ACR&Artex MicroFix 406 GPS PLB - Manual (Page 6)

Y1-03-0215-1 Rev. C 5
3.2 Activation with GPS
This PLB is equipped with an internal GPS receiver. Once activated the GPS engine will start up and search to
find your LAT/LON and incorporate it into your 406 MHz signal. As soon as the GPS receiver acquires good
positioning data the red LED will stop blinking and the green LED will begin flashing once every 2 seconds.
Once good global positioning data has been obtained, the GPS receiver waits for 20 minutes before looking for
new positioning data again. If for any reason a time period of 4 hours passes without the GPS receiver being able
to update the last good set of GPS coordinates, the 406 message being transmitted will revert to the default data.
At this point the green LED will stop blinking and the red LED will flash once every 2 seconds until new GPS
coordinates have been obtained.
3.3 GPS Receiver Orientation
When activated it is critical that you do not cover the PLB with any body part, water,
clothing, etc. The GPS receiver is located under the bottom portion of the case behind the
MicrOFix™ logo (See Figure 3). To ensure optimum performance the PLB needs to have an
unobstructed view of the sky. Avoid submerging the GPS receiver in water if possible, as
water will shield and inhibit the GPS receiver and may cause difficulties obtaining your GPS
coordinates. Avoid leaning over the PLB to view blinking LED as you may shield the GPS
reception. In order to acquire GPS data, you must have your PLB outside with a clear
view to the sky.
3.4 406/121.5 Antenna Position
For maximum performance you must deploy the PLB antenna into the proper position (see Figure 2). 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 persons above the water line.
3.5 Deactivation
To deactivate your PLB, depress the ON/OFF button for 1 second.
Once off, all blinking LED’s will stop signifying that the PLB is no longer sending your distress message.
3.6 Self Test
ACR strongly recommends performing the self test once per month.
Self test is initiated by holding the self test button for at least ½ second and less than 5 seconds. Your PLB will
sound an initial beep and the green LED flash to signify the test has begun. The green LED will flash a second
time to indicate that the self test was successful.
Components Tested: Data Integrity and Memory; 406 MHz Synthesizer; RF Power/Battery; GPS header
If a RED LED flashes at the completion of the self test, your PLB has failed. Repeat the self test. If the failure
persists, please contact ACR Electronics or an authorized Battery Replacement Center for servicing of your PLB.
NOTE: During a self test your PLB 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 PLB any time during the day without
causing any false alerts.
Self Test Sequences Self Test Guide ( Green LED Red LED)
Green LED, 4 BEEPS, Green LED
Successful Self Test
Green LED, Less then 4 BEEPS, Red LED
Failed Self Test – Return PLB to ACR
Red LED, 4 BEEPS, Green LED
Successful Self Test – At least 1 hour of battery
power has been depleted, have battery replaced.
Red LED, Less then 4 BEEPS, Red LED
Failed self test – Return unit to ACR for service.
Figure 3 – GPS
Receiver Location