FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—OCTOBER 13, 2008— ACR Electronics has received
European Marine Equipment Directive (MED) ‘wheelmark’ approvals and will
soon begin shipping the GlobalFix™ iPRO, a patented, next generation 406
MHz EPIRB featuring breakthrough technology that makes it the first
EPIRB in the world to offer an exclusive Digital Display Screen and Dual
GPS technology.
The Digital Display provides the user with a variety of important
information both during operation and self-test. ACR integrated the
Digital Display because the research and development team listened to
customer feedback and understood that beacon users could benefit
considerably from a digital read out.
When activated, the GlobalFix™ iPRO displays latitude/longitude
coordinates on the screen for the user. If the endangered person has
another means of communication, the LAT/LON data can be provided to
rescuing parties. The screen can be very helpful during emergencies such
as reminding the user of what to do to assure that the distress signal
is sent and continues to be sent.
Even under conditions where it is difficult to get a GPS fix, for
instance during a severe storm, the 406 MHz signal is always sent and
the rescue satellite system will begin to extrapolate the location.
Typically, internal GPS coordinates are acquired within the first 100
seconds of activation. Interfacing with an external GPS via NMEA 0183
ensures LAT/LON is transmitted immediately.
When activated, the Digital Display provides the user with reassuring
tips on optimizing the use of the beacon and provides the following
functionality during activation:
• It informs the user that the beacon is working
• It informs the user of his/her GPS coordinates
• It informs the user of remaining battery power
• It reinforces to the user the correct deployment of an activated
beacon, such as “Leave beacon on until ResQ” and “Do not hold aerial”.
During a self-test, the Digital Display provides information about a
self-test, including results of each test (pass/fail) and the final
result of all the tests combined. These tests provide status reports on
the 406 MHz signal, GPS acquisition and battery power, to name a few. It
also advises on appropriate routine actions, like “Send for service”.
The 406 MHz data is sufficient for the satellite to determine the
location of an activated beacon. However, the benefit of having GPS
coordinates sent along with a 406 MHz emergency signal is that such data
enhances the 406 MHz signal and reduces the notification period, from
approximately 1 hour to 15 minutes, and initial search radius, from
2.5nm to 100m (COSPAS-SARSAT data). Thus, the inclusion of GPS
coordinates is of significant benefit to the rescuee, as well as SAR
organizations.
The Digital Display is housed inside of the GlobalFix™ iPRO top cap. It
cannot be touched, bumped, pierced or otherwise damaged by an external
force unless the entire EPIRB is destroyed. ACR Electronics has solved
the challenge of liquid crystal displays and cold temperature operation.
Even if the display were disabled, the EPIRB will still function
normally.
The information on the Digital Display is an enhancement for the user,
and does not require the user to interact with the beacon in order for
it to perform.
The Digital Display lettering is fairly large, so most anyone can read
it even without glasses or contact lenses. But if the user cannot read
it, once activated, the GlobalFix™ iPRO will function without any other
interaction. So, if the user needs to focus attention elsewhere during
an emergency, the iPRO will take care of things on its own.
The iPRO is small and light, which saves a valuable commodity space - on
a ship, boat or in a ditch bag. The iPRO relies on efficient and durable
LEDs for the LED strobe. This means longer battery life and the ability
to withstand shock and vibration. LEDs use notably less energy than a
traditional strobe light, but, to the naked eye, there is no discernable
difference in the light characteristics. ACR chose the LED technology to
further conserve the battery.
The GlobalFix™ iPRO is loaded with high efficiency electronics that
offer reliable performance, responsiveness and accuracy. It carries
Class 2 batteries, which will allow the beacon to transmit for a minimum
of 48 hours at -20ºC (-4ºF). The iPRO is powered by non-hazardous
batteries, which eliminate shipping hassles – a real cost savings.
Its marine-tough compact, ergonomic design employs components that do
more with less bulk. This equates into years of useful service. The
GlobalFix™ iPRO is intended for worldwide distribution, i.e., for all
ships that have carriage requirements for an EPIRB. Additionally, it may
be sold to persons/ships that elect to carry an EPIRB.
An EPIRB is a satellite-signaling device of last resort, for use when
all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted and where the
situation is deemed to be grave and imminent, and the loss of life,
limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance. All
beacons must be registered following purchase. There are no monthly
service fees for 406 MHz beacons.
ACR Electronics, Inc. (www.acrelectronics.com), a Cobham plc company,
designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products
including EPIRBs, PLBs, SSAS, AIS, SARTs and safety accessories. The
quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO
9001:2000 Series Standards. To focus on this innovative technology, ACR
has introduced a dynamic, new “The Science of Survival” theme for its
line of marine, outdoor, aviation and military products. Recognized as
the world leader in safety and survival technologies, ACR has provided
safety equipment to the aviation and marine industries as well as to the
military since 1956 and the outdoor industries since 2003.
Contact: John Bell
prseitz@bellsouth.net
954-970-3394