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

Y1-03-0215-1 Rev. C 8
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 PLB
signal, homing must be accomplished at 121.5 MHz.
6.3 Global Positioning System (GPS)
The GPS system is a satellite group that enables a GPS receiver to determine its exact position to within 110 yards
(100 m) 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. The
MicrOFix™ PLB stores this data into its distress transmission allowing search and
rescue forces to narrow the search into a very small area and thus minimize the resources required and
dramatically increases the effectiveness of the overall operation.
SECTION 7 – AUTHORIZATIONS
The MicrOFix™ 406 GPS PLB meets the requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95
Subpart K, and European R&TTE Directive.
7.1 Characteristics
The
MicrOFix™ is a battery operated Personal Locator Beacon. The PLB case, with its antenna, is waterproof,
while semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly which also contains the battery power supply.
Keypad with “self test” and “ON” buttons is installed on the case, along with an internal beeper and three LED’s.
The PLB contains a GPS receiver located under the bottom of the front case, will acquire your LAT/LON
coordinates.
Figure 5- Satellite coverage Figure 6- GEOSAR satellite orbits
Figure 7- GPS satellite orbits