Section 1 Introduction; Satellite Detection - ACR Electronics MINI B2 CLASS B PERSONAL EPIRB Product Support Manual

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the ACR/MINI B
ACR/MINI B
2
as the Beacon. This section describes the characteristics and details of the Beacon (See Figure 1). An FCC Ship
Station License is required to carry this unit aboard ship.
1.2 PURPOSE
The Beacon is an item of survival equipment and is designed to be carried aboard vessels at sea and in port, so
as to be readily available in any emergency. It may be used on the deck of vessels, on survival craft, or may be
attached to the latter with the provided lanyard, as well as attached to survival suits, etc. When turned "ON," it
transmits tone modulated signals (VHF) so that rescue aircraft or vessels equipped with suitable direction
finding receiving equipment can "home" to the transmitting unit. This Beacon meets FCC Rules for improved

satellite detection.

1.3 SATELLITE DETECTION
EPIRB use is directly affected by the COSPAS-SARSAT System. SARSAT is an acronym for Search and
Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking. This international system has proven that satellites can be used to detect
distress alerts and to determine position from Class A and B EPIRBs.
COSPAS-SARSAT frequently plays a key role in many operational Search and Rescue decisions. Since the first
recorded rescue in 1982, over 5,000 persons have been rescued as a direct result of SARSAT. These successes
have brought more public awareness and an expanding growth in the use of EPIRBs.
1.4 AUTHORIZATIONS
The ACR/MINI B 2
Communications Commission (FCC) Part 80.1055 as a Class "B" EPIRB, for marine use.
TM
ILS Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB - Class B), hereinafter referred to
TM
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon meets the requirements of Federal
FIGURE 2: SATELLITE DETECTION
TM
and
2