Product Support Manual
Mini B300 ™ ILS
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
Product No. 2766.6
ETSI Type Approved to ETS 300 152
Y1-03-0167
Rev. B
ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312
Tel : +1(954) 981-3333
Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087
Email: [email protected]
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Foreword:
Congratulations and thank you! You have just purchased the finest Class B personal EPIRB available on
the market. Other brands merely attempt to meet the requirements established by authorities. By
purchasing this EPIRB you have distinguished yourself as one of the safest persons in boating.
To be a responsible EPIRB owner:
• Read this manual.
• Activate your EPIRB ONLY in an emergency.
• Prepare an emergency evacuation plan and rehearse it.
• In a grave and imminent situation, where you have exhausted all other means of rescue, activate your
EPIRB and leave it "ON" until Search And Rescue forces arrive. Do not turn it off and on in the
misguided belief that you are saving battery power.
• NEVER set off a false alarm. Follow the instructions in section 5 to operationally test your EPIRB.
Search and Rescue forces will respond to all known emergencies. This EPIRB will alert the
authorities to an emergency if activated in most coastal waters, (excluding parts of Africa and
Antarctica). The USCG reports that 99% of all Class A & B EPIRB activation's are false. The high
number of false activation events places an unnecessary burden on the Search and Rescue system.
Don’t be guilty of causing a false or accidental activation. Help educate others that irresponsible
handling of EPIRBs risks lives by slowing the response to real emergencies and wastes tax payer
dollars. Please call or write for answers to questions or for information on other safety products
manufactured by ACR Electronics, Inc.
Limited Warranty This product is warranted against factory defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the
warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will repair or, at its option, replace at no cost to you for
labor, materials or return transportation, provided you obtain a Return Authorization and the return
shipping is prepaid to ACR Electronics, Inc., 5757 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-
6645. To obtain a Return Authorization call our Customer Service department at (800) 432-0227 or
+1 (954) 981-3333, ext. 112. This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by
accident or misuse, or as a result of service or modification by other than the 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.
In order to place the warranty in effect, the accompanying registration card must be returned to
us within ten (10) days of purchase or receipt as a gift.
Y1-03-0167 Rev. B
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ACR MINI B300TM ILS EPIRB
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PARA
TITLE
PAGE
TM ILS Outline Drawing
1
Figure 1
ACR Mini B300
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
2 - 4
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Figure 2
1.5
1.6
General
Purpose
Satellite Detection
Authorizations
Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT)
Characteristics
Technical Data
2
2
2
2
3
3
4
SECTION 2
2.1
INSTALLATION
General
5
5
SECTION 3
OPERATION
General
Manual Activation
Deactivation
5 - 6
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
5
5
5
5
Operational Notes
SECTION 4
MAINTENANCE
General
Battery Check
Inspection Check
Periodic Operational Check
Packaging & Transportation
6 - 8
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
6
6
8
8
8
SECTION 5
TESTING
8 - 9
5.1
5.2
General
Operational Testing
8
8
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FIGURE 1: MINI B
TM ILS H2ON EPIRB
300
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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1
GENERAL
TM
This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the MINI B300
ILS Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB - Class B) hereinafter referred to as the
Beacon. This section describes the characteristics and details of the Beacon (See Figure 1). You
must add this device to your FCC ship station license if you have one.
1.2
PURPOSE
The Beacon is an item of survival equipment that is designed to be carried or on your person, so as
to be readily available in any emergency. It may also be used on the deck of vessels, on survival
craft, as well as attached to survival suits, etc. When turned “ON” it transmits tone-modulated
signals (VHF) so that rescue aircraft or vessels equipped with suitable direction finding receiving
equipment can “home” to the transmitting unit. This Beacon meets FCC Rules for improved
satellite detection.
1.3
SATELLITE DETECTION
EPIRB use is directly affected by the COSPAS-SARSAT System. SARSAT is an acronym for
Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking. This international system has proven that satellites
can be used to detect distress alerts and to determine position from Class A and B EPIRBs.
COSPAS-SARSAT frequently plays a key role in many operational Search and Rescue decisions.
Since the first recorded rescue in 1982, over 10,000 persons have been rescued as a direct result of
SARSAT. These successes have brought more public awareness and an expanding growth in the
use of EPIRBs. (Satellite detection of this beacon will cease by 2009. See
www.acrelectronics.com for details.)
1.4
AUTHORIZATIONS
TM
The MINI B300
ILS (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) EPIRB meets the
requirements of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 80.1055 as a Class "B" EPIRB,
for marine use.
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FIGURE 2: SATELLITE DETECTION
1.5
CHARACTERISTICS
The MINI B300TM ILS Beacon is an o-ring sealed battery operated unit. The beacon case, with its
external antenna is waterproof. The semiconductor circuits are mounted within the case assembly,
which also contains the battery power supply.
An "ON-OFF" switch is installed on top of the Beacon, along with a light emitting diode (LED)
operation indicator, and also has an in-line speaker, which emits an audio warble whenever the
Beacon is transmitting. The audio sound is identical to the signal being transmitted. This sound
serves as an ALERT that the Beacon is on and directly indicates that the Beacon is functioning.
TM
ACR designed the MINI B300 ILS with an audible warble to help reduce the incidence of
accidental activation. The audible warble also allows you to self-test your beacon more
effectively. NEVER operationally test your Class B EPIRB except as noted in Section 5.2 of this
manual.
The Beacon may be stowed in your pocket, any convenient place, mounted in a special bracket
aboard a vessel, or stowed inside survival craft.
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1.6
TECHNICAL DATA
Pertinent technical data is listed below:
ITEM
CHARACTERISTICS
Frequency
Power Output
Operating Life
121.5 MHz
Minimum 75 mW during 24 hours operation
24 hours minimum at -10°, (-14°F) longer in temperate
climates
Battery
Lithium battery, 6V Duracell DL223A, (or equivalent) sold
with beacon. Rated replacement life: 10 years or
immediately after extended use or emergency.
Emission
Type A3X
Modulation
Downward sweeping tone between 1600 and 300 Hz at 2 to
4 sweeps per second
Frequency Stability
Operating Temperatures
Activation
± 3.5 KHz (Crystal controlled)
-20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)
Manual "ON-OFF" switch
Size
5.0" H x 2.6" W x 1.6" D (127mm x 66mm x 41mm)
excluding antenna
Weight
7.6 ounces (215 g)
Accessories
(Optional)
MINI B300TM ILS Mounting Bracket,
PN 9321
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SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION
2.1
GENERAL
The MINI B300TM ILS Beacon has been designed for multi-purpose installation for survival use,
personnel, rafts, floats and survival craft. It should be stowed on your persons, where it will be
readily available in an emergency, or mounted where easily accessible with the optional MINI
B300TMILS Mounting Bracket (P/N 9321). When securing beacon with Velcro strap, be sure the
antenna is not captured and is free to deploy when released.
SECTION 3 - OPERATION
3.1
GENERAL
The MINI B300TM ILS beacon is designed to be manually deployed, and manually activated. The
beacon should be hand held in a vertical orientation (antenna up) to transmit effectively. No part
of the antenna should be in contact with the water. The beacon will float on its own, but not in the
optimum transmission position. The beacon features an antenna quick release trigger. Warning -
Do not hold beacon near face or body while releasing the antenna. Antenna is spring loaded
and deploys rapidly. The release trigger holds the antenna down at the beacon’s side in the
stowed position. When the beacon is switched to the “ON” position the antenna will spring into an
upright position. The antenna should then be extended to its full length for optimum transmission
performance. The beacon should be operated in an area free of obstructions.
3.2
MANUAL ACTIVATION
The beacon is manually activated. Manually activating the beacon requires movement of the “ON-
OFF” switch to the "ON" position. Warning - Do not hold beacon near face or body while
releasing the antenna. Antenna is spring loaded and deploys rapidly.
From the “OFF” position, lift switch and move to the “ON” position. This will release the antenna
from the stowed position. The beacon will begin transmitting and is confirmed by a steady red
LED and followed by the audible warble and flashing red LED. Extend antenna to its full length.
3.3
DEACTIVATION
The beacon should not be left in the "ON" position. Warning - Do not hold beacon near face or
body while releasing the antenna. Antenna is spring loaded and deploys rapidly. To deactivate
an "ON" beacon, lift the switch and move to the “OFF” position. Fold the antenna and recapture
with quick release trigger.
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3.4
OPERATIONAL NOTES
The EPIRB is designed to float on water but will operate best when held upright out of water. An
operational transmission on land should be conducted in an area free of obstructions, which could
absorb RF energy and limit radiation patterns.
Position the antenna straight up and extend (perpendicular to ground) and not pointing toward the
receiving station. Note that the radiation field null occurs directly off the end of the antenna.
Maintain a visual path where possible between the Beacon and the receiver, since beacons
characteristically transmit "line of sight". The Beacon transmits on 121.5 MHz.
SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE
4.1
GENERAL
The Beacon has been designed for use with a minimum of maintenance required. A checklist is
given in this section, and when accomplished periodically, should help to assure emergency
operation and extended life use.
Caution: Perform all maintenance operations and checks within a screen room, if available, to
prevent inadvertent transmission of emergency signals. If a screen room is not available, use
caution in handling the Beacon during servicing to prevent signal transmission.
4.2
BATTERY CHECK AND SERVICE
1. See Section 5.2 for battery check. Replace Battery Pack immediately after extended use or
emergency.
2. All routine service must be carried out at ACR or by factory authorized personnel at
authorized service centers. In addition to replacing the battery, the o-rings will be replaced and
the EPIRB will be hydro statically re-certified. Please call ACR for the location of your nearest
authorized service center at least 30 days before expiration date. After the warranty period is
over, Battery replacement may be performed in the field. Follow the directions below.
3. The MINI B300TM ILS EPIRB has a dated battery life. When purchasing a new battery, make
sure the battery is fresh. The battery expiry date will be printed on the side of the battery.
4. The battery can be user replaced or returned to a BRC (Battery Replacement Center) for
service. Call (800) 432-0227 for a BRC near you. To replace the battery, follow directions
below.
a. Remove four (4) screws holding the top cap of the Beacon to the case. Use a no. 2 Phillips
screwdriver. Remove top cap and PC board from bottom case being careful not to disturb
any electronic components on the PC board.
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b. Remove old battery and place new battery in battery clip with groove side of battery down
and flat side of battery up. Caution: Make sure flat side of battery is up. Otherwise, the
polarity of the battery would be reversed and damage to the battery will occur. The battery
also poses a possible fire, explosion, or burn hazard when placed in the battery clip upside
down. A semiconductor diode protects the electronics from damage due to battery reversal.
c. Put the battery expiration date on the flat side of the battery and on the EPIRB case with
ACR Part No. A1-20-0857 or equivalent permanent shield label.
d. Grease the top cap o-ring with Dow Corning number 4 Silicone Grease, ACR Part No. A2-
09-0069.
e. Replace the four- (4) screws holding the top cap to the bottom case of the Beacon. Make
sure screws are tight but do not use excessive torque, which could strip the threads in the
top cap.
5. All routine service or battery replacement must be carried out at ACR or by factory authorized
personnel at authorized service centers. In addition to replacing the battery, the o-rings will be
replaced and the EPIRB will be hydro statically re-certified. Please call ACR for the location
of your nearest authorized service center at least 30 days before expiration date.
6. Safety Precautions:
a) Warning: To avoid possible fire, explosion, leakage or burn hazard, do not open,
recharge, disassemble, heat above 71°C (160°F) or incinerate.
b) DOT regulations require that minimum packaging standards be met when shipping certain
materials. The original shipping container should be retained for this reason. If the original
container is lost, please contact ACR Customer Service prior to shipment of unit.
4.3
INSPECTION CHECK
The following checks should be made during the periodic servicing:
1. Check the antenna tip and spring for any signs of damage or corrosion. If antenna has been
bent during storage, it is normal for it to maintain a slight bend. This will not affect
performance.
2. Check the antenna for any signs of chafing, wear, cracks, or other damage, and signs of
resultant corrosion beneath the covering.
3. Check the antenna socket at the cap surface for any sign of looseness or corrosion.
4. Check the Beacon housing for signs of damage or mishandling. Dents or damage to the top
end could result in an operational malfunction during an emergency.
5. If unit has been submerged or sprayed with salt water, it should be thoroughly rinsed with
fresh water. Including extending and collapsing antenna several times while submerged in
fresh water to purge any salt water.
4.4
PERIODIC OPERATIONAL CHECK
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1. To ensure continued reliability, the unit should be checked for operation at least once every 90
(ninety) days, following the procedure of Section 5.2.
2. Do not use cleaners or petroleum distillates.
4.5
PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION
TM
The MINI B300 ILS contains lithium batteries (solid cathode, total 3.4 grams lithium). The
original shipping carton may be used or consult your local transportation authority with regard to
applicable regulations for transporting the EPIRB.
SECTION 5 - TESTING
5.1
GENERAL
The following paragraphs detail the Beacon testing procedures.
Note - Read the entire test procedure before testing.
5.2
OPERATIONAL TESTING
1. The Beacon can be tested by turning it "ON". Warning - Do not hold beacon near face or
body while releasing the antenna. Antenna is spring loaded and deploys rapidly.
2. Red LED indicator will illuminate continuously for 5 (five) seconds, indicating a functional
battery. After the 5 (five) seconds, the LED will blink, confirming RF signal transmission, and
an audible warble will sound, confirming RF signal transmission.
NOTE: Tests of more than 5 (five) second duration must be conducted at designated times and
duration unless special arrangements are made with the USCG, FCC and/or local FAA authorities.
Operational transmission testing may be executed only during the first five (5) minute period of
any hour and only for three tone sweeps or one operational transmission (LED light
flashing/audio warble) second, of the audio modulating whichever is longer.
The MINI B300TM ILS has a speaker, fed by voltage from the microprocessor and the transmitter,
which produces the audible warble. This EPIRB will emit a distinctive warbling sound when
operationally tested. Any change in the audible warble, (a loss of sound or intermittent sound), is
an indication that you should have your beacon serviced at an authorized service station. Conduct
this test only during the first five- (5) minutes of each hour as indicated above.
You can verify that your EPIRB is actually transmitting by turning it "ON" near a FM radio tuned
to 99.5 MHz. The radio will receive the signal and will broadcast the familiar “warble” through its
speakers if the EPIRB is transmitting properly. Conduct this test only during the first five (5)
minutes of each hour as indicated above.
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