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Carefully inspect the antenna for excessive corrosion of metal parts and visible cracks on the plastic
housing. These could result in a malfunction of the antenna. Any of the above should be immediately
referred to ACR for evaluation. Antenna accessories and rebuild kits are available if the antenna should
be damaged. (See page 21 for more details).
5.2
Clean the beacon and the mounting bracket to remove residue buildups. It is recommended that the
mounting bracket be wiped with a damp cloth.
5.3
Check coaxial connector on cable from the antenna for tightness.
5.4
The battery (P/N 1096) must be replaced by the date indicated on the beacon. At each inspection, check
the time remaining until replacement is required. Battery should be replaced if the beacon has been
activated for any use other than the self test.
NOTE: There are no user serviceable items inside the SSAS. DO NOT OPEN THE SSAS UNLESS TO
DISABLE IN CASE OF FAULTY ACTIVATION.
Self contained long life batteries with a five-year recommended replacement cycle provide power. See
Factory Authorized Service Center for replacement.
Battery replacement includes: replacement of the lithium battery pack and proper disposal, replacing all o-
rings, testing the water seal and performing a full electrical diagnostic check.
Always refer all battery replacement and other SSAS service to a factory authorized service center.
For the nearest location of a factory authorized service center, call 1-800-432-0227 Ext. 112 (toll free) or
visit our website at
5.5
The ThunderBird SSAS contains lithium batteries which meet the requirements of the DOT Hazardous
Materials Regulations. They also meet the United Nations classification of lithium batteries for shipment as
"Non – Dangerous Goods".
SECTION 6 – THE SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM
6.1
General overview
SSAS beacons provide distress alerting via radio transmission on 406 MHz to satellites of the COSPAS-
SARSAT network. The ThunderBird SSAS can also transmit a distress alert to the GEOSAR network that
includes GPS latitude and longitude coordinates that are inputted through an I/R Interface that connects to
the data output of a GPS Receiver.
The message transmitted is unique for each beacon, which provides identification of the transmitter
through computer access of registration files maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration or other national authority. Remember, if your beacon is not registered, Search and
Rescue (SAR) Authorities do not know who you are, or how to contact anyone who might know anything
about your situation (Refer to Section 1).
Once the signal (406 MHz) is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR network, SAR forces
determine who is closest, and then track the signal using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency for intermediate
and short-range location.
6.2
Satellite detection
SSAS beacons transmit to the satellite portion of the COSPAS-SARSAT System. 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 beacons and 406 MHz
Satellite beacons.
COSPAS and SARSAT satellites receive distress signals from the SSAS transmitting on the frequency of
406 MHz. The COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz beacon signal consists of a transmission of non-modulated
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Y1-03-0180 Rev. D
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