ACR Electronics RLB-38, Y1-03-0250 manual Appendix a Using and Testing the GPS Systems

APPENDIX A - USING AND TESTING THE GPS SYSTEMS

1.How the external GPS interface works

The beacon is fitted with an optical interface to connect with an external Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that will determine the latitude and longitude of its position. This data is transmitted to the emergency system. When the beacon is coupled to a working external GPS receiver, it immediately begins downloading data. Once valid position data has been obtained, the beacon will attempt to update the positional data every 20 minutes. The Satellite3 406™ will store the last valid positional data for up to 4 hours, if it becomes unable to obtain new updated data. It will update this data if and only if it receives new good positional data from the external GPS receiver.

2.Using the external GPS interface

Once a compatible, operating GPS receiver is connected to the Satellite3 406™, the beacon will store coordinate data for incorporation into the emergency message. The coordinates are transmitted to the satellite when the beacon is activated in an emergency. Coordinate data provides a more accurate location to the Search and Rescue Authority and may lead to a faster rescue. Since the last valid GPS position data may stay in the memory for up to 4 hours, the user should take care to make sure that the GPS position data stored is accurate. This can be accomplished by two methods:

//By always leaving a properly functioning external GPS receiver connected to the beacon before activation, or…

//By connecting a properly functioning external GPS receiver with a valid position fix, and allowing sufficient time to acquire valid GPS position data.

3.Testing the external GPS interface

Connect the optical interface plug to the beacon bezel and allow sufficient 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 the thumb switch to the vertical (Self-Test) position and release. Your beacon will confirm that it has acquired valid GPS data by flashing an extra green LED at the end of a Self- Test.

4.Updating the external GPS position data

When the beacon is properly connected to a functioning and compatible GPS receiver, GPS position data is automatically updated about every 20 minutes while valid GPS position data is present. The operator can force the acquisition of new GPS position data by initiating a Self-Test with the beacon connected to an external GPS receiver with a valid position fix. This

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