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ACR Electronics RLB-38 - User Manual

ACR Electronics RLB-38
31 pages
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PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL
SATELLITE
3
406
406 MHz EPIRB //
Model No.: RLB-38
Product No.: 2874, 2875
Y1-03-0250 Rev. C
OWNER
VESSEL
RADIO CALL SIGN
UIN #
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Summary

STEP ONE - REGISTERING YOUR BEACON

Why is registration important?

Explains the mandatory nature of EPIRB registration with national authorities and the importance of updated registration for search and rescue.

What country should I register in?

Guides users on selecting the correct country for EPIRB registration, typically based on purchase location or vessel flag.

How do I register?

Details methods for EPIRB registration, including online, fax, and mail options for US registration and international procedures.

Do I need a radio license?

Advises on potential radio license requirements in the US and directs users to FCC resources for the latest information.

STEP TWO - HOW THE BEACON WORKS

How your beacon brings help

Describes the EPIRB's function as a distress transmitter aiding search and rescue (SAR) operations via satellite systems.

Anatomy of your beacon

Identifies and illustrates the key components and features of the EPIRB, including antenna, LEDs, and activation switch.

Activating your beacon

Explains activation procedures for Category I and II beacons, covering automatic deployment and manual activation methods.

Turning off the beacon

Details the process for deactivating a manually or automatically activated beacon, including troubleshooting steps for deactivation failure.

False alarms

Provides information on how the beacon can be activated unintentionally and lists precautions to prevent false alarms.

STEP THREE - INSTALLING THE BEACON

Marking battery and Hydrostatic Release Unit expiration dates

Guides users on recording and marking expiration dates for the beacon battery and HRU for proper service and replacement.

Mounting location

Provides criteria and hazards to consider when selecting a suitable and secure mounting location for the beacon bracket.

Category I bracket

Details the installation procedure for the SeaShelter™ Category I mounting bracket, including fastener recommendations.

Category II bracket

Explains the mounting and reinstallation process for the QuickDraw™ Category II bracket, including push-lever release.

Installing the Optional optical GPS interface cable

Describes connecting an external GPS receiver via an optical cable for enhanced location accuracy and data transmission.

STEP FOUR - MAINTAINING THE BEACON

Safety DOs and DONTs

Lists essential safety precautions and recommended practices for handling, mounting, and using the beacon aboard a ship.

Routine beacon maintenance

Outlines regular inspection procedures for the bracket and beacon, including visual checks, cleaning, and crack inspection.

Battery replacement

Specifies the battery replacement interval (5 years) and conditions requiring replacement, emphasizing professional service.

Shore based maintenance for SOLAS vessels, (SBM) IMO MSC;Circ. 1039

Refers to guidelines for shore-based maintenance of satellite beacons for SOLAS vessels, linking it to battery replacement.

Annual testing for SOLAS vessels, IMO MSC;Circ. 1040

Mentions SOLAS regulations requiring annual testing of 406 MHz EPIRBs and how to perform these tests using self-test mode.

Changing ownership or contact information

Explains the owner's responsibility to update registration information with the national authority upon change of ownership.

Lost or stolen EPIRBS

Provides immediate steps to take if an EPIRB is lost or stolen, including reporting to local authorities and NOAA.

Servicing the SeaShelter3 and the HydroFix HRU

Details servicing of the Category I bracket and the mandatory replacement of the HydroFix™™ HRU every two years.

Servicing the QuickDraw

Briefly covers servicing for the Category II bracket, noting it typically requires only cleaning or rare replacement.

Self-Testing the beacon

Explains how to perform a beacon self-test, its frequency, and the meaning of LED indications for test results.

APPENDIX A - USING AND TESTING THE GPS SYSTEMS

How the external GPS interface works

Describes the optical interface for connecting an external GPS receiver to determine latitude and longitude for emergency transmission.

Using the external GPS interface

Explains how to use the GPS interface for accurate location data and the importance of ensuring data accuracy before activation.

Testing the external GPS interface

Details the procedure for testing the GPS interface connection, confirming data acquisition via LED feedback during self-test.

Updating the external GPS position data

Explains how GPS data is updated automatically every 20 minutes or manually forced via self-test with a valid GPS fix.

LED indication of GPS fix

Describes LED indicators for GPS fix status, including normal operation, loss of signal, and reacquisition of coordinates.

Compatible GPS receivers

Lists requirements for external GPS receivers to be compatible with the beacon, including NMEA version and baud rate.

APPENDIX B - THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM

General overview

Provides an overview of the Cospas-Sarsat system, its satellite network, and how EPIRB signals are processed for distress alerts.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Explains the GPS system's role in providing accurate positional data for search and rescue operations, enhancing search efficiency.

APPENDIX C - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL;ENVIRONMENTAL

Lists general specifications like size, weight, material, color, waterproof rating, and deployment types.

BATTERY

Details battery specifications, including operational life, type, replacement interval, and operating temperatures.

406 MHz TRANSMITTER

Provides technical details for the 406 MHz transmitter, including frequency, power output, and digital message format.

121.5 MHz TRANSMITTER

Lists technical specifications for the 121.5 MHz transmitter, including frequency, power output, and modulation type.

LED STROBE

Specifies the technical characteristics of the LED strobe, such as light color, output power, flash rate, and range.

Accessories

Lists available accessories and mounting brackets for the beacon, including optional GPS interface cables.

Approvals

Lists the regulatory approvals and certifications obtained by the beacon, such as FCC, Cospas-Sarsat, and MED.

APPENDIX D - WARRANTY, NOTICES

Limited Warranty

Outlines the product's limited warranty period (1 year, 5 for EPIRB), coverage, and procedures for service and registration.

Notices

Provides disclaimers regarding manual accuracy, copyright information, and product improvement notices.

ACR Electronics RLB-38 Specifications

General IconGeneral
GPSYes
Waterproof RatingIPX7
Operating Temperature-20°C to +55°C
FloatationYes
Frequency406 MHz
Battery Life48 hours
GPS AccuracyWithin 100 meters

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