Gps Faq - ACR Electronics AQUAFIX 406 GPS I P-EPIRB - REV E Product Support Manual

Waterproof
Temperature Range
Operating
Storage
SECTION 10 - GPSI/O Frequently Asked Question
Q. How do I download position data from my GPS to my P-EPIRB?
A. You must have a NMEA 0183 version 1.5 or higher output ready GPS unit and a GPS Interface cable.
The NMEA 0183 optical Interface connector supplied with your AquaFix must be connected to the GPS
interface cable using a universal serial adapter. Turn on your GPS unit and allow it to acquire the
necessary satellites. Make sure the output is set to NMEA 0183 with the GPGGA sentence configured if
necessary. Connect the NMEA 0183 interface cable to the GPS unit and the AquaFix. The AquaFix will
initiate a data preload when the GPS I or GPS I/O button is pressed for more than ½ second and less
than 5 seconds.
Q. How long does it take to down load position coordinates from my external GPS to my P-EPIRB?
A. Upon connection with a properly operating and fully acquired GPS unit, the ACR P-EPIRB usually take
less than four minutes to synchronize and download coordinates. Subsequent position updates will take
from a few seconds to no more than 20 seconds to complete.
Q. How does the GPS data get from my GPS to the P-EPIRB?
A. The GPS unit transmits data as electrical energy through the GPS Interface cable to the ACR optical
interfacing connector. The ACR optical interfacing connector has an infrared LED and sensor located
in it. The electrical energy supplied by the GPS unit is converted to infrared light in the ACR optical
interfacing plug. Data from the GPS unit is transmitted via infrared light to the P-EPIRB through the
translucent P-EPIRB top cap or lens when the ACR optical Interface plug is properly engaged. The P-
EPIRB has an infrared detector that decodes the light pulses. ACR uses an optical Interface design to
eliminate the potential for leaks and corrosion common to mechanically interfacing devices. An external
LED flashes to confirm that GPS data is being sent from the handheld GPS.
Q. Can I download information once my P-EPIRB is turned on and activated?
A. No. You must download your GPS coordinates into the AquaFix™ prior to activating your P-EPIRB.
Once activated your P-EPIRB will transmit your LAT/LON coordinates to the GEOSAR satellites. If no
GPS data has been downloaded into the P-EPIRB it will rely on the LEOSAR satellites to obtain the P-
EPIRB's position using Doppler shift. If your P-EPIRB contains an onboard GPS (P/N 2797.4) the GPS
engine will be turned on upon activation and will search to acquire your LAT/LON.
Q. Does my P-EPIRB need any special set up to accept GPS data from an external GPS?
A. No. If it is hooked to a valid data source, that has been properly set up to deliver NMEA format with the
GPGGA sentence, it will automatically attempt to download the data once the GPS I or GPS I/O button
has been depressed and will form an emergency message that includes the position data when the
preload function is initiated.
Exceeds RTCM Standards - Factory Tested to 10 meters at room temperature
Class I -40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F) (future accessory)
Class II -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)
Class I -50°C to +70°C (-58°F to +158°F) (future accessory)
Class II -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F)
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