ACR Electronics SATELLITE 406 EPIRBS User Manual

PRODUCT

SUPPORT

MANUAL

Y1-03-0126

Rev. E

ACR/SATELLITE 406

Emergency Position Indicating

Radio Beacon

Product No. 2754 Cat. I, Class 2
Product No. 2758 Cat. II, Class 2
Product No. 2756 Cat. I, Class 1
Product No. 2759 Cat. II, Class 1

Product No. 2772 Cat. 1, Class 1
Product No. 2773 Cat. 1, Class 2

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 USA

[phone] • Fax [phone]

http://www.acrelectronics. com

TM

* * * WARNING * * *

THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE

ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE

AND IMMINENT DANGER

DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY

INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY

Advice to owners of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
Registration of 406 MHz satellite EPIRB with the EPIRB Registration Section

of the

national authority*

the system.
The information provided in the Registration Card is used only for rescue

purposes.
Fill in the owner registration card immediately upon completion of the sales

transaction. Mail the Registration Card immediately.
If the beacon is to enter service immediately, complete the Registration Card

and fax the information to the national authority. The original card must still be
mailed to the

If the current owner is transferring the beacon to a new owner, the current
owner is required to inform the
telephone, of the name and address of the new owner.

The subsequent owner of the beacon is required to provide the

authority*

This obligation transfers to all subsequent owners.

national authority*

with the information as shown on the owner Registration Card.

is mandatory because of the global alerting nature of

for hard-copy reference and filing.

national authority*

by letter, facsimile or

national

*National Authority
The term “national authority” appears throughout this manual. Wherever

these words appear, reference is made to the government body responsible
for EPIRB registration for the country in which the vessel is registered. The
addresses for various national authorities can be found on the Registration
Card appropriate for your vessel.

The national authority in the U.S.A. is NOAA. The NOAA registration
telephone no. is 1-888-212-7283 (toll free).

Note: In the U.S.A. please use the enclosed FCC FORM 506
to modify your radio station license if necessary. For information
on whether you need a radiostation license, call 1-888-CALLFCC
(toll free)

NOTES:

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FIGURE 2: ACR/RLB-27 SATELLITE EPIRB

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FIGURE 3: AUTOMATIC RELEASE MOUNT BRACKET

FIGURE 4: BEACON IN AUTOMATIC RELEASE BRACKET

- 15 -- 14 -

approved shipping carton or for return shipment instructions

refer to the nearest dealer or contact ACR Electronics, Inc.

Service Department.

5.0 REGISTRATION

5.1 It is imperative that this EPIRB be registered with NOAA

(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in the USA

or with your own national authority.

The EPIRB has been programmed with a unique identification

number or code which is broadcast on 406 MHz. Registration

provides the Search and Rescue people with important information

which will speed up the rescue operation and minimize false

alarms.

5.2 To register this EPIRB with NOAA (USA registration only),

simply fill out and mail the provided form in the enclosed pre-

addressed envelope to NOAA or fax the completed form to

NOAA at [phone].

5.3 NOAA will supply a Beacon Registration decal which is to be

TM

affixed to the Satellite 406

. The recommended mounting

location is on the front of bottom case above the instruction label.

(See Figure 2)

6.0 FALSE ALARMS

6.1 Should there be, for any reason, 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 EPIRB

Unique Identifier Number (UIN); date, time,

duration, and cause of activation; and the location at the time of

activation.

6.2 Contact the following to report false alarms (US):

Atlantic Ocean/Gulf of Mexico

USCG Atlantic Area Command Center Tel: [phone]

Pacific Ocean Area

USCG Pacific Area Command Center Tel: [phone]

From any location

USCG HQ Command Center Tel: [phone]

***WARNING***

THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE

ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE

AND IMMINENT DANGER

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FIGURE 1: SATELLITE DETECTION

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3.4 MANUAL ACTIVATION WITHOUT DEPLOYMENT

3.4.1 The Satellite 406TM can be activated while still in its bracket by

removing the blocking key. Activation by this method overrides

all sensors and turns the beacon ON.

The caution note above still applies.

3.5 DEACTIVATION

TM

3.5.1 The Satellite 406

can be deactivated by:

If manually activated:

1) Sliding the switch to the ready position and reinserting the

blocking key,

If automatically activated

1) Removing the beacon from the water. The beacon normally

takes up to 20 seconds to deactivate.

2) Placing the beacon back into the release bracket,

3.5.2 If the beacon continues to operate after it has been deactivated,

remove the four screws holding the unit together and unplug the

battery to disable the unit.

Return it to a service center for repair.

3.6 TEST

TM

3.6.1 The Satellite 406

can be tested in or out of the release bracket.

A Self Test is initiated by sliding the switch to the TEST position

and releasing it after the beacon beeps. The red light will flash

then there is a 5 second pause before the testing begins. The

sequence of tests is:

1. Check Data Integrity ................ Beep if passed

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

2. Check 406 MHz Synthesizer ...... Beep if passed

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

3. Check RF Power/Battery .......... Beep if passed

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

4. Turn on red light to indicate Successful Test.

5. Flash Strobe Light to test Strobe.

A successful test result is indicated by three beeps, the red light

flashes then the strobe light flashes.

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

test.

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3.6.2 It is strongly recommended to test the Satellite 406

TM

on a

quarterly basis.

4.0 MAINTENANCE (Check antenna for tightness)

4.1 At least every ninety days, the float free mounting bracket and

TM

Satellite 406

EPIRB should be inspected for deterioration and/

or buildup that may affect the function of the beacon or automatic

release.

Also carefully inspect the EPIRB case for any visible cracks.

Cracks may admit moisture which could falsely activate the beacon

or otherwise cause a malfunction. Any cracking observed should

be immediately referred to ACR for evaluation, (1-800-432-0227

Ext. 112)

4.2 Clean the beacon and the mounting bracket to remove residue

buildups. It is recommended that the mounting bracket be waxed

with a high quality marine wax.

4.3 The hydrostatic release must be replaced by the date indicated on

the float free mounting bracket. The hydrostatic release can be

replaced by removing the Beacon from the bracket, unscrewing

four (4) screws to remove top piece of bracket. Then unscrew the

release rod and remove hydrostatic release out of the mounting

bracket. Insert the new hydrostatic release and secure it with a

new release rod. Replace the top piece and beacon into the

mounting bracket.

4.4 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 EPIRB.

DO NOT OPEN THE EPIRB UNLESS TO DISABLE IN CASE

OF FAULTY ACTIVATION. Refer all long life battery replace-

ment and other internal EPIRB service to a factory authorized

service center.

For the nearest location of a factory authorized service center,

call 1-800-432-0227 Ext. 112 (toll free).

TM

4.5 The Satellite 406

contains lithium batteries and as such are

considered hazardous goods for shipping purposes. Special pack-

aging and labeling are required by the Department of Transpor-

tation. Every effort should be made to obtain and save the original

DOT approved shipping carton. Should you need to obtain a DOT

recommended.

TM

2.1.5 Do not mount the Satellite 406

in the vicinity (2 meters) of

strong magnetic (such as loud speakers) or electric (such as radar

or high power radio transmitter) fields.

TM

2.1.6 Consideration should be given to mounting the Satellite 406

in a

vertical (antenna upward position). In certain circumstances, such

as medical emergencies or disabled vessels, manual activation of

the EPIRB for location and homing purposes is sometimes re-

quested. Mounting in this orientation provides the best homing

signal.

2.2 VISUAL INSPECTION

2.2.1 Visually inspect the area surrounding the mounting bracket instal-

lation site for hidden hazards, obstacles, etc., that may have been

overlooked during selection. If there is any doubt as to the ready

accessibility to the beacon at all times or if any condition may

appear to be questionable, make complete and thorough investiga-

tion before making final approval of the installation.

SECTION 3 - OPERATION

3.1 GENERAL

3.1.1 The Satellite 406

are designed to be automatically deployed and activated. The

Satellite 406TM may also be hand held on the deck of vessels, or

floated in water and attached to a raft or life vest with the lanyard

provided. The Satellite 406TM is designed to operate best while

floating in water. Hand held operation should be avoided when

possible. Do not operate inside liferaft or under any similar cover

or canopy.

3.1.2 The Satellite 406

manually in any of the available products.

3.1.3 Because many users failed to properly place earlier generation

beacons in the ARMED or READY positions when install-

ing them in their brackets, U.S. and International specifications

require the elimination of the OFF switch position and the

inclusion of sensors to automatically activate the beacon under

specific conditions.

The Satellite 406

TM

Beacon Models 2754, 2756, 2772, and 2773

TM

Beacon can be deployed and activated

TM

is equipped with sensors to detect when it is

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no longer in its bracket (a deployment condition) and other

sensors to determine if its in water.

TM

Two conditions must be satisfied for the Satellite 406

to

automatically activate:

1) It must be out of its bracket,

2) It must be in the water,

Note: Either condition by itself will not activate the beacon.

3.1.4 The Satellite 406

TM

is also designed to allow the user to perform

periodic testing while EPIRB is in the release bracket to assure a

functioning beacon.

TM

3.1.5 Place the Satellite 406

Product No's 2754 and 2756 into the

release bracket with the coiled lanyard inward. Fold the capture

arm over the beacon and onto the release rod eyelet. Place the

retaining pin through the eyelet. The beacon should now be firmly

held in the release bracket and ready for automatic deployment.

3.2 AUTOMATIC DEPLOYMENT & DEACTIVATION

(Product No's 2754 & 2756 only)

3.2.1 Automatic deployment and activation occurs when the vessel

sinks and a hydrostatic release device frees the beacon from the

bracket allowing it to float to the surface. Built-in sensors detect

that the beacon is no longer in its bracket and is in water. This

condition will automatically activate the beacon.

Note: Transmissions of the 121.5 MHz signal will begin

immediately while the first 406 MHz transmission will not occur

until 50 seconds later.

3.3 MANUAL DEPLOYMENT & ACTIVATION

TM

3.3.1 The Satellite 406

can be manually deployed by removing the

retaining pin, then removing the beacon from the mount. It is best

to hold one hand against the beacon when removing the retaining

pin to prevent the ejector spring from tossing the beacon. Once

removed from the bracket, the beacon can be activated by placing

it in water or by pulling the red lanyard to break the yellow key,

remove the yellow key and move switch to ON position.

Note: Activating the beacon by removing the yellow blocking

key will cause a tear in the end of the key. Some countries fine

vessel owners for causing false alarms. The permanent change

to the blocking key is a positive indicator of a manual activation.

Duty Cycle 37.5%
Antenna
Frequency 406.025 & 121.500 MHz

Polarization Vertical
VSWR Less than 1.5/1

Xenon Strobe

Light Color White
Output Power 0.75 effective candela
Flash Rate 20—30 per minute

General/Environmental

Battery Life
Operating 48 hours minimum
Replacement Interval 5 1/2 years
Size
EPIRB less Antenna 8.92" (22.66 cm)

Antenna 5.65" (14.35 cm)
Material, EPIRB High impact and UV resistant plastic

Color International Orange
Weight 2.2 lbs.
Temperature Range
Operating Class I -40°C to +55°C

Class II -20°C to +55°C

Stowage Class I -40°C to +70°C

Class II -30°C to +70°C

Mounting Case (Product No's 2754 & 2756 only)

Construction White High Impact and UV resistant plastic
Size 6.5" x 11.15"

(16.51 cm x 28.32 cm)

Release System Hydrostatic with manual override

Optional Mounting Brackets are available for Product No's 2758
and 2759.

Mounting Case - Sea Shelter (Product No's 2772 & 2773)

Construction White High Impact and UV resistant plastic
Size 6.5" x 17"

(16.51cm x 43.18 cm)

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Release System Hydrostatic with manual override

Hydrostatic Release Kits

No. 9323 Satellite 406 hydro release kit
No. 9333 Hydro release kit for Sea Shelter

Replacement Kits

No. 9342 Pull Tab assembly Replacement Kit RLB-27/28
No. 9344 Release Tag Replacement Kit, Bracket RLB-27

SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION (Attach antenna tightly onto unit)

2 . 1 MOUNTING LOCATION (PRODUCT NO'S 2754, 2756,

2772 & 2773))

2.1.1 The Satellite 406

TM

float-off mounting bracket should be mounted

securely to a vertical or horizontal surface (the mount has

predrilled holes for attachment to a flat surface) where there are

no overhead obstructions. Location aboard a vessel must be

chosen to allow the EPIRB to float free of sinking craft and as high

as possible especially on small vessels. This will help ensure

operation of the hydrostatic release unit in the event the vessel

capsizes without sinking.

2.1.2 The location selected must be sufficiently rigid to support the weight

of the total installation and at the same time consider vibration,

exposure to the elements, exposure to surrounding hazards such as

equipment movement, doors being opened, accidental covering,

personnel traffic, etc., and yet be readily accessible at all times for

the emergency use for which the beacon is intended.

2.1.3 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 emplaced during at

sea or in port activities.

CAUTION: Care must be taken to prevent any lanyard, line, or

other emergency equipment that may be attached to the beacon

from becoming entangled or fouled which could prevent the

beacon from being removed in an emergency.

TM

2.1.4 The Satellite 406

float-off mounting bracket should be securely

attached to the vessel. The use of #10 stainless steel hardware is

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as well as being stored for later transmission to other LUTs. In

the real-time mode, the signal detection is limited to a mutual

EPIRB-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 EPIRB-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 satellite EPIRB; then the LUT relays the

position of the distress to a Mission Control Center (MCC) where

the distress alert and location information is immediately for-

warded to an appropriate maritime Rescue Coordination Center

(RCC). The RCC dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces.

1.3.5 The COSPAS-SARSAT System includes 33 LUTs and 19 MCCs

that provide real-time as well as global-mode coverage for the

northern hemisphere, while the southern hemisphere is presently

served primarily by the global mode. Additional LUTs and

MCCs are planned for installation in the near future both in the

northern and southern hemispheres.

1.3.6 Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not

equipped to home on the 406 MHz Satellite EPIRB signal,

homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.

TM

1.3.7 The Satellite 406

EPIRB is available for all of the combinations

for category and class of operations. The following product codes

determine the options required to meet the specific mode of

operation:

Product No. Cat. I Cat. II Class 1 Class 2

2754 X X

2756 X X

2758 X X

2759 X X

2772 X X

2773 X X

1.4 AUTHORIZATIONS

TM

1.4.1 The Satellite 406

EPIRB meets the requirements of Federal

Communications Commission (FCC) Part 80 (Model No.'s

RLB-27 and RLB-28) and GMDSS (Model No. RLB-27).

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1.5 CHARACTERISTICS

1.5.1 The Satellite 406

TM

EPIRB is a floatable, battery operated unit.

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. A Test/Ready/On

switch is installed on top of the beacon, along with a strobe light.

The beacon must be stored in its special mount, free of obstruc-

tions aboard a vessel for automatic float-off. The unit is self

buoyant and no external floatation devices are required.

1 . 6 TECHNICAL DATA  Satellite 406

1.6.1 Applicable Documents

RTCM Standard for 406 MHz Satellite

EPIRBs

COSPAS-SARSAT Document C/S T.001 Nov. 95

FCC Part 80 (Model No.'s RLB-27

and RLB-28) and GMDSS (RLB-27)

UK MPT 1259

1.6.2 Specifications

406 MHz Transmitter

Frequency 406.025 MHz

Frequency Stability ±2 parts per billion/100ms

Output Power 5 watts

Digital Message

Format Serialized*

Duration 440 ms

Rate 400 bps

Encoding Biphase L

Modulation ±1.1 radians peak

*Leaves ACR with Serialized U.S. code but can be reprogrammed at a
service center to Maritime or other coded format including nationality of
registration.

121.5 MHz Transmitter
Frequency 121.5 MHz
Frequency Tolerance ±50 ppm
Output Power 25 mW PEP
Modulation
Type AM (3K20A3N)
Sweep Range 400 to 1200 Hz
Sweep Rate 3 H z

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TM

SECTION 1 - THE SYSTEM

1.1 GENERAL

1.1.1 This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance

instructions for the Satellite 406

ing Radio Beacon, hereinafter referred to as the Beacon. This

section describes the characteristics and details of the Beacon

System. The FCC authorizes the use of 406 MHz Radio Beacons

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. EPIRB carriage requirements are con-

tained in USCG regulations.

1.2 PURPOSE

1.2.1 The Satellite 406

TM

Beacon provides distress alerting via radio

transmission on 406 MHz to satellites of the COSPAS-SARSAT

network. The message transmitted by the Satellite 406TM is

unique for each EPIRB, which provides identification of the

transmitter through computer access of registration files main-

tained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

or other national authority. It is the users responsibility to

fill out and mail the enclosed registration form to the

appropriate agency of the country under which the vessel

is registered. US flagged vessels send the enclosed NOAA/

NESDIS form to NOAA in the stamped envelope provided. For

vessels registered in other countries, the Satellite 406 must be

reprogrammed by an ACR authorized programming facility for

the registered country. Remember, if your EPIRB in not

registered, SAR Authorities do not know who you are, what

type of vessel, your home port, or where to contact anyone who

might know anything about your situation.

1.2.2 Once Search and Rescue (SAR) forces are alerted by the

TM

Satellite 406

signal (406 MHz), relayed through the COSPAS-

SARSAT network, they can converge on the position estimated

by the satellite. Intermediate and short range location is aided by

the Satellite 406

TM'

s on board radio beacon transmitter (121.5

MHz) and high intensity xenon strobe light.

1.2.3 Model numbers 2754, 2756, 2772, and 2773 of the Satellite 406

TM

may be deployed and activated automatically by the built-in

hydrostatic float free release. Once free from the release

- 1 -

TM

Emergency Position Indicat-

TM

bracket, the Satellite 406

will automatically turn on if the

water sensors are wet. Alternately, the Satellite 406 TM can be

manually activated by pulling the red lanyard to break the yellow

key, remove the yellow key and move switch to ON position.

1.2.4 Power is provided by self contained long life batteries with five

and one half year recommended replacement cycle.

1.2.5 Self test (Section 3.2 and 3.3) is initiated by momentarily moving

the switch to the test position. During self test, an actual satellite

message is transmitted while certain key performance param-

eters are measured and recorded. The self test message is

modified such that the satellite will not forward an alert message

during self test. The red LED will light to indicate correct test

status. The strobe light will also flash as a test.

1.3 SATELLITE DETECTION

TM

1.3.1 The Satellite 406

constitutes the satellite EPIRB portion of the

COSPAS-SARSAT System. The system was developed and

implemented by the COSPAS-SARSAT Partners (Russian Fed-

eration, 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 121.5/243

MHz EPIRBs and 406 MHz Satellite EPIRBs. 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. (See Figure 1: Satellite Detection)

1.3.3 COSPAS and SARSAT satellites receive distress signals from

satellite EPIRBs transmitting on the frequency of 406.025 MHz.

The COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz satellite EPIRB 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 along with the satellite EPIRB digital

data message 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,

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