User manual ACR ELECTRONICS MINI B2 CLASS B PERSONAL EPIRB

[. . . ] The USCG reports that 99% of all Class A & B EPIRB activation's are false. The high number of false activation events places an unnecessary burden on the Search and Rescue system. Help educate others that irresponsible handling of EPIRBs risks lives by slowing the response to real emergencies and wastes tax payer dollars. Please call or write for answers to questions or for information on other safety products manufactured by ACR Electronics, Inc. ACR/MINI B2TM EPIRB TABLE OF CONTENTS PARA ------Figure 1 SECTION 1 1. 1 1. 2 1. 3 Figure 2 1. 4 1. 5 1. 6 SECTION 2 2. 1 SECTION 3 3. 1 3. 2 SECTION 4 4. 1 4. 2 4. 3 4. 4 4. 5 SECTION 5 5. 1 5. 2 5. 3 TITLE Foreword Table of Contents TM ACR/MINI B2 Outline Drawing INTRODUCTION General Purpose Satellite Detection Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) Authorizations Characteristics Technical Data INSTALLATION General OPERATION General Manual Deployment MAINTENANCE General Battery Check Inspection Check Periodic Operational Check Packaging & Transportation TESTING General Operational Testing Operational Notes PAGE i ii 1 2-4 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5-8 5 6 6 7 7 7-8 7 7 8 FIGURE 1: ACR/M INI B2 TM EPIRB SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 1. 1 GENERAL TM and This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the ACR/MINI B2 TM ACR/MINI B2 ILS Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB - Class B), hereinafter referred to as the Beacon. [. . . ] 2763 also has an in-line speaker which emits an audio warble whenever the Beacon is transmitting. This sound serves as an ALERT that the Beacon is on and directly indicates that the Beacon is functioning. TM ACR designed the MINI B2 ILS with an audible warble to help reduce the incidence of accidental activation. The audible warble also allows you to self test your beacon more effectively. NEVER operationally test your Class B EPIRB except as noted in Section 5. 2 of this manual. 1. 6 TECHNICAL DATA Pertinent technical data is listed below: ITEM Frequency Power Output Operating Life Battery Emission Modulation Frequency Stability Operating Temperatures Activation Size Weight Attachments Accessories CHARACTERISTICS 121. 5 and 243. 0 MHz (simultaneous) Minimum 75 mW on each frequency during 48 hours continuous operation 48 hours minimum at -20°, (-4°F) longer in temperate climates Lithium battery, 12 year shelf life, 6 year replacement interval (as per regulation) Type A3X Downward sweeping tone between 1600 and 300 Hz at 2 to 4 sweeps per second . 005% (Crystal controlled) -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F) Manual " ON-OFF"switch 6. 0" H x 2. 6" W x 1. 6" D (152mm x 66mm x 41mm) excluding antenna 9. 9 ounces (280 g) Lanyards, Hanked and Wrist ACR/MINI B2TM Mounting Bracket, (Optional) PN 9321 SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION 2. 1 GENERAL TM The ACR/MINI B2 Beacon has been designed for multi-purpose installation for survival use, personnel, rafts, floats and survival craft. It should be stowed where it will be readily available in an emergency, or mounted TM where easily accessible with the optional ACR/MINI B2 Mounting Bracket. SECTION 3 - OPERATION 3. 1 GENERAL TM The ACR/MINI B2 Beacon is designed to be manually deployed and activated. It may be hand held on the deck of vessels or attached with the lanyard provided to survival suits, a raft or life vest. The beacon should be in a vertical orientation, (antenna "UP"), to transmit effectively. MANUAL DEPLOYMENT Remove the Beacon from its mounting or storage position and ensure that the antenna is in an upright position. The LED indicator will remain on for 5 seconds indicating that the batteries are functional. After 5 seconds, the LED indicator will begin flashing, indicating that the transmitter is functioning properly. 2763, will also emit an audio warble, again indicating that the transmitter is functioning properly. If operated from the deck of the vessel, choose the most advantageous position free of surrounding obstacles. If deployed in water, make sure that the antenna is positioned vertically and the antenna itself is out of the water. It is preferable to hold the unit above the water, as immersion reduces effectiveness. 3. 2 SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE 4. 1 GENERAL The Beacon has been designed for use with a minimum of maintenance required. A check list is given in this section, and when accomplished periodically, should help to assure emergency operation and extended life use. CAUTION: Perform all maintenance operations and checks within a screen room, if available, to prevent inadvertent transmission of emergency signals. If a screen room is not available, use caution in handling the Beacon during servicing to prevent signal transmission. The battery is dated at a six (6) year period or half the actual life of the battery, which is 12 years. Read the date located on the side of the case as follows: Battery date of 0507 would be read "05/07" or "May, 2007. " 3. All routine service or battery replacement must be carried out by factory authorized personnel at authorized service centers. Please call ACR for the location of your nearest authorized service center at least 30 days before expiration date. [. . . ] After the 5 (five) seconds, the LED will blink, confirming RF signal transmission. On the ACR/MINI B TM 2 ILS the LED will blink and an audible warble will sound, confirming RF signal transmission. NOTE: Tests of more than 5 (five) second duration must be conducted at designated times and duration unless special arrangements are made with the USCG, FCC and/or local FAA authorities. Operational transmission testing may be executed only during the first five (5) minute period of any hour and only for three tone or one operational transmission (LED light flashing/audio warble) second, sweeps of the audio modulating whichever is longer. [. . . ]