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Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTIONS:
QUESTION:
Is there a problem if I
purchase an ACR 406 MHz beacon from a USA dealer and intend to
register it in another country?
ANSWER:
Yes, there is a potential
problem. The beacon is programmed with a country code that
routes the signal to the country where it is registered. If you
buy a beacon programmed USA and try to register it in another
country chances are they will not accept the registration
application. ACR has distributors world wide. Go to
www.acrelectronics.com to find the ACR distributor closest
to you. ACR’s in-country distributor can reprogram the beacon
for you and if necessary apply any country specific labels or
markings. They will charge for this service, but you will find
them very helpful.
ACR EPIRBs
works on a global satellite system and providing you register it
in the country that it is coded to, someone will come and find
you!
QUESTION:
Do your personal locator beacons work outside of the United
States? If so, which one would be the best for a person
traveling (not military) in Pakistan, China and other countries
of this region?
ANSWER:
The answer is yes it
certainly does work outside the US! The system operates with the
Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, which comprises polar low earth
orbiting (LEOSAR) satellites. In addition, the geostationary (GEOSAR)
satellites ranged around the equator will receive your GPS
position data if you have a GPS enabled EPIRB such as the
GlobalFix™.
It will
take a standard 406, without GPS, about an hour and 45 minutes
before the LEOSAR can resolve any position ambiguity and for
Search And Rescue (SAR) to launch a response. These satellites
orbit the polar regions of the earth about once every 90
minutes; there are usually 4 or 5 operational and a couple of
spares. A GPS beacon can be detected and located near
instantaneously, assuming that the beacon acquires a GPS
position and transmits it to the GEOSAR satellite/s.
The
Cospas-Sarsat response system is global with many nations
participating. There are few places on the planet where there is
either no SAR responder (Antarctica in the winter for example)
or SAR is unable to respond (due to advanced altitude or severe
weather for example).
SAR,
providing they are satisfied with the results from the NOAA
database, the position data, and all other relevant criteria,
will act very quickly. In the USA, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter
can take off in as little as 30+ minutes after being directed to
do so. Response times will differ from country to country.
To learn
more, take a look at the Cospas-Sarsat website at
http://www.cospas-sarsat.org/MainPages/indexEnglish.htm or
the ACR website at
www.acrelectronics.com .
QUESTION:
How do I get an MMSI Number?
ANSWER:
While ITU maintains the
worldwide master list of MMSI, the FCC (and Sea Tow and Boat US
for some boats) give out assignments, in the US the numbers. In
the USA, if you are traveling beyond US waters you will need to
apply to the FCC for an MMSI. US residents sailing within US
waters can get an MMSI from Boat US
http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or Sea Tow
http://www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm. You should
note that these numbers are not registered with the ITU, so if
you are in distress in non-USA waters, the local rescue
authorities will not be able to access your registration
information.
When
applying to the FCC, you can get your MMSI at the same time as
your radio license and call sign. For this you’ll need to fill
out:
Form 605, Main Form for the station license good for 10 years -
$205 fee
Form 605, Schedule B for the MMSI - Free
Form 605, Schedule E for a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator
Permit (if you don’t already have one) - $55 fee
Form 159 - Remittance Advice form explaining to them why you’re
sending the FCC money
You can
actually fill all of these forms out on the FCC’s website at
https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp?key=
Note that
you will need to register with the FCC and obtain a registration
(CORES/FRS) number before you can fill out the forms. Once you
are logged in, you will want to access the Universal Licensing
System (ULS) and begin your application for a ship station
license.
QUESTION:
My question is, will a RCL-100 point pad work with a URC-102
controller and is the coaxial cable the same as a regular TV
cable? I have the URP-102 point pad but I am wanting to add a
second unit.
ANSWER:
The RCL-100 point pad is compatible with the URC-102 Master
Control Unit and if you want to add a second station then you
need the 9282.3 Second station kit (URP-102 Point Pad, two way
splitter and 15 ft. coaxial cable included). The coaxial cable
is 75 ohm TV cable (Type RG-59).
QUESTION:
Is there any difference (except color) between the AeroFix,
TerraFix and AquaFix units? Can I register an AquaFix as ELT or
as PLB instead of registering this unit as EPIRB?
ANSWER:
The TerraFix, AquaFix and
AeroFix have the same specifications. The only difference is
their holster colors and the accessories packaged with them. The
TerraFix is sold in the outdoor market and comes with an
interface cable that has a serial connector on one end. The
AquaFix is sold in the marine market and has an interface cable
with wire leads that can be easily wired into a boats navigation
system. The AquaFix also come with a bulkhead mounting clip. The
AeroFix is sold into the aviation market and has an interface
cable with wire leads that can be easily wired into an aircrafts
navigation system. The AeroFix also come with a bulkhead
mounting clip. They are all model PLB-200 or model PLB-201 and
are satellite detectable anywhere in the world. Please view
these links for more information on ACR PLBs.
http://www.acraquafix.com
http://www.acrterrafix.com
http://www.acraerofix.com
For
further registration information please view this link for
contacts.
http://www.cospas-sarsat.com/BeaconsCodingGuideGeneral/poc.htm
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