The combination of superior design, high quality raw materials and quality controlled manufacturing produce a product that will perform for years to come. The Test Facility at ACR can reproduce some of the harshest environmental conditions known to man. This assures that the life saving devices can stand up to the rigors found in any environment on earth.
United States. The National Authority that accepts registrations in the United States is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The owner should complete the enclosed registration form (Do not confuse this with the ACR Electronics Warranty Card) and mail it with the pre-addressed; postage paid envelope to: PLB registration is also available online at: The information provided on the Registration Form is used only for rescue purposes.
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information carefully and affix the decal to your PLB in the area marked “Beacon Decal here”. If you do not receive confirmation, contact NOAA for additional information at: +1-888-212-7283. 1.3.1 Registration in Canada The National Authority in Canada is the NSS (National Search & Rescue Secretariat). Canadian residents can register online at http:beacons.nss.gc.ca.
SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBLE USE The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger! What exactly does this mean? Technically speaking you should only activate your PLB when all other means of self rescue have been exhausted. cellular/satellite phone, signaling mirrors, strobe lights, or any other safety device you may have.
SECTION 4 - OPERATION General The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB models are designed to be manually deployed and activated. It is only to be activated when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted. Activation of the PLB tells Search and Rescue who you are, where you are, and that you are facing a life threatening situation.
4.2.3 Activation with GPS I/O (P/N 2798.4 Only) The TerraFix™ 406 GPS I/O is also equipped with an Onboard GPS receiver. Once activated the TerraFix™ 406 GPS Onboard GPS engine will start up and search to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal.
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The GPS Antenna is located under the front bottom portion of the case behind the embossed ACR logo. To ensure proper operation it needs to be unobstructed with a clear view to the sky. Avoid submerging this portion of the PLB in water if possible, as water will shield and inhibit the GPS receiver and may cause difficulties obtaining LAT/LON coordinates.
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Upon activation, your GPS data will be transmitted to the GEOSAR satellite on the very first burst. TerraFix 406 PLB will interface with most GPS receivers, if you are not sure if your receiver is NMEA 0183 compliant please check the interface settings listed in your GPS manual.
PLB directly to backpack webbing straps or belts to ensure the PLB is close at hand. Ensure the PLB is secured firmly and is protected before heading out to avoid damage or loss. ACR recommends that you secure your PLB someplace that is easily accessible in case of an emergency for rapid activation.
In the event of any cracking or structural damage, the PLB should be immediately sent to ACR for evaluation and repairs, (1-800-432-0227). Do Not clean your PLB with household cleaners and hydrocarbon materials such as gasoline, benzene, bleach, sanitizers, soaps, etc., simply wipe your PLB down with a damp cloth until clean.
O-ring, air pressure test to ensure water tight integrity, and a full electronics diagnostic check. NOTE: This unit is a life saving device and all repairs and replacements need to be made by ACR or an authorized ACR battery replacement center to ensure the beacon will perform properly when called upon.
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Satellite Detection 7.2.1 The TerraFix™ 406 GPS transmits an encoded phase modulated radio signal to the satellite portion of the COSPAS-SARSAT System. The system was developed and implemented by the COSPAS- SARSAT Partners (Russian Federation, Canada, France and the United States). 7.2.2 COSPAS-SARSAT is an international system that uses Russian Federation and United States low altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites (LEOSAR) that assist in detecting and locating activated 121.5/243 MHz PLBs and 406 MHz Satellite PLBs.
SECTION 8 - AUTHORIZATIONS The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95 Subpart K , European R&TTE Directive Characteristics The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB is a buoyant, battery operated Personal Locator Beacon. The PLB case, with its external antenna, is waterproof.
Long message / serialized Message protocol Duration Rate Encoding Modulation PLB’s leave ACR with Serialized code but can be reprogrammed at a service center to other coded formats including nationality of registration. 121.5 MHz Transmitter Frequency Frequency Tolerance Output Power Morse Code “P”...
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 PLB through the translucent PLB top cap or lens when the ACR optical Interface plug is properly engaged.
NMEA output. Q. What is the maximum length my GPS cable can be? A. ACR Electronics recommends a maximum length of 400 feet using 24 AWG wire. Contact your GPS owner’s manual for more detailed information. Q. What happens if I plug the GPS into the PLB first and press the GPS I or I/O button without waiting for the GPS to acquire satellites? A.
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