ACR Electronics GLOBALFIX iPRO RLB-36 Product Support Manual

Also see for GlobalFix iPRO RLB-36: Product support manual

Contents

Y1-03-0233 Rev. F 27APPENDIX A - USING AND TESTING THE GPS SYSTEMS1. How the external GPS interface worksThe beacon is fitted with an optical interface to connect with an externalGlobal Positioning System (GPS) receiver that will determine the latitudeand longitude of its position. This data is transmitted to the emergencysystem. When the beacon is coupled to a working external GPS receiver,it immediately begins downloading data. Once valid position data hasbeen obtained, the beacon will attempt to update the positional dataevery 20 minutes. The GlobalFix™ iPRO will store the last validpositional data for up to 4 hours, if it becomes unable to obtain newupdated data. It will update this data if and only if it receives new goodpositional data from the external GPS receiver.2. Using the external GPS interfaceOnce a compatible, operating GPS receiver is connected to theGlobalFix™ iPRO, the beacon will store coordinate data for incorporationinto the emergency message. The coordinates are transmitted to thesatellite when the beacon is activated in an emergency. Coordinate dataprovides a more accurate location to the Search and Rescue Authorityand may lead to a faster rescue. Since the last valid GPS position datamay stay in the memory for up to 4 hours, the user should take care tomake sure that the GPS position data stored is accurate. This can beaccomplished by two methods:// By always leaving a properly functioning external GPS receiverconnected to the beacon before activation, or…// By connecting a properly functioning external GPS receiver with avalid position fix, and allowing sufficient time to acquire valid GPSposition data.3. Testing the external GPS interfaceConnect the optical interface plug to the beacon bezel and allowsufficient time for the GPS receiver to acquire valid GPS position data(usually less than 1 minute; but it can take up to 20 minutes). Lift thethumb switch to the vertical (Self-Test) position and release. Your beaconwill confirm that it has acquired valid GPS data by displaying the latitudeand longitude coordinates on the display. This will occur at the end ofSelf-Test.4. Updating the external GPS position dataWhen the beacon is properly connected to a functioning and compatibleGPS receiver, GPS position data is automatically updated about every 20minutes while valid GPS position data is present. The operator can forcethe acquisition of new GPS position data by initiating a Self-Test with thebeacon connected to an external GPS receiver with a valid position fix.