Product Support Manual ResQFix™ 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon Product No. 2897 PLB-300 Y1-03-0215 Rev. T3 Personal Locator Beacon FCC Pending ACR Electronics, Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312 Tel : +1(954) 981-3333 Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087 www.acrelectronics.com Email: Info@acrelectronics.
* * * 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. FOREWORD Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the ACR ResQFix™ 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon.
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.
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 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.
SECTION 3 – OPERATION The ResQFix™ 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 a properly registered PLB tells Search and Rescue who you are, where you are, and that you are facing a life threatening situation. ON/OFF Button Activation pictogram 406 MHz 406 MHz with GPS Test Button Programming Interface Figure 1 - Key Pad Functions 3.
3.2 Activation with GPS This PLB is equipped with an internal GPS receiver. Once activated the GPS engine will start up and search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal. As soon as the GPS receiver acquires good positioning data the red LED will stop blinking and the green LED will begin flashing once every 2 seconds. Once good global positioning data has been obtained, the GPS receiver waits for 20 minutes before looking for new positioning data again.
3.8 GPS Testing This test is NOT required as 100% of all GPS receivers that leave ACR have been tested to ensure they perform perfectly. However, if you would like to ensure your GPS receiver is working properly, please follow these instructions very closely. Warning: To conserve battery power the following test should not be performed more than once during the fiveyear life of the battery pack! Note: The GPS receiver is located under the bottom front portion of the case.
SECTION 5 - CARE AND MAINTENANCE Carefully inspect the PLB case and gasket for any visible cracks or damage. Cracks may admit moisture, which could cause a malfunction. In the event of any cracking or structural damage, the PLB should be immediately sent to ACR for evaluation and repairs, (1-800-432-0227). Do Not clean your PLB with household cleaners and materials such as gasoline, benzene, bleach, sanitizers, soaps, etc., simply wipe your PLB down with a damp cloth until clean. 5.
The addition of the GEOSAR Satellite system greatly improves the reaction time for a SAR event. This satellite system has no Doppler capabilities at 406 MHz, but will relay the distress alert to any of the LUT stations. When there is GPS data included in the distress message, SAR authorities instantly know your location to within 110 yards. This speeds up the reaction time by not having to wait for one of the LEOSAR satellite to pass overhead.
SECTION 8 - TECHNICAL DATA - ResQFix™ 406 8.1 Applicable Documents • COSPAS-SARSAT Document C/S T.001 & T.007 (spec for 406 MHz distress beacons) • FCC Part 95, Subpart K • ETSI 302152/1 version 2003 • RTCM Paper 76-2002/SC110-STD V1.1 June 19, 2002 (Recommended standards for 406 MHz Satellite PLB’s) • AS/NZS 4280.2:2003 Australia/New Zealand 406 MHz Satellite Distress Beacons – Part Z: PLB’s 8.
SECTION 9 – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Question: Why do I have to register my beacon? Answer: Registering your PLB is mandatory. Registration is free and should be continually maintained. When you register your beacon you are providing potential search and rescue personnel with valuable information that will expedite a rescue. If you should be in an emergency and activate your PLB, the MCC will pull up your registration information based on the satellite signal received from your beacon.
Questions: What should I do with my PLB when I am not using it? Answer: Simply stow it away in a safe location to prevent it from falsely being activated by children or curious friends. Questions: Will my PLB work underwater? Answer: The ResQFix™ was designed to operate on or above the ground, not from the water surface or underwater (submerged or partially submerged). Make all efforts to use the PLB on or above the ground or if you are in the water make all efforts to keep it above the water surface.
