ACR&Artex AeroFix 406 GPS PLB - Manual (Page 9)

4.7 GPS Testing
4.7.1 GPS O (Onboard) Test (P/N 2799.4 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
AeroFix™ 406 GPS P-ELT 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 P-ELT 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 P-ELT is turned ON. The green LED is proof that the GPS is functioning
properly and that the P-ELT 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 AeroFix™ 406 GPS P-ELT (P/N 2799.2 and 2799.4) 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 P-ELT can accept NMEA 0183 version 1.5 and above GPS Data (format GPGGA
sentence) through its infra-red interface. The P-ELT 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 AeroFix P-ELT 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. AeroFix 406 P-ELT 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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