Acrartex TerraFix 406 GPS PLB User Manual download pdf (Page 9)

Y1-03-0174 Rev. E 8

4.7 GPS Testing

4.7.1 GPS O (Onboard) Test (P/N 2798.4 only)

This test is NOT necessary as 100% of all Onboard GPS receivers that leave ACR have been tested

to ensure they perform perfectly. However, if you would like to ensure your Onboard GPS is working

properly, please follow these instructions very closely.

Warning: To conserve battery power the following test should not be performed more than

once during the five-year life of the battery pack!

Note: The GPS Antenna is located under the bottom front portion of the case behind the embossed

ACR logo. It is imperative that this location not be obstructed during self test or activation to ensure

that the GPS antenna is acquiring your latitude and longitude position. This test must be performed

outside with a clear view of the sky.

The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB is fitted with an internal Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver

that will determine the latitude and longitude of its position. To test the internal GPS you must be

outdoors and have a clear view of the sky. The PLB must remain under observation in order to

witness the results of the test. In order to best view the results, avoid bright sunlight and noisy

locations. Depress and hold the GPS I/O button until one Red LED flash, beep and one Green LED

flash, beep are observed. (about 5 seconds apart) Then release the GPS I/O button. The live test of

the internal GPS has begun. The GPS will remain ON until LAT/LON position coordinates have

been obtained or until 10 minutes has elapsed. If valid navigation data has been obtained, the GPS

will be turned OFF and the green LED will light for at least 3 seconds. This LAT/LON data is not

saved for use when the PLB is turned ON. The green LED is proof that the GPS is functioning

properly and that the PLB is in a location or environment where it can receive the necessary signals

from satellites. If the GPS does not acquire good navigation data, the GPS will turn OFF after 10

minutes and there will be no successful green LED indication. This test should not be performed

more than once during the five-year life of the battery pack to prevent excessive battery drain.

4.7.2 Preload external GPS I (Interface)

The TerraFix™ 406 GPS PLB (P/N 2798.2 and 2798.4) can interface with a handheld GPS receiver

to provide your LAT/LON to SAR forces and narrow your search area to 110 yards (100 meters).

The PLB can accept NMEA 0183 version 1.5 and above GPS Data (format GPGGA sentence)

through its infra-red interface. The PLB can be forced to update its GPS data by pressing the GPS I

or GPS I/O button for at least 1/2 second and not longer than 5 seconds only when the beacon is off.

The TerraFix PLB will hold the last GPS coordinates in memory for 4 hours before returning to the

default. Upon activation, your GPS data will be transmitted to the GEOSAR satellite on the very first

burst. TerraFix 406 PLB will interface with most GPS receivers, if you are not sure if your receiver

is NMEA 0183 compliant please check the interface settings listed in your GPS manual.

Maximum 500 preloads during the life of the battery.

To optimize your GPS Interface feature be sure that your portable GPS receiver is equipped with the

following:

NMEA 0183 Version 1.5 or higher

GPGGA sentence is enabled

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Acrartex TerraFix 406 GPS PLB User Manual Page 9