NSS-PLB 06
NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE SECRETARIAT PERFORMANCE STANDARD
FOR 406 MHZ PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON (PLB)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Scope

This document calls up the minimum requirements for the functional and technical performance of Canadian Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) operating in the 406 to 406.1 MHz band. It covers the performance of PLBs intended for use in the operating temperature ranges of -40°C to +55°C (Class 1) and -20°C to +55°C (Class 2) and a non-operating range of -55°C to +75°C.

1.2 Purpose and Intended Use

PLBs are designed to be carried by individuals in remote locations and exposed to risk where the use of PLBs will alert authorities to a distress situation and the location of the alerting beacon. When activated, the PLB transmits a coded signal at a designated frequency in the 406 to 406.1 MHz band to alert search and rescue (SAR) authorities via the COSPAS-SARSAT (C/S) satellite system. The PLB may also transmit a low power signal on 121.5 MHz, which is primarily a homing signal for rescue forces. Some PLBs also incorporate two-way voice transceivers. The testing procedures for PLBs with voice transceivers are found at Annex E to C/S T.007, the COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz DISTRESS BEACON TYPE APPROVAL STANDARD. The PLB consists of a transmit module, an integral antenna, ancillary devices, and a battery power source, all contained in an impact resistant watertight case. Coded identification data is entered into the PLB memory by the manufacturer; Location Protocol PLBs also include encoded position data that is provided to the beacon in real time via internal or external navigation devices. PLBs are envisioned to be used in two general environments, areas with water (e.g. rivers, lakes, oceans, flooding) and areas without significant water (e.g. deserts, mountains). Therefore, this recommended standard includes two categories of PLBs, Category 1 which must float and Category 2 which is not required to float.

1.3 Applicable Specifications and Regulations

1.3.1 Industry Canada

The latest version of the following documents shall apply:

• Radio Standards Specification (RSS) 287, [Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, Emergency Locator Transmitters and Personal Locator Beacons];
• Radio Standards Procedure (RSP) 100, "Certification of Radio Equipment";
• Telecommunications Regulation Circular (TRC) 49: "Certification Service Fees". The current versions of these documents are available on the Industry Canada web site (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/).

1.3.2 National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) and COSPAS-SARSAT Program Documents

• Specification for COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz Distress Beacons, C/S T.001, as amended from time to time.
• COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval Standard, C/S T.007 as amended from time to time. The current issues of these documents are generally available on the COSPAS-SARSAT web site at http://www.COSPAS-SARSAT.org/. It is recommended that the Secretariat Technical Officer be contacted to ensure that the latest changes are included. The telephone number is 514-954-6692.

1.3.3 Other

MIL - STD 810 E MIL specs can be obtained over the internet at http://www.weibull.com/knowledge/milhdbk.htm#800.

1.4 Type Approval

PLBs shall comply with the standards set forth in this document at 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 and as required by Industry Canada (IC). Information regarding the IC type approval process can be obtained on the web site or at the following address:

Industry Canada
Certification and Engineering Bureau
Equipment Certification Section
1241 Clyde Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K2C lY3
Telephone: (613) 998-5968
FAX: (613) 952-1088

1.5 Interpretation of this Document

In case of difficulty concerning the interpretation of the contents of this document, and the application of specified test methods, the NSS shall determine the correct interpretation. If there is variation between this document and the documents described in paragraphs 1.3, the more stringent specification shall apply.

2.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

This section has been subdivided into COSPAS-SARSAT Type Approval Requirements, IC Radio Standard Requirements, Electrical, Operational, Mechanical, and Environmental Requirements and Radiated Output Requirements.

2.1 COSPAS-SARSAT Type Approval Requirements

To ensure PLB compatibility with COSPAS-SARSAT receiving and processing equipment, PLBs shall meet all the requirements specified in the documents identified in paragraph 1.3.2.

2.2 Industry Canada Radio Standards Requirements

PLBs must comply with all applicable requirements of the Radio Standards Specification (RSS) 287, [Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, Emergency Locator Transmitters and Personal Locator Beacons].

2.3 Electrical Performance Requirements

The PLB may have incorporated a 121.5 MHz auxiliary radio-locating device. If said device is incorporated, it shall meet the criteria found in the Radio Standards Specification (RSS) 287, [Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, Emergency Locator Transmitters and Personal Locator Beacons, Section 8].

2.4 Operational Requirement

2.4.1 Activation and Deactivation

The PLB shall be capable of being activated by one person with mitts in thermal extremes, rain, ice, spray, packed snow, and dirt. Activation and deactivation of the unit shall be performed manually. The PLB shall not be accidentally activated by mechanical or electrical shock, thermal extremes, rain, ice, spray, packed snow, or storage in high humidity conditions.

2.4.2 Controls and Indicators

Manual controls shall be provided to operate the device in the following modes:

• "OFF" - In the "OFF" mode, the beacon is deactivated.
• "ON" - In the "ON" mode, the beacon is activated.
• "TEST" - In the "TEST" mode, the operational integrity of the PLB is tested.

The controls provided shall be clearly and indelibly marked. No additional controls shall be provided to the user; except for the operation of the voice transceiver if one is included within the beacon casing. A positive visual and/or audible indication that the PLB is activated shall be provided. Means shall be provided to protect the visual and/or audible indicator from damage due to dropping or contact with external objects. The "ON/OFF' controls shall be secured with a guard or similar mechanism to prevent any inadvertent activation and to ensure that activation is a conscious decision by the user. Activation shall require at least two distinct movements.

2.4.3 Built-in Test

The PLB shall be equipped with a manually activated test circuit which will verify the functioning of the code generator, modulator and RF circuitry. The test switch (or similar control) shall incorporate an automatic return to "OFF' mode after completion of the self test. A visual or audible indication shall be provided to indicate that the PLB has passed the self-test. It is desirable that no RF energy be radiated in any self-test mode used as a routine exercise to verify beacon operation. However, if this is not possible, then the RF test transmission must be limited to one burst of 440 ms (+1%) for the short message format and 520 ms (+1%) for a long message. If modulated, the signal shall have a frame synchronization pattern of 011010000. This bit pattern is the complement of the last 8 bits of the normal frame synchronization pattern so that the test burst will not be processed. The 121.5 MHz auxiliary radio-locating device should not radiate during the self-test. If it must radiate, the PLB should include a label noting that the self-test should be performed only within the first 5 minutes of any hour and should not exceed 3 audio sweeps or 1 second, whichever is greater.

2.4.4 Power Source

The PLB shall not depend upon any external source of power for its operation. The battery shall be replaceable by the manufacturer or by the user, and any interface connections required shall be such as to prevent reversed polarity or incorrect installation. Neither the PLB nor the battery shall not be hazardous to any person handling, using or performing manufacturer approved servicing or to any vehicle or equipment in which it is transported, housed or installed. The PLB or battery and its contents shall not react, or release toxic/corrosive products, in such a way as to cause injury to personnel or destruction of equipment, during use in the specified operating environment, or in storage at temperatures between -55°C and +75°C. All PLB batteries shall include measures to protect the batteries from reversal of polarity, shorting, and the effects of self-heating, cell(s)-to-cell(s) charging, and forced discharging. The battery and the PLB shall be shown to function safely under the following conditions:

• when the battery is subjected to a partial or full discharge at any rate;
• when the battery is returned to the storage temperature after a full or partial discharge; and
• when the battery encounters cell(s)-to-cell(s) charging or is forced discharged at low temperatures and returned to a normal storage temperature. The PLB battery shall be designed and produced to meet the above conditions and to be safe under all environmental criteria set out in this Standard.

For each approved battery pack, the battery manufacturer shall establish a useful life and a battery expiry date and clearly indicate the expiry date on the battery, battery pack or on the PLB. The useful life is defined as the length of time after its date of manufacture that the battery may be stored under normal environmental conditions (+20°C) without losing its ability to allow the PLB to meet the applicable performance standards in Section 2 of this document. The battery expiry date is the date of the battery manufacture plus one half of its useful life.

2.5 Mechanical Requirements

2.5.1 General Construction

The PLB shall be packaged in a container that allows operation of the unit and is watertight to a depth of 1 meter. Upon replacement of the batteries or battery pack the watertight integrity of the PLB shall be maintained. The PLB housing and internal circuitry shall be resistant to mechanical shock and vibration. The electronic module itself shall be protected to prevent malfunction under prolonged conditions of high humidity, including condensation.

2.5.2 Exterior Finish

The PLB housing shall be resistant to deterioration from prolonged exposure to sunlight and water. The exterior shall be finished with a highly visible yellow or orange coloured material.

2.5.3 Labelling

IC and NSS have certain requirements with regard to information contained on the label. The label shall comply with requirements of RSS 187. A unique identifier number shall be displayed on the PLB casing. The unique identifier number shall be a right justified hexa-decimal representation of bits 26 to 85, 1 character per every 4 bits, of the beacon digital message coding. In addition, concise, unambiguous operating, storage and testing instructions including information regarding the expiry date of the battery shall be displayed and shall be understandable by untrained personnel. The following caption shall also be displayed:

All of the above information, including the operating instructions, operating duration at - 40°C to +55°C or -20°C to +55°C, the operating temperature range, shall be permanently and conspicuously displayed on the exterior of the PLB. The display information shall be weather resistant, waterproof and abrasion resistant.

In the event that labelling requirements cannot be met because of the size of the PLB, the NSS may waive certain of its requirement on request from the manufacturer.

Class 2 PLBs shall have a warning label that states "This PLB may not operate below -20°C".

Category 2 PLBs shall have a warning label that states "This PLB will not float".

All labelling shall be in English and French.

2.5.4 Buoyancy

• Category 1 must float in fresh water
• Category 2 is not required to float.

2.6 Environmental Requirements

2.6.1 Temperature

A thermal shock test from the cold storage extreme to room temperature back to the cold storage extreme and from the hot storage extreme to room temperature back to the hot storage extreme.

Note: Transport by Air: If transporting the PLB by air, with batteries which are considered as dangerous cargo, then the applicable dangerous goods labels and marking required by International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions will be placed on the shipping packaging. (Consult the local transportation authority for shipping instructions.) Following the thermal shock test the PLB shall meet the thermal environmental requirement detailed in C/S T.001 including the temperature gradient test, between -40°C to +55°C and -20°C to +55°C measuring frequency stability. The PLB shall perform to the specification for a continuous operation of 24 hours at the minimum temperature (-40°C or -20°C), and at the maximum temperature of +55°C.

2.6.2 Humidity/Rain/Salt Fog

The PLB shall perform to the specification during and after an exposure to constant high humidity environment (>95% RH) while the temperature is cycled between 60°C and 20°C for 10 days, as specified in MIL-STD_810 F Method 507 Aggravated Humidity Cycle. The PLB shall perform to the specification during and after an exposure to 40 minutes of simulated driving rain on each surface as specified in MIL-STD_810 F Method 506 Procedure II. The PLB shall perform to the specification during and after an exposure of 24 hours to a 5% Salt Fog atmosphere as specified in MIL-STD_810 F Method 509.

2.6.3 Vibration

The PLB shall perform to the specification after being subjected to a vibration cycle that simulates loose cargo transportation. The loose cargo environment includes conditions experienced by packaged and unpackaged items transported as unsecured cargo on a vehicle traversing irregular surfaces. The cargo has the freedom to bounce, scuff, or collide with other items or the sides of the vehicle.

2.6.4 Drop

The PLB shall perform to the specification after being temperature conditioned at -40ºC or -20°C and then dropped six times, one drop minimum on each possible face, from a height of 122cm to a non-resilient surface.

2.6.5 Submersion

The PLB shall perform to the specification after being submerged completely in water to a depth of 1 meter for one hour. See details in Appendix A.

2.6.6 Low Pressure (Altitude)

The PLB shall operate normally to an altitude of 30,000' above sea level.

3.0 DOCUMENTATION

In the event that IC issues a type approval certificate for the PLB to the applicant, the latter shall provide a user registration form to accompany each PLB at the point of sale. This form shall be uniquely imprinted with a right justified hexa-decimal representation of bits 26 to 85 of the beacon digital message coding. Prepaid self-addressed envelopes to be used by the purchaser for the transmittal of each registration form shall be provided to the successful applicant by the NSS for inclusion with each beacon. The PLB user shall be provided with an instruction manual detailing the proper use and maintenance of the PLB. If high energy batteries are used, safety information regarding their use, transportation and disposal shall be clearly stated. Instructions to prevent false alarms and what the user should do in the event of inadvertent activation of the PLB should also be provided. Since the battery life of the PLB is adversely affected by high temperature, advice on general storage and stowage conditions for the PLB shall be included in the instruction manual. If components of the PLB have to be disconnected for shipment, the manufacturer shall provide clear instructions to the user for proper connection and testing prior to installation. All documentation shall be in English and French.

4.0 TEST REQUIREMENTS

4.1 COSPAS-SARSAT Requirements

The COSPAS-SARSAT requirements shall be tested in accordance with C/S T.007 and the results must be approved by the NSS. The operational temperature range in the temperature test is -40°C to +55°C for Class 1 PLBs and -20°C to +55°C for Class 2 PLBs. All COSPAS-SARSAT specifications shall be met for 24 hours of continuous operation at the minimum temperatures (-40°C or -20°C) and maximum temperature of +55°C.

4.2 Industry Canada Requirements

The IC requirements are detailed in documents TRC-75 and RSS 287. All applicable tests are to be performed and the results be approved by IC.

4.3 Battery Life Test

This test is designed to verify the operating life of the PLB battery:

4.4 Environmental Requirements

The environmental requirements are tested according to the procedures described in Appendix A.

4.5 Minimum Radiated Power

The minimum radiated power, for 90 percent of PLB antenna's spherical radiation area between elevation angles of 5 to 60 degrees and azimuth angles of 0 to 360 degrees, shall not be less than l.5 watts peak effective radiated power (PERP), when measured in accordance with the procedure described in Appendix B.

4.6 Satellite Reception

An operational test shall be performed to determine that the PLB can be detected with favourable ambiguity resolution and its message content received correctly by a COSPAS-SARSAT satellite and ground station. The procedure is described at Appendix B.

5.0 QUALITY CONTROL

5.1 General

The PLB may be inactive for long periods of time while being exposed to adverse environmental conditions and yet it must function properly when activated. The choice of materials used and the manufacturing process are key elements in ensuring its durability for a long time. In addition, strict quality control procedures during manufacture, and periodic inspection and test after commencement in service are required.

5.2 Manufacturer's Obligation

Manufacturers shall institute quality control procedures to ensure that all PLBs are produced to the same standard as the unit on which the type approval is based. Records should be kept of production and production sampling tests. Random inspections may be conducted under the auspices of the NSS to ensure that appropriate quality control procedures are followed and maintained. The NSS reserves the right to acquire samples of production run or off-the-shelf PLBs for testing purposes. If the PLB does not meet the required specifications, IC may, after consulting with the NSS, declare that the device's type-approval certificate be null and void and require that beacons in service be recalled, action be taken to correct the areas of non-compliance and the beacon be retested to have certification reinstated. The type approval certification holder shall notify IC immediately of proposed modifications made to the PLB. Full technical details shall be submitted so that any type approval retesting requirements can be identified.

APPENDIX A — ENVIRONMENTAL TEST PROCEDURES

A 1.0 SEQUENCE OF TESTS

All environmental tests shall be conducted in the sequence in which the tests are listed herein. The performance parameters at room ambient temperature (25°?± 5°C) shall be measured at the beginning and end of the environmental tests.

A 2.0 GENERAL TEST CONDITIONS

No adjustments or repairs are permitted to the unit under test throughout the complete test program except for removal and application of primary power as required by the detailed test procedure. All testing, wherever possible, shall be conducted in a manner that does not emit radiation from the test site. Unless otherwise stated, the tests shall be conducted at a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C, except for unavoidable seasonal temperatures for any outdoor tests. A log of battery on-time should be maintained for the PLB being tested. Batteries should not be replaced during a test unless it is probable that the battery on-time will exceed the prescribed operating life time before the test is completed. The test shall be terminated in the case of critical failure.

A 3.0 TEMPERATURE

The temperature gradient, temperature shock, maximum temperature, and operating lifetime at minimum temperature tests shall be performed as defined in C/S T.001.

A 4.0 HUMIDITY TEST

The 10 day aggravated humidity test shall be conducted with the unit in its housing. An additional test shall be conducted on the electronic module(s) of PLBs after removal from the PLB housing.

A 4.1 Procedure

• Frequency accuracy;
• Medium and short term stability; and
• RF power output into a 50 ohm dummy load (5W ± 2 dB).

A 5.0 VIBRATION TEST

The PLBs shall be tested in accordance with method 514.4, Category 3 Procedure III of MIL-STD-810E for loose cargo transportation. The PLB shall not activate during exposure to the vibration tests. Following the test, an exterior mechanical inspection shall be performed. The transmitter output test in a 50 ohm load, a frequency accuracy test and a short and medium term frequency stability test shall be performed after a 15 minute warm-up. The PLB shall have failed the test if loose or dislodged components are found, or if electrical parameters become out of specifications.

A 6.0 DROP TEST

The PLB shall be tested in accordance with method 516.4 Procedure IV of MIL-STD - 810E for transit drop. Prior to the drop test the PLB shall be temperature conditioned for a minimum of two hours at -40ºC or -20 ºC. The PLB shall not activate during the test. Document the impact point or surface for each drop and any obvious damage. The drops shall be distributed among all possible faces. Upon completion of the drop tests, an exterior and an interior mechanical inspection shall be performed. The power output test into a 50 ohm load, the frequency accuracy tests and the short and medium frequency stability tests shall be performed 15 minutes after the application of power. The PLB shall have failed the test if loose or dislodged components or cracks on the casing are found.

A 7.0 IMMERSION TEST

The unit shall be turned OFF during the tests. The unit shall be 5ºC warmer than water prior to immersion. The water temperature shall be 18°C ± 2°C. The unit should be submerged at a depth of one meter.

A 7.1 Procedure

The PLB shall be completely submerged for one hour, removed from the water and wiped dry. There shall be no evidence of water leakage into the unit or any of its components. After completion of the submersion test, the unit shall be subjected to the transmitter power output and frequency accuracy tests performed 15 minutes after the application of power to the unit, followed by a thorough mechanical inspection of the unit. The unit shall be opened for inspection. The unit will have failed the test if there is evidence of water leakage into the unit, corrosion, condensation, deterioration of finishes, seals or components.

A 7.2 Acceptability

The test PLB shall be deemed unacceptable if any of the above effects are noticeable.

A 8.0 LOW PRESSURE (Altitude)

The low pressure test shall be performed in accordance with Procedure 1 Method 500.3 of MIL-STD-810E.

APPENDIX B — RADIATION TEST PROCEDURES

B 1.0 MINIMUM RADIATED POWER

The measured power output shall be 5W ± 2 dB and 25 mW -0dB to + 6dB, for the 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz transmitters respectively. The minimum radiated power of the PLB is measured by an equivalence to an isotropic source that produces at a specified distance an RF field equal in strength to the peak RF field produced, by the PLB transmitter operating on a ground plane and at the same distance. The PLB is measured on an elevated metal ground plane, in order to provide a standard test arrangement that eliminates reflections from the site ground.

B 1.1 METHOD OF MEASUREMENT

The method of measurement for both power and antenna characteristics shall be in accordance with the guidance provided in C/S T.007 Annexes A and B.

APPENDIX C — PLB MESSAGE CODING

C 1.0 BEACON DIGITAL MESSAGE CODING

The coding for the PLB shall be the Serial Coding, using the COSPAS-SARSAT type approval certificate number as specified in C/S T.001. If the coding is for a Location Protocol Beacon the coding shall be the Standard Location Protocol as specified in C/S T.001 and using the COSPAS-SARSAT type approval certificate number.