Printing Hexadecimal Labels; Verifying A Self-Test Message; Conditions For Test; Live Message Transmission - ACR Electronics FPR-100 PROGRAMMER Product Support Manual

5.2

Printing Hexadecimal labels

1. Program a new hex ID into the beacon as described in section 5.1
2. On the Option Selection Menu click the Print Labels button.
3. Click the appropriate button for the top 4 or bottom 4 labels to be printed.
4. If the vessel name is known for the beacon, click the Enter Name of Vessel button
and enter the appropriate text.
5. Preload the printer feed tray with the appropriate labels. The labels for the RLB-
32/33 are ACR part number A1-20-1003 and are approximately 2 ½ in. / 6.3 cm in
length. The labels for the RLB-27/28 are ACR part number A1-20-0763 and are
approximately 3 3/16 in / 8.1 cm in length.
6. Click the Click Here to Print Label button to print. The program uses the printer
that is set up as your default Windows printer.
5.3

Verifying a Self-Test Message

5.3.1 Conditions for Test

It is recommended that when performing the self-test verification that there be no metal
objects within a 3 feet radius of the beacon under test. It is possible that if the beacon is
tested near metal objects the radio frequency signal will reflect off of the metallic object
and be mixed back into the beacon.
characteristics. These characteristics will not effect the performance of the beacon in
case of emergency. However, the FPR-100 may respond improperly if it receives these
abnormalities.

5.3.2 Live Message Transmission

The FPR-100 can decode ANY 406 MHz that contains an approved EPIRB or PLB
Cospas/Sarsat message with serial, maritime, or radio call sign protocol. The FPR-100
can also decode a live transmission from an EPIRB or PLB. It is mandatory that a
beacon transmitting in on mode be tested in a container that will not allow the RF energy
to reach the GMDSS/SAR satellites. Evenly when properly contained there will still be a
message that indicates a live message has been transmitted if a frame synchronization of
2F Hex is received. This message is a warning for inadvertent activation and can be
disregarded if the beacon is properly shielded while transmitting.

5.3.3 Performing Self-Test

In order to verify a Self-Test message perform the following steps:
1. Make sure the interface unit is properly connected to the PC and powered up.
2. In order to properly "warm-up" the beacon's oscillator performs a minimum of 3 self-
test bursts according to the manufacturer's specification.
3. From the Product Selection Menu choose the product you wish to test.
4. From the Option Selection Menu click the Verify Self-Test Message button.
This phenomenon causes abnormal electrical
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