ACR Electronics Satellite3 406 RLB-38 User Manual
Page 20

Y1-03-0250 Rev. B
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. 
