Overview - ACR Electronics FPR-100 PROGRAMMER Product Support Manual

1.0

OVERVIEW

The FPR-100 (Field Programmer Reader – 100) is designed to be both a re-programming
and verification tool for the ACR Satellite 406, Satellite 2, RapidFix, GlobalFix and
GyPSI PLB. In addition the FPR-100 can decode any 406 MHz radio frequency burst
that contains a Cospas/Sarsat approved message for EPIRBs or PLBs containing serial,
MMSI, or call sign protocol.
Programming of the above mentioned beacons is done through a programming head.
Each beacon type has a unique programming head. In order to program different types of
beacons, only the programming heads have to be changed. When a user wants to re-
program a beacon he/she is guided through a series of questions to determine the
information that will be input to the beacon.
Verification of the beacon's message is done through the self-test mode. This mode
allows the user to test that the beacon's battery and electronics are properly working
without sending an alert to the GMDSS satellites. After a user chooses the Verify Self-
Test option and sends the radio frequency message, all of the data captured is sent back
to the PC. The PC then decodes the message based on the guidelines mandated by
Cospas/Sarsat. After a successful decode the user can then print out a report which will
indicate if the beacon has passed or failed. In order for a beacon to receive a "PASSED"
the PC must be able to decode each part of the message successfully. If one piece of the
message is unknown or cannot be decoded then the beacon receives a "FAILED" on the
report. If a beacon receives continuous failing reports then it indicates a malfunctioning
beacon.
The FPR-100 has also been designed to accept frequencies that are within the tolerance
range mandated by Cospas/Sarsat. If a beacon's oscillator is not within the specified
frequency then the FPR-100 will not be able to decode the message. This also indicates a
malfunctioning beacon.
The order in which the screens appear on the PC are the same regardless of the product
chosen. After the opening screen with the ACR logo and other information the user will
see the Product Selection Menu. After choosing the product there will be a Model
Selection screen if there is more than one model of the desired beacon. The user will
then be guided to the Option Selection Menu where he or she may choose the action to
be performed. If a mistake is made then the user can return to the previous screen by
choosing the Back button on each form. The user can exit the program at any time using
the Exit button and return to the operating system. Refer to figures 1 – 3 for explanation
of the different menus.
In order for all screens of the FPR-100 to be seen in their entirety, the screen resolution
must be at 800 x 600. When the FPR-100 is started the resolution is automatically
changed to 800 x 600. If the program is exited through the Exit button the screen
resolution will return to its original values. If the program is exited improperly, the
resolution will remain at 800 x 600. The resolution can be changed through the display
option of the Control Panel in your Windows™ operating system.
2 Y1-03-0149 Rev. D