ACR Electronics RLB-38, Y1-03-0250 manual Appendix B the COSPAS-SARSAT System, General overview

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APPENDIX B - THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM

1.General overview

EPIRBs transmit to the satellite portion of the Cospas-Sarsat system. Cospas-Sarast satellites are an international system that utilizes Russian Federation and United States’ low altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites (LEOSAR). These satellites assist in detecting and locating activated 406 MHz satellite beacons.

Cospas-Sarsat satellites receive distress signals from EPIRBs transmitting on the frequency of

406MHz. The Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz beacon signal consists of a transmission of non- modulated carriers followed by a digital message format that provides identification data. The 406 MHz system uses satellite-borne equipment to measure and store the Doppler-shifted frequency along with the beacon’s digital data message and time of measurement. This information is transmitted in real time to an earth station called the Local User Terminal (LUT), which may be

within the view of the satellite, as well as being stored for later transmission to other LUTs.

The LUT processes the Doppler-shifted signal from the LEOSAR and determines the location of the beacon, then the LUT relays the position of the distress to a Mission Control Center (MCC) where the distress alert and location information is immediately forwarded to an appropriate Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). The RCC dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces.

The addition of the GEOSAR satellite system greatly improves the reaction time for a SAR event. This satellite system has no Doppler capabilities at 406 MHz, but will relay the distress alert to any of the LUT stations. When there is GPS data included in the distress message, SAR authorities instantly know your location to within 110 yards (100 m). This speeds up the reaction time by not having to wait for one of the LEOSAR satellite to pass overhead. Because most of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home in on the 406 MHz Satellite beacons signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.

Once the 406 MHz signal is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR network, SAR forces determine who is closest, and then proceed to the beacon using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency.

2.Global Positioning System (GPS)

The GPS system is a satellite group that enables a GPS receiver to determine its exact position to within 30 m (100 ft.) anywhere on earth. With a minimum of 24 GPS satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of approximately 11,000 miles they provide users with accurate information on position, velocity, and time anywhere in the world and in all weather conditions. The GlobalFix™ iPRO stores adds this data to its distress transmission, allowing search and rescue forces to narrow the search to a very small area, thus minimizing the resources required, and dramatically increasing the effectiveness of the overall operation.

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Contents Owner Vessel Radio Call Sign UIN # Page Appendix D WARRANTY, Useful Life POLICY, Notices Table of ContentsStep ONE Registering Your Beacon What country should I register in? How do I register?Noaa Sarsat Beacon Registration Suitland Road Suitland, MDDo I need a radio license? Step TWO HOW the Beacon Works How your beacon brings helpAnatomy of your beacon Activation switch with Witness Tab Optional External GPS interfaceSwitch Positions Top ViewCategory 1 SeaShelter3 Bracket Category 2 QuickDraw BracketActivating your beacon Y1-03-0250 Rev. B Witness tab will break once placed in the on position Tips for Optimum Deployment of AN Activated Beacon Turning off the beaconFalse alarms Step Three Installing the Beacon Date of Installation ExamplePage Category I bracket Category II bracket Installing the Optional optical GPS interface cable Routine beacon maintenance Battery replacementStep Four Maintaining the Beacon On a routine basis aboard ship, doY1-03-0250 Rev. B Changing ownership or contact information Servicing the SeaShelter3 and the HydroFix HRUTo install the new HRU To remove the expired HRUSelf-Testing the beacon Servicing the QuickDrawAppendix a Using and Testing the GPS Systems Using the external GPS interfaceTesting the external GPS interface How the external GPS interface worksLED indication of GPS fix Compatible GPS receiversAppendix B the COSPAS-SARSAT System General overviewAppendix C Technical Specifications GENERAL/ EnvironmentalAppendix D WARRANTY, Useful Life POLICY, Notices Limited WarrantyEC Declaration of Conformity Product