ACR Electronics GLOBAL FIX - REV G Product Support Manual

Contents

Y1-03-0157-2 Rev. G12SECTION 6 – CARE AND MAINTENANCE6.1 Routine MaintenanceAt least every ninety days, the float free mounting bracket and beacon should be inspected for deteriorationand/or residue buildup that may affect the function of the beacon or automatic release. Part of the visual checkincludes checking the antenna for tightness. Clean the beacon and the mounting bracket to remove residuebuildups. It is recommended that the beacon and mounting bracket be wiped with a damp cloth.Carefully inspect the beacon case for any visible cracks. Cracks may admit moisture, which could falselyactivate the beacon or otherwise cause a malfunction. Any cracking observed should be immediately referredto ACR for evaluation by calling 1-800-432-0227 ext. 2155 in the US, or +1-954-981-3333 ext 2155 elsewhere.6.2 Battery ReplacementThe battery must be replaced by the date indicated on the beacon or every five (5) years, whichever occursfirst. At each inspection, check the time remaining until replacement is required. The battery should bereplaced if the beacon has been activated for any use other than the self test.Always refer all long life battery replacement and other beacon service to a factory authorized service center.Battery replacement includes servicing the beacon by replacing all o-rings, testing the water seal and theelectrical properties.NOTE: There are no user serviceable items inside the beacon. DO NOT OPEN THE BEACON UNLESS TODISABLE IN CASE OF FAULTY ACTIVATION.For the nearest location of a Battery Replacement Center, visit our website at www.acrelectronics.comThe beacon may or may not require special shipping instructions due to the lithium batteries and changes inshipping regulations. Please refer to ACR’s website www.acrelectronics.com for proper shipping instructions.6.3 Shore Based Maintenance for SOLAS Vessels, (SBM) IMO MSC/Circ. 1039The Maritime Safety Committee approved guidelines for shore-based maintenance of satellite beacons, for thepurpose of establishing standardized procedures and minimum levels of service for the testing andmaintenance of satellite beacons. First Shore Based Maintenance on all ACR EPIRBs is due at the date of thefirst battery replacement.6.4 Annual Testing for SOLAS Vessels, IMO MSC/Circ. 1040SOLAS regulation IV/15.9 dictates annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs. Testing should be carried outusing suitable test equipment capable of performing the relevant measurements. All checks of electricalparameters should be performed in the self-test mode, if possible.SECTION 7 – THE SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM7.1 General OverviewBeacons provide distress alerts via radio transmission on 406 MHz to the LEOSAR satellites of the COSPAS-SARSAT network. The beacon can also transmit a distress alert (acquired by the internal or external GPS) tothe GEOSAR network that includes GPS latitude and longitude coordinates.The message transmitted is unique for each beacon, which provides identification of the transmitter throughcomputer access of registration files maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration orother national authority*. Remember, SAR forces will know who you are, what type of vessel you have, yourhomeport, and who to contact that might know of your current situation ONLY if your beacon has been properlyregistered. This will help expedite the launch of a rescue operation. 406 MHz beacons are required to havetheir registration updated every two years.*The national authority is the governmental body responsible for EPIRB registration database administrationfor the country for which the EPIRB is programmed.Once the 406 MHz signal is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR network, SAR forces determinewho is closest, and then proceed to the beacon using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency.