ACR Electronics RLB-38 Installation instructions

PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL
SATELLITE3406™
406 MHz EPIRB //
Model No.: RLB-38
Product No.: 2874, 2875
Y1-03-0250 Rev. C
OWNER
VESSEL
RADIO CALL SIGN
UIN #

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 1
NOTE re: Applicable products
This manual supports all configurations of Satellite3406™/ RLB-38
beacons. In addition to the part numbers listed on the cover page, other
configurations of these products are available, thus you may have
purchased a product configuration with a somewhat different part number.
As long as the first four digits are the same as one of the two part numbers
on the cover, this manual is applicable.
CAUTION: Before proceeding to install, test or use your new ACR
Electronics’ product, please read this Product Support Manual in its
entirety.
If you have questions regarding the contents of the manual, please
contact our Technical Service Department at ACR Electronics, Inc.,
Telephone [phone]. Please be ready to provide the technician
with the page number you wish to discuss. If you have a question that is
not covered in the manual, please visit our website and access the
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section for further information or call
our Technical Service Department. The website address is
www.acrelectronics.com. If in the future you lose this manual, you may
access and print a replacement on the ACR website.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 2
Table of Contents
STEP ONE - REGISTERING YOUR BEACON ____________________________ 3
STEP TWO - HOW THE BEACON WORKS _____________________________ 6
STEP THREE - INSTALLING THE BEACON_____________________________ 15
STEP FOUR - MAINTAINING THE BEACON ___________________________ 20
APPENDIX A - USING AND TESTING THE GPS SYSTEMS_________________ 25
APPENDIX B - THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM _________________________ 27
APPENDIX C - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS __________________________ 28
APPENDIX D - WARRANTY, NOTICES _______________________________ 29
PLEASE READ ALL WARNINGS,
CAUTIONS AND NOTES CAREFULLY

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 3
STEP ONE - REGISTERING YOUR BEACON
1. Why is registration important?
As the owner of this 406 MHz beacon, it is mandatory that you register
it with the EPIRB national authority of your country: It is the law.
Please note that all 406 MHz beacons are required to have their registration
updated every two years by the owner.
HOW REGISTRATION WORKS:
All 406 MHz beacons transmit a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) when
activated. This UIN is programmed into the beacon based on the country in
which the beacon is registered, thus authorities are able to determine which
country’s database will have your registration information. SAR forces will
have information as to who you are as the owner of the beacon, the name
and type of vessel that you have, your homeport, and who to contact that
might know of your current situation - but only if your beacon has been
properly registered. Valuable search and rescue resources are wasted
every year responding to false alarms, and registering your beacon helps to
resolve false alarms quickly.
Your unique ID code
programmed inside each EPIRB is
transmitted to Search and Rescue
(SAR). SAR forces use this code to pull
up your registration to find out valuable
information about who needs help.
YOUR RESCUE WILL
BE DELAYED IF YOUR
BEACON ISN’T PROPERLY
REGISTERED!

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 4
2. What country should I register in?
Register your beacon with the EPIRB national authority of the country for
which the beacon was programmed, typically the country where purchased,
regardless of where you do your boating.
The beacon must be reprogrammed if you, as the owner, move or the
vessel sails under the flag of a different country than the one for which the
beacon was previously programmed. To verify the country for which a
beacon is programmed, see the label with the UIN (Unique Identification
Number) on the back of the unit. Units that do not have a country specified
on the UIN label are programmed for the United States.
3. How do I register?
Registration in the United States
The national authority that accepts registrations in the United States is the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Here are three ways to register:
1. The fastest and easiest way to register is online at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/.
2. Faxing a registration is also acceptable. Fax the registration form to the fax
number on the top of the registration form.
NOTE: Do not confuse the registration form with the ACR Electronics
warranty card.
3. If online or fax registration is not available, mail the registration form with the
pre-addressed, postage paid envelope to:
SARSAT Beacon Registration NOAA
NSOF, E/SP053
4231 Suitland Road
Suitland, MD 20746
All registration forms will be entered in the 406 MHz beacon registration
database within 48 hours of receipt. The information you provide on the
registration form is used for rescue purposes only.
A confirmation letter, a copy of the actual registration and a proof-of-
registration decal will be mailed to you within two weeks. When you receive
these documents, please check the information carefully with the
existing label on the unit, and then affix the decal to your beacon in the
area marked “BEACON DECAL HERE.” If you do not receive confirmation
back from NOAA in the expected timeframe, call toll free [phone] for
assistance.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 5
Registration outside of the United States
In countries other than the United States, 406 MHz beacons are registered
with that country’s national authority at the time of purchase. The sales
agent should have assisted you in filling out the forms and sending them to
the country’s national authority. Alternatively, many countries allow online
registration in the International 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database
(IBRD) at www.406registration.com.
To verify that the unit is properly programmed for your country, view the UIN
label on the back of the unit. In the event that the beacon is not programmed
for your country, the sales agent (if properly equipped) can reprogram the
unit for the correct country.
4. Do I need a radio license?
In the United States, you may or may not need to obtain or update a radio
station license. Check the FCC’s website at
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=ship_stations or
call toll-free [phone] (CALLFCC) for the latest information.
Outside of the United States, contact your local authority for the
requirements.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 6
STEP TWO - HOW THE BEACON WORKS
1. How your beacon brings help
406 MHz beacons are a type of portable emergency equipment that
transmits a distress signal to search and rescue (SAR) organizations. The
purpose of these beacons is to aid SAR teams in tracking and locating ships
or individuals in jeopardy as rapidly as possible.
The 406 MHz frequency is a worldwide dedicated emergency frequency that
is detected by a special system of satellites called the Cospas-Sarsat
system. This satellite system was established by, and continues to be
supported by, its primary benefactors - the USA, Russia, Canada and
France. The Cospas-Sarsat system has saved over 23,500 lives - and
counting - since its inception. See Appendix G or the Cospas-Sarsat website
for more information about the system at www.cospas-sarsat.org.
When a 406 MHz beacon is activated, the digital distress message is sent to
Cospas-Sarsat satellites and, in turn, the distress message is relayed to
SAR. The distress message contains important information about the
beacon and its owner. Additional information about the beacon is accessed
by SAR from the beacon registration database. At the same time the 406
MHz signal is activated, a 121.5 MHz signal is turned on. The 121.5 MHz
signal is used by SAR to home in on the beacon as they approach it.
The 406 MHz signal is detected by multiple satellites and from that
information the location of the beacon can be calculated. This data alone is
sufficient for SAR to find persons or ships in distress in a reasonable
timeframe. However, as a further enhancement, some beacons have a GPS
engine onboard. This feature allows the beacon to acquire current location
coordinates from an internal GPS receiver or download coordinates from an
external GPS receiver. The coordinates are added to the ID of the unit,
which is transmitted with the 406 signal. This enables the SAR authorities to
locate the beacon to an accuracy of 110 yards (100 m).

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 7
2. Anatomy of your beacon
NOTE: When unpacking your beacon, it is recommended that you save the
original packaging for re-use when shipping the beacon for battery
replacement in the future.
// Activation switch with Witness Tab
The activation switch embodies a special, patented method of activating a
beacon. Refer to a subsequent section of this manual for how to activate the
beacon.
// Optional External GPS interface
The external GPS Interface serves as the connection to the ship’s GPS
system. Use of this feature requires the purchase of an Optical GPS
interface Cable.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 8
Top View
Switch Positions
Strobes
Optional GPS
Interface
Antenna
Green
LED
Red
LED
Activation/
Test Switch
OFF/READY
Position
TEST
Position
ON/TRANSMITTING
Position

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 9
GPS Interface
Stowage Port
Category 2 –QuickDraw™ Bracket
Category 1 –SeaShelter™3Bracket
Spring
Release
Knob
HydroFix™
Hydrostatic
Release Unit
(HRU)
Ejector
Spring
Antenna
Hook
Front cover
hook (detent)
Optional GPS
Interface
Cable
Antenna Hook
Water Sensor
Deactivation Magnet
Release Latch

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 10
3. Activating your beacon
Overview
Category I beacons are designed to be automatically deployed and
activated in the event of a sinking vessel. The beacon may also be hand
held on the deck of vessels, or floated in water and attached to a raft or life
vest with the lanyard provided.
Category II beacons are designed to be manually deployed from the
bracket.
Two conditions must be met for a Category II beacon to automatically
activate:
// It must be out of its bracket
// It must be wet
NOTE: Either condition by itself will not automatically activate the beacon.
Category I and II beacons can always be manually activated in or out of
their bracket.
The beacon and bracket are designed to allow the user to perform periodic
testing while the beacon is in its bracket.
WARNING: This transmitter is authorized for use only during
situations of grave and imminent danger. Deliberate misuse may incur a
severe penalty.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 11
Category I beacons-Automatic deployment and activation
If the vessel sinks, the HydroFix™ HRU frees the beacon from the bracket,
allowing it to float to the surface. Built-in sensors detect that the beacon is
no longer in its bracket and when continuity is created by water between
two of the top cap screws, an activation circuit is completed.
NOTE: Transmission of the 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz signals will not occur
until 100 seconds after activation.
HRU releases the rod
separating the front and
back cover of bracket at a
depth between 4-13 feet.
Ejector Spring launches EPIRB
from the bracket allowing it to
float freely to the water surface.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 12
Category I and II Beacons-Manual deployment and activation
Both Category I and II beacons can be manually deployed by removing the
beacon from the bracket.
Once removed, the beacon can be activated by placing it in water OR by
lifting the Activation Switch to a vertical position, sliding it toward the
antenna and pushing down to the opposite side of the beacon. Activating
the beacon in this manner breaks off the Activation Witness Tab and allows
the switch to properly seat, showing the “ ▌ “ symbol (ON).
A Category I or II beacon MANUALLY activates with the following sequence:
1.) Remove the beacon from its bracket
2.) Activation method one: Place beacon in water
3.) Activation method two:
// Lift the switch to a vertical position
// Slide the switch toward the antenna
// Push the switch down to the opposite side of the beacon (see
illustration below)
Category I and II Beacons-Manual Activation Without Deployment
The beacon can be manually activated while still in its bracket by placing the
Activation Switch in the ON position. Activation by this method overrides all
sensors and turns the beacon “ON.”
Push the main switch up
90 degrees, slide toward
antenna and all the way
down to activate.
Witness tab will break
once placed in the “ON”
position.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 13
TIPS FOR OPTIMUM DEPLOYMENT OF AN ACTIVATED BEACON:
When activating and deploying your beacon in an emergency, DO
NOT:
// Hold or clutch the beacon or antenna
// Operate the beacon while hand held, if at all possible
// Turn the beacon off for any reason, including to save power
// Activate the beacon if you have any other means of self rescue
// Operate the beacon inside a life raft or under any other canopy or
cover
// Tether the beacon to the bracket or vessel
When activating and deploying your beacon in an emergency, DO:
// Follow the steps to activate the beacon as described on the beacon or
in this manual
// Give clear view to the sky for best performance
// Take the EPIRB with you if abandoning ship, provided there is time to
get it
// Tether beacon, using the lanyard, to the life raft and let the beacon
float (if in a life raft)
// Keep EPIRB upright for best signal transmission, either by floating it,
resting it or holding it in this position
// Manually activate the beacon if it has not been automatically activated
4. Turning off the beacon
If your beacon was manually activated and you wish to deactivate, return
the thumb switch to the “OFF” position. If automatically activated and you
wish to deactivate, remove the beacon from the water and dry the unit or
place the beacon back into the release bracket. The beacon normally takes
up to 12 seconds to deactivate.
If deactivation should fail, remove the four screws holding the unit together
and unplug the battery to disable the unit. Return the beacon to ACR
Electronics for service.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 14
5. False alarms
To prevent false alarms, it is important to be aware of how your beacon can
be activated. An ACR 406 MHz EPIRB can be activated by two different
methods. Whether you have a Category I or Category II, these methods are
the same.
// When the beacon is out of its bracket and wet, the unit will start
transmitting
// When the switch is moved to the “ON” position, in or out of the
bracket, the unit will start transmitting
Precautions to prevent false alarms
// Do not mount or transport the beacon within 4.6 ft/1.4 m of a
magnetic source.
// Do not store the beacon outside of its bracket if it can get wet.
// Do not mount the EPIRB backwards in its bracket (lanyard roll must
face in).
// Do not clean the beacon with a water hose and brush while out of
its bracket.
Reporting
Should there be, for any reason, an inadvertent activation or false alarm, it
must be reported to the nearest search and rescue authorities. The
information that should be reported includes:
// The EPIRB 15-digit Unique Identifier Number (UIN)
// Time and date
// Duration and cause of activation
// Location of beacon at the time of activation
To report false alarms in the United States, contact any of the following:
US Region
Telephone Number
Atlantic Ocean / Gulf of Mexico
USCG Atlantic Area Command Center
[phone]
Pacific Ocean Area /
USCG Area Command Center
[phone]
USCG HQ Command Center
[phone]
To report false alarms outside of the USA, contact the national authority
where your beacon is registered.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 15
STEP THREE - INSTALLING THE BEACON
1. Marking battery and Hydrostatic Release Unit expiration dates
NOTE: It is the beacon owner’s responsibility to record the expiration dates
for both the beacon battery and the HydroFix™ hydrostatic release unit.
This information must appear on the product itself.
The left side of the battery housing indicates the battery expiry date. Space
is provided for the beacon owner to mark the date the beacon was placed
into service. The beacon should be serviced 5 years from the installation
date but no later than the battery expiry date.
The ACR HydroFix™ HRU has an expiration date of 2 years from the date
of installation or 4 years from the date manufactured, whichever comes
first. Upon installing your beacon or new HRU, permanently scratch the
new expiration date on the HRU date calendar as seen below.
2. Mounting location
The selection of a mounting location will vary from vessel to vessel.
Beacons should be protected from outside influences while being readily
accessible at all times in the event of an emergency.
The location selected must be sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the
total installation.
Hazards to avoid when selecting a mounting location:
// Vibration
// Exposure to the elements
// Possibility of impact from hatches, gear, or personnel
// Harmful vapors
// Exhaust
// Harsh chemicals
// Locations that can be obscured by foreign articles on a temporary or
permanent basis.
Date of Installation Example:
Date of installation of New HRU or First
Installation of EPIRB including new
HRU: August 1, 2010.
This unit will need to be replaced in
August of 2012. Scratch off “AUG 8”
and “2011” on the HRU date calendar
Date of Manufacture Example:
On the bottom of the HRU a date of
manufacture is pin stamped: 0808.
This unit will need to be replaced in
August 2012. Scratch off “AUG 8” and
“2012” on the HRU date calendar

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 16
Visually inspect the area surrounding the mounting bracket installation site
for hidden hazards or obstacles that may have been overlooked during the
location selection. If there is any doubt as to the ready accessibility to the
beacon at all times or if any condition may appear to be questionable,
conduct a complete and thorough investigation before final approval of the
installation.
NOTE: When selecting the beacon bracket location, be sure to consider the
requirement for four screw holes to secure the bracket.
CAUTION: Keep this beacon a safe distance away from all
magnetic sources. Magnet safe distance is 4.6 ft or 1.4 m, including
the distance from stereo speakers.
CAUTION: Category I brackets must be mounted free from
obstruction to allow the beacon to automatically float free from the vessel
in case of sinking. The SeaShelter3™ can be mounted on a vertical
surface with the beacon antenna pointing skyward or a horizontal surface
with the beacon face up. Avoid mounting locations that subject the
bracket to breaking waves. Avoid structures like dodgers or cabin tops
that could trap the beacon upon deployment.
CAUTION: Category II brackets must be mounted in a protected
location that is easily accessible should it be necessary to abandon ship.
The QuickDraw™ can be mounted on a vertical surface with the beacon
antenna pointing skyward or a horizontal surface with the beacon face
up. Avoid mounting locations that subject the bracket to breaking waves.
Avoid mounting locations that do not provide protection from harmful UV
rays of the sun. The bracket must be mounted facing inboard to avoid
being lost overboard due to impacts of breaking waves, personnel or
loose gear.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 17
3. Category I bracket
The SeaShelter3™ Category I bracket has five pre-drilled screw holes to use
for securing the bracket to a flat surface. Remove the SeaShelter3™ lid by
turning the spring loaded knob on the lid 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull.
The lid will lift away from the top of the base and disengage at the bottom of
the base. The lid is tethered to the base to help prevent loss. Pull the
beacon with steady pressure from the bracket. It is not necessary to remove
the HydroFix™ Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) to mount the bracket using
four of the holes. For extreme conditions a fifth hole is available when the
HydroFix is removed and the ejector spring is deployed. The bracket can be
held in place to mark the placement of the screw holes or you can use the
mounting template provided. The use of #10 pan head stainless steel
fasteners (minimum of ½” long) and ½” washers (not included) is
recommended. Make sure that fasteners will not contact any wires or
plumbing before drilling pilot holes.

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 18
4. Category II bracket
Category II brackets are designed to hold the beacon securely in place. The
beacon must be manually deployed. The bracket can be mounted on a
vertical flat surface with beacon antenna up or on a horizontal flat surface
facing skyward. This location must be easily accessible in order to manually
deploy the beacon or to perform the required maintenance and functionality
tests. Typical locations include near the helm station or just inside the
companionway door.
The QuickDraw™ Category II bracket has three pre-drilled screw holes to
use for securing the bracket to a flat surface. Remove the beacon from the
bracket. To do this while holding the assembly, press the “PUSH” lever to
release the beacon from the bracket. Pull the beacon forward and down to
remove. The bracket can be held in place to mark the holes. The use of #8
pan head stainless steel fasteners and washers (not included) is
recommended. Be sure to confirm that fasteners will not contact any wires
or plumbing before drilling pilot holes.
To reinstall the beacon inside the bracket, place
the antenna behind the top notch in the bracket.
The yellow lanyard roll faces the bracket and rests
in the concave part of the bracket. Snap the
beacon into place by pushing firmly at the bottom
of the beacon (on the ACR logo) until the snaps
engage the bottom of the beacon.
Push to Release
Top in First
Bottom in Second

Y1-03-0250 Rev. C 19
5. Installing the Optional optical GPS interface cable
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.
The black lead wire with white
stripes should be connected to
the output of the external GPS
receiver positive transmitter pin.
The black wire should be
connected to the negative pin.
If you have a Category I beacon and bracket, the connector is at the end of
the black lead wire plugs into the beacon via the bezel on the top of the
beacon. See the location of the GPS interface in previous figures (“Anatomy
of your beacon”, page 7 and “Top View”, page 8). It is important to seat the
connector completely in the bezel for an operational connection.
If you have a Category II beacon and bracket, your connector has two
extensions on it that must be aligned with the two notches on the Category II
beacon bezel. The connector is then gently inserted downward into place
and turned 90° to lock the connector into the bezel.
If the external GPS receiver is operational and the connection has been
correctly made to the optical interface, the green LED in the optical interface
will start flashing at activation.
NOTE: The baud rate output for your GPS receiver NMEA 0183 should be
4800 bps. If you are not sure if your receiver is NMEA 0183 compliant,
check the interface settings listed in your GPS manual. To optimize your
GPS interface feature, be sure that your GPS receiver is equipped with a
NMEA 0183 Version 1.5 or higher with GPGGA sentence enabled.
Consult your GPS receiver manual for the maximum cable length
acceptable for an external GPS connection to the beacon. Also see
Appendix A for information regarding the use and testing of your GPS
system in conjunction with the beacon.
Using the optical interface is not necessary for the beacon to function
properly; it will, however, enhance the beacon’s performance.