ACR Electronics TERRAFIX IO406 MHZ PLB User Manual

TerraFix™ 406 GPS I PLB

TerraFix™ 406 GPS I/O PLB

Personal Locator Beacon

FCC Type Approved

[phone] • Fax [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

PRODUCT

SUPPORT

MANUAL

Y1-03-0174

Rev. D

Product No. 2798.2

PLB-201

Product No. 2798.4

PLB-200

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312

www.acrplb.com

* * * WARNING * * *

THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF

GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER

* * * DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY * * *

For proper use refer to section 2 – Responsible Use

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PERFORMING ANY OF THE TESTS.

Forward

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the ACR TerraFix™ 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon.
The combination of superior design, high quality raw materials and quality controlled manufacturing
produce 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 life saving devices can stand up to
the rigors found in any environment on earth. With proper care and maintenance, your PLB 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 operation and maintenance instructions for the TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB, hereinafter
referred to as the PLB. This manual also describes the characteristics and details of the PLB System.

Table of Contents

1.0 Registration..................................................................................................................................2

2.0 Responsible Use ..........................................................................................................................4

3.0 False Alarms................................................................................................................................4

4.0 Operation.....................................................................................................................................5

5.0 PLB Holster ................................................................................................................................9

6.0 Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................................10

7.0 The Search and Rescue System...................................................................................................11

8.0 Authorizations ............................................................................................................................13

9.0 Technical Data.............................................................................................................................14

10.0 GPS FAQ.....................................................................................................................................15

11.0 Warranty......................................................................................................................................16

Figure 1 Key Pad Functions.......................................................................................................................5

Figure 2 Antenna Position .........................................................................................................................6

Figure 3 Keypad Cover..............................................................................................................................6

Figure 4 Activation....................................................................................................................................6

Figure 5 Deactivation.................................................................................................................................6

Figure 6 GPS Interface with holster...........................................................................................................9

Figure 7 GPS Interface without holster................................................................................................... ..9

Figure 8 Removable holster.......................................................................................................................10

Figure 9 Satellite Orbit...............................................................................................................................13

Figure 10 GEOSAR Satellite Coverage.......................................................................................................13

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D 1

SECTION 1 - REGISTRATION OF 406 MHz PLBS

1.1 Registration Importance

It is mandatory that the owner of this 406 MHz PLB registers it with the National Authorities*. All
406 MHz PLBs transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when activated. This UIN is programmed
in the PLB based on the country in which the PLB was purchased. Registration provides the Search
and Rescue (SAR) forces with emergency contact information, and will speed the launch of a rescue
operation. The National Authorities use the information to verify if an actual emergency exists.
Valuable Search and Rescue resources are wasted every year responding to false alarms. For PLBs
that are not registered, SAR authorities will not know who you are, or who to contact regarding
additional information of your current situation. This could delay the launch of a rescue operation.

*A National Authority is the governmental body that is responsible for PLB Registration Database
administration for the country for which the PLB is programmed.

1.2 Where to register

The owner of a 406 MHz PLB should register it with the National Authority of which the PLB was
programmed, (typically the country where purchased), regardless of where you use your PLB. Each
PLB is programmed with a UIN for the country where the unit is shipped, and will only be accepted
for registration in that country. To verify the country, for which a PLB is programmed, see the label
with the UIN on the back of the unit. Units that do not have a country specified on the UIN label are
programmed for the United States. For a list of the national authorities in your area, please view
them at http://www.cospas-sarsat.com/Management/listOfParticipants.htm

1.3 Registration in the United States

It is the Owner’s responsibility and required by law to Register 406 MHz PLBs 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 it with the pre-addressed; postage paid envelope to:

SARSAT Beacon Registration,

E/SP3, RM 3320, FB-4

NOAA/NESDIS

5200 Auth Rd.

Suitland, MD 20746-4304

PLB registration is also available online at: 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
faxing the registration form or by completing the form online in the event the PLB is to be placed in
immediate use.

Typically, registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz PLB 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

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D 2

information carefully and affix the decal to your PLB in the area marked “Beacon Decal here”. If you
do not receive confirmation, contact NOAA for additional information at: [phone].

1.3.1 Registration in Canada

The National Authority in Canada is the NSS (National Search & Rescue Secretariat). Canadian
residents can register online at http:beacons.nss.gc.ca. For more information please contact the NSS
at [phone] or [phone].

National Search and Rescue Secretariat

400-275 Slater Street

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

1.4 Registration Outside of the United States

In countries other than the United States, 406 MHz PLBs are registered with that country’s National
Authority at the time of Purchase. The Sales agent should assist in filling out the forms and sending
to that country’s National Authority. To verify that the unit is properly programmed for that country,
view the UIN label on the side of the unit. In the event that the PLB is not programmed for the
country in which it has been purchased, the sales agent, (if properly equipped) can reprogram the unit
for that country.

1.5 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 PLB is transferring the PLB 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 PLB is required to provide the National
Authority with all of the information requested on the Registration form. This obligation transfers to
all subsequent owners. Registration forms are available from NOAA, call [phone] or visit
our website at www.acrelectronics.com.

1.6 Lost PLB’s

Inform NOAA immediately at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283), or your national authority, that your PLB
has been lost. They will update your PLB registration information with the appropriate information.

1.7 Stolen PLB’s

Things That You Need To Do:

• Report to your local police department that the PLB has been stolen.

• Contact NOAA at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283), or your national authority, with the following
information so your PLB registration information can be updated with the appropriate remarks:

- Police Department Name

- Police Phone Number

- Police Case Number

If your PLB was to activate, the information you provide will be forwarded to the appropriate Search
and Rescue Authorities who will ensure that your PLB gets back to you. And, if someone attempts to
register a PLB reported as stolen, NOAA or your national authority will notify the appropriate Police
Department.

Visit the COSPAS-SARSAT website for more detailed information: www.cospas-sarsat.org

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D 3

SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBLE USE

2.1 The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger!

What exactly does this mean? Technically speaking you should only activate your PLB when all
other means of self rescue have been exhausted. This means you have tried to use your
cellular/satellite phone, signaling mirrors, strobe lights, or any other safety device you may have.
When all else fails and you feel your situation has truly become extreme, ask yourself the following

questions:
Am I in danger of losing life, limb, eye sight, or valuable property if I am not rescued soon?
Am I in danger of not surviving the night or upcoming hours if not rescued soon?

If you answer yes with confidence to these questions, it is time to activate your PLB.

SECTION 3 - FALSE ALARMS

3.1 Preventing False Alarms

• Ensure that your PLB is registered with NOAA or your national authority. This does nothing to

reduce false alarm rates, but does have a dramatic effect on the impact of a false alarm. If the PLB
is properly registered, the situation will be resolved with a phone call most of the time. It will also
help speed rescue in an actual distress.

• Test your PLB in accordance with the recommendations enclosed in this manual.

• Use care when leaving your PLB and with whom you leave it with. Ensure that they are aware of

the device and know the ramifications of causing a false alarm. A lot of false alarms are
generated by curious individuals.

• Maintain your PLB. Ensure that the batteries are within their expiration date and that all

manufacturer recommendations are followed.

• Finally, realize that the COSPAS-SARSAT satellites are very good at what they do, detecting

emergency PLBs. An activation of a 406 MHz PLB for just a few seconds will usually be
detected. After a few minutes, it will usually be detected and located. This is good if you're in
distress, but if you're not, you just generated a false alarm.

3.2 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 PLB Unique Identifier

Number (UIN), Date, Time, duration and cause of activation, as well as location of PLB at the time

of activation. Outside the United States contact your National Authority.

3.3 To report false alarms in the United States contact any of the following:
Atlantic Ocean / Gulf of Mexico
USCG Atlantic Area Command Center Tel: [phone]

Pacific Ocean Area

USCG Atlantic Area Command Center Tel: [phone]

USCG HQ Command Center (From any location) Tel: [phone]

NOAA Tel: [phone]-SAVE (7283)

AFRCC Console Tel: [phone]

(for official mission correspondence only)

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D 4

SECTION 4 - OPERATION

4.1 General

The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB models are designed to be manually deployed and activated. It is

only to be activated when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted. Activation of the PLB

tells Search and Rescue who you are, where you are, and that you are facing a life threatening

situation.

Self Test Button

GPS Test Button

- GPS I

(P/N 2798.2)

- GPS I/O (P/N 2798.4)

Green & Red LED

GPS Interface

Off Button

ON

Press both test and
GPS buttons
together for 1
second to activate
the beacon in an
emergency

Figure 1. Key Pad Functions

(P/N 2798.4 shown)

4.2 TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB Emergency Activation

4.2.1 Activation

To activate your PLB in an emergency situation, unfasten the antenna from the case or holster and

move it into the upright position (See figure 2). Lift the holster cover revealing the PLB keypad (see

figure 3). Depress the “self-test” and “GPS I

” or “GPS I/O” buttons simultaneously for at least 1/2

second and less than 5 seconds (see figure 4). Your PLB is now activated. While transmitting your

emergency signal, the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds alerting you that your PLB is

activated. If GPS data is present in the PLB via the GPS I

or GPS O the red LED will turn off and

the green LED will take over flashing once every 2 seconds.

4.2.2 Activation with GPS I

The TerraFix™ 406 GPS I

(P/N 2798.2 and P/N 2798.4)

and GPS I/O are equipped with a GPS Interface. Prior to activating

your PLB you can download your GPS LAT/LON into the PLB using an external GPS receiver and

the GPS I

nterface cable provided with the PLB. Once your external GPS has acquired good global
positioning data, press the GPS test button for at least ½ second and no longer than 5 seconds and
your GPS data will download into the PLB (for full instructions see Section 4.7.2). Once you
activate your PLB, your GPS coordinates are included in the distress signal. The green LED will
immediately start flashing every 2 seconds to alert you that your PLB is activated and transmitting
your GPS coordinates with the 406 MHz signal.

Y1-03-0174 Rev. D 5