ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS-Capable Emergency Beacons User Guide
- June 12, 2024
- ACR
Table of Contents
ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS-Capable Emergency Beacons
Product Information
- Product Name: GlobalFix V5
- Model Number: RLB-44
- Product Number: 2851 (Cat I) & 2852 (Cat II)
- Battery: Non-rechargeable Lithium Batteries
- Class: Buoyant
- Activation: Manual or Automatic when released into the water
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1.78 lbs (810 g)
- Dimensions (Extended): 18.5 (L) x 4.29 (W) x 4.33 (D) 470 mm (L) x 109 mm (W) x 110 mm (D)
- Battery Replacement: 10 Years
- Operational Life: 48+ hours
- Approvals (Pending): Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, MED, UK, ISED, AMSA, New Zealand
- Warranty: 5 years
- AIS Locating Signal: 406 406MHz Cospas-Sarsat, GALILEO, GPS, GNSS, Multi GNSS, 121.5 121.5MHz Homer (with position**)
- *Return Link Service:** Waterproof with built-in buoyancy, Visible and IR Strobe Array, 4248 48 Hours of Operation
Product Usage Instructions
- Ensure that the non-rechargeable lithium batteries are properly installed in the GlobalFix V5.
- To activate the EPIRB, either manually release it into the water or it will activate automatically when released into the water.
- The EPIRB is waterproof and buoyant, so it will float in water.
- When activated, the EPIRB will transmit your emergency signal to the global Cospas Sarsat satellite rescue system.
- The EPIRB also broadcasts an AIS safety message on VHF frequencies, which can be seen immediately by any AIS equipped vessel nearby.
- The Return Link Service (RLS) technology provides visual confirmation to the user that their distress message has been received.
- The EPIRB emits a 121.5 MHz homing signal for locating purposes.
- For easy target identification at night or in poor visibility, the EPIRB is equipped with visible and infrared strobe lights.
- The GlobalFix V5 EPIRB can be monitored using a smartphone App through Near Field Communication (NFC) connectivity.
- Use the smartphone App to check the status of all EPIRB functions and ensure it is working properly.
Note: For further information or assistance, please contact ACR Electronics, Inc. at the following address:
ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Tel: (954) 981.3333
Fax: (954) 983.5087
Email: [email protected]
SPECIFICATIONS
Product Number: 2851 (Cat I) & 2852 (Cat II)
Model Number: RLB-44
-
Battery
Non-rechargeable Lithium Batteries -
Class
Class 2 Operation (@ -4°F / -20°C) -
Temperature Range
- Storage: -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F)
- Operating: -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)
-
Activation
Manual or Automatic when released into the water -
Buoyant
Yes -
Waterproof
Yes -
Weight
1.78 lbs (810 g) -
Dimensions (Extended)
18.5” (L) x 4.29” (W) x 4.33” (D)
470 mm (L) x 109 mm (W) x 110 mm (D) Battery Replacement
10 Years -
Operational Life
48+ hours -
Approvals (Pending)
Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, MED, UK, ISED, AMSA, NewZealand -
Warranty
5 years -
Where approved for use
** Patented
KEY FEATURES
GLOBALFIX™ V5
The new ACR GlobalFix V5 EPIRB is an innovative EPIRB with a unique feature set. The addition of an AIS alert provides the easiest and quickest path to rescue while the included Return Link Service (RLS) functionality provides a welcome sense of security by providing direct to beacon confirmation that your distress message has been received. Adding Near Field Communication (NFC) to the mix allows for smartphone connectivity and access to data and product interaction that has never before been available. This advanced feature set makes the GlobalFix V5 perfect for mariners whether coastal cruising, working offshore or crossing oceans.
EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACON WITH AIS AND RETURN LINK
SERVICE
Introducing the most advanced EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Radio Beacon)
available.
The new ACR GlobalFix V5 EPIRB combines 406 MHz satellite connectivity with
Automatic Identification System (AIS) functionality. This means that when the
EPIRB is activated not only does it transmit your emergency signal to the
global Cospas Sarsat satellite rescue system, but it broadcasts an AIS safety
message on VHF frequencies that can be seen immediately by any AIS equipped
vessel nearby.
Other great features include Return Link Service (RLS) technology that
provides visual confirmation to the user that their distress message has been
received, a 121.5 MHz homing signal, and visible and infrared strobe lights
for easy target identification
at night or in poor visibility. Another new feature is Near Field
Communication (NFC) which allows users to monitor their EPIRB using a
smartphone App.
ACR is the global leader in marine safety and rescue technology and the new
GlobalFix V5 EPIRB with AIS combines the durability and reliability they are
known for with advanced technology designed to speed rescue response time.
Smartphone Connectivity utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC (Near Field Communication) technology allows users to access EPIRB
diagnostics using their smartphones. When a smartphone is placed adjacent to
the GlobalFix V5 EPIRB the ACR Product App automatically opens providing
access to EPIRB data. Beacon status information in the app includes current
battery life, number of self-tests completed, number of GNSS tests completed,
and the amount of time the EPIRB has been activated. Detailed information on
each self-test and GNSS test performed by the device is also available.
GNSS tests show a map view pinpointing where the previous test was performed,
the date and time of the test, how long it took the EPIRB to get a fix on the
GNSS coordinates, the number of satellites used to obtain that fix, and the
accuracy of the fix. Easy App connectivity with NFC allows users to easily
check the status of all EPIRB functions to ensure it is working properly.
Faster Rescues through the Pairing of Global and Local Rescue
The ACR GlobalFix V5 EPIRB accurately derives its position anywhere in the
world using GNSS (GPS, Galileo) positioning networks. Upon activation406 MHz
distress transmissions relay the GPS EPIRB (GPIRB) position, accurate to
within 100 meters, to theworldwide Cospas Sarsat search and rescue
satellitenetwork. EPIRB identifiers and position information isrelayed to
ground stations through the satellite systeminitiating rescue operations.
With advanced AIS technology now incorporated into the EPIRB, once activated
an AIS signal is transmitted so that nearby vessels outfitted with an AIS
transponder are instantly notified of the EPIRB location. AIS equipped vessels
within VHF range of the EPIRB will see a safety message on their screens
including MMSI vessel identification. Vessels in the area where the EPIRB
has been activated can then start rescue and recovery operations immediately
without having to wait for emergency response from the applicable SAR
authority. AIS also allows local responders to easily pinpoint the EPIRB’s
location which is presented as an AIS target on their onboard display.
Nearby vessels with onboard AIS can navigate directly to the EPIRB by selecting the AIS target. This incredible technological advancement will speed recovery times which is sure to save lives.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Signal Confirmation Notification via Return Link Service (RLS)
Return Link Service tells whoever triggers the EPIRB that the distress message
has been delivered. An RLS signal sent back through the Galileo satellite
network confirms that the distress message along with the precise beacon
location and identifiers have been detected. An easy to see flashing blue
light indicates the EPIRB’s successful reception of the Return Link message
from the Galileo satellite network. The comfort of knowing rescuers are aware
that an EPIRB has been activated and that they have its location helps reduce
the stress associated with mayday situations.
ACR specializes in electronic rescue devices and other life-saving products
designed for both professional and recreational mariners. With the addition of
AIS, the innovative new ACR GlobalFix V5 EPIRB provides the easiest and
quickest path to rescue. Return Link Service provides a welcomed sense of
security knowing that your distress message has been received and Near Field
Communication provides access to data and product functionality that has never
before been available to any EPIRB customer. The new and advanced feature set
of the GlobalFix V5 EPIRB makes it perfect for mariners whether coastal
cruising, working offshore or crossing oceans.
For further information please contact: ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.ACRELECTRONICS.com
This document is the property of ACR Electronics, Inc. (ACR) and is
distributed by ACR for the benefit of our customers. This document may not be
disseminated, reproduced or altered in any way without the prior written
approval of ACR Electronics, Inc.
Tel: (954) 981.3333
Fax: (954) 983.5087
Email: [email protected]