BRC Support Manual

1
INTRODUCTION
This manual was written as a support document, to be
used by the personnel of ACR Battery Replacement
d b th l f ACR B tt R l t
Centers .
It DOES NOT REPLACE the BRC Battery Replacement
Handbook available on the BRC Website.
The contents are a direct result of doing battery
replacement, programming and general
maintenance on more than 1600 EPIRBs and PLBs
per annum.
per annum
It is also the result of many questions received from
BRC personnel and owners of ACR beacons. This
need for information was used as the basis for this
document.
We know that this manual will be of great help to all
who service life saving beacons on a daily basis.
If th fi ld th t h t b
If there are any fields that have not been addressed,
dd d
please give us the necessary feedback and it will be
taken care of.
This is an ongoing project……………………………………..
g gp j
Nico W. Buckle, ACR Customer Service REV. 01

2
BRCs need to know how to program
EPIRBs and PLBs
Daunting?
We quite understand that it can be
W it d t d th t it b
daunting and trying if you meet
programming for the first time.
Th
The secret is knowledge. If you know what
i k l d If k h
to be aware of and realize the importance of
getting the correct results, you are 90%
there
there.
If the thought of delivering a World Class
Service is in the back of your mind, we
would like to offer advise and support, by
ld lik t ff d i d t b
means of this document, to make it easier
and less “frightening”.
3
Battery replacement on EPIRBs and
l d
PLBs
We would really like, and are going to strive,
to bring about a conformal way of battery
replacement throughout all the Battery
Replacement Centers.
We now have 99% of all e‐mail addresses of
the BRCs. We are going to use this as a
direct link and information will be posted
on a regular basis. All information and
findings on units that will help in any way
will be posted to this address list.
ll b d h dd l
It is of the UTMOST importance that all
parties, in order to stay part of this
information train, keep their particulars up
to date and current.
4
BRC Website
http://www.acrelectronics.com/brc.htm
The website is very underutilized and many
service personnel do not use it, do not
know of its existence or do not know the
passwords that will allow them access.
All changes and updates in battery
replacement are posted on this site
replacement are posted on this site.
If one does not have access to, or knowledge
of this information site, it negates our
common goal to deliver a World Class
Customer Service.
5
External Feedback
We have received a lot of feedback and
suggestions from ACR representatives. These
p p y
representatives think pro‐actively and
understand the need for improvement of the
service and product support. This feedback is
of great importance, as it is one of the means
g p
to ascertain where and how we can better the
support that you need.
It would be of no help to ACR’s BRCs if we
p
generate and distribute a vast amount of
information that is not needed or cannot be
used in increasing the quality of service to the
owners of ACR products. For ACR to fully
understand the needs of everybody,
FEEDBACK on our efforts in the future is of
extreme importance.
6
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Things to look for in the:
RLB 35 GLOBALFIX
Faded top caps and lack of ID label.
Loose antenna post.
Loose antenna post
RLB 32 SAT2 / RAPIDFIX
No known issues
PLB – 200
PLB
After a new battery is inserted, install 2 screws,
activate the unit by pressing the “ON” and GPS
I/O button simultaneously then push the “OFF
I/O button simultaneously, then push the OFF
button to see if the keypad is OK.
NOTE: Perform an Electronic Witness reset
after the battery is replaced.
after the battery is replaced
HAZMAT and NON‐HAZMAT batteries are NOT
interchangeable
PLB – 300
Perform an Electronic Witness reset after
battery replacement. 7
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When must an EPIRB / PLB be returned to
ACR?
Battery failure (if a battery is dead or the
EPIRB /PLB does not self test when the
battery has not reached it due date).
Programming back to the United States
from another Country Code, if you do not
have a FPR 300 programming tool.
have a FPR 300 programming tool
Cracks in the casing.
Loose antenna post.
Any form of electronic failure … test unit
f f l f l
with a new battery up to 8 times before it is
sent to ACR for no strobe condition.
Faded top cap
8
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
3 33
MAGNET ON RLB 32/33 CAT IIBRACKET
This magnet prevents the EPIRB from activating
when it gets wet while in the bracket.
when it gets wet while in the bracket
MAGNET
9
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
MAGNET ON RLB CAT II BRACKET.
This magnet prevents the EPIRB from
g g
activating when it gets wet while in the bracket.
MAGNET
10
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BRC GENERAL INFORMATION
When an EPIRB is received by a BRC and the
owner states that it has ‘SELF ACTIVATED’,
the BRC must ask the following questions:
1) Where was the unit kept when it
activated?
2)) Was the unit in the bracket or shelter
when it activated?
3) Where are the bracket / shelter now?
4) Would it be possible to bring the
p g
bracket / shelter in?
This would be sufficient to ascertain if the
magnet in the bracket / shelter is in its place
and in good condition.
11
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
ACR receives a fair amount of EPIRBS for repair
that is returned to clients/BRCs with no fault
found.
There are a lot of owners of EPIRBs that do not
SELF TEST their units at all.
h ll When these are
h h
brought in for a battery replacement, some have
passed the battery due date by up to 2 or 3 years.
E if h h
Even if they have not passed the due date, they
d h d d h
need to be self tested a couple (5 minimum) of
times for the strobe to start flashing. If the
battery is well past the due date put a new
battery is well past the due date, put a new
battery on the top cap first. Activate the self test
mode a couple of times to make 100% sure that
the unit does not passed the test only then must
the unit does not passed the test, only then must
the unit be returned to ACR.
12
GENERAL PROGRAMMING TIPS.
The Password for doing the Battery Witness
reset in the FPR 20 (PLB 200 / 300)
‘opensesame’
The Password for expanding programming
protocols in the FPR 20 (PLB 200 / 300)
l h ( )
‘transatlantic’
The programming software, after download
Th i ft ft d l d
and setup, uses COM PORT 1 (one) as the default
setting. If your serial port to the FPR is on a
different port it must be allocated by the user
different port, it must be allocated by the user.
A printer is needed with the FPR 100 / 101 to
make the ID labels after reprogramming the
EPIRBS / PLBs.
13
The FPR 20/101 software is compatible with all
Windows’s operating systems BUT VISTA.
There is a possibility to connect the FPR tools
h i ibili h PR l
to a USB port of a laptop. For this you would need
a USB to Serial convertor card (PCMI). A normal
USB t SERIAL d t h ld t b d
USB to SERIAL adaptor should not be used.
To print labels after an EPIRB was programmed
with the FPR 101; one must do so BEFORE you do
a VERIFICATION TEST. If you have forgotten and
do a verification test first, the ‘print labels’ option
will not be available any longer To do a printing
will not be available any longer. To do a printing
now, one has to ‘Generate new HEX ID’ again, fill
in all the data and click Program new HEX ID,
click cancel and print the label.
click ‘cancel’ and print the label.
14
If a unit is re programmed, a new label MUST
be printed and placed in the correct position.
Remove the old label, clean area properly with
Isopropanol alcohol, put the new label in place
and cover with a clear overlay , P/N 7069
y, 7 9
A flyer will be drafted and added to the return
documentation after a CATEGORY 1 /2 EPIRB has
been serviced. This will inform the owner of the
presence of a magnet on the bracket / shelter and
ask them to thoroughly check this magnet for
position and good condition. The flyer info will
be made available to all BRCs.
15
A BRC should only program an EPIRB with
information received from the person requesting
this service. The BRC should, however be
knowledgeable enough to guide the person in
p
procuring this information.
g
A SSAS RLB 33S, (Ship Security Alert
System) P/N 2800, MUST be programmed with
the ship’s MMSI number.
A SVDR RLB 35 MS MUST be
programmed with the ship’s MMSI number.
16
All beacons manufactured by ACR are
programmed, by default, to the USA Country
code and the Manufacturer’s sequential serial
number.
b
To program a beacon to another country code,
th
the programmer HAS TO HAVE the following:
HAS TO HAVE th f ll i
1. The COUNTRY CODE.
2 Programming protocol i.e. Standard,
2. Programming protocol i e Standard
National, User. The default protocol selected
by the programming tools is Standard and
used by most of the countries.
used by most of the countries
3. The country’s preference in what to
use…manufacturer serial number, country
serial number or MMSI.
serial number or MMSI
4. The software and hardware to do the
programming with. 17
GENERAL PROGRAMMING TIPS
We want to recommend the following link, to
enable you to become confident with the coding
of beacons. There is no better explanation of the
procedure and methods.
http://www.cospas‐
sarsat.org/Beacons/beaconCodingTutorial.htm
g g
ACR beacons allow certain data input (S/N,
MMSI etc) to the different beacons. The allowed
data information that you can program into
different beacons will be made available
(highlighted) as soon as you select which protocol
you want to use.
The following is a link to the Country code
listing of all countries.
http://www.itu.int/cgi‐
bin/htsh/glad/cga_mids.sh?lng=E&sort_by=l
18
It is a law to register a 406 MHz beacon. To do
It is a law to register a 406 MHz beacon To do
this, the following needs to be done.
It is recommended, worldwide, that an EPIRB
It is recommended worldwide that an EPIRB
or PLB needs to be programmed to the
COUNTRY CODE of the flag under which a
vessel sails or where the vessel is registered, or to
the COUNTRY CODE in which the person/owner
is a resident.
This will then allow the owner to REGISTER the
beacon with that country’s SAR (Search and
Rescue) Authorities.
If the country does not have a Registration data
base, the beacon can be registered on the
International Registration Data base.
19
3
PROGRAMMING THE PLB 300
The first thing to know, when working with the
ResQfix/Microfix PLB 300, is that the SELF TEST
3
button is used to execute 3 functions.
1. If you 'flick' the self test button, you will
notice that the RED LED flashes very
briefly.......this is the programming function.
2. If you press the self test button for 1 (one)
f h lf b f ( )
second (count 1001) and LET IT GO, the unit will
enter the SELF TEST sequence.
3. If you press the self test button for 5
(five)seconds and longer, you initiate a full GPS
acquisition test.
acquisition test
20
Programming the PLB 300 continue
ti
A PLB that is shipped out of ACR is programmed
for the USA country code. If you want to
reprogram the unit to another country code and
protocol with the FPR 300, you need to do the
following.
Put the plastic faceplate and optical interface
heads on the PLB front face.
Set up all your data in the FPR.
If you are sure that all data is correct click on
PROGRAM.
The Programmer now asks for a “read” function
to be executed in order to revert to the correct
C/S tac number; you must now 'FLICK' the self
test button.
Click on PROGRAM again to initiate the final
g
step.
‘FLICK’ the test button again to program.
If successful, the “Beacon programmed” message
will be shown above the dimmed PROGRAM
window.
21
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
HAZMAT versus NON‐HAZMAT
HAZMAT versus NON HAZMAT
An EPIRB / PLB with a HAZMAT battery will
function to its full specification between the
following temperature ranges:
‐40 to +55 degrees Celsius =CLASS 1
An EPIRB / PLB fitted with a NON HAZMAT
battery will function to its full specification
between the following temperature ranges:
g p g
‐20 to +55 degrees Celsius. CLASS 2
NOTE. The exchange of batteries between units
is NOT ALLOWED.
A HAZMAT battery must be replaced with the
SAME product number.
A NON HAZMAT battery must be replaced with
the SAME product number.
22
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
HAZMAT versus NON‐HAZMAT continue
HAZMAT versus NON HAZMAT continue
Please note the following differences between the
EPIRBS:
1. The ballast in the bottom cases is not similar.
2. The electronics are different.
3. The printing on the outside casing (Class 1 /
Class 2) is different.
NON HAZMAT batteries cannot be ordered
and will not be shipped at the moment, as the
first battery replacement on these units will only
be needed in approximately 5 years from now. If
any NON HAZMAT unit is received for service or
battery replacement in the next 4 years, it will be
because of one of the following reasons:
23
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
HAZMAT versus NON HAZMAT continue
1. The unit has failed the Self Test.
2
2. The unit is dead
The unit is dead.
3. The unit self activated.
4. The unit was used in an emergency.
5
5. The unit was inadvertently activated due to
magnet failure in the bracket; or it was out of
the bracket and it got wet.
6 The unit was inadvertently activated by
6.
owner/s.
,
In all of these instances, the unit needs to be
returned to ACR for evaluation, warranty repair
or replacement.
24
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Formal BATTERY REPLACEMENT
PROCEDURES for the NON HAZMAT EPIRBS
will be documented and posted on the BRC
website in 2009.
The posting will be communicated to all roll
players via email and will be available on the BRC
website. This is one of the reasons why all BRCs
y
must keep their contact info, available to ACR,
current.
To get to the BRC website use the following link:
g g
• http://www.acrelectronics.com/brc.htm
Click on REGISTERED USERS.
Username: acrservice
Password: replace
25
Programming a RLB 35
When all the parameters are satisfied, and you
When all the parameters are satisfied and you
select Program ,first wait for the LED in the
programming head window, to light before
lifting the switch for at least 2 seconds.
Programming
head
12 to 18 inches
26
Programming the SAT 2 and RAPIDFIX
When all the parameters are satisfied, and you
select Program, first wait for the LED on the
p g
programming head to light before lifting the
g g g
switch.
Programming
head
27
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
REPLACEMENT AND SERVICE OF EPIRB
ACTIVATION SWITCHES.
All BRCs are going to be allowed to service and
replace the Activation Switch of the following
EPIRBs:
RLB 35 GlobalFix
RLB 32 SAT2
RLB 33 RapidFix
RLB 33S SSAS
A detailed procedural document will be posted
d l d d ld ll b d
on the BRC website and as soon as all parts and
tools are available, all parties will be informed.
28
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
REPLACEMENT SWITCH ASSEMBLY
The assembly that is going to be made available
h bl h b d l bl
will consist of the following:
One (1) each switch, switch spring, shaft and two
( ) C li
(2) C‐clips.
SWITCH SPRING
C‐CLIP (X 2)
SWITCH
SHAFT
29
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
There are 3 different color switches on EPIRBS namely
BLUE YELLOW d h l
BLUE, YELLOW and the latest, ACR‐Treuse.
ACR T
All future replacement switches will be in
one color only and that is ACR Treuse,
one color only and that is ACR‐Treuse,
regardless of what color the switch is that is
being replaced.
ACR‐Treuse
30
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
SWITCH REPLACEMENT
The following can be used to give to clients if the
EPIRBB s switch is changed from any other
EPIRBB’s switch is changed from any other
color to ACR‐Treuse™.
ACR Electronics, Inc.
We replaced your switch with the latest model switch due to one or
more of the following reasons:
1. Broken witness tab
2. Generally degenerated condition
3. Debris accumulation
4. O h b k i h
Other broken switch component
The material in your new switch is the latest generation plastic
available. It is molded in ACR‐Treuse™, a highly visible shade of
yellow that improves conspicuousness and locate‐ability under a
ll th t i i d l t bilit d
broad range of visibility conditions.
31
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
There are two types of switches namely a solid
switch (pre 2006) and a switch with a removable
p
activation pin.
OLD NEW
On the left is the old switch, where the pin is part
of the whole. If the pin is broken off, the
complete switch must be replaced.
l i h b l d
On the right is the new switch, where the pin
insert can be removed. If broken off, a new insert
can be installed without the need to remove the
b i t ll d ith t th d t th
complete switch.
32
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Procedure to remove the insert from the
switch.
The switch does not have to be removed from the
g p g
EPIRB when removing and replacing the insert.
Lift the switch vertical in order to clear the plastic
when the insert is removed.
p
Push the plastic insert with a suitable tool, in this
case a scribe.
This will disengage the tooth, which locks the
insert in place. While doing this, push to the
opposite side and the insert will slide out.
33
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Installing a new Switch insert
The insert can be installed in only one way. If it is
y y
done correctly, you will feel it clip in and it will be
smooth with the switch’s sidewall.
34
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Removing the switch.
The switch is lifted, slid towards the antenna
base; the c‐clip is removed with the angled point
of a scribe The switch is lowered and the shaft
of a scribe. The switch is lowered and the shaft
can now be removed by a thin pointed long nose
pliers. The shaft can be used again if it has no
corrosive deposit or dirt on the length. Remove
p g
the switch and discard. Remove the spring and
discard. Clean the area thoroughly as best as you
can. There should be no corrosive‐, grit‐
g or salty
y
deposits before the new switch are installed.
35
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The INSTALLATION of the new switch is the
exact reverse of the removal.
Install the switch spring. Place a very small
amount of O‐Lube on the tip of the spring where
the switch is going to swivel. Press the new switch
h i h i i i l P h i h
firmly down on the spring with one finger while
the shaft is inserted.
T k
Take care to insert the shaft so that the slot that is
t i t th h ft th t th l t th t i
on the shaft, in which the c‐clip must be inserted,
is on the pin side of the switch.
SLOT
36
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
INSERTING THE C‐CLIP.
To insert the C‐clip you need to have the
To insert the C clip you need to have the
following tool. This tool can be ordered from
ACR. Info on when this will be available will be
posted on the ACR BRC Website.
37
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Insert the clip into the groove on the shaft as
follows. The clip must be in the groove before you
p g y
push it home.
Make very sure that the clip is properly inserted
b fli i h i h f
by flipping the switch from the rest into an
h i
upright position a couple of times.
Ensure that the action is firm and the switch
returns to rest by itself.
t t t b it lf
38
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
MAGNETS AND THEIR USE IN BRACKETS
RLB 32/33 All Part no’s
There is a magnet fitted to the bracket when a
new unit is bought. This magnet is covered in a
white plastic casing (later models are also in
green) which is fitted in a receptacle to enable it
) h h f d l bl
to stand upright at the left top of the EPIRB as it
is lying in the bracket.
The magnet closes a reed switch contact inside
the EPIRB, which prevents it from self activating
when it in inundated with water during heavy
seas, or when the boat is sprayed down with a
hose. When the unit is removed from the bracket,
the magnet s influence is removed and the unit
the magnet’s influence is removed and the unit
will activate when coming in contact with water.
39
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
MAGNETS AND THEIR USE IN BRACKETS
RLB 35 All Part no’s
There is a magnet fitted to the bracket when a
new unit is bought. This magnet is covered in a
white plastic casing (and later green) that is
attached to the ejection rod on the bottom of the
b k (CA ) d l i i b hi d h
bracket (CAT I) and a plastic casing behind the
top case of the EPIRB, as it lies in the bracket
(CAT II).
The magnet closes a reed switch contact inside
the EPIRB, which prevents it from self activating
when it is inundated with water during heavy
seas, or when the boat is sprayed down with a
hose.
When the unit is removed from the bracket the
When the unit is removed from the bracket, the
magnet’s influence is removed and the unit will
activate when coming into contact with water. 40
ELECTRONIC WITNESS RESET ON
THE PLB 200/300 AND THE RLB 36.
The PLB 200 and PLB 300 series of personal
locator beacons as well as the RLB 36 Globalfix
iPro have an
have an ‘electronic witness’ that monitors
electronic witness that monitors
the state of the battery in the unit. This ‘witness’
has a set period of 60 minutes that steps down
with:
The amount of self tests being done.
The amount of full GPS acquisition tests the
unit is subjected to.
j
The unit being activated inadvertently or in an
emergency for a long enough period.
The following is an indication of the duration of
what activity will fill the witness’s memory.
510 self tests = 60 minutes.
72 full GPS acquiring tests = 60 minutes.
41
ELECTRONIC WITNESS RESET continue
This electronic witness will be able to
cover a full battery lifetime (5 years) of tests,
which the owner would do, if the
recommendations in the Product Support
Manual are followed.
l f ll d
When a battery is replaced, an
ELECTRONIC WITNESS RESET must be done t b d
for a ‘next 5 year period’ to be available in the
witness’s memory to be able to do self tests etc.
If the 60 minutes memory space is filled, a
RED led (instead of the GREEN) will blink first,
when the self test sequence is started the normal
when the self test sequence is started, the normal
beeps will follow and the final green led will
signal the end of the self test. When this red led
blinks first in the self test sequence the unit is
blinks first in the self test sequence, the unit is
not faulty, it is a recommendation and reminder
that the battery must be replaced.
42
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
EXTERNAL GPS RECEIVER INTERFACING
The owner must use the ACR supplied optical
pp p
head and wires attached to it and splice it into the
output cable (two wires) supplied or bought for
the GPS unit.
Please use the following as guidelines:
Set your GPS receiver at 4800 Baud and active
sentence GPGGA . Make sure you set the GPS to
output NMEA 0183 ( version 1.5 or above).
You should not have WAAS enabled in your
h ld h bl d
external GPS. The GPS receiver may occasionally
get a fix (download successful) but it is sporadic.
With WAAS di bl d it t fi (d
With WAAS disabled, it gets a fix (download
l d
successful) every time.
43
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
EXTERNAL GPS INTERFACE continue
Please confirm, on your GPS receiver, that the
positive data out lead of the GPS receiver is
spliced to the black wire with white dashes
li d h bl k i i h hi d h
(positive data in) on the GPS interface cable
supplied with the EPIRB/PLB. The ground lead of
th GPS
the GPS receiver
i must be spliced to the solid
t b li d t th lid
black wire (ground) of the GPS interface cable
that was supplied with the EPIRB/PLB.
The green L.E.D. on the GPS interface optical
head should start blinking intermittently if the
GPS receiver is on and downloading positional
data. When you press the GPS button on the PLB,
the “red” indicates start of download process, and
the subsequent green indicates a successful
the subsequent “green” indicates a successful
download of GPS data into the beacon.
44
CARING FOR AN EPIRB
INFORMATION TO OWNERS.
INFORMATION TO OWNERS
EPIRBS are built to very exacting and stringent
electrical and mechanical standards and are able
l i l d h i l d d d bl
to withstand an immense amount of abuse, be it
from man or nature. There is however, a limit to
what anything can take and this is where care and
h t thi t k d thi i h d
proper maintenance is so important. If the EPIRB
is well cared for, it will comfortably last its full
expected lifetime of up to 15 years.
expected “lifetime” of up to 15 years
Taking care of an EPIRB is so quick and easy and
knowing that it will then always be ready when
you need it is so very important, that one cannot
become complacent from taking care of this task.
45
INFO TO OWNERS continue
Read the USER MANUAL carefully to
become fully comfortable in testing and
activating the unit that you purchased.
An EPIRB must be programmed to the
country code under which flag a vessel sails
(default is US country code). This will speed up
the time to respond to an emergency signal
emanating from each beacon. The beacon must
also be registered
g with the authorities of that
country (US is NOAA
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov ).
The registration of an EPIRB with NOAA
is active for 2 (two) years. The responsibility lies
with the owner to re‐register the beacon when
the registration expiration date becomes due.
46
Give each participant going out on a boat
trip with you, a brief on the general rules and the
p y g
functioning of an EPIRB. It will take a couple of
minutes but could save much agony.
Do not tie the lanyard line of the EPIRB
to the bracket or to the vessel after it is mounted
in the position of choice. The shelter and bracket
p
is made in such a manner that the EPIRB cannot
fall out, or deploy, if there is no emergency.
47
It is highly recommended
I i hi hl d d that a
h
monthly SELF TEST is done on an EPIRB. During
this exercise, a careful inspection must be done
on the beacon and the bracket. This includes
th b d th b k t Thi i l d
checking the antenna for tightness. The unit and
bracket can then also be cleaned from dust and
debris.
debris
Use a soft, damp cloth with Isopropanol
(rubbing) alcohol for this purpose If any cracks
(rubbing) alcohol, for this purpose. If any cracks,
deterioration or damage of any kind is noticed,
the unit must be sent in for service and repair,
complete with the bracket. Cracks may admit
moisture, which could falsely activate the beacon
or otherwise cause a malfunction. Any cracks
observed should be immediately referred to ACR
y
for evaluation by emailing
service@acrelectronics.com
48
All EPIRBS are sold with a bracket. There is a
MAGNET (encased in white plastic, and later
,2008, green) situated on bracket which
prevents the EPIRB from being activated when
h f b d h
it gets wet. The position of the magnet is shown
in the User Manual. Make sure that this magnet
i i l d th t it i i
is in place and that it is in good condition i.e.
d diti i
the plastic around it is not cracked and there is
no sign of corrosion.
If h EPIRB i f h h l b k d
If the EPIRB is out of the shelter or bracket and
gets wet, it WILL activate. If you want to stop
this inadvertent activation because it was out of
th b k t d t t d th it (b t
the bracket and got wet, dry the unit (between
the screws that holds the top and bottom
together) and it will stop activating after a few
seconds.
seconds
49
The battery of an EPIRB does not have an 11 year
“useful” life; it has an 11 year SHELF life. Once a
battery is installed in an EPIRB, current is being
drained when you self test the unit during the 5
year “battery replacement” life. There is also a
minute current (in the micro amp range) being
drained from the battery, in the rest state of an
drained from the battery, in the “rest state” of an
EPIRB, during the full 5 year period of the
battery’s stated life. The battery is guaranteed to
p p 4 (
last the full specified period of 24 hours (PLB) )
and 48 hours (EPIRBS) if activated in an
emergency, any time during the 5 year stated
battery life. When the “replacement due date” is
y p
past, the activation period of an EPIRB will start
to decline and cannot be guaranteed any longer.
This is the reason why a battery needs to be
replaced after use or after 5 years.
50
An EPIRB (CAT II, manually deployed),
that is on an open face bracket, can withstand a
huge amount of UV radiation. If however, one
mounts this EPIRB in a convenient, close at hand
h l h d
place and as much as possible out of direct
sunlight, the unit will last that much longer.
If you have an EPIRB in a sea‐shelter, the
HYDROSTATIC release must be checked to
ascertain whether it is still current A hydrostatic
ascertain whether it is still current. A hydrostatic
release must be replaced every 2 (two) years.
When you install a new CAT I EPIRB, the
HYDROSTATIC release expiration date must be
marked on the calendar provided on the body of
the release unit.
51
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Position of a magnet and short circuit tool to
do a wetsense test on the RLB 35
do a “wetsense” test on the RLB 35
Hold the magnet in place and connect the two
screws with the tool. The EPIRB should not
activate Let the magnet drop while holding the
activate. Let the magnet drop while holding the
tool in place. The EPIRB should activate.
Remove the tool.
TOOL
MAGNET
52
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
g
Position of a magnet and short circuit tool
when doing a “wetsense” test on RLB 32/33
Hold the magnet in place and connect the two
screws with the tool. The EPIRB should not
activate. Let the magnet drop while holding the
tool in place. The EPIRB should activate.
Remove the tool.
TOOL
MAGNET
53
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
‘Wet sense’ or normal activation of beacons
When an EPIRB is activated by connecting the 2
screws or throwing it into the water, the red LED
and the strobe starts to flash intermittently This
and the strobe starts to flash intermittently. This
does not mean that the EPIRB is transmitting a
RF distress signal immediately.
The following rules apply:
If the unit does not have a GPS receiver
onboard (RLB 32, RLB 33, PLB 201), it will start
with RF transmission 50 seconds after being
activated.
If a unit has a GPS receiver onboard (RLB 35,
RLB 36, PLB 200 and PLB 300) it will start with
RF transmission 100 seconds after
d f b
being
activated.
54
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
‘Wet sense’ or normal activation continue
If you connect the 2 screws to perform a wet
sense test and remove the connection, the
EPIRB will be flashing a red led and the strobe for
a period of 25 seconds, after which the unit’s
microprocessor will stop this function. It is thus
clear from the previous that NO RF output is
taking place in this time period.
All EPIRBS will activate if it is out of the shelter
(CAT 1) or off the bracket (CAT 2) and it gets wet
or is thrown in the water.
i th i th t
Two (2) of the 4 screws, that hold the top cap to
the bottom case, act as a “track” (part of the
electronics) when it is short circuited by the
water.
55
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
‘Wet sense’ or normal activation continue
There is a MAGNET inside the shelter (CAT 1) or
on the bracket (CAT 2) that prevents an EPIRB
from being activated when it is inundated with
water while it is inside the shelter or strapped to
the bracket.
Please make sure that this magnet is in the place
it should be and that it is in good condition i.e.
g
not corroded.
If there is no emergency and you want to stop
this activation, take the unit from the water
and dry the unit off between the screws. It
will stop after a few seconds.
56
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
EPIRBs must be sent to ACR if the top cap
pad printing has been burnt off, as in this
picture.
picture
57
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
CLASS B EPIRBs (MiniB 2, Magnum B) are no
longer serviced and no parts or batteries are
available for these units.
Please read the following below explaining
p 5 q y
the phase out of the 121.5 MHz frequency from
COSPAS/SARSAT.
All mariners, aviators, and individuals using
emergency beacons on the 121.5MHz/243MHz
frequencies will need to switch to those operating
on the newer, more reliable, digitally encoded
406 MHz frequency if they want to be detected
by satellites.
NOAA, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.
Air Force, and NASA (the four Federal Agencies
who manage, operate, and use the SARSAT
h d h SARSAT
system) are strongly advising users of 121.5/243
MHz beacons to make the switch to the 406 MHz
units. Please see an elaboration:
it Pl l b ti
http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/phaseout.html
58
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
A MiniB 300 ILS is NOT an EPIRB and should

not be sold or treated as such.
This unit functions on the 121.5 MHz frequency
that is not going to be satellite receivable after
J
January 2009.

This is a device that should be used in
conjunction with the VECTA 2/3 direction
j ti ith th VECTA / di ti
finder/receiver system, as a “man overboard”
system.
59
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
g 35
Wrong bracket for RLB 35
This is an example of an EPIRB received. The
top cap is installed front to back and a wrong
bracket is used. The magnet is in a position for
the RLB 32/33 and not the RLB 35.
MAGNET
60
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
If you are using the FPR 100 or 101 hardware, the
l
latest FPR 101 Software (version 2.07) must be
FPR S f ( i ) b
loaded on your PC to prevent the incorrect
coding of the RLB 35.
When you do re programming of a Globalfix, the
software must prompt a ‘READ’ first before you
program the unit If it does not prompt you to
program the unit. If it does not prompt you to
read, you have the wrong version of the software
and you must not go ahead with the
programming.
programming
Please go to the BRC website and download the
latest software.
61
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The replacement of the FPR 100/101 hardware
and software with the FPR 300 is imminent.
3
The FPR 300 will enable the user to do the
following:
g
1. Program the RLB 32, 33, 35 and 36 EPIRBS.
2. Program the PLB 200 and 300.
3. Program EPIRBS back to the USA country
code.
4. Do verification readout (test burst decoding)
of all the above and enable a print made of the
f ll h b d bl i d f h
results.
5. Read the memory of all the above beacons.
62
PROGRAMMING A BEACON BACK TO
OG G CO C O
THE ORIGINAL USA SERIAL NUMBER
AND ID.
AND ID
To do this, one must first understand the
beacon memory and what happens during
programming.
Each beacon has 2 (two) memory positions.
An ACR MEMORY and a POS MEMORY.
When any beacon is manufactured, it is
programmed with a sequential
MANUFACTURER’s SERIAL NUMBER and the
USA country code. This memory is embedded
in the ACR POSITION. This ID stays with the
beacon as long as it is functional.
g
When a beacon is RE PROGRAMMED at ANY
time during it’s life, the new ID is embedded in
the POS (Point Of Sale) position. Any
( )p y further
re programming will always insert the new ID
in the POS position.
63
Program back to the USA
EXAMPLE OF THE MEMORY IN A PLB 200.
EXAMPLE OF THE MEMORY IN A PLB 200
All beacon (EPIRBS and PLBs) memories look
like this, if they have been re programmed. The
ACR content will always stay with the beacon
ACR content will always stay with the beacon.
Any future change will go to the POS position.
64
P
Program b k
back to the USA
h USA
To program a beacon back to the USA, one HAS
To program a beacon back to the USA one HAS
TO HAVE THE CORRECT ORIGINAL SERIAL
NUMBER. This cannot be stated strongly
enough
enough.
To get the original SERIAL NUMBER can only
be realized if you program the beacon with the
FPR 300.
300
There are 2 methods to get the correct serial
number.
M h d
Method 1:
1. Read the beacons memory with the FPR 300.
2. Click on the ACR CONTENT, this will open
the Cospas‐Sarsat Decode program and
DECODE the original UIN number
automatically.
3. Read the SERIAL number off the document
where it is stated, see the next slide.
65
ORIGINAL SERIAL NUMBER
66
p g
Use this SERIAL NUMBER to program the beacon as
follows.
1. Select the Beacon
2. Enter the USA country code (ALWAYS 366)
3. DO NOT use any other than STANDARD LOCATION
PROTOCOL.
4. Enter the serial number from the decode document.
5. Do a memory read, as the prompt request, if you are
D d th t t if
working with the PLB 200/300 or RLB 35. This will
enable the FPR to ‘read’ the correct Cospas‐Sarsat TAC
number and change the generated UIN identity
accordingly.
6. Print the label to put on the unit.
7. Program the UIN into the unit.
8 Do a memory read of the beacon and make 100%
8. D d f h b d k %
sure that the two UIN identities displayed are
EXACTLY the same.
67
P
b k h USA
Method 2:
1. Select the beacon type.
l h b
2. Select the USA country code (ALWAYS 366)
3. DO NOT use any other than STANDARD LOCATION
SERIAL protocol.
SERIAL protocol
4. Insert a serial number like 1200, i.e. any number.
5. A UIN will now be generated.
6. Click on the
Click on the “program” tab
program tab
7. If reprogramming a beacon back to the USA, the
system will determine whether the beacon’s original
ACR serial number and the serial number that has
b
been provided are identical. If they are not identical
id d id i l If h id i l
the system will disallow reprogramming and provide
the following message:
SERIAL NUMBER NOT ALLOWED: If you are attempting
to reprogram a beacon back to the USA, there may be an
issue with the serial number that was input into the system.
(You are only allowed to use serial number _____.) Please
contact ACR Electronics Technical Service for further
contact ACR Electronics’ Technical Service for further
assistance.
Select OK and the system will return to the initial startup
screen. 68
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
FPR 10.
This programming tool should only be used to

program the RLB 32, 33, SSAS and the SVDR
Memory Capsule.
Th l
The latter two are ALWAYS programmed with the
ALWAYS d i h h
MMSI of the vessel.
This programming tool should NOT BE USED to
Thi i t l h ld NOT BE USED t
program the RLB 35 Globalfix. The result of such
programming will lead to the incorrect UIN
generated and programmed into the EPIRB.
generated and programmed into the EPIRB
There is no software upgrade available for the
FPR 10 nor will it be upgraded in the future.
FPR 10 nor will it be upgraded in the future
69
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
FPR 30
Please read the manual carefully when you
receive this unit.
The FPR 30 will enable the user to program the
RLB 36, PLB 200 and PLB 300.
This tool has no capability to decode a test
burst and thus print a verification report. You
will only be able to read the memories and by
this make certain that the correct data has been
programmed into the unit.
70
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
FPR 300
Please read the manual carefully when you
receive this unit.
The FPR 300 will enable the user to program ,
read the memories and do verification tests
(RF test burst decoding and printing)of
ALL ACR EPIRBs and PLBs.
This tool will, for the first time, enable all users
to reprogram a beacon back to the USA country
code.
71
QUALITY POLICY
72
73

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1

Nico W. Buckle, ACR Customer Service REV. 01

A MiniB 300 ILS is NOT an EPIRB and should

This programming tool should only be used to

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