Section 1 - Introduction; Section 3 - Operation - ACR Electronics MINI B300 Product Support Manual

meric characters of the code represent the day of the month of
manufacture. Therefore, the date of manufacture for the date
code 6J1313 is October 13, 1996.
2.4 Battery Expiry Date
The battery Expiry Date is obtained by adding the battery
manufacturers rated replacement life of 10 years to the date of
manufacture. For example, a date code of 6J1313 would have a
Battery Expiry Date of October 13, 2006.
SECTION 3 — OPERATION
3.1 General
The EPIRB is designed to operate best when placed on a flat
non-conductive surface or while over water at sea. It should be
operated in an area free of obstructions which could absorb RF
energy and limit radiation patterns.
Position the antenna straight up (perpendicular to ground) and
not pointing toward the receiving station. Note that the radiation
field null occurs directly off the end of the antenna.
Maintain a visual path where possible between the Beacon and
the receiver, since beacons characteristically transmit "line of
sight".
The Beacon transmits on 121.5 MHz.
3.2 Manual Deployment
Remove the Beacon from its storage position and ensure that the
antenna telescoping section is fully extended and that the an-
tenna is in an upright position. Break and remove the flip switch
seal. Flip the switch to the "ON" position. Red LED indicator
will illuminate. The LED indicator will remain on for 5 seconds
indicating that the batteries are functional. After 5 seconds, the
LED indicator will begin flashing, indicating that the transmitter
is functioning properly. If operated from the deck of the vessel,
choose the most advantageous position free of surrounding
obstacles. If deployed in water, make sure that the antenna is
positioned vertically and the antenna itself is out of the water. It
is preferable to hold the unit above the water, as immersion
reduces effectiveness.
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SECTION 1 — INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance
instructions for the ACR/MINI B300
Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), hereinafter referred to as the
Beacon. This section describes the characteristics and details of
the Beacon (See Figure 1). A Cognizant Authority Station
License may be required to carry this unit. The Beacon comes
with a user replaceable 6 volt Lithium, Duracell DL223A, (or
equivalent) battery. See installation instructions page 5.
1.2 Purpose
The Beacon is an item of survival equipment and is designed to
be carried on a person or 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 trans-
mitting unit.
1.3 Authorizations
TM
The ACR/MINI B300
Beacon meets the requirements of the FCC and the European
Telecommunications Standards Institute, ETS 300 152, for Ma-
rine use.
1.4 Characteristics
TM
The ACR/MINI B300
operated unit. The Beacon case, with its external antenna is
waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted within the
case assembly, which also contains the battery power supply. An
"ON-OFF" switch is installed on top of the Beacon, along with
a light emitting diode (LED) operation indicator. The Beacon
may be carried on a person, stowed in any convenient place,
mounted in a special bracket aboard a vessel, or tied with its
lanyard inside survival craft. The unit floats and is completely
waterproof.
TM
Emergency Position
Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon is an o-ring sealed battery
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