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Y1-03-0250 Rev. B 25
APPENDIX A - USING AND TESTING THE GPS SYSTEMS
1. How the external GPS interface works
The beacon is fitted with an optical interface to connect with an external
Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that will determine the latitude
and longitude of its position. This data is transmitted to the emergency
system. When the beacon is coupled to a working external GPS receiver, it
immediately begins downloading data. Once valid position data has been
obtained, the beacon will attempt to update the positional data every 20
minutes. The Satellite
3
406™ will store the last valid positional data for up to
4 hours, if it becomes unable to obtain new updated data. It will update this
data if and only if it receives new good positional data from the external
GPS receiver.
2. Using the external GPS interface
Once a compatible, operating GPS receiver is connected to the Satellite
3
406™, the beacon will store coordinate data for incorporation into the
emergency message. The coordinates are transmitted to the satellite when
the beacon is activated in an emergency. Coordinate data provides a more
accurate location to the Search and Rescue Authority and may lead to a
faster rescue. Since the last valid GPS position data may stay in the
memory for up to 4 hours, the user should take care to make sure that the
GPS position data stored is accurate. This can be accomplished by two
methods:
// By always leaving a properly functioning external GPS receiver
connected to the beacon before activation, or…
// By connecting a properly functioning external GPS receiver with a
valid position fix, and allowing sufficient time to acquire valid GPS position
data.
3. Testing the external GPS interface
Connect the optical interface plug to the beacon bezel and allow sufficient
time for the GPS receiver to acquire valid GPS position data (usually less
than 1 minute; but it can take up to 20 minutes). Lift the thumb switch to the
vertical (Self-Test) position and release. Your beacon will confirm that it has
acquired valid GPS data by flashing an extra green LED at the end of a Self-
Test.
4. Updating the external GPS position data
When the beacon is properly connected to a functioning and compatible
GPS receiver, GPS position data is automatically updated about every 20
minutes while valid GPS position data is present. The operator can force the
acquisition of new GPS position data by initiating a Self-Test with the
beacon connected to an external GPS receiver with a valid position fix. This