Section 5 - Care And Maintenance - ACR Electronics 2800 Product Support Manual

Ship security alert system

Hide thumbs

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

4.8.2

Using the GPS interface: Once a compatible operating GPS receiver is connected to the beacon, the

beacon will store GPS data for incorporation into the emergency message, which is transmitted to the

satellite. This can provide more accurate positioning data to the national authority and may lead to faster

response. Since the last valid GPS position data is always kept in the memory of the beacon, the user

should take care to make sure that the GPS position data stored is accurate. This can be accomplished by

two methods: First, by always leaving a properly functioning GPS receiver connected to the beacon before

activation. Second, by connecting a properly functioning GPS receiver with a valid position fix to the

beacon and allowing sufficient time for the beacon to acquire valid position data from the GPS. This will

take a nominal 20 minutes if old GPS position data is stored in the beacon's memory. If GPS data is not

stored, the beacon will acquire current data within a minute of being connected to a GPS with a valid

position fix. You can force the beacon to update its position at any time by initiating the beacon's self-test,

see 4.8.3 and 4.8.4. If valid GPS position data is not available, it is preferable to reset the beacon with the

beacon's default message (See Section 4.8.5).

4.8.3

Testing the GPS interface: Connect the optical interface plug to the beacon bezel and allow sufficient time

for the GPS receiver to acquire valid GPS position data (usually less than 1 minute; but it can take up to 30

minutes). Lift the thumb switch to the vertical (self-test) position and release. Your beacon will confirm that

it has acquired valid GPS data by emitting a beep along with a flash of the red and green LEDs. This will

occur approximately 2.5 seconds after the self-test.

4.8.4

Updating GPS position data: When the beacon is properly connected to a functioning and compatible

GPS receiver, GPS position data is automatically updated about every 20 minutes, while valid GPS

position data is present. The operator can force the acquisition of new GPS position data, by executing

self-test of the beacon. This bypasses the normal, programmed, waiting time of 20 minutes for the

automatic update of GPS position data. Once the beacon has completed the self-test sequence by emitting

the beep and flash of red and green LEDs, as described in 4.8.3, the beacon will request and acquire new

position data from the GPS. This can take a nominal 15 seconds or up to one minute.

NOTE: When the beacon is not activated, GPS position data will be received and stored by the beacon

(No GPS position data updates will occur while the beacon is activated. However, subsequent

position information is determined by the COSPAS-SARSAT Satellite System as described in

Section 6.)

4.8.5

Position data set to default: A new ThunderBird SSAS is programmed with the GPS position data set to

"default". This "default" GPS position data indicates, upon activation, to the satellite system that the beacon

has no valid GPS position stored in memory. Once a functioning and compatible GPS receiver is properly

connected to the beacon, this "default" data will be replaced by valid GPS position data, as described in

the previous sections.

Position data will be reset to default by activating the beacon (by placing the thumb switch in the ready

position and then pressing one of the remote activation points) and then turning the beacon off by returning

the thumb switch to the off position. Once the beacon is in ON mode, it must be turned OFF within 45

seconds to prevent transmission of a live burst. Because the activation points must be remote from the

beacon, it is recommended that two people with 2-Way radios perform this procedure to prevent false

alarms.

NOTE: THIS BEACON IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE ONLY DURING SITUATIONS WHERE THE

SECURITY OF YOUR VESSEL IS UNDER THREAT OR HAS BEEN COMPROMISED AND POLICE

ACTION IS REQUIRED.

ALSO NOTE: The action of turning the beacon ON and then OFF clears any stored GPS position data.