ACR Electronics GlobalFix iPRO RLB-36 Product Support Manual

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

Contents

ACR Electronics GlobalFix iPRO RLB-36 Product Support Manual Manual pdf 28 page image

Y1-03-0233 Rev. D 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 latitude andlongitude of its position. This data is transmitted to the emergency system.When the beacon is coupled to a working external GPS receiver, itimmediately begins downloading data. Once valid position data has beenobtained, the beacon will attempt to update the positional data every 20minutes. The GlobalFix™ iPRO will store the last valid positional data for upto 4 hours, if it becomes unable to obtain new updated data. It will update thisdata if and only if it receives new good positional data from the external GPSreceiver.2. Using the external GPS interfaceOnce a compatible, operating GPS receiver is connected to the GlobalFix™iPRO, the beacon will store coordinate data for incorporation into theemergency message. The coordinates are transmitted to the satellite whenthe beacon is activated in an emergency. Coordinate data provides a moreaccurate location to the Search and Rescue Authority and may lead to afaster rescue. Since the last valid GPS position data may stay in the memoryfor up to 4 hours, the user should take care to make sure that the GPSposition data stored is accurate. This can be accomplished 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 a validposition fix, and allowing sufficient time to acquire valid GPS position data.3. Testing the external GPS interfaceConnect the optical interface plug to the beacon bezel and allow sufficienttime for the GPS receiver to acquire valid GPS position data (usually lessthan 1 minute; but it can take up to 20 minutes). Lift the thumb switch to thevertical (Self-Test) position and release. Your beacon will confirm that it hasacquired valid GPS data by displaying the latitude and longitude coordinateson the display. This will occur at the end of Self-Test.4. Updating the external GPS position dataWhen the beacon is properly connected to a functioning and compatible GPSreceiver, GPS position data is automatically updated about every 20 minuteswhile valid GPS position data is present. The operator can force theacquisition of new GPS position data by initiating a Self-Test with the beaconconnected to an external GPS receiver with a valid position fix. This bypassesthe normal, programmed, waiting time of 20 minutes for the automatic updateof GPS position data.