unit. The beacon case,

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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, and 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 B

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.

The Beacon may be stowed in your pocket, any convenient place, mounted in a special bracket
aboard a vessel, or stowed inside survival craft.

FIGURE 2: SATELLITE DETECTION

TM

ILS H2ON with an audible warble to help reduce the incidence

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1.6 TECHNICAL DATA

Pertinent technical data is listed below:
ITEM CHARACTERISTICS
Frequency 121.5 MHz
Power Output Minimum 75 mW during 24 hours operation
Operating Life 24 hours minimum at -10°, (-14°F) longer in temperate

Battery Lithium battery, 6V Duracell DL223A, (or equivalent) sold

Emission Type A3X
Modulation Downward sweeping tone between 1600 and 300 Hz at 2 to

Frequency Stability ± 3.5 KHz (Crystal controlled)
Operating Temperatures -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)
Activation Manual "ON-OFF" switch (P/N 2767 water activated)
Size 5.0" H x 2.6" W x 1.6" D (127mm x 66mm x 41mm)

Weight 7.6 ounces (215 g)
Accessories MINI B

(Optional) PN 9321

climates

with beacon. Rated replacement life: 10 years or
immediately after extended use or emergency.

4 sweeps per second

excluding antenna

TM

ILS H2ON Mounting Bracket,

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SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION

2.1 GENERAL

The MINI B

TM

ILS H2ON Beacon has been designed for multi-purpose installation for survival

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use, personnel, rafts, floats and survival craft. It should be stowed on your persons, where it will
be readily available in an emergency, or mounted where easily accessible with the optional MINI

TM

B

ILS H2ON Mounting Bracket (P/N 9321).

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SECTION 3 - OPERATION

3.1 GENERAL

The MINI B

300

TM

ILS H2ON beacon is designed to be manually deployed, and either

automatically or manually activated. The beacon should be hand held in a vertical orientation
(antenna up) to transmit effectively. No part of the antenna should be in contact with the water.
The beacon will float on it’s own, but not in the optimum transmission position. The beacon
features an antenna quick release trigger. Warning. Do not hold beacon near face or body while
releasing the antenna. Antenna is spring loaded and deploys rapidly. The release trigger
holds the antenna down at the beacon’s side in the stowed position. When the beacon is switched
to the “ON” position the antenna will spring into an upright position. The antenna should then be
extended to its full length for optimum transmission performance. The beacon should be operated
in an area free of obstructions.

3.2 AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION

The beacon can be set to activate when in contact with water. To ready the beacon for this type of
operation several steps need to be taken. Warning. Do not hold beacon near face or body while
releasing the antenna. Antenna is spring loaded and deploys rapidly. First, move switch to
“ON” position. This will release the antenna. The Beacon is now in the armed position. Second,
fold the antenna to the stowed position and manually recapture with the release trigger. The
release trigger will also engage the “ON” switch and hold its position. The beacon is now ready to
be carried in a pocket or mounted in a bracket.

When the upper portion of the beacon comes in contact with water, the beacon will begin to
transmit. Transmission is confirmed by the steady red LED and followed by the audio warble and
flashing red LED. To optimize signal performance, remove beacon from pocket or bracket.
Manually release the antenna to the upright position and extend to its full length.

3.3 MANUAL ACTIVATION

The beacon can be manually activated whether in the “OFF” position or in the “armed” position.
Manually activating the beacon requires repeated movement of the “ON-OFF” switch. Warning -

Do not hold beacon near face or body while releasing the antenna. Antenna is spring loaded
and deploys rapidly.

From the “OFF” position, lift switch and move to the “ON” position. This will release the antenna
from the stowed position. Lift the switch again and move to the “OFF” then “ON” position again

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within 2 seconds. The beacon will begin transmitting and is confirmed by a steady red LED and
followed by the audible warble and flashing red LED. Extend antenna to its full length.

From the armed position, manually release the antenna. Lift the switch and move to the “OFF”
then “ON” position again with in 2 seconds. The beacon will begin transmitting and is confirmed
by a steady red LED and followed by the audible warble and flashing red LED. Extend antenna to
its full length.

3.4 DEACTIVATION

The beacon should not be left in the armed position when it is not in use. Warning. Do not hold
beacon near face or body while releasing the antenna. Antenna is spring loaded and deploys
rapidly. To deactivate an armed beacon, manually release the antenna, lift the switch and move to

the “OFF” position.

3.5 OPERATIONAL NOTES

The EPIRB is designed to float on water but will operate best when held upright out of water. 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 and extend (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 MHz.

SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE

4.1 GENERAL

The Beacon has been designed for use with a minimum of maintenance required. A checklist 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. All routine service must be carried out at ACR or by factory authorized personnel at

authorized service centers. In addition to replacing the battery, the o-rings will be replaced and
the EPIRB will be hydro statically re-certified. Please call ACR for the location of your nearest
authorized service center at least 30 days before expiration date. After the warranty period is
over, Battery replacement may be performed in the field. Follow the directions below.

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3. The MINI B

TM

ILS H2ON EPIRB has a dated battery life. When purchasing a new battery,

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make sure the battery is fresh. The battery expiry date is obtained by adding the battery
manufacturers rated replacement life of 10 years to the date of manufacture. For example, a
date code of 6J1313 would have a Battery Expiry Date of October 13, 2006.

A typical Duracell DL223A battery has a date code of 6J1313. The first alphanumeric

character of the code is always a number representing the last digit of the year of manufacture.
The second alphanumeric character of the code is always a letter, the position of which in the
alphabet represents the number of the month of manufacture. That is: A represents January, B
represents February, C represents March, etc.

4. The battery can be user replaced or returned to a BRC (Battery Replacement Center) for

service. Call [phone] for a BRC near you. To replace the battery, follow directions
below.

a. Remove four (4) screws holding the top cap of the Beacon to the case. Use a no. 2 Phillips

screwdriver. Remove top cap and PC board from bottom case being careful not to disturb
any electronic components on the PC board.

b. Remove old battery and place new battery in battery clip with groove side of battery down

and flat side of battery up. Caution: Make sure flat side of battery is up. Otherwise, the
polarity of the battery would be reversed and damage to the battery will occur. The battery
also poses a possible fire, explosion, or burn hazard when placed in the battery clip upside
down. A semiconductor diode protects the electronics from damage due to battery reversal.

c. Put the battery expiration date on the flat side of the battery and on the EPIRB case with

ACR Part No. A1-20-0857 or equivalent permanent shield label.

d. Grease the top cap o-ring with Dow Corning number 4 Silicone Grease, ACR Part No. A2-

09-0069.

e. Replace the four- (4) screws holding the top cap to the bottom case of the Beacon. Make

sure screws are tight but do not use excessive torque, which could strip the threads in the
top cap.

5. All routine service or battery replacement must be carried out at ACR or by factory

authorized personnel at authorized service centers. In addition to replacing the battery, the o­rings will be replaced and the EPIRB will be hydro statically re-certified. Please call ACR for
the location of your nearest authorized service center at least 30 days before expiration date.

6. 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:

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1. Check the antenna tip and spring for any signs of damage or corrosion. If antenna has been
bent during storage, it is normal for it to maintain a slight bend. This will not effect
performance.

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. If unit has been submerged or sprayed with salt water, it should be thoroughly rinsed with

fresh water. Including extending and collapsing antenna several times while submerged in
fresh water to purge any salt water.

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. Do not use cleaners or petroleum distillates.

4.5 PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION

The MINI B

TM

ILS H2ON contains lithium batteries (solid cathode, total 3.4 grams lithium).

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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.

Note - Read the entire test procedure before testing.

5.2 OPERATIONAL TESTING

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

1. The beacon can be manually activated whether in the “OFF” position or in the “armed”
position. Manually activating the beacon requires repeated movement of the “ON-OFF”
switch. Warning - Do not hold beacon near face or body while releasing the antenna.
Antenna is spring loaded and deploys rapidly.

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, 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 sweeps or one operational transmission (LED light
flashing/audio warble) second, of the audio modulating whichever is longer.

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TM

The MINI B

ILS H2ON has a speaker, fed by voltage from the microprocessor and the

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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 a 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.

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