ACR&Artex GlobalFix iPro - Manual (Page 28)

Y1-03-0233 Rev. J 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.