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FAQ about EPIRB & Personal Beacon
Q: What do EPIRBs do?
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are distress radio
beacons which transmit location information about ships directly to Search and
Rescue forces letting them know that the owner is in grave and imminent
danger.
Learn How A Rescue Works
Q: Will 406 MHz beacons work anywhere
in the world?
Yes, 406 MHz beacons can be used anywhere in the world, including at both
poles, just remember that you need a clear view of the sky (they will not work
in buildings or caves, etc.)
Q: Is there a subscription fee for
beacon registration or rescue service?
Beacon registration is free, should you ever have to activate your beacon,
rescue is free in most parts of the world.
Q: What is the difference between a
Category I and a Category II EPIRB?
The difference is in how the EPIRB is deployed.
A Category I beacon automatically deploys when a vessel sinks. The beacon
floats free at a depth of 1.5 to 3.0m (4.9 to 13.1ft). The EPIRB can be
manually activated while in its bracket or manually removed and activated.
A Category II beacon is manually deployed. The EPIRB will automatically
activate when removed from its bracket and comes in contact with water, or
when it is still in its bracket but a person has lifted the switch to the
activation position.
- See more at:
https://www.acrartex.com/products/catalog/epirbs-and-accessories/globalfix-pro/#sthash.bz6JXjnH.dpuf
What do EPIRBs do?
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are distress radio
beacons which transmit location information about ships directly to Search
and Rescue forces letting them know that the owner is in grave and
imminent danger.
Learn How A Rescue Works
Where can I purchase a beacon?
Will 406 MHz beacons work anywhere in the world?
Yes, 406 MHz beacons can be used anywhere in the world, including at both
poles, just remember that you need a clear view of the sky (they will not
work in buildings or caves, etc.)
Can I use my 406 MHz beacon anywhere in the world?
You should check the local regulations of any place you plan to visit with
your beacon, some countries require you to have a radio licence and a few
countries have restrictions on the use of beacons, however if it's a real
emergency you should always activate your beacon
Is there a subscription fee for beacon registration or rescue service?
Beacon registration is free, should you ever have to activate your
beacon, rescue is free in most parts of the world.
What is the difference between a Category I and a Category II EPIRB?
The difference is in how the EPIRB is deployed. A Category I beacon
automatically deploys when a vessel sinks. The beacon floats free at a
depth of 1.5 to 3.0m (4.9 to 13.1ft). The EPIRB can be manually activated
while in its bracket or manually removed and activated.
A Category II beacon is manually deployed. The EPIRB will automatically
activate when removed from its bracket and comes in contact with water, or
when it is still in its bracket but a person has lifted the switch to the
activation position.
What is a UIN and where do I find it on the beacon so I can register my
beacon?
A UIN is a Unique Identifier Number that is programmed into each beacon at
the factory. The UIN number consists of 15 digit series of letters and
numbers that make up the unique identity of the beacon. The UIN is on a
white label on the exterior of the beacon. The UIN is also referred to as
the Hex ID.
Is it true that certain emergency beacons no longer work?
The 121.5MHz and 243 MHz beacons are no longer satellite detectable. The
beacons may still function but the emergency satellite system will no
longer detect the emergency signals from these frequencies. Please read
the explanation of the phase out of the 121.5/243 MHz frequency from
Cospas-Sarsat at
http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/phaseout.html. If you have a 121.5 MHz or
243 MHz beacon, you should upgrade to a new
406 MHz beacon.
What happens if I set off a false alert by mistake?
Don't panic, as long as it was a genuine mistake and not deliberate you
have nothing to worry about, however you must turn off your Beacon and
contact the emergency services as quickly as possible to let them know
your transmissions are a False Alert. Deliberate misuse or not notifying
the proper authority may incur a severe penalty. When you call be
prepared to provide the following information:
The beacon Unique Identifier Number (UIN) (15 Hex ID printed on the
beacon),
- Date
- Time and duration of the false alert
- Location of the beacon at the time of the false alert
- Cause of the false alert
The primary contact point in the United States for the notification of
False Alerts is the United States Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (USAFRCC)
the telephone number is 1-800-851-3051. However if you have an EPIRB you
can contact the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in the following areas:
Atlantic Ocean / Gulf of Mexico USCG Atlantic Area Command Center Tel:
(757)398-6390 Pacific Ocean Area / USCG Area Command Center Tel: (510)
437-3700 USCG HQ Command Center Tel: (800) 323-7233. If you have an ELT as
well as contacting the USAFRCC you might also want to contact your local
Flight Service Station (FSS) on 1-800-WXBRIEF (1-800-992-7433).
What if I just want the cheapest EPIRB I can get…?
Of course, EPIRBs are life saving devices and we hope that you will choose
the best EPIRB on the market today- the
GlobalFix™ iPRO. However, ACR offers a full range of EPIRBs to meet
everyone's needs. If you must have the least expensive EPIRB available,
please look at ACR's
Satellite3 406™.
Do I need a radio license?
For the latest information, in the United States you may contact the
Federal Communication Commission at toll-free 1-888-CALLFCC or visit the
website of the FCC. Outside of the United States, contact your local
authority for the requirements.
What is an MMSI number and how do I get it?
An MMSI number is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number. It is a
series of nine digits in the format MIDXXXXXX where MID = the country and
XXXXXX = the digital code assigned to a given ship. While the
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) maintains the worldwide
master list of MMSI, the FCC (Sea Tow and Boat US for some boats) give out
assignments in the US. In the USA, if you are traveling beyond US waters
you will need to apply to the FCC for an MMSI. US residents sailing within
US waters can get an MMSI from Boat US at
http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or Sea Tow at
http://www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm.
You should note that these numbers are not registered with the ITU, so
if you are in distress in non-USA waters, the local rescue authorities
will not be able to access your registration information. MMIS numbers are
not programmed into USA beacons
Can I take my beacon with me on an aircraft?
You may wish to check with the airline about any restrictions or
documentation that you may need to carry with the unit. We suggest that
you print a copy of the MSDS and bring it with you. We also recommend that
you carry the Product Support Manual to explain what the unit is (MSDS sheets
and Manuals can be found on the product web page).
Registration
How do I register my beacon?
406 MHz Beacons must be registered with the National Authority of the
country you live in. Step 1. Visit our
Registration database to find the appropriate National Authority
Step 2. Register with your countries National Authority via Mail, Fax
or for the fastest service register online.
Registration in the United States
The national authority that accepts beacon registrations in the United
States is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Here
are three easy ways to register:
1.) The fastest and easiest way to register is online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
. Recommended method. Verify and validate information before
submitting.
2.) Mail the registration form with the pre-addressed, postage paid
envelope to:
SARSAT BEACON REGISTRATION
NOAA
NSOF, E/SPO53
1315 East West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Please print legibly.
3.) Faxing a registration is also acceptable. Fax the registration form to
the Fax number on the bottom of the registration form. To reduce the
possibility of erroneous entry please verify legibility of information and
validate information on form to UIN on beacon before faxing.
Please print legibly and in BLACK ink.
All registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz beacon registration
database within 48 hours of receipt. The information you provide on the
registration form is used for rescue purposes only.
A confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a
proof-of-registration decal will be mailed to you within two weeks. When
you receive these documents, please check the information carefully to
ensure that the information provided on the label agrees with the
information on the beacon and then affix the decal to your beacon in the
area marked "BEACON DECAL HERE." If you do not receive confirmation from
NOAA in the expected timeframe, or if the information on the label is
incorrect call toll free 1-888-212-7283 for assistance.
Registration outside of the United States
In countries other than the United States, 406 MHz beacons are
registered with that country's national authority at the time of purchase.
The sales agent should have assisted you in filling out the forms and
sending them to the country's national authority. Alternatively, visit our
Registration database or many countries allow online registration in
the International 406MHz Beacon Registration Database (IBRD) at
www.406registration.com.
To verify that the unit is properly programmed for your country, view the
UIN label on the back of the unit. In the event that the beacon is not
programmed for your country, the sales agent (if properly equipped) can
reprogram the unit for the correct country.
What are my obligations with regard to registering and re-registering my
beacon?
A beacon should be
registered at the time of purchase or installation. The
registration of a beacon is valid for 2 (two) years. The owner should
re-register the beacon every two years. If change of ownership occurs,
the original owner must notify the authorities and de-register the beacon
before the new owner can register.
Why is it so important for me to register my beacon?
Registering the EPIRB, ELT or Personal Locator Beacon is required by
law in the United States and in most countries.
Registering is very important because should your beacon ever be
activated, it is how Search and Rescue Teams will know who you are, and
contacts provided may be able to supply information about your specific
travel plans. In the absence of this information, it may take longer for a
search-and-rescue operation to begin.
I tried to register my beacon but the authorities tell me that it needs a
different ID number programmed in. Do I need to send this back to you?
This can be done by any
Certified Battery/Service Center. Please have your registration form
and beacon available when contacting a Certified Battery Replacement
Center for assistance.
Battery
Where do I take/send my unit for battery service?
How do I know when the battery is due for replacement?
There is a battery expiration date label on every beacon. Example Image:
Battery Replacement Date is 07/2010
Can I buy a battery from you and replace it myself?
No. The battery cannot be purchased. This is a life saving device and you
need to have the tools, hardware and software to perform a battery
replacement. Full functional testing is done on the unit, after the
battery is replaced, to make sure that the unit will last another 5 years
in the field. The battery of any EPIRB, ELT or Personal Locator
Beacon needs to be replaced by an ACR/Artex Certified Battery
Replacement Center (BRC), where trained technicians will perform this
service.
What will happen if I do not replace the battery every five years?
The chances of surviving a life threatening situation is greatly
diminished if proper care and maintenance is not given to a beacon.
Do I have to replace the battery if the beacon goes off by mistake and
why?
Yes, as this is a lifesaving device it should be diligently maintained to
perform as specified. For this unit to transmit for the full 48 hours it
will need a new battery as any inadvertent activation will deplete the
existing battery.
Where do I dispose of a beacon battery?
For information about disposal of lithium batteries or products with
lithium batteries in them, please contact your local waste management
company.
Is there any special instruction for shipping a battery or a unit with the
battery in it?
There may be, depending on the beacon that you have. Due to transportation
regulations changes, some ACR & Artex products that contain lithium
batteries may need to be shipped as Hazmat. Please visit the product page
for your product and review the download tab for the Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS).
Is there a local service center where I can get my beacon serviced?
Testing
How do I know the beacon is working?
Perform a monthly self-test. If the test passes, the beacon is working. If
self- test does not pass, take/send the beacon in for service. If you
want to know that your beacon signal is reaching the satellite system and
your signal is being received back down to earth please check out our
advanced testing service called
406Link.com.
How often should I carry out a Self Test?
The beacon owners' manual usually recommends the frequency of these tests;
typical advice is once a month and/or before extended trips. Advanced
Satellite Testing can be performed using our new service called
406Link.com
What is a GPS Self Test?
Newer GPS (sometimes referred to as GNSS) equipped beacons may also
include an optional GPS Satellite Acquisition Self Test (not all GPS
beacons have this ability), which tests the operation of the GPS Receiver
and its ability to encode your location into the transmitted distress
message. It is not uncommon for this test to only be permitted to be
performed once or twice over the life of the battery (e.g. every couple of
years), as this type of test can significantly reduce the battery life of
the beacon. For beacons installed in commercial craft there are often
regulatory requirements that define how often these tests should be
performed. GPS Testing with
406Link.com
Current ACR GlobalFix EPIRBs and older Model Personal Locator Beacons (AeroFix,
TerraFix, AquaFix, MicroFix, ResQFix) have the ability to perform a GPS
Test, however this GPS Test is not transmitted to the satellites, so if
you have an account with 406Link.com your GPS Coordinates will not appear.
New ACR Personal Locator Beacons including the
AquaLink and
SARLink models can perform GPS Self Tests that will actually transmit
to your GPS Coordinates to the satellites and with 406Link.com pin point
your location onto a map. These tests are limited to 12 Tests for the
PLB-350B Model over the 5 year life of the battery and 60 Tests for the
PLB-350C.
What should I do if I get a Self Test failure?
If you get a Self Test failure, first check the instructions in the user
manual supplied with your Beacon, make sure you carried out the test
correctly and that you have followed any instructions provided. If you
are sure your Beacon failed the self test then you should
contact the beacon manufacturer or one of their appointed
service agents for further advice and instructions.
Are there any Beacons that I can't test Through the Satellites?
Yes, in particular some older models of Beacons do not transmit a 406 MHz
burst, so they cannot be tested in this way. In addition some current
other manufacturers models of Beacon incorporate features (e.g. a rolled
up one time only use antenna) that reduce their radiated power output
during a Self Test and therefore these beacons do not transmit a signal
that is strong enough to reach the satellites. Learn more at
406Link.com
How does the GPS Self Test feature work?
A lot of beacons on the market have the capability to do a GPS test, in
which the beacon turns the GPS engine on, acquires GPS data and flashes a
light to signify the test is completed. New
Personal Locator beacon models from ACR have the ability to transmit
this GPS location in a self test burst and pin point your exact location
on a map using
406Link.com to ensure you that (1) your beacon is working perfectly
and can reach the satellite system and (2) that your GPS is working
perfectly.
How many Self Tests and GPS Test can I perform?
406 MHz beacons (Manufactured in 2010 or later) can perform 420 self tests
over the 5 year life of the battery. The PLB-350C (Models:
AquaLink View and
SARLink View) can also perform 60 GPS Self Tests over the 5 year life
of the battery. The PLB-350B (Models:
AquaLink and
SARLink) is limited to 12 GPS Self Tests over the 5 year life of the
battery. ACR beacons (Manufactured prior to 2010) can perform 340 self
tests over the 5 year life of the battery. If you have a beacon from a
manufacturer other than ACR, please refer to your beacon owner's manual or
contact your beacon manufacturer for the number of budgeted self tests
your beacon can perform over the 5 year life of the battery.
Learn more about advanced satellite testing through the satellite
system at
406Link.com
Maintenance other than Battery
The date on my HydroFix™ Release Unit is not marked. What do I do?
The HydroFix™ should be marked by the owner at the time of installation
with an indelible ink pen. The HydroFix™ Release Unit is good three years
from the date of manufacture (which is imprinted on the bottom of the
HydroFix?) or 2 years from the date of installation. See the example
below: MFG.0611 means the HRU was made June (06) of 2011. Thus this unit
will need to be replaced 2 years from the date installed or in June of
2014.
How do I get a replacement antenna for my Beacon?
Contact any
Battery/Service Center for replacement. Please have the beacon in
hand and be prepared to provide the beacon model number and whether the
unit is in warranty or out of warranty.
How does one take care of a beacon?
Taking care of a beacon is quick and easy. Routine maintenance is part of
having the beacon ready at all times. Follow the maintenance
recommendations in the Owner's Manual.
Simple Maintenance For Important Equipment
An ACR EPIRB is one of the most basic pieces of safety equipment on any boat
cruising the great lakes, offshore or any large body of water. You are clearly
one of the more responsible of boat operators if you own or are considering
purchasing an ACR EPIRB. However, you also need to be a responsible EPIRB owner.
While ACR's EPIRBs are designed to be highly reliable under the most demanding
of circumstances, it is considered wise to test them regularly and to service
them per the manufacturers recommendation.
In an emergency, you are relying on your ACR EPIRB to transmit an
emergency signal capable
of being heard by aircraft, which may be 100 miles or more away, and by
satellites orbiting over 500 miles above the earth. There are three things you
can do to make sure your ACR EPIRB will put out its life-saving warble when you
need it: The first is to read the owners manual when you purchase the EPIRB, the
second is to always make sure your batteries are "in date", and the third is to
regularly conduct an operational test on the unit to make sure it is actually
broadcasting.
Category I & II EPIRBs that transmit over 406.025 MHz and 121.5 MHz are
required to have a more thorough self test feature. ACR's Satellite 406 TM EPIRB
has a micro processor on board that will fire up the transmitter, oscillator,
formulate a test signal, set off the strobe light and finally broadcast a live
test transmission. The micro processor checks to see that all the operational
elements test positive and then it gives confirming beeps and flashes. The micro
processor will not give off the appropriate confirming beep or flash if any
element fails to perform and the user should take the beacon to an authorized
service station for evaluation.
Class A & B EPIRBs that transmit over 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz are required to
have an LED light that will flash when the unit is turned on. Unfortunately, the
LED does not tell you with absolute certainty that the unit is actually
transmitting a signal capable of being heard by Search And Rescue aircraft and
satellites. The only way to be certain is to test the beacon while it is
operating.
Operational transmission testing of a Class A or B EPIRB may only be legally
executed during the first five (5) minutes of every hour and only for three tone
or one operational transmission second. During the first five (5) minutes of
every hour you can verify that your EPIRB is actually transmitting by turning it
"On" near an FM radio tuned to 99.5 MHz. Placing the EPIRB a few inches from the
FM radio will allow it to receive the signal and broadcast the familiar "warble"
through its speakers if the EPIRB is transmitting properly. Conduct this test
only during the first five (5) minutes of each hour as indicated above!
Being a responsible boat owner includes being prepared for
unforeseeable emergencies by carrying an ACR EPIRB on-board and having an
emergency plan. Being a responsible EPIRB owner includes knowing how to work
your ACR EPIRB and knowing that it will work. Please e-mail ACR for answers to
questions or for information on other safety products manufactured by ACR
Electronics, Inc.
|
EPIRB APPLICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS |
| Model |
Racing |
Cruising |
Lakes,
Inland Waters, Rivers, Bays |
Coastal |
Offshore |
High
Seas |
Land
Use; Hiking, Mountaineering,
Wilderness,
Snowmobile |
| |
|
|
|
USCG/NOAA Definition |
|
| |
|
|
|
<50 NM |
>50NM |
|
| |
|
|
|
ACR Definition |
|
| |
|
|
|
<3 NM |
3-20
NM |
>20 NM |
|
| |
|
|
|
ORC Category |
|
| |
|
|
|
2,3,4 |
|
0,1 |
|
| Mini B300™ILS |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
|
|
SATELLITE2 406™
Category I |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
x |
|
SATELLITE2 406™
Category II |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
x |
|
RapidFix 406™
Category I |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
x |
|
RapidFix 406™
Category II |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
x |
|
GlobalFix 406™
Category I |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
x |
|
GlobalFix 406™
Category II |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
x |
|
| GyPSI™ 406 PLB |
|
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
++ Approved for this use in
selected countries.
|
EPIRB SPECIFICATIONS |
| Model |
EPIRB
Frequency
in MHz |
GPS? |
Category
Deployment |
Activation |
Satellite Detectable? |
Location Accuracy/
How long until SAR
knows about me?* |
Size |
Weight |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accuracy |
Time |
|
|
Mini B300™ ILS
#2766.6 |
121.5 |
No |
Manual
Personal/
COB |
Manual |
No
† |
RDF |
N/A |
5.0x2.9x1.6in
(12.7x7.4x4.1cm) |
7.6 oz
(215 g) |
SATELLITE2 406™
Category I
#2774 |
121.5/406 |
No |
Auto/
Manual
HRU
PN 9367 |
Manual
&
Water |
Yes |
2 nm |
1 hr |
4.5x5.2x8.2in
(11.4x13x20.8cm) |
213
lbs
(1 kg) |
SATELLITE2 406™
Category II
#2775 |
121.5/406 |
No |
Manual |
Manual
&
Water |
Yes |
2 nm |
1 hr |
4.5x5.2x8.2in
(11.4x13x20.8cm) |
213
lbs
(1 kg) |
RapidFix™ 406
Category I
#2776 |
121.5/406 |
NMEA
0183
Interface |
Auto/
Manual
HRU
PN 9367 |
Manual
&
Water |
Yes |
.05 nm |
5 min. |
4.5x5.2x8.2in
(11.4x13x20.8cm) |
213 lbs
(1 kg) |
RapidFix™ 406
Category II
#2777 |
121.5/406 |
NMEA
0183
Interface |
Manual |
Manual
&
Water |
Yes |
.05 nm |
5 min. |
4.5x5.2x8.2in
(11.4x13x20.8cm) |
213
lbs
(1 kg) |
GlobalFix™ 406
Category I
#2742 |
121.5/406 |
Integral |
Auto/
Manual
HRU
PN 9367 |
Manual
&
Water |
Yes |
.05 nm |
5 min. |
17.5x6.25x5.5in
(44.5x15.9x14cm) |
4.5
lbs
(2.0 kg) |
GlobalFix™ 406
Category II
#2744 |
121.5/406 |
Integral |
Manual |
Manual
&
Water |
Yes |
.05 nm |
5 min. |
17.5x6.25x5.5in
(44.5x15.9x14cm) |
4.5
lbs
(2.0 kg) |
GyPSI™ 406 PLB
#2790 |
121.5/406 |
NMEA
0183
Interface |
Manual
PLB/
Personal |
Manual |
Yes |
.05 nm |
5 min. |
1.9x6.5x3.8in
(4.8x16.5x9.6cm) |
17.6
oz
(499 g) |
|
EPIRB SPECIFICATIONS (continued) |
|
|
|
| Model |
EPIRB
Frequency
in MHz |
Material |
Waterproof |
Battery Type + |
Battery
Operational
Life |
Certification |
Accessories |
Mini B300™ ILS
#2766.6 |
121.5 |
Fiber
reinforced polycarbonate
blend w/resin tougheners |
to 33
ft
(10 m) |
DL223A
lithium
equivalent (5 year replacement life) user replaceable |
24
hours @
-10°C (14°F) |
Meets
ETS 300 152
requirements; CE FCC Approved |
PN
9321
Mounting
bracket |
SATELLITE2 406™
Category I
#2774 |
121.5/406 |
High
impact polycarbonate
blend |
to 33
ft
(10 m) |
Lithium
(5 year replacement life) |
48
hours @
-40°C (-40°F) |
Approved by COSPAS-SARSAT,
FCC, USCG;
Complies with
GMDSS, European MED |
PN
9367
Hydrostatic
bracket |
SATELLITE2 406™
Category II
#2775 |
121.5/406 |
High
impact polycarbonate
blend |
to 33
ft
(10 m) |
Lithium
(5 year replacement life) |
48
hours @
-40°C (-40°F) |
Approved by COSPAS-SARSAT,
FCC, USCG;
Complies with
European MED |
PN
9430
LowPro2
Mounting
Bracket |
RapidFix™ 406
Category I
#2776 |
121.5/406 |
High
impact polycarbonate
blend |
to 33
ft
(10 m) |
Lithium
(5 year replacement life) |
48
hours @
-40°C (-40°F) |
Approved by COSPAS-SARSAT,
FCC, USCG;
Complies with
GMDSS, European MED |
PN
9367
Hydrostatic
bracket |
RapidFix™ 406
Category II
#2777 |
121.5/406 |
High
impact polycarbonate
blend |
to 33
ft
(10 m) |
Lithium
(5 year replacement life) |
48
hours @
-40°C (-40°F) |
Approved by COSPAS-SARSAT,
FCC, USCG;
Complies with
European MED |
PN
9430
LowPro2
Mounting
Bracket |
GlobalFix™ 406
Category I
#2742 |
121.5/406 |
High
impact polycarbonate
blend |
to 33
ft
(10 m) |
Lithium
(5 year replacement life) |
48
hours @
-40°C (-40°F) |
Approved by COSPAS-SARSAT,
FCC, USCG;
Complies with
GMDSS, European MED |
PN
9367
Hydrostatic
bracket |
GlobalFix™ 406
Category II
#2744 |
121.5/406 |
High
impact polycarbonate
blend |
to 33
ft
(10 m) |
Lithium
(5 year replacement life) |
48
hours @
-40°C (-40°F) |
Approved by COSPAS-SARSAT,
FCC, USCG;
Complies with
European MED |
PN
9430
LowPro2
Mounting
Bracket |
GyPSI™ 406 PLB
#2790 |
121.5/406 |
Fiber
reinforced polycarbonate
blend w/resin tougheners |
to 3.3
ft
(1 m) |
Lithium
(5 year replacement life) |
Over 24
hrs
@-40°C (-40°F) |
Approved by
COSPAS-SARSAT;
pending FCC approval ++ |
PN
2266
Gear Pouch |
| *
Accuracy and times are published by COSPAS--SARSAT. |
| † Mini
B300™ILS is meant to be used with a Vecta2™ crew overboard system. |
| +
Batteries replaced at BRC, except where noted. Call 1-800-432-0227 for
Battery Replacement Center (BRC) nearest you. |
| ++
Approved for this use in selected countries. |
| Limited
Warranty, all products: 5 years (Exception: Mini B300 1 year) |
Which is the Right ACR GPS-EPIRB Product for You?
RapidFix™ 406 - Benefit of speed
GlobalFix™ 406 - Benefit of simplicity
The RapidFix™ 406 and GlobalFix™ 406 are the next generation of
406 MHz EPIRB. Because they transmit your LAT/LON coordinates to SAR forces,
they add a whole new dimension to the satellite-aided search and rescue system.
The RapidFix™ 406 is connected to your onboard navigation electronics
through an NMEA 0183 interface and provides a position fix within seconds of
being activated. The GlobalFix™ 406 has an internal GPS receiver that
initializes within minutes. Both save precious time when it matters most.
Both 406 MHz EPIRBs use GEOSAR satellites that are in geostationary
high-earth orbit and can instantly relay emergency transmissions. With your
location known from the moment the first signal is received–a matter of seconds
with the RapidFix™ 406 or a matter of minutes with the GlobalFix™
406–your signal can be quickly routed to the closest appropriate rescue agency.
A GPS-enabled EPIRB eliminates the waiting time required for the traditional
low-earth orbiting LEOSAR satellites to obtain a fix. On average, the waiting
time is about 46 minutes. Those extra minutes can be critical in saving lives,
particularly in the case of a medical emergency or a rescue in frigid waters. In
a recent test off the coast of Miami, a GPS-encoded signal was routed through
GEOSAR and the USMCC to the appropriate SAR facility in less than 2 minutes.
Rescue craft were launched within 10 minutes. Conceivably, in a near-shore
situation, help could be on the scene in the time it previously took for a
LEOSAR to obtain a fix. That's significant progress in the lifesaving process.
A Choice of Technologies
The RapidFix™ 406 connects to an active NMEA 0183 data source (your
vessel's primary GPS), and updates its current position data every twenty
minutes. You can initiate a self-test to confirm it has current position data.
From the moment you turn your GPS on at the dock until you need the RapidFix™
406 in an emergency, the RapidFix™ 406 is ready to transmit LAT/LON
coordinates along with your UIN within seconds of activation. It is best to
choose a mounting location in an area convenient for routing the interface
cable. RapidFix™ 406 can be used with a hand-held GPS.
The GlobalFix™ 406 is completely self-contained. Upon activation, it
transmits the 406 MHz signal as any 406 EPIRB does and will continue to do so as
long as the EPIRB is on. Its amazing internal 12-channel parallel GPS engine
begins acquiring coordinates. It is capable of a cold start initialization
within 1.5 minutes; this time lapse is even less in ideal conditions. GPS
signals can be difficult to acquire during a cold boot, especially in less than
ideal conditions. The GlobalFix™ 406 will try to gain a position fix for
15 minutes, then will conserve battery power for 20 minutes, then will begin
trying again and will keep trying intermittently until it gets a fix.
GlobalFix™ 406 incorporates the latest in GPS technology. There are none
better. Once acquired, GlobalFix™ 406 incorporates your coordinates in
the 406 MHz signal. It is convenient to store in a life raft or emergency gear
bag. Just turn it on in an emergency. There is no installation or set-up
necessary.
Both the RapidFix™ 406 and GlobalFix™ 406 are available in
either Category I, automatically deployable, or Category II, manually
deployable, models. They are equipped with a self-test feature that confirms
operation as well as battery condition and GPS position data. The units are
self-buoyant and need no flotation collar.
The bottom line on the pair is that now you have a choice of options to fit
your particular needs. The RapidFix™ 406 has the benefit of speed in
getting your coordinates out, hence it is the fastest EPIRB on the planet. The
GlobalFix™ 406 has the benefit of simplicity. It is compact and needs no
electrical installation.
|
