ACR Electronics RLB-33S User Manual Rev D

OWNER_____________________________
VESSEL_____________________________
RADIO CALL SIGN_____________________

Product Support Manual

ThunderBird SSAS
Ship Security Alert System

Product No. 2800

RLB-33S

Y1-03-0180

Rev. D

FCC Type Accepted

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312

Tel : [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.acrelectronics.com

Email: [e-mail]

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D

* * * WARNING * * *

THIS BEACON IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE

ONLY DURING SITUATIONS WHERE THE SECURITY OF YOUR VESSEL IS

UNDER THREAT OR HAS BEEN COMPROMISED AND POLICE ACTION IS

REQUIRED

DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY

INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY

***Attention***

This beacon MUST be reprogrammed by an authorized ACR distributor prior to installation and

use. Failure to do so will result in incorrect routing of a security alert.

To ensure covert nature of the beacon, do not place the
proof of registration label onto your SSAS beacon. Attach
this label and all SSAS materials securely to your SSAS
Annex portion of your vessel security plan.

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D i

Foreword
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the ACR ThunderBird 406 MHz Ship Security Alert System

(SSAS). The combination of superior design, high quality raw materials and quality controlled manufacturing
produces 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 products we design and manufacture can
stand up to the rigors found in a marine environment. With proper care and maintenance, your SSAS 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 installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the ThunderBird 406 MHz SSAS,

hereinafter referred to as the beacon. This manual also describes the characteristics and details of the beacon
system. The FCC authorizes the use of 406 MHz radio beacon by any ship that is also equipped with a VHF Ship
Station. This will make the 406 MHz radio beacon available for use on most U.S. ships and boats.

Table of Contents

SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION AND PROGRAMMING YOUR 406 MHZ BEACONS................................................1

1.2 Registration importance..................................................................................................................................1

1.3 Where to register............................................................................................................................................1

1.4 Registration in the United States.................................................................................................................... 1

1.5 Registration outside of the United States.......................................................................................................2

1.6 Change of ownership or contact information..................................................................................................2

1.7 Commercial vessels worldwide ......................................................................................................................2

SECTION 2 - FALSE ALARMS ...................................................................................................................................2

2.1 Prevention of false alarms.............................................................................................................................. 2

2.2 Reporting of false alarms................................................................................................................................2

SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION.................................................................................................................................3

3.1 Preparation.....................................................................................................................................................3

3.2 Beacon installation..........................................................................................................................................3

3.3 Activation switch installation...........................................................................................................................4

3.4 Cross dipole antenna installation....................................................................................................................6

SECTION 4 - OPERATION .........................................................................................................................................9

4.1 General........................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.2 Controls...........................................................................................................................................................9

4.3 Indicators ......................................................................................................................................................10

4.4 Modes of operation.......................................................................................................................................10

4.5 Activation ......................................................................................................................................................10

4.6 Deactivation.................................................................................................................................................. 11

4.7 Full functional self test..................................................................................................................................11

4.8 External GPS interface.................................................................................................................................11

SECTION 5 - CARE AND MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................12

SECTION 6 – THE SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM............................................................................................13

6.1 General overview..........................................................................................................................................13

6.2 Satellite detection .........................................................................................................................................13

6.3 Global Positioning System (GPS).................................................................................................................14

SECTION 7- AUTHORIZATIONS.............................................................................................................................. 14

SECTION 7- AUTHORIZATIONS.............................................................................................................................. 15

7.1 Type approvals.............................................................................................................................................15

7.2 Characteristics.............................................................................................................................................. 15

7.3 Technical data .............................................................................................................................................. 15

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY..........................................................................................................................26

INSTALLATION CHECK LIST...................................................................................................................................27

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D ii

SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION AND PROGRAMMING YOUR 406 MHZ BEACONS

1.1 Programming

This SSAS beacon is programmed with a serialized Unique Identifier Number (UIN). In order for a security
alert to be routed properly, this beacon must be reprogrammed by an authorized ACR distributor before
installation or use can occur.

This beacon must be reprogrammed as follows:

• With protocol code for SSAS

• With the country code of the vessel’s flag state

• With the vessel’s unique MMSI

1.2 Registration importance

It is imperative that the owner of this 406 MHz beacon registers it with the National Authorities*. All 406
MHz beacons transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. For SSAS the UIN programmed
in the beacon must be the vessel’s MMSI. Registration provides the security forces with up to date
emergency contact information, which will speed up the launch of a rescue operation. The national
authorities use the information to verify if an actual emergency exists. Valuable resources are wasted
every year responding to false alarms. For beacons that are not registered, the national authorities will not
know who you are, what type of vessel you have, your homeport, or who has a copy of your float plan. This
will delay the launch of the mission.

* National Authority is the governmental body that is responsible for SSAS registration database
administration for the country the SSAS is programmed for.

1.3 Where to register

The owner of a 406 MHz beacon (SSAS) should register it with the national authority of the vessels flagged
state, regardless of where they operate. Each beacon must be programmed with the country code of the
vessels flag state, and will only be accepted for registration in that country. To verify the country for which
a beacon is programmed, see the label with the UIN on the back of the unit. Beacons purchased outside
the flagged state of the vessel MUST

1.4 Registration in the United States

It is the owner’s responsibility to register 406 MHz beacons 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 with the pre-addressed; postage paid
envelope to:

be reprogrammed by a properly equipped distributor for registration.

SARSAT beacon Registration,

E/SP3, RM 3320, FB-4

NOAA/NESDIS

5200 Auth Rd.

Suitland, MD 20746-4304

Online registration is now available. Please visit - 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 registering online or by
faxing the registration form to Fax # [phone]. Registrations should be faxed in the event the beacon
is to be placed in immediate service and followed up with the mailing of the hard copy form.

All registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz beacon 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 information
carefully and place in the SSAS annex of your vessel security plan. Do not affix the registration label to the
beacon. This may compromise the covert nature of the beacon. (See page 1). If you do not receive
confirmation back from NOAA, please call toll free 1-888-212-7283 for assistance.

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D 1

1.4.1 Commercial vessels in the United States

In the United States, commercial vessels that are required to have a radio station license are required to
modify that license when an SSAS is added to the vessel. Please update FCC FORM 605 to modify your
radio station license. For information on whether you need a radio station license, call toll free 1-888­CALLFCC (225-5322)

1.5 Registration outside of the United States

For use on vessels flagged in countries other than the United States, the sales agent should assist in filling
out the forms and sending to that country’s national authority at the time of purchase. To verify that the unit
is properly programmed for that country, view the UIN label on the back of the unit. In the event that the
beacon is not programmed for the country in which the vessel is flagged, the sales agent (if properly
equipped) MUST

1.6 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 beacon is transferring the beacon 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 beacon is required to provide the national authority with all of the
information requested on the registration form. This obligation transfers to all subsequent owners. In the
United States registration forms are available from NOAA. Call 1 [phone] or visit

www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov

1.7 Commercial vessels worldwide

406 MHz SSAS beacons that are carried on commercial vessels world wide, should be registered with the
country where the vessel is flagged regardless of where the vessel operates. When a commercial vessel
acquires a 406 MHz SSAS beacon from outside of its flagged country; the beacon MUST
reprogrammed and register the beacon according to its flag state and its MMSI.

SECTION 2 - FALSE ALARMS

2.1 Prevention of false alarms.

There are a few precautions that should be taken to prevent false alarms:

Do not transport beacon within 1 meter (3.3ft) of a magnetic source.
Do not mount beacon within 1 meter (3.3ft) of a magnetic source.
Do not mount remote switches where they can be confused with another switch
Do not mount beacon where it can get wet.
Do not clean beacon with any liquid.

2.2 Reporting of false alarms

Should there be, for any reason, an inadvertent activation or false alarm, it must be reported to the national
authority of your vessels flagged state. The information that should be reported includes the SSAS Unique
Identifier Number (UIN), date, time, duration and cause of activation, as well as location of beacon at the
time of activation.

2.2.1 To report false alarms in the United States or Canada contact any of the following:
Atlantic Ocean / Gulf of Mexico

USCG Command Center
Tel: [phone]

reprogram the unit for that country.

.

Pacific Ocean Area \ USCG Command Center
Tel: [phone]

be

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D 2

From Any Location
USCG Headquarter Command Center

Tel: [phone]
For Canadian Pacific waters:

Canadian Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria
Tel: [phone]

For Canadian Atlantic waters:
Canadian Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax
Tel: [phone]

For other Canadian waters (Great Lakes, Hudson’s Bay, and Arctic)
Canadian Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton
Tel: [phone]

2.2.2 To report false alarms worldwide contact your national authority.

SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION

3.1 Preparation

3.1.1 Parts included:

 Beacon/mounting bracket assembly Qty: 1 PN: A3-06-2410-1
 Cross dipole antenna Qty: 1 PN: 2810
 SMA male conn, RG-8/U crimp Qty: 1 PN: 2814
 Activation switches Qty: 2 PN: 2820
 Antenna mount Qty: 1 PN: 2821
 TNC male conn, RG-8/U crimp Qty: 1 PN: 2633
 Insulated terminals, crimp Qty: 4 PN: A1-05-0125-17

3.1.2 Tools needed:

 Phillips screwdriver
 Drill
 RG-8/U crimp tool
 Saw
 Solder iron

3.1.3 Additional materials needed for installation:

 Marine grade RG-8/U coaxial cable
 Switch wire or cable
 Screws/Bolts for mounting bracket (3/16” or #10)
 Screws/Bolts for antenna mount
 Boeshield T-9 or equivalent waterproof lubricant

3.2 Beacon installation

3.2.1 The ThunderBird SSAS is shipped attached to its mounting bracket. Typically, the beacon must be

removed from the mounting bracket during installation. The beacon can be removed from the mounting
bracket as follows:

• First disconnect the 2-Pin waterproof connector on the left side of the beacon.

• Unbuckle the strap holding the beacon to the bracket.

The ThunderBird SSAS is intended to transmit covertly a security alert, notifying competent authorities
that the security of the vessel is under threat or has been compromised. A key component of the system is
its covert nature, which should be maintained as much as possible to protect the beacon from malicious
tampering. The ThunderBird SSAS is shipped in the “OFF” position. During the installation procedure,
leave the beacon in the “OFF” position to prevent false alarms.

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D 3

3.2.2 Mounting location

The location selected must be sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the total installation (approx. 2 lbs)
and at the same time consider vibration, exposure to surrounding hazards, such as equipment movement,
doors openings, personnel traffic, etc. The bracket should only be mounted to a flat surface at least
as big as the bracket. Mounting to a rail or post is not recommended.

Also to be considered in selecting a location for installation is the harmful effect that certain corrosive
vapors might have on the beacon. Under no circumstances should a location be selected for installation
where the beacon would be jeopardized by any foreign articles being temporarily or permanently
positioned during “at sea” or “in port” activities.

Do not mount or store the beacon within 1 meter (3.3 ft) of strong magnetic (such as loud speakers) or
electrical (such as radar or high power radio transmitter) fields. The beacon should not be mounted closer
than 1 meter (3.3 ft) to a navigation compass.

In order to maintain the required covert operation, the ThunderBird SSAS mounting location should be
hidden from the view of most personnel and all passengers and guests. Suitable locations include inside
an equipment closet or cabinet, under the navigation bridge and inside a closed equipment rack.

The bracket can be mounted in any orientation; however, the beacon controls and system connections are
designed for vertical installation. When selecting a mounting location the following should be carefully
considered:

• Routing of switch wires/cables. (Connects to top of mounting bracket.)

• Routing of RG-8U coaxial antenna cable. (Connects to top of beacon.)

• Routing of GPS interface cable. (Connects to top left part of beacon.)

• Accessibility to beacon control switch. (Top right part of beacon.)

• Visibility of test and Xmit LED’s. (Top left part of beacon.)

3.2.3 Hardware

Use three stainless steel pan head fasteners to secure beacon mount to surface. Size 3/16” or #10 bolts
can be used. (Not Supplied)

3.2.4 Installing the beacon in the bracket

The mounting bracket is keyed to prevent the beacon from being installed backwards. Install the
ThunderBird SSAS with the front label facing out. The strap should be tightened to secure the beacon
snugly in the bracket. Connect the 2-Pin waterproof connector on the left side of the beacon (see Figure

11).

3.2.5 Connecting the beacon to a GPS receiver via the optical interface (IR transmitter)
Your beacon comes with a NMEA GPS optical interface cable (transmitter plug with lead wires) that should

be connected to the ship’s GPS system. The IR transmitter plug attaches to your beacon, via the keyed
blue bezel on the top left of the beacon. The cable can be routed through the hole in the upper left corner
of bracket. The lead wires attach to the ship’s GPS system via the NMEA 0183 connector from your GPS
receiver. The black lead wire with white stripes should be connected to the positive transmitter pin (Data
Out). The black wire should be connected to the negative pin (Ground).

NOTE: The baud rate output for your GPS receiver NMEA 0183 should be 4800. Consult your GPS
manufacturer for correct installation.

3.3 Activation switch installation

• Per IMO’s SOLAS Chapter XI-2, Regulation 6: Ship Security Alert System:
Paragraph 3.1: “The ship security alert system shall be capable of being activated from the navigation

bridge and in at least one other location;”

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3.3.1 General information
SSAS beacons are required to have at least two remote activation points, one of which is on the navigation

bridge. Two switches are supplied with the ThunderBird SSAS. Contact the factory if additional switches
are required.

The switches are required to be protected from inadvertent activation and activate only with two
independent mechanical actions. These requirements are satisfied by the spring-loaded switch guard
attached to the switch when shipped. The switches must be installed with the guard in place.

3.3.2 Switch location
The switches are designed to be installed through a hole in a panel and require approximately 1” (25.4

mm) by 1” (25.4 mm) clearance on both the front and the back. The recommended panel thickness is

0.039” (1mm) to 0.106” (3.2mm).
There are some additional factors that should be considered when selecting the switch locations. A

primary consideration is installing the switches per IMO requirements: one on the navigation bridge and the
other in a secondary covert location. Each switch should also be installed in a location that will not draw
unnecessary attention, yet be easy to access. The switches should not be installed in a location where
they might be confused with other switches. Lastly, the wiring routing may also be considered.

3.3.3 Recommended wire
ACR recommends using stranded, tinned wire between 16 to 22 AWG to connect between the remote

activation switches and the beacon mounting bracket. Stranded wire is recommended to better withstand
the effects of vibration. Tinned wire is resistant to corrosion. The recommended wire gauge is a
compromise between weight and strength. ACR provides crimp-on terminal lugs for 16 to 22 AWG wire for
the connection to the mounting bracket. Other marine grade lugs (Not Supplied) can be used for different
gauge wire.

Because two wires are required to connect the switch to the mounting bracket, a two conductor cable is
ideal. This makes routing the wire easier and provides additional strength.

ACTIVATION BUTTON WITH

RECOMMENDED WIRE SOLDERED

TO THE SWITCH

FIGURE 1

WIRING CONNECTION ON THE

MOUNTING BRACKET COMING FROM

ACTIVATION SWITCH

FIGURE 2

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3.3.4 Switch installation
Cut a 0.638” x 0.638” (16.2 mm x 16.2 mm) square hole in the selected panel. The recommended panel

thickness is 0.039” to 0.106” (1.0 mm to 3.2 mm).
The switch should be pushed back into the hole from the front. It is recommended to make the wire

connections before installing the switch into the panel. Connect the wires to the back of the switch; one
wire to “COM” terminal and the other to “N.O.” terminal. There should be no connection to the “N.C.”
terminal. The wires should be soldered to the switch terminals (see Figure 1). Once the connections are
made, make sure the spring-loaded switch guard is securely attached to the switch and press the switch
assembly into the panel hole. The switch will snap into place.

Repeat the above procedure for the other switch.

3.3.5 Connection to mounting bracket
Route the switch wire from the switch locations to the ThunderBird SSAS beacon mounting bracket. Care

should be taken to route and secure the wire properly. The wires should then be trimmed to the
appropriate length.

If using the recommended 16 to 22 AWG wire, crimp the terminal lugs (provided) onto the wires. If other
wire is used, appropriate lugs (Not provided) can be used. Alternatively, the wire can be connected directly
to the terminal block on the mounting bracket (see Figure 2). Connect one wire from each switch to one of
the two terminals on the top of the mounting bracket by placing the lug under the screw and tightening the
screw. Repeat with the other wire from each switch in the other terminal.

3.3.6 Switch installation verification
To verify proper installation of the switches, the following procedure should be followed (requires two

persons, preferably with 2-way radio communications):

• Perform this procedure with all connections made between the switches and the beacon.

• The beacon must

a live transmission to the satellite system.

• With a multi-meter, measure the resistance between the two screws on the left side of the beacon.

This should be an open circuit (> 100 kΩ.) If not, check the switch wire connections to make sure the
two wires from each switch are connected to different screws on the mounting bracket terminal block.

• Depress each switch (one at a time) while measuring the resistance between the two pins on the

mounting bracket connector. The resistance should momentarily (as long as the switch is depressed)
read a short (< 10Ω.) If the resistance never reads a short, verify all connections are per 3.2.4 and

3.2.5 above.

be in OFF mode. Performing this test with the beacon in READY mode may result in

3.4 Cross dipole antenna installation

3.4.1 General information
The cross dipole antenna is intended for operation far away from a ground plane. With this in mind, the

location of installation should be carefully selected to keep the antenna as far from horizontal conductive
(metallic) planes as possible (see Figure 12).

The length of cable from the SSAS beacon to the cross dipole should be kept as short as possible. Secure
antenna cable (3 ft. maximum) away from antenna to reduce stress on antenna connector (see Figure 12).

A stainless steel 4 inch tall antenna mount is included with your SSAS kit. If the supplied bracket is not
ideal for the desired mounting location, the cross dipole has a standard female 1” x 14 thread allowing it to
be mounted to a variety of off-the-shelf brackets and masts.

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D 6