ACR Electronics THUNDERBIRD S.S.A.S, T82IGY-Q User Manual

PRODUCT

SUPPORT

MANUAL

Y1-03-0180

Rev. A

ThunderBird

SSAS

Ship Security Alert System

FCC Type Accepted

Model No. RLB-33S

Product No. 2800

Owner
Vessel
Radio Call Sign

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 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.

1

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

Forward

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 406MHz
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

1.0 Registration and Programming..............................................................................................3

2.0 False Alarms..........................................................................................................................5

3.0 Installation .............................................................................................................................6

4.0 Operation ...............................................................................................................................13

5.0 Care and Maintenance ...........................................................................................................17

6.0 The COSPAS-SARSAT System............................................................................................17

7.0 Authorizations, specifications and warranty..........................................................................20

8.0 Installation Checklist .............................................................................................................27

Figure 1..............................................................................................................................................7

Figure 2..............................................................................................................................................9

Figure 3..............................................................................................................................................9

Figure 4..............................................................................................................................................19

Figure 5..............................................................................................................................................19

Figure 6..............................................................................................................................................21

Figure 7..............................................................................................................................................22

Figure 8..............................................................................................................................................23

Figure 9..............................................................................................................................................24

Figure 10............................................................................................................................................25

Figure 11............................................................................................................................................25

Figure 12............................................................................................................................................26

2

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

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 be
reprogrammed by a properly equipped distributor for registration.

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:

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

3

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

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 1-888-212­7283 for assistance.

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 1-888-CALLFCC (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 reprogram the unit for that country.

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 be reprogrammed and register the beacon according to its flag state and its MMSI.

4

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

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 Atlantic Area Command Center
Tel: [phone]

Pacific Ocean Area \ USCG Atlantic Area Command Center
Tel: [phone]
From Any Location

USCG HQ 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, Arctic)
Canadian Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton
Tel: [phone]

2.2.2 To report false alarms worldwide contact your national authority.

5

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION

3.1 Preparation

3.1.1 Parts included:

 Beacon/Mounting Bracket Assy 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

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.

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.

6

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

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.

GPS Interface Cable

2-Pin Waterproof Connector

ThunderBird SSAS correctly mounted in bracket

Bracket Mounting Strap

Figure 1

7

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

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:

o 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;”

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

8

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A