ACR Electronics Marine Safety Devices 2882 User Manual

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Table of Contents  
STEP ONE - REGISTERING YOUR BEACON _____________________ 3  
STEP TWO - HOW THE BEACON WORKS ______________________ 5  
STEP THREE - MAINTAINING YOUR PLB______________________ 13  
APPENDIX A - ACCESSORIES _______________________________ 16  
APPENDIX B - THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM___________________ 18  
APPENDIX C - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ____________________ 19  
APPENDIX D - WARRANTY, USEFUL LIFE POLICY, NOTICES________ 20  
NOTE re: Applicable products  
This manual supports all configurations of PLB-350B beacons. In addition  
to the part numbers listed on the cover page, other configurations of these  
products may be available, thus you may have purchased a product  
configuration with a different version of the part number (for example,  
2880.63). As long as the first four digits are the same as one of the part  
numbers on the cover, this manual is applicable.  
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STEP ONE - REGISTERING YOUR BEACON  
Why is registration important?  
As the owner of this 406 MHz beacon, it is mandatory that you register  
it with the PLB national authority of your country: It is the law. Please  
note that all 406 MHz beacons are required to have their registration  
updated every two years by the owner.  
Your personalized ID code  
programmed inside each beacon is  
YOUR RESCUE WILL  
BE DELAYED IF YOUR  
BEACON ISN’T PROPERLY  
REGISTERED!  
transmitted to Search and Rescue  
(SAR). SAR forces use this code to pull  
up your registration to find out valuable  
information about who needs help.  
HOW REGISTRATION WORKS:  
All 406 MHz beacons transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when  
activated. This UIN is programmed into the beacon based on the  
country in which the beacon is registered, thus authorities are able to  
determine which country’s database will have your registration  
information. SAR forces will have information as to who you are as the  
owner of the beacon, the name and type of vessel that you have (if  
applicable), your address, and who to contact that might know of your  
current situation - but only if your beacon has been properly registered.  
Valuable search and rescue resources are wasted every year  
responding to false alerts, and registering your beacon helps to resolve  
this quickly.  
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What country should I register in?  
Register your beacon with the PLB national authority of the country for  
which the beacon was programmed, typically the country where  
purchased, regardless of where you live or do your adventuring.  
The beacon must be reprogrammed if you, as the owner, move out of  
the country where the beacon is registered. To verify the country for  
which a beacon is programmed, see the label with the UIN (Unique  
Identification Number) on the back of the unit. Units that do not have a  
country specified on the UIN label are programmed for the United  
States.  
How do I register?  
Registration in the United States  
The national authority that accepts registrations in the United States is  
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  
There are three ways to register:  
1. The fastest and easiest way to register is online at  
2. Faxing a registration is also acceptable. Fax the registration form to  
the fax number on the top of the registration form.  
NOTE: Do not confuse the registration form with the ACR Electronics  
warranty card.  
3. If online or fax registration is not available, mail the registration form  
with the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope to:  
Registration NOAA/NESDIS  
NSOF, E/SP3  
4231 Suitland Road  
Suitland, MD 20746  
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,  
and then affix the decal to your beacon in the area marked “BEACON  
DECAL HERE.” It is very important that the proof of registration  
decal matches the UIN on the beacon. If you do not receive  
confirmation back from NOAA within two weeks, call toll free (888) 212-  
7283 for assistance.  
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Registration in Canada  
The national authority in Canada is the NSS (National Search & Rescue  
Secretariat).  
Canadian  
residents  
can  
register  
online  
at  
http://beacons.nss.gc.ca/. For more information please contact the NSS  
at +1 (613) 966-1504 or +1 (877) 406-7671.  
Canadian Beacon Registry  
CFB Trenton, PO Box 1000 Stn Forces  
Astra, Ontario K0K 3W0  
Registration in Other Countries  
In countries other than the United States and Canada, 406 MHz  
beacons are registered with that country’s national authority at the time  
of purchase. The sales agent may have assisted you in filling out the  
forms and sending them to the country’s national authority. Alternatively,  
many countries allow online registration in the International 406 MHz  
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.  
STEP TWO - HOW THE BEACON WORKS  
1. How your beacon brings help  
406 MHz beacons are a type of portable emergency equipment that  
transmits a distress signal to search and rescue (SAR) organizations.  
The purpose of these beacons is to aid SAR teams in tracking and  
locating ships or individuals in jeopardy as rapidly as possible.  
The 406 MHz frequency is a worldwide dedicated emergency frequency  
that is detected by a network of satellites called the Cospas-Sarsat  
system. This satellite system was established by, and continues to be  
supported by, its primary benefactors - the USA, Russia, Canada and  
France. The Cospas-Sarsat system has saved over 28,400 lives - and  
counting - since its inception. See Appendix or the Cospas-Sarsat  
website for more information about the system at www.cospas-  
sarsat.org.  
When a 406 MHz beacon is activated, the digital distress message is  
sent to Cospas-Sarsat satellites and, in turn, the distress message is  
relayed to SAR. The distress message contains the beacon UIN and on  
some models the GPS location of the beacon. Additional information  
about the beacon is accessed by SAR from the beacon registration  
database. At the same time the 406 MHz signal is activated, a 121.5  
MHz signal is turned on. The 121.5 MHz signal is used by SAR to home  
in on the beacon as they approach it.  
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The 406 MHz signal is detected by multiple satellites and from that  
information the location of the beacon can be calculated. This data  
alone is sufficient for SAR to find persons or ships in distress in a  
reasonable timeframe. However, as a further enhancement, some  
beacons have a GPS engine onboard. This feature allows the beacon to  
acquire current location coordinates from an internal GPS receiver. The  
purpose of this feature is to send an even more precise location of the  
beacon to the satellites, i.e., latitude and longitude data. This helps SAR  
to reach the location even faster.  
2. Internal GPS position system  
The PLB-350 is fitted with an internal GPS receiver that will determine  
the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the beacon’s position on the  
globe, to be transmitted to the Cospas-Sarsat emergency system.  
When the beacon is activated, the internal GPS immediately attempts to  
acquire positional coordinates. GPS coordinates can be acquired any  
time that the GPS is on, but only valid data is saved. Once the beacon  
acquires valid coordinates, the data is included as part of the next  
transmitted 406 MHz digital message.  
The internal GPS operates on a schedule during a beacon activation.  
The GPS is on for a time, actively acquiring coordinates, and off for a  
time, in a standby state. The schedule is designed to conserve battery  
but, at the same time, assure that navigational coordinates are regularly  
updated.  
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3. Anatomy of your beacon  
UIN Label: Applied at  
the factory, the 15  
character hexadecimal  
number is unique to  
each beacon.  
FRONT  
BACK  
Antenna:  
Wrapped  
around  
beacon.  
Multi-language label:  
This optional label may  
be applied for ease of  
use.  
Activation  
button cover  
Registration decal  
supplied by some  
countries: Once the  
beacon is registered,  
the label goes here.  
Keypad  
GPS antenna  
location  
Battery expiration label  
with the month/ year  
the battery needs to be  
replaced.  
Figure 1  
NOTE: The appearance of your beacon may vary from this picture.  
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4. Distinguishing PLB Features  
The distinguishing features available on your PLB vary with the  
particular model that you selected. The following table summarizes the  
similarities and differences in models.  
PLB-350B  
Product  
names  
AquaLink™ 406 GPS PLB  
SARLink™ 406 GPS PLB  
ACR  
2882  
2883  
Product  
Number  
Unique  
features  
GPS engine  
LED strobe, 12 GPS  
acquisition tests  
Internal, 66-channel GPS  
receiver  
LED strobe, 12 GPS acquisition  
tests  
Internal, 66-channel GPS receiver  
Top case  
Buoyant  
Clear  
Yes  
Clear  
No  
Included  
Attachment Clip  
Multi-Function Belt Clip  
Accessories  
Optional  
Flotation pouch (ACR P/N 9504)  
Accessories  
5. Activating your beacon  
WARNING: This transmitter is authorized for use only during  
situations of grave and imminent danger. Deliberate misuse may incur  
a severe penalty.  
Overview  
Personal Locator Beacons are designed to be manually activated. They  
are only to be activated when all other means of self-rescue have been  
exhausted. When properly registered as required, the activation of the  
beacon tells Search and Rescue who you are, where you are, and that  
you are facing a life threatening situation.  
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NOTE: The appearance of your key pad may vary from this picture.  
PLB-350B  
ON / OFF Button  
(visible only when  
antenna is deployed)  
diagram  
Activation  
When activated:  
(Red LED) transmitting  
406 MHz during  
activation  
(Green LED) 406 MHz  
includes GPS data  
Self-test /  
GPS Test Button  
(IR LED) Programming  
Interface  
Figure 2 - Key Pad Functions  
NOTE: If you notice the PLB is flashing the red or green LED and  
“beeping” periodically on its own, this likely means it has accidentally  
been activated and needs to be shut off and reported as a false alert (see  
page 12).  
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6. Activation (406 MHz and 121.5 MHz)  
To activate your beacon in a distress situation, follow these steps (see  
Figure 3 below).  
1) Unfasten the antenna from the case.  
2) Move it into the upright position  
3) Depress the ON/OFF (  
) button for 1 full second.  
You will hear a “beep” and your beacon is now activated. While  
transmitting your distress signal, the red LED will flash once every 2  
seconds, alerting you that your beacon is active. An additional “beep”  
will sound every time your beacon transmits data to the satellites  
(roughly every 50 seconds).  
Figure 3  
7. 406 MHz/121.5 MHz antenna position  
For maximum performance you must deploy the beacon antenna into  
the proper position as shown in Figure 3. If at all possible, be sure the  
antenna is positioned facing the sky and avoid submerging in water.  
This device is intended to operate on or above the ground or while  
attached to your person above the water line.  
8. Activation with GPS  
If your unit is activated, the GPS receiver will start up, search to find  
your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal. As soon as  
the GPS receiver acquires valid positioning data, the red LED will stop  
blinking and the green LED will begin flashing once every 2 seconds.  
The same GPS data will be sent with each 406 MHz signal for the next  
twenty minutes. At that time the internal GPS will start up again, search  
to find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your next 406 MHz signal. If  
for any reason the internal GPS cannot update your LAT/LON, your last  
position will be used for the next four hours. At that time the green LED  
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will stop blinking and the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds until  
new GPS data is obtained.  
9. GPS receiver orientation  
When activated, it is critical that you do not cover the beacon with any  
body part, water, clothing, etc. The GPS receiver is located under the  
bottom portion of the case behind the product logo (see Figure 4).  
To ensure optimum performance of the GPS receiver, the beacon needs  
to have an unobstructed view of the sky. Avoid submerging the GPS  
receiver in water if possible. Water will shield and inhibit the GPS  
receiver and may cause difficulties obtaining your GPS coordinates.  
Avoid leaning over the beacon to view blinking LED as you may shield  
the GPS reception.  
Figure 4 GPS Receiver Location  
10. Turning off the beacon  
To deactivate your beacon, depress the ON/OFF (  
) button for 1 second.  
Once the beacon is deactivated, all blinking LED’s will stop, signifying that  
the beacon is no longer sending your distress message.  
If deactivation should fail, remove the six screws holding the unit together  
and unplug the battery to disable the unit. Return the beacon to ACR  
Electronics for service.  
NOTE: Leave beacon on until rescued. Turning beacon off will prolong or  
prevent rescue. Repeated activations could be viewed as a hoax.  
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11. Preventing false alerts  
A false alert is any activation of the beacon, intentional or otherwise,  
that does not result from a situation of grave and imminent danger.  
Be sure to do the following to help minimize false alerts:  
Register your beacon. This does not reduce false alert rates;  
however, when the beacon is properly registered, the situation can  
usually be resolved with a phone call.  
Be careful with whom you leave your beacon. Make sure that  
they know how to use it, and that they understand the ramifications  
of causing a false alert. A lot of false alerts are generated by curious  
individuals. If you notice the beacon is flashing the red or green LED  
and “beeping” periodically on its own, this likely means it has  
accidentally been activated and needs to be shut off and reported.  
Do not stow beacon while other gear is in contact with the  
keypad.  
The Cospas-Sarsat satellites detect distress beacon transmissions  
immediately and locate the transmission within a few minutes of beacon  
activation.  
NOTE: If you report a false alert and the authorities have not received  
the signal, do not be concerned. This may mean that you were able to  
deactivate the beacon before transmitting the signal.  
12. False alert  
A false alert must be reported to the search and rescue authorities.  
False alerts in the US that are rectified must be reported to the US Air  
Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) to let them know that the  
situation has been corrected and everything is fine. Responsibly  
reporting these events to the AFRCC or your proper authority will not  
incur a penalty, but deliberate misuse or not notifying the proper  
authority may incur a severe penalty.  
Reporting  
Should there be a false alert for any reason, it must be reported to the  
nearest search and rescue authorities. The information that should be  
reported includes:  
// The PLB 15-digit Unique Identifier Number (UIN)  
// Time and date  
// Duration and cause of activation  
// Location of beacon at the time of activation  
To report false alert in the United States, contact the AFRCC:  
United States Air Force Rescue  
Coordination Center (AFRCC)  
Tel: 1-800-851-3051  
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To report false alerts outside of the USA, contact the national  
authority where your beacon is registered.  
STEP THREE - MAINTAINING YOUR PLB  
1. Routine Maintenance  
Carefully inspect the beacon case for any visible cracks. Cracks may  
admit moisture, which could falsely activate the beacon or otherwise  
cause a malfunction. Any cracks observed should be immediately  
referred to ACR for evaluation by calling +1 (954) 981-3333. ACR  
Technical Support can also be reached by sending an email to  
After checking the beacon case for cracks, it may be wiped down with a  
clean, damp cloth. Do not use any type of cleaner on your beacon.  
2. Battery Replacement  
Replace the battery no later than 6 years from date of manufacture, 5  
years from date of install, or after emergency use. At each inspection,  
check the time remaining until replacement is required. The battery  
should be replaced if the beacon has been activated for any use other  
than the Self-test. Always refer battery replacements and other beacon  
service to a factory authorized Battery Replacement Center. Battery  
replacement includes servicing the beacon by replacing all o-rings,  
testing the water seal and the electrical properties.  
NOTE: There are no user serviceable items inside the beacon. DO NOT  
OPEN THE BEACON. Opening the beacon will void the warranty.  
For the nearest location of a Battery Replacement Center, visit our  
website at www.acrelectronics.com. Click on “Support”.  
This beacon contains 2 Lithium Metal Battery Packs that are less than 2  
grams each. They are not classified as Hazmat for transportation. Prior  
to shipping beacon for service, alert your carrier about the batteries  
contained in this equipment to make sure they properly label your  
package. Call ACR’s Technical Service department at +1 (954) 981-  
3333 for proper shipping instructions or visit the ACR website in the  
Support section entitled “Hazmat, MSDS Sheets, & Info.  
3. Self-Test  
ACR strongly recommends performing a Self-test once per month, or at  
least two weeks prior to a trip, to allow enough time for service, should  
your beacon require it.  
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A Self-test is initiated by holding the Self-test button (  
or  
) for at  
least 1 second and less than 5 seconds. Your beacon will sound an  
initial beepand flash the green LED to signify the test has begun. The  
green LED will flash a second time to indicate that the self test was  
successful.  
NOTE: The beepis a very high pitch that some people are unable to  
hear. Watching the LEDs may be more useful to you.  
Components Tested: Data integrity and memory, 406 MHz  
synthesizer, RF power/battery, GPS header (if equipped).  
If a red LED flashes at the completion of the Self-test, your beacon has  
failed. Repeat the Self-test. If the failure persists, contact ACR  
Electronics or an authorized Battery Replacement Center to have your  
beacon serviced.  
NOTE: During a self-test your beacon will send a 406 MHz signal coded  
as self-test to the satellite system. The 121.5 MHz homing signal is  
inhibited during Self-test. This allows you to test your beacon any time  
during the day without causing false alerts.  
Self-Test Guide  
Self-Test Sequences  
(
Green LED  
Red LED)  
Green LED with beep,  
4
additional “beeps”,  
Green LED,  
Successful Self-test  
strobe flash  
Green LED, Less than 4 “beeps”,  
Red LED  
Failed Self-test: Return unit  
to ACR for service  
Successful Self-test: Less  
than  
24  
hours  
of  
Red LED with beep, 4 additional  
transmission life is left in the  
batteries.  
“beeps”,  
Green LED, strobe flash  
Failed Self-test: Return unit  
to ACR for service. Less  
Red LED with or without beep,  
Less than 4 additional “beeps”,  
Red LED, strobe flash (PLB-350B  
only)  
than  
24  
hours  
of  
transmission life is left in the  
batteries.  
4. Battery witness seal failure  
If your beacon flashes an initial red LED at the beginning of the Self-  
test, this indicates that your electronic witness has been broken and you  
have used more than the allotted battery life for self-testing. While the  
beacon will still operate normally in a distress situation, ACR strongly  
recommends you have your battery replaced and the electronic witness  
reset to ensure that you will have 24 hours of battery power.  
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5. GPS acquisition test  
This test is NOT required as 100% of all GPS receivers that leave ACR  
have been tested to ensure they perform correctly. However, if you would  
like to ensure your GPS receiver is working, please follow these  
instructions very closely.  
CAUTION: The following test should not be performed more than  
twelve times during the life of the battery pack. Once this GPS testing  
feature reaches 12 times, the feature will be disabled by internal software  
until the battery is replaced.  
NOTE: The GPS receiver is located under the bottom front portion of the  
case. It is imperative that the receiver is not obstructed during Self-test or  
activation to ensure that the GPS receiver is acquiring your latitude (LAT)  
and longitude (LON) position. This test must be performed outside with a  
clear view of the sky.  
Press the Self-test button for greater than 5 seconds. Observe the beacon  
for the entire GPS test. A BEEP and green LED will indicate that the GPS  
has been turned ON. The beacon will BEEP every 5 seconds and the GPS  
will remain ON until LAT/LON coordinates have been obtained or until 2  
minutes have elapsed. If good LAT/LON data has been obtained, a single  
406 MHz test signal will be sent out with location data and the GPS will be  
turned OFF and the green LED will light for at least 3 seconds along with a  
long beep. This LAT/LON data is not saved for use. The green LED  
indicates that the GPS is functioning properly and that the beacon is in a  
location or environment where it can receive the necessary signals from  
satellites. If the GPS does not acquire good LAT/LON data, the GPS will  
turn OFF after 2 minutes, followed with a RED LED light up for 3 seconds  
along with a long beep, and no 406 MHz signal will be sent out.  
GPS Test Sequences (max. 2  
GPS Test Guide  
minutes 50 seconds)  
Green LED and BEEP at start  
Successfully acquired GPS  
followed by continuous BEEPS  
data, 406 MHz signal sent out  
every 5 seconds,  
& Long BEEP  
Green LED  
with location data  
Green LED and BEEP at start  
followed by continuous BEEPS  
GPS data was not successfully  
acquired, no signal sent out.  
every 5 seconds,  
& Long BEEP  
Red LED  
6. Changing ownership or contact information  
As the owner of the beacon, it is your responsibility to advise the national  
authority of any change in your registration information. If you are  
transferring the beacon to a new owner, you are required to inform the  
national authority. You can do this by using their online database or by  
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letter, fax or telephone and informing the authority of the name and address  
of the new owner.  
The new owner of the beacon is required to provide the national  
authority with all of the information requested on the registration form.  
This obligation transfers to all subsequent owners. See step 1, page 3  
for further details on this process.  
7. Lost or stolen PLBs  
If your PLB is lost or stolen, do the following immediately:  
// Report to your local authorities that the PLB has been lost or stolen  
// Contact NOAA at (888) 212-7283 (212-SAVE), or your national  
authority, with the following information:  
o
o
o
Police department name  
Police department phone number  
Police case number  
If your PLB were to be activated, the information you provided will be  
forwarded to the appropriate search and rescue authorities who will  
ensure that your PLB gets back to you. If someone attempts to register  
a PLB reported as stolen, NOAA or your national authority will notify the  
appropriate police department.  
APPENDIX A - ACCESSORIES  
1. Multi-Function Belt Clip  
The SARLink™ comes standard with a multi-  
function belt clip. To install the clip, simply align  
the bottom tabs on the clip with the insert holes  
located on the bottom of the beacon. Snap the  
clip in place by pressing the top of the clip so  
that the two top tabs engage in the two insert  
holes on the top of the beacon (see Figure 5). To  
remove the clip, push up and back on the top  
tabs one at a time to disengage the clip from the  
beacon.  
The belt clip has been designed to  
accommodate your extreme adventures.  
Figure 5 - Belt Clip  
You can secure your beacon directly to  
backpack webbing straps, life jackets or belts to ensure the beacon is  
close at hand. ACR recommends that you secure your beacon  
someplace on your person that is easily accessible in case of an  
emergency for rapid activation. Ensure the beacon is secured firmly and  
is protected before heading out to avoid damage or loss.  
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NOTE: ACR recommends that once you have clipped your beacon  
in place that you also anchor the beacon with the lanyard to your life  
jacket, backpack, etc. to ensure the unit will not be lost if it should  
break out of the clip.  
2. Attachment Clip  
The AquaLink™ comes standard with an  
attachment clip. To install the clip, simply align the  
bottom tabs on the clip with the insert holes  
located on the bottom of the beacon. Snap the  
clip in place by pressing the top of the clip so that  
the two top tabs engage in the two insert holes on  
the top of the beacon (see Figure 6). To remove  
the clip, push up and back on the top tabs one at  
a time to disengage from the beacon.  
This clip has been designed to secure your  
beacon directly to life jacket webbing straps or  
belts to ensure the beacon is close at hand. ACR  
recommends that you have a strap on your life  
jacket in the shoulder area for attachment of the  
PLB. The beacon should hang with the GPS  
receiver up (so that the beacon is inverted). This  
will give the GPS receiver the best possible view  
of the sky. It is also recommended that you try  
your life jacket on in the water to see how you  
Figure 6 –  
Attachment Clip  
float in it and where to best locate the beacon so  
that the beacon is not in the water. You may choose to carry your beacon  
in a pocket but you should have a strap installed on your life jacket to  
attach the beacon when it is activated. This will leave your hands free  
while treading water.  
NOTE: ACR recommends that once you have clipped your beacon in  
place that you also secure the beacon with the lanyard to your life  
jacket, backpack, etc. to ensure the unit will not be lost if it should  
break out of the clip.  
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APPENDIX B - THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM  
1. General overview  
Beacons transmit to the satellite portion of the Cospas-Sarsat system. Cospas-  
Sarast satellites are an international system that utilizes Russian Federation and  
United States’ low altitude, near-polar orbiting satellites (LEOSAR). These  
satellites assist in detecting and locating activated 406 MHz satellite beacons.  
Cospas-Sarsat satellites receive distress  
signals from beacons transmitting on the  
frequency of 406 MHz. The Cospas-Sarsat  
406 MHz beacon signal consists of a  
transmission of non-modulated carriers  
followed by a digital message format that  
provides identification data. The 406 MHz  
system uses satellite-borne equipment to  
asure and store the Doppler-shifted  
frequency along with the beacon’s digital  
data message and time of measurement.  
This information is transmitted in real time to  
an earth station called the Local User Terminal (LUT), which may be within the  
view of the satellite, as well as being stored for later transmission to other LUTs.  
The LUT processes the Doppler-shifted signal from the LEOSAR and  
determines the location of the beacon, then the LUT relays the position of the  
distress to a Mission Control Center (MCC) where the distress alert and location  
information is immediately forwarded to an appropriate Rescue Coordination  
Center (RCC). The RCC dispatches Search and Rescue (SAR) forces.  
The addition of the GEOSAR satellite system greatly improves the reaction time  
for a SAR event. This satellite system has no Doppler capabilities at 406 MHz,  
but will relay the distress alert to any of the LUT stations. When there is GPS  
data included in the distress message, SAR authorities instantly know your  
location to within 110 yards (100 m). This speeds up the reaction time by not  
having to wait for one of the LEOSAR satellite to pass overhead. Because most  
of the search and rescue forces presently are not equipped to home in on the  
406 MHz Satellite beacons signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.  
Once the 406 MHz signal is relayed through the LEOSAR and/or GEOSAR  
network, SAR forces determine who is closest, and then proceed to the beacon  
using the 121.5 MHz homing frequency.  
2. Global Positioning System (GPS)  
The GPS system is a satellite group that enables a GPS  
receiver to determine its exact position to within 30 m (100  
ft.) anywhere on earth. With a minimum of 24 GPS  
satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of approximately  
11,000 miles they provide users with accurate information  
on position, velocity, and time anywhere in the world and in all weather  
conditions. Beacons that have GPS engines add this data to its distress  
transmission, allowing search and rescue forces to narrow the search to a very  
small area, thus minimizing the resources required, and dramatically increasing  
the effectiveness of the overall operation.  
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APPENDIX C - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
406 MHz Transmitter  
Frequency  
406 MHz  
Output Power  
Frequency Stability  
Digital Message:  
Format  
Long message  
Message protocol  
Duration  
greater than 5 watts (typical: 6.3 watts)  
±2 parts per billion/100ms  
Serialized1*  
Standard Location  
520 ms  
Rate  
400 bps  
Encoding  
Biphase L  
Modulation  
±1.1 radians peak  
1* Beacons are shipped from ACR with a Serialized code but can be reprogrammed at a service  
center to other coded formats including nationality of registration.  
121.5 MHz Transmitter  
Frequency:  
121.5 MHz  
Frequency Tolerance  
Output Power  
Morse Code “P” ID  
Modulation  
±50 ppm  
>25 mW PEP  
Every 50 seconds (approximately) (U.S. Protocol)  
Type  
AM (3K20A3N)  
400 to 1200 hZ  
3 Hz  
Sweep Range  
Sweep Rate  
Duty Cycle  
37.5%  
Morse P  
AM (2K00A2A)  
Antenna  
Frequency  
Polarization  
406.037 & 121.5 MHz  
Vertical  
VSWR  
Less than 1.5:1  
General/Environmental  
Minimum Battery  
Operating Life  
Battery Replacement  
Interval  
+24 hours minimum @ -4°F to +131°F (-20°C to +55°C)  
Battery replacement due no later than 6 years from date of  
manufacture, 5 years from date of install, or after emergency use  
*Batteries meet the UN Classification for Non-dangerous goods  
Size of beacon less 2.31 x 5.81 x 1.25 in (5.87 x 14.76 x 3.17 cm) (SARLink™)  
Antenna  
Material  
Color  
2.31 x 5.81 x 1.45 in (5.87 x 14.76 x 3.68 cm) (AquaLink™)  
High-impact and UV-resistant plastic  
ACR-treuse™ (High-visibility yellow)  
8.9 oz (252 g) without belt clip (SARLink™)  
Weight  
9.2 oz (260 g) without attachment clip (AquaLink™)  
Factory tested to 16.4 ft (5 m) for 1 hour and to 32.8 ft (10 m) for 10  
minutes, both at room temperature  
Waterproof  
Buoyancy  
See section 4 “Distinguishing PLB Features”, page 8  
Temperature Range  
Operating  
Storage:  
-4°F to +131°F (-20°C to +55°C)  
-40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C)  
PLB350B meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission  
(FCC) Part 95 Subpart K. For all other type approval information, please visit our  
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APPENDIX D - WARRANTY, USEFUL LIFE POLICY,  
NOTICES  
Limited Warranty  
This product is warranted against factory defects in material and workmanship for a  
period of 1 (one) year* from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the  
warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will repair or, at its option, replace the unit at  
no cost to you for labor, materials and return transportation from ACR. For further  
assistance, please contact our Technical Service Department at ACR Electronics,  
Inc., 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-6645. Email:  
[email protected], Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087, Telephone: +1 (954) 981-  
3333.  
This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or  
misuse, or as a result of service or modification performed by an unauthorized  
factory. Except as otherwise expressly stated in the previous paragraph, THE  
COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,  
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR  
A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER MATTER WITH RESPECT TO THIS  
PRODUCT. The Company shall not be liable for consequential or special damages.  
To place the warranty in effect, register online at www.acrelectronics.com or return  
the attached card within 10 days.  
*Five years for the following products: EPIRB, PLB, S-VDR, SSAS.  
Useful Life Policy  
The typical service life of a properly maintained Product is limited to 12 years from  
date of manufacture. Products that are 12 years and 1 month or older from date of  
manufacture will not be serviced by ACR or our Battery Replacement Centers. A  
Product that is 12 or less years old from date of manufacture will be serviced as  
long as the unit appears fit to be placed back into its final operational cycle. Service  
includes the replacement of those items that must be replaced at service intervals  
and the verification that the device appears to be in good mechanical and electrical  
working condition by an ACR authorized service technician.  
Notices  
ACR Electronics diligently works to provide a high quality Product Support Manual,  
however, despite best efforts, information is subject to change without notice, and  
omissions and inaccuracies are possible. ACR cannot accept liability for manual  
contents. To ensure that you have the most recent version of the Product Support  
Manual, please visit the ACR website at www.acrelectronics.com.  
©2009 by ACR Electronics, Inc., part of Cobham plc. All rights reserved.  
Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted only with permission of ACR  
Electronics, Inc.  
Ongoing product improvements may change product specifications without notice.  
Trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  
Y1-03-0241A  
20  
 
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY  
ACR Electronics, Inc. hereby declares that the following products are in conformity with Directive  
1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on Radio Equipment and  
Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE), and has been type examined as described in this  
Declaration. In accordance with the Directive, the product will be marked with the CE conformity marking  
as follows:  
Product:  
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with GPS Receiver  
Trade Names: AquaLink™ and SARLink™  
Model: PLB-350B  
Notified Body:  
BABT (British Approvals Board for Telecommunications), Notified Body No. 0168  
Balfour House, Churchfield Road  
Walton on Thames  
Surrey, KT12 2TD, United Kingdom  
Certificate No. NC/14342  
Regulations and  
Standards:  
ETSI EN 302 152-1: V1.1.1 (2003-11)  
EN 301 843-1: V1.2.1 (2004-06)  
EN 301 489-1: V1.8.1 (2008-04)  
IEC 60945: 2002  
EN 60950-1:2001  
EN 62311: 2008  
ETS 300 487: 1996 + A1: 1997  
COSPAS-SARSAT C/S T.001 Issue 3 - Revision 9  
COSPAS-SARSAT C/S T.007 Issue 4 - Revision 3  
Manufacturer:  
ACR Electronics Inc.  
5757 Ravenswood Road  
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312  
USA  
European  
Representative:  
ACR Electronics Inc.  
(European Office)  
1 Rose Cottages, Pitmore Lane,  
Sway, Lymington, Hampshire  
SO41 6BX, United Kingdom  
Signed on behalf of ACR Electronics Inc.  
Signed: ____________________________________  
Name:  
Title:  
Kerry Greer  
Executive Director Research & Development  
Date: August 6, 2009  
Document PLB-350B-001  
This Declaration complies with  
ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004  
ACR Electronics, Inc. is registered by UL to ISO 9001:2000  
Y1-03-0241A  
21  
 

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