ACR Electronics GlobalFix PRO Installation guide

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
Introduction
Boat 20 is equipped with the The GlobalFix™ PRO EPIRB (Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon). This unit broadcasts a unique registered distress signal
that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. The internal GPS will
automatically turn on and acquire your position upon activation and then utilizes a
powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting satellites. As local
Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED
strobe light guide rescuers to your exact location.

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
Technical Specifications
Part Number 2842 (Category I); 2844 (Category II)
Model Number RLB-37
Size (no antenna) 7.0 X 4.2 X 3.6” (17.7 X 10.7 X 9.1 cm)
Weight 20.5 oz (581 g)
GPS Internal GPS
Battery Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium batteries

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
Replacement Replacement due six (6) years from date of manufacture
or five (5) years after beacon is placed into service,
whichever is first, or after emergency use.
Material High impact UV resistant polymer
Deployment Category I-Hydrostatic release (auto), Category II-
Manual release
Activation Out of bracket and wet, or manually
Waterproof 33 ft (10 m) @ 10 min. Exceeds RTCM standard
Output Power 6.3 W +/-2dB (406.037 MHz) 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5
MHz)
Operational Life 48 hours minimum @ -4°F (-20°C)
Typical Performance 65+ hrs. @ -4°F (-20°C); Longer in higher ambient
temperature

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
Operating Temp. -4°F to +131°F (-20°C to +55°C ) (Class 2)
Storage Temp. -30°F to + 158°F (-34°C to +70°C)

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
Operation
1. EPIRB is activated either automatically via hydrostatic release or manually by
crew members.
2. Beacon transmits a 406 MHz emergency message containing your Unique
Identifier Number (UIN) to the LEOSAR (polar orbiting) and GEOSAR*
(geostationary) satellite systems.
3. The satellites relay the 406 MHz emergency message to a ground station called
the Local User Terminal (LUT). The LUT calculates the location of the signal by
measuring the Doppler shift caused by the relative movement between the satellite
and the beacon and forwards the location to the Mission Control Center (MCC).
4. The MCC continues to receive information from additional satellite passes and
further refines the beacon position (2.3 nm search radius). An alert message is
generated that is combined with the registration information from the database and
is forwarded to the appropriate Rescue Coordination Center (RCC).
5. The RCC makes contact with the persons listed in the database to verify the
existence of an emergency and gathers additional information about the beacon
users. The RCC will dispatch the closest, capable Search and Rescue (SAR) forces.
6. Local SAR forces launch a rescue mission and use the 121.5 MHz homing
signal to pinpoint the beacon.

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
Automatic Activation
Manual Activation
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

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
•Push the switch down to the opposite side of the beacon (see
illustration above)
Links
https://www.acrartex.com/media/1374784/y1-03-0242h.pdf
Care and maintenance
Inspection
At least every ninety days, the float free mounting bracket and beacon should be
inspected for deterioration and/or residue buildup that may affect the function of
the beacon or automatic release. Part of the visual check includes checking the
antenna for tightness. Clean the beacon and the mounting bracket to remove any
residue buildups. It is recommended that the beacon and mounting bracket be
wiped with a damp cloth.
Carefully inspect the beacon case for any visible cracks. Cracks may admit
moisture, which could falsely activate the beacon or otherwise cause a
malfunction. Any cracks observed should immediately be referred to ACR Service

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
for evaluation. Call ACR Electronics Technical Service [phone].
Self-Testing the beacon
The RLB-37 beacon may be self-tested as is
warranted, up to a maximum of sixty times in the
five-year life of the battery, or once per month for
the life of the battery. Self-Tests can be
performed randomly. However, ACR
recommends that you perform the Self-Test on a
once per month schedule. Do not exceed sixty
(60) Self-Test cycles limit in the five-year life of
the battery, to conserve the battery for emergency
use.
The functional Self-Test is initiated by
momentarily lifting the Activation Switch to a
vertical position and holding it in this position for at least one second and at most
four seconds. A beep indicates the initiation of the Self-Test sequence. Self-Test
will check battery capacity and perform five functional test sequences as described
in Appendix A.
The last green LED followed by a strobe indicates a successful test. If any of the
individual tests fail during Self-Test, there will be two beeps and a red LED flash
at the end of the Self-Test. Self-Test will discontinue at that point.
Battery replacement
Battery replacement is due 5 years from date after the beacon placed into service,
or by expiry date on the beacon whichever is first. During each inspection, check
the time remaining until battery replacement is required. The battery must also be
replaced if the beacon has been activated for any use other than the Self-Test.
Annual testing
for SOLAS vessels, IMO MSC/Circ. 1040
SOLAS regulation IV/15.9 dictates annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs.
Testing should be carried out using suitable test equipment capable of performing
the relevant measurements. All checks of electrical parameters should be
performed in the self-test mode, if possible. These tests can be performed by

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
certified ACR Battery Replacement Centers (BRCs). Visit ACR’s website at
www.acrartex.com for authorized ACR BRCs.
Servicing the SeaShelter3
The SeaShelter3TM Category I bracket has two main pieces, the lid and the base.
To open the bracket, turn the spring loaded knob counterclockwise 1/4 of a turn
and pull. The lid will lift away from the top of the base and disengage from the
detent at the bottom of the base. The lid is tethered to the base to help prevent loss.
Brackets are a key part of the overall beacon system. They hold a beacon ready for
deployment while preventing false alarms. Category I brackets also require
replacement of the Hydrostatic Release Unit every two years.
To remove the expired HRU (Hydrostatic Release Device
for automatic deployment)
When opening the SeaShelter3TM lid, note that the beacon is
installed with the lanyard face in. Pull the beacon with steady
pressure from the bracket. Do not get beacon wet while out of
bracket. The HRU has a keying feature that locks it to the
bracket. If you view the HRU rod as the center of a clock, a
properly installed HRU will rest at the 7 o’clock position, as
shown in the picture.
Safety
Safety DOs and DON’Ts
On a routine basis aboard ship, DO NOT:
•Hold or carry the beacon by its antenna
•Mount the beacon in its bracket close to large structures or magnetic
areas
•Tie the lanyard to the EPIRB bracket or any other structure
•Obscure the beacon by placing objects in front of it
On a routine basis aboard ship, DO:

LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREBOAT TRAINING MANUAL 1.1: GlobalFix PRO 406 MHz RLB-37
LBFD MARINE DIVISION Chapter # Page # DECEMBER 2015
•Mount the beacon in its bracket in an obvious location, so that all can see it
•Mount the beacon in its bracket with the rolled lanyard facing inward (facing the
bracket)
•Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
•Perform a beacon Self-Test monthly
•Follow up with beacon service if Self-Test fails