ACR Electronics Y1-03-0233 Marine GPS System User Manual


 
Y1-03-0233 Rev. D 27
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 GlobalFix™ iPRO 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 GlobalFix™
iPRO, 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 displaying the latitude and longitude coordinates
on the display. This will occur at the end of 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 bypasses
the normal, programmed, waiting time of 20 minutes for the automatic update
of GPS position data.