ACR Electronics Y1-03-0167 Introduction General, Purpose, Satellite Detection, Authorizations

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1GENERAL

This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the MINI B300TM ILS Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB - Class B) hereinafter referred to as the Beacon. This section describes the characteristics and details of the Beacon (See Figure 1). You must add this device to your FCC ship station license if you have one.

1.2PURPOSE

The Beacon is an item of survival equipment that is designed to be carried or on your person, so as to be readily available in any emergency. It may also be used on the deck of vessels, on survival craft, as well as attached to survival suits, etc. When turned “ON” it transmits tone-modulated signals (VHF) so that rescue aircraft or vessels equipped with suitable direction finding receiving equipment can “home” to the transmitting unit. This Beacon meets FCC Rules for improved satellite detection.

1.3SATELLITE DETECTION

EPIRB use is directly affected by the COSPAS-SARSAT System. SARSAT is an acronym for Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking. This international system has proven that satellites can be used to detect distress alerts and to determine position from Class A and B EPIRBs.

COSPAS-SARSAT frequently plays a key role in many operational Search and Rescue decisions. Since the first recorded rescue in 1982, over 10,000 persons have been rescued as a direct result of SARSAT. These successes have brought more public awareness and an expanding growth in the use of EPIRBs. (Satellite detection of this beacon will cease by 2009. See www.acrelectronics.com for details.)

1.4AUTHORIZATIONS

The MINI B300TM ILS (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) EPIRB meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 80.1055 as a Class "B" EPIRB, for marine use.

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Y1-03-0167 Rev. B