FT Tec Electronics SEAANGEL-SA14 Search and Rescue Transmitter User Manual
FT-Tec Electronics GmbH Search and Rescue Transmitter
user manual
U
SER MANUAL
Model: SA14-SART
FT-TEC Electronics GmbH
Werner von Siemens Str. 5
A-7343 Neutal
Tel.: +43 2618 20455-0
Fax: +43 2618 20455-9010
Email: office@ft-tec.com
Website: www.ft-tec.com
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Document version:
Date
Revision
Responsibility
Reason for Change
2014-10-13
1.0 POT Document created
2015-01-27
1.1 POT Formatting optimized
2015-02-12
1.2 POT Added declaration of conformity
2015-08-19
1.2.1 POT Added FCC related note
Changed specification sticker
2015-09-07
1.2.2 POT Changed specification sticker
Scope:
This revision of the user manual is intended for the following firmware, software, and
hardware versions (model: SA14-SART), as well as for newer versions, unless stated
otherwise on the SEAANGEL website www.seaangel.at:
Date
Firmware
13.10.2014
1.2.16
Date
Hardware
13.10.2014
V03
SEAANGEL:
SEAANGEL is the name of a product family produced by FT-TEC GmbH, which covers a
wide variety of emergency systems for maritime applications. The individual products will be
distinguished according to their product model version. If the term SEAANGEL appears in
this user manual, it refers to the model SEAANGEL SA14-SART, unless stated otherwise.
Subject to technical changes and printing errors.
All figures are sample images.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE
PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER'S
AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
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Table of contents
1 ABOUT THIS GUIDE ........................................................................ 5
2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................. 6
3 OVERVIEW: FT-TEC SEAANGEL .................................................... 7
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 7
3.2 The essential features at a glance ........................................................................... 8
4 SHORT DESCRIPTION OF AIS ........................................................ 9
4.1 What is AIS? .............................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Transmission modes ...............................................................................................10
4.2.1 Ship-to-Ship ........................................................................................................10
4.2.2 Ship-to-Shore .....................................................................................................10
4.2.3 SART-to-Ship .....................................................................................................10
4.3 What is an AIS transponder? ..................................................................................10
4.4 Transponder classes ...............................................................................................11
4.5 Functions of the FT-TEC AIS SEAANGEL SA14-SART .........................................12
5 SEAANGEL COMPONENTS .......................................................... 13
6 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................ 15
6.1 Technical information ..............................................................................................15
6.2 Standards and norms ..............................................................................................16
6.3 Device specification ................................................................................................17
6.4 Battery life ................................................................................................................17
6.5 Log and configuration memory ..............................................................................18
7 DELIVERY CONTENTS .................................................................. 19
8 OPERATION ................................................................................... 20
8.1 Emergency operation ..............................................................................................20
8.1.1 Manual activation using the button ......................................................................21
8.1.2 Automatic or manual activation using the ripcord ................................................23
8.1.3 Automatic activation through water contact .........................................................24
8.1.4 Deactivation ........................................................................................................24
8.2 Test operation ..........................................................................................................26
8.2.1 Activating the test operation ................................................................................28
8.2.2 Deactivation ........................................................................................................29
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9 MOUNTING ..................................................................................... 30
9.1 Mounting the telescopic pole ..................................................................................30
9.2 Mounting the SEAANGEL on a belt ........................................................................31
9.2.1 Permanent attachment using belt strap ...............................................................32
9.2.2 Removable attachment using a belt clip ..............................................................32
9.3 Mounting on a lifejacket ..........................................................................................33
10 TAKING CARE OF THE DEVICE ................................................. 34
11 CONTACT AND SUPPORT INFORMATION ............................... 35
12 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ............................................. 36
13 FAQ .............................................................................................. 37
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1 About this guide
Read the safety instructions carefully before use. Observe the warnings in the manual.
Always keep the manual within reach. If you sell or give away this device, please be sure to
include this manual.
Symbols used in the text:
This symbol indicates potential personal injury hazards or risks to your health.
This symbol indicates important information.
This symbol indicates actions which may damage the product and other
property.
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2 Safety instructions
THE SEAANGEL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY WITHOUT AN
ANTENNA. NEVER USE THIS DEVICE WITHOUT AN ANTENNA.
THE WARRANTY IS VOID IF THE ANTENNA IS REMOVED FROM THE
DEVICE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT WORKS AFTER BEING
REPLACED OR NOT.
ONLY ACTIVATE THE EMERGENCY OPERATION IF YOU ARE
ACTUALLY IN DANGER. MISUSE MAY LEAD TO CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION.
BE CAREFUL OF THE FLASH LED, IT MIGHT BLIND YOU.
The battery pack consists of lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2) batteries.
The capacity of the batteries is influenced by the ambient temperature.
Protect the device from direct sunlight and excessive temperature fluctuations
in order to avoid shortening the device's lifespan. Only operate the device
within the specified temperature range of -20 °C to +55 °C to prevent
malfunctions.
When in operation, the SEAANGEL emits electromagnetic waves. As a result,
sensitive electronic equipment and even your ship's compass could be
interfered with. Make sure that the device is used with keeping a proper
distance from sensitive equipment.
Avoid any unnecessary mechanical stress (shocks, impacts) to avoid
damaging the casing or antenna. Full functionality cannot be guaranteed
otherwise.
The device is designed for the maritime industry. It is not intended to be used
on land and could cause damage to other electronic devices.
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3 Overview: FT-TEC SEAANGEL
3.1 Introduction
Your new FT-TEC SEAANGEL SA14-SART is an advanced AIS search and rescue
transmitter that can save your life. The device transmits your exact GPS position via AIS
technology to a PC/notebook or chartplotter. This makes it easier to find a person in distress,
and thus significantly increases the chances of survival. Since emergency messages are
sent as standardised messages, all ships and aircraft/helicopters located in reception range
with AIS on-board can participate in the rescue operation.
Figure 1: SEAANGEL SA14-SART
In this guide, there are images which may show only part of the
SEAANGEL in order to focus your attention on a specific part of the
product. It may happen that the device is depicted without the antenna
fitted. Please do not let this confuse you. Do not attempt to remove the
components of your SEAANGEL, unless expressly ordered to do so.
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3.2 The essential features at a glance
Supports AIS channel 1 and channel 2 (161.975 MHz / 162.025 MHz)
Transmission power ≈ 1 W
Transmission range 5 NM1 (depending on swell and receiving antenna height)
Integrated GNSS receiver with support for GPS, QZSS, GLONASS and BeiDou, 72
channels, built-in antenna
Compact size (138 mm x 65 mm x 25 mm excl. antenna and optional mount)
Status LEDs
Minute-by-minute position update
Battery life of more than 96 hours of broadcast time after activation, even under extreme
environmental conditions.
5 year battery life (without emergency activation)
Automatic and manual activation by:
- Ripcord mechanism
- Contact with water
- Button
Operating temperature : -20 °C to +55 °C
Waterproof to 10 m (IPx7)
LED flash to improve detection in the dark
Easy to use
1 NM = Nautical mile = 1852.216 m
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4 Short description of AIS
4.1 What is AIS?
AIS stands for Automatic Identification System and is a communication system that uses
self-organising time slot process on registered channels in the maritime mobile VHF band
(161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz). It is based on an open, unencrypted protocol which allows
data to be sent or received autonomously, without the interaction of marine and operator
personnel. In addition to the autonomous mode, there are also options which allow short,
safety-related messages to be sent using human interaction.
Data that is autonomously generated and transferred to other vessels or to the mainland via
broadcast, are dynamic data such as position, speed, and direction, as well as static and
voyage related data such as depth or type of ship. Transmissions are made at regular
intervals, the frequency interval of the speed and course of any change depends on the
respective vessel. This data is processed by the receiver and can be generally displayed on
an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). Current position data is
referenced geographically with the respective ship identification of the received AIS stations,
and displayed on a digital map.
Figure 2: The AIS network
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Using AIS makes navigation at sea safer and protects the environment by preventing
accidents with the aid of special support navigation tasks. AIS was adopted by the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a binding standard in 2000. Since 2002, there
has been a carriage requirement for all ships that meets the following criteria:
All ships above 300 GRT2 gross tonnage engaged in international journeys
All ships above 500 GRT gross tonnage engaged in national journeys
Ships longer than 20 m
Ships with more than 50 passengers on board
4.2 Transmission modes
4.2.1 Ship-to-Ship
In this mode, information is exchanged between ships. This is done fully autonomous.
4.2.2 Ship-to-Shore
In Ship-to-Shore mode, the ship communicates with a base station on land. This mode is
primarily for coordinating and regulating marine traffic.
4.2.3 SART-to-Ship
AIS-SART devices are pure transmission units which only transmit information in one
direction.
4.3 What is an AIS transponder?
Data is transmitted using an AIS transponder. This features the following components:
GNSS receiver (used to determine the position of your ship)
Processor and memory (intelligence of the transponder)
Power supply
Antenna (VHF and GNSS)
2-channel VHF transmitter/receiver (for transmitting and receiving AIS messages
over the radio),
2Abbreviation for Gross Register Tonnage. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet = 2.8316846592 m³.
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Figure 3: Schematic representation of an AIS transponder
4.4 Transponder classes
Essentially there are two classes that can be distinguished:
Class A: Use in commercial shipping
Class B: Use in recreational boating
Put simply, these two classes access the AIS network using different methods; Class B can
only transmit if there are enough free time slots available. Thus, Class A devices have higher
priority over Class B. Depending on the class, up to 27 message types are supported.
Further information can be found in Rec. ITU-R M.1371-4 (04/2010)3.
Did you know that the FT-
TEC produces the smallest USB AIS receiver
with integrated GNSS in the world,
which allows you to receive
information from your SEAANGEL SA14-SART
and view it on a
PC/notebook?
Find out more by visiting www.seanexx.at
3 http://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-M.1371
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4.5 Functions of the FT-TEC AIS SEAANGEL SA14-SART
The SEAANGEL SA14-SART does not contain a VHF receiver and therefore cannot be
assigned to either of the two transponder classes. Its function is limited to sending
emergency signals, transmitting message type 1 and 14 as defined in Rec. ITU-R M.1371-4
(04/2010) at periodic intervals alternately on the two VHF channels. Once the device is
activated, it works completely autonomous.
When activated, the emergency rescue transmitter initiates a rescue chain which all ships,
aircraft, and helicopters can participate in as long as they have AIS on board and are within
the transmission range.
The device generally supports two operation modes:
1. Test operation
2. Emergency operation
Your device will undergo self-tests at regular intervals (once a year) as part of the test
operation. This serves to ensure the correct functioning of the device during its entire period
of use. Emergency operation is used, as described above, for sending emergency signals.
More detailed information on the functionality of the SEAANGEL and its respective modes of
operation can be found below.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT MISUSING THIS EQUIPMENT MAY RESULT
IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
The emergency signal is transmitted via VHF. The range of these systems is
limited by technological restrictions. The successful transmission of the
emergency signal depends primarily on whether a ship ready to receive is in
your area. The higher the antenna is mounted above the water level, the
greater the range it has.
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5 SEAANGEL components
Antenna
LED flash
Safety slide
Water contacts
Carabiner
Ripcord
Keypad
Battery expiry date
Snap point
Belt clip
Ripcord (without cord)
Device specification
Belt mounting plate
Figure 4: Description of individual components
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ON button
TEST button
LED TEST status
LED DISTRESS (ON) status
Figure 5: Description of keypad
Figure 6: Description of telescopic pole
Base plate
Float
Aluminium pole (extendible)
Handle
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6 Product specifications
6.1 Technical information
Product name: FT-TEC AIS SEAANGEL
Model: SA14-SART
Size (LxBxH): 138 mm x 65 mm x 25 mm
Weight (without telescopic pole): 190 g
Power supply: 9 V LiMnO2 Industry cells4, CR123
Transmission frequency: - AIS channel 1 (161.975 MHz)
- AIS channel 2 (162,025 MHz)
- Channel frequency alternating
Transmission power: approx. 1 W
Transmission antenna: Vertically polarized
Transmission range: 5 NM
Integrated GNSS receiver: - GPS, QZSS, GLONASS and BeiDou
(simultaneous reception possible)
- Navigation sensitivity: -167 dBm
- integrated antenna
- 72 channel
- Position information updated once a minute
Supported AIS messages: - Message 1 (position report)
- Message 14 (safety related broadcast message)
Message interval: Burst (8 message a minute)
Transmission time: Min. 96 hours after emergency activation, even in
extreme conditions
Battery life: 5 years (self-drain and annual self-tests, without
emergency activation)
Self-test: Required once a year
Maintenance interval: After emergency activation or after 5 years (at the
latest)
Protection class: IPx7
Storage temperature: -30 °C to +70 °C
4 Lithium manganese dioxide
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Operation temperature: -20 °C to +55 °C
Status LEDs: Colour: Red and orange
LED flash: Colour: White
Casing: Material: PC-ABS
Colour: Yellow (casing shell)
Red (safety slide, belt strap)
Translucent white (LED flash covering)
6.2 Standards and norms
The product meets the following requirements:
IEC 61108-1:2003:
Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems – Global
navigation satellite systems (GNSS) – Part 1: Global positioning system (GPS) -
Receiver equipment - Performance standards, methods of testing and required
test results
IEC 60945:2002:
Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems - General
requirements – Methods of testing and required test results
IEC 61097-14:2010:
Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) – Part 14: AIS Search And
Rescue Transmitter (AIS-SART) – Operational and performance requirements,
methods of testing and required test results
EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009+A1:2010+A12:2011:
Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General requirements
IEC 62479:2010:
Assessment of the compliance of low power electronic and electrical equipment
with the basic restrictions related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (10
MHz to 300 GHz)
The prescribed maintenance and annual self-test will be referred to several
times in the following sections.
Maintenance refers to the fee-based service of your device, which may
exclusively be carried out by the FT-TEC GmbH. Parts of the device subject
to wear (e.g. battery, antenna, ripcord) will be exchanged as part of the
maintenance. Your device will also be recalibrated if necessary.
You can carry out the annual self-test yourself. This test is to check the
functionality of the components of your system.
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6.3 Device specification
On the back of the SEAANGEL SA14-SART (see Figure 4 and Figure 7) unit, you will find
device specifications and information, including the unique serial number and user ID
number. The user ID is a 9-digit identification number which is transmitted in case of a test or
emergency situation. You can use a PC/notebook or chartplotter to display AIS messages.
The identification number is useful for telling devices apart when receiving messages from
multiple devices simultaneously.
Figure 7: Device specification sticker
6.4 Battery life
This unit uses industrial lithium cells (Lithium manganese dioxide) which have a very low
self-discharge. This guarantees a long life and 96 hours of active emergency operation,
providing the device's batteries are replaced after activation or after 5 years – whichever
comes sooner.
As shown in Figure 4, there is a sticker located on the back of your device, which shows the
battery expiry date. In the example shown in Figure 8, the batteries will have to have been
changed by July 2019, in order to not reduce the device's performance.
Figure 8: Battery expiration date
Please always state the serial number and model number (SA14-SART)
found on the back of the device when dealing with service enquiries.
The user ID is not a unique number. The first 3 digits identify the type of
transmitter (AIS SART for example is 970), the next 2 digits represent the
manufacturer (FT-TEC is represented by 97) and the remaining 4 digits
correspond to a consecutive number. Be aware that there may be more than
one device with the same user ID.
THE BATTERY MAY ONLY BE REPLACED BY FT-TECGMBH. DO NOT
RISK LOSING THE WARRANTY OR OR DAMAGING THE DEVICE BY
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6.5 Log and configuration memory
The SEAANGEL SA14-SART is equipped with a non-volatile memory. It contains the
following data:
Device configuration data (user ID, serial number, etc.)
Error protocols
Results of the self-test as part of maintenance works
Activation cycles
The user has no access to this data. It is read and evaluated as part of the maintenance
service, and is required for warranty claims.
REPLACING IT YOURSELF.
The battery life can only be guaranteed if you follow the instructions in this
manual. Do not expose the device to extreme weather conditions and only run
the self-test (test mode) at specified intervals. If this is not done, you may
shorten the unit's lifespan and affect the amount of time the unit can be used
for active emergency operation.
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7 Delivery contents
Please check the contents of the delivery before using the SEAANGEL SA14-SART.
SEAANGEL AIS-SART Transmitter
Telescopic pole
Base plate for telescopic pole
Cord 10 m
Belt strap
Belt clip
Water contact
Fastening screws
Screwdriver
User manual
Carabiner
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8 Operation
8.1 Emergency operation
In this mode, your device sends an emergency signal once a minute. This signal contains
your current GPS position and a text-based message which reads "SART ACTIVE". The
emergency signals sent from your device are broadcast messages, i.e. all ships in reception
range equipped with an AIS transponder and receiver will receive your emergency signal,
and can display your position and message on a digital chart.
Emergency operation can be activated on your device using different mechanisms.
1. Manual activation using the ON button
2. Automatic or manual activation using the ripcord
3. Automatic activation through water contact
When being used in emergency operation, the LED status DISTRESS will light up red, and
the LED flasher will flash at 5 second intervals. If the LED DISTRESS stays constantly
illuminated, this means that no GPS position could be determined. This will always be the
case immediately after activation since the integrated GNSS receiver requires some time to
process the data from available satellite systems and to determine an accurate position. If a
position can be calculated, this LED will flash.
IN ORDER TO PREVENT SETTING AN UNNECESSARY RESCUE
OPERATION ONLY ACTIVATE EMERGENCY OPERATION IF YOU ARE IN
DANGER.
YOU SHOULD ONLY USE THE TEST MODE TO CHECK THE
FUNCTIONALITY OF YOUR DEVICE.
Sometimes, due to bad weather conditions or high waves, it may not be
possible to determine a GPS position for a long time. In this case, the status
LED DISTRESS remains illuminated and transfers your last valid position
when sending the emergency signal.
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8.1.1 Manual activation using the button
Follow these steps to manually activate emergency operation:
1. The safety slide must be pushed up to the second5 line in the direction of the
antenna . This will make the ON button visible.
2. Press the ON button
3. The status LED DISTRESS lights red to indicate emergency operation. Only
when a valid GPS position has been acquired will this LED flash at regular intervals
(this may take several minutes). In addition, the LED flash will flash.
Figure 9: Activating the emergency alarm operation using the ON button
On the safety slide, there is a small plastic breaking point. This clip allows you to see
whether the device has already been used in an emergency. If the safety slide, as described
above, is pushed to the second snap point, the plastic clip will break off (see Figure 10). This
component is replaced during maintenance.
5 When moved to the first line, only the word Test is visible
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Figure 10: Breaking point on the safety slide
Please bear in mind that the breaking point will only display a previous
emergency operation when activated using the ON button. When activated by
contact with water or by pulling the ripcord, there is no such indication. For
this reason, it is all the more important that you send in the unit for
maintenance immediately after each emergency operation.
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8.1.2 Automatic or manual activation using the ripcord
Your device has a ripcord with a built-in magnet. If it is pulled from the unit, emergency
operation mode is activated. This can be achieved either manually through your interaction
with the device or automatically if you have an inflatable lifejacket. As there are numerous
different lifejacket suppliers and lifejacket types, it is not possible to go into more detail in this
manual. Make sure, however, that the ripcord is relatively taut when the lifejacket is in its
deflated state so that the mechanism definitely triggers in an emergency.
Figure 11: Activating the emergency alarm using the ripcord
Please make sure that the magnet of the ripcord does not come into contact
with sensitive components such as cards with magnetic strips, credit cards,
ATM cards, etc., as this may cause the card to no longer to function.
Make sure that you do not lose the ripcord in an emergency. If you do, there
will be no way to deactivate the unit when you are safe again. Therefore, use
the carabiner to secure the ripcord to your lifejacket or clothing.
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8.1.3 Automatic activation through water contact
The SEAANGEL SA14-SART features a water contact switch (see Figure 4 and Figure 12)
which automatically activates emergency operation if the device is immersed in water for
more than 3 seconds. Once emergency operation has been activated, no further contact with
water is required to keep the device in this state.
Figure 12: Activating the emergency operation using water contact
8.1.4 Deactivation
Deactivate emergency operation by holding the Test button down for more than 3 seconds.
Once the power is off, no status LEDs will flash and you can release the button.
However, the device will not be deactivated by pressing the Test button under the following
conditions:
If the ripcord is not attached to the device
If the water contacts are underwater
This precaution is to prevent you from accidentally disabling the device. Thus, always make
sure that you do not lose the ripcord in case of an emergency.
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Figure 13: Deactivating the SEAANGEL
DEACTIVATE EMERGENCY OPERATION ONLY WHEN YOU ARE SAFE
AGAIN.
Remember that you have to send in the unit for maintenance immediately
after each emergency operation.
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8.2 Test operation
The functionality of your device is checked as part of the test operation. You must carry out
this self-test once a year. Among other things, the following system components are
checked:
Battery
GNSS receiver
VHF transmitter
If a self-test is performed, the device attempts to determine a GPS position for up to 15
minutes. After this time, test messages are transmitted by VHF, which contain the calculated
position and the text "SART TEST". If you own an AIS transponder/receiver and the
necessary equipment to display AIS messages, these test messages will be displayed on
your system. If no GPS position can be determined within 15 minutes, an invalid location will
be transmitted (longitude 181 °, latitude: 91 °)6.
The start of the self-test is indicated by one flash of the LED flash. During the self-test,
however, only the yellow status LED Test flashes.
Table 1 lists the possible results which can be issued via the status LEDs DISTRESS and
TEST respectively at the end of the self-test. If the test is not successful, please contact the
FT-TEC service centre and arrange a suitable maintenance date.
6 Valid longitude values are from -180 ° to +180 °, latitude values from -90 ° to +90 °.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE SELF-TEST CANNOT CHECK ALL
COMPONENTS AND THEREFORE NO GUARANTEE OF THE DEVICE'S
FUNCTIONALITY CAN BE PROVIDED.
An unrestricted period of use of 5 years can be achieved if the self-test is
carried out only once a year. Also bear in mind that you need to send the unit
in for service as soon as possible after activating the emergency operation.
Ideally, you should run the self-test with good weather and a clear view of the
sky, so that a GPS position can definitely be determined.
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Table 1: Status LEDs as part of the self-test
Status LEDs
Test results
Meaning
DISTRESS
TEST
Stays illuminated
for 5 seconds
Flashes OK
-
Successful test
- GPS position was determined
Stays illuminated
for 5 seconds OK
-
Successful test
- GPS position could not be
determined
Flashes
Flashes WARNING
-
Battery almost empty
- GPS position was determined
Stays illuminated
for 5 seconds WARNING
-
Battery almost empty
- GPS position could not be
determined
Does not light up Does not light up ERROR
-
No battery life available or
- device is broken
Remember, though, that the status is issued immediately after the self-test,
whereby this information is displayed for a relatively short time. Then, the
device is automatically disabled.
The duration of the self-test depends primarily on the speed with which the
current GPS position can be determined, i.e. the duration can vary and may
take as long as 15 minutes. Pay close attention to the device when performing
the self-test in order to not miss the status being issued.
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8.2.1 Activating the test operation
Follow these steps to manually activate the test operation:
1. The slider must be pushed up to the second line7 in the direction of the antenna
. This will make the Test button visible.
2. Press the Test button.
3. The LED flash will flash once.
4. The yellow status LED Test will flash during the self-test.
5. At the end of the self-test, the result will be issued by the status LEDs DISTRESS
and TEST respectively (see Table 1). Pay close attention to your device for the
duration of the self-test (up to 15 minutes).
6. When the result has been issued, the device will be automatically disabled.
Figure 14: Activating the test operation
7 When moved to the first line, the word Test is visible.
The device immediately changes from test to emergency operation if you
activate it for emergency operation (see section 8.1).
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8.2.2 Deactivation
In general, it is not necessary to disable the test mode. The unit turns off automatically when
the self-test has been completed. However, if you want to cancel the test mode, press and
hold the button TEST again until the status LEDs are off (about 3 seconds).
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9 Mounting
The SEAANGEL SA14-SART offers a variety of mounting options. In this user manual, there
are instructions on how to mount the device to a lifejacket and to a telescopic pole. As there
are various different lifejackets manufacturers and models, the method described in this
guide is only one of many options. It would not be possible to cover every eventuality in this
document due to the sheer amount of possibilities.
9.1 Mounting the telescopic pole
IEC 61097-14 requires that an AIS-SART is able to be mounted at least one meter above
sea level. If you mount the SEAANGEL SA14-SART on a lifejacket, it is physically not
possible to observe this requirement. For all other cases, this telescopic rod is provided so
that the device may be operated on a life raft, for example.
To attach the telescopic rod to the SEAANGEL SA14-SART, you must first mount the device
on the base plate. Follow the steps below:
1. Attach the base plate of the telescopic pole to the case (with internal thread)
using the supplied screws and screwdriver.
2. The base plate can stay on the device, even if you end up not using the telescopic
pole. Activation through water contact will not be affected by this.
Figure 15: Mounting the telescopic pole to the base plate
The next step is to mount the telescopic rod itself. You can remove it at a later date without
any tools. For this purpose, slide the float into the base plate of the telescopic pole
until it snaps into place . Pay particular attention to the correct direction.
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Figure 16: Mounting the float to the base plate of the telescopic pole
9.2 Mounting the SEAANGEL on a belt
You have two options for attaching the device to your belt.
1. Permanent attachment using the belt strap. For this purpose, a non-corrugated belt
mounting plate is provided.
2. Attach the strap to the belt with a belt clip which includes a belt mounting plate with
corrugation as well as the clip itself.
Figure 17: Comparison of belt attachment options
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9.2.1 Permanent attachment using belt strap
If you want to attach your device to a belt permanently, use the belt strap as follows:
1. Place the belt between the sleeves (with internal thread) on the back of your
device.
2. Place the mounting plate (without corrugation) above the belt and fasten it to the
device using the screws .
3. You must first remove the screws before being able to release the SEAANGEL from
your belt. If you prefer to attach the device to your belt without tools, use the belt clip,
as described in the following section.
Figure 18: Attaching the belt strap
9.2.2 Removable attachment using a belt clip
The belt clip allows you to attach/detach your SEAANGEL to your belt easily without tools.
You only need to follow these steps once in order to attach the belt clip itself:
1. Attach the belt clip and base plate (with corrugation) to the sleeves on the
back of the device using the screws included.
2. You can now attach your SEAANGEL to your belt (shown below).
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Figure 19: Attaching the belt clip
9.3 Mounting on a lifejacket
Since there are many types of lifejackets and manufacturers on the market, it is not possible
to describe all mounting options in this manual.
In section 9.2, the techniques for attaching the SEAANGEL to belts were described. Many
lifejackets have a belt; thus, you can mount the SEAANGEL as described. Figure 20 shows a
possible lifejacket attachment solution.
Figure 20: Mounting the SEAANGEL on a lifejacket (Spinlock DeckVest 5D 170N)
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10 Taking care of the device
The SEAANGEL SA14-SART does not feature any components which need to be
maintained by the customer himself. For any maintenance work, simply send your device to
FT-TEC GmbH. It is necessary to have the device inspected if:
The battery life has expired. The maximum battery life is 5 years providing that no
emergency operation was used in that time and that the self-tests were carried
out in the specified intervals (see section 6.4 and 8.2).
The device has already been used in an emergency. The device must be
inspected after every emergency operation.
The annual self-test has concluded with either WARNING or ERROR (see Table
1).
The device has visible external damage (e.g. broken antenna, cracks in the case,
etc.)
In case of any problem with the product, please contact your dealer or the FT-TEC support
team.
Please remember that any guarantee and warranty claims are void if the
SEAANGEL SA14-SART is opened without authorisation.
Do not clean the device with aggressive solvents. Use only pH neutral
detergents and clear water.
The antenna must not be unscrewed. This may damage your device, thus
voiding the guarantee.
YOUR DEVICE MAY NOT WORK IF IT IS NOT MAINTAINED PROPERLY.
IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, THIS COULD HAVE AN IMPACT YOUR
HEALTH.
Remember that maintenance carried out by FT-TEC GmbH does not replace
the annual self-test.
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11 Contact and support information
FT-TEC Electronics GmbH
Werner von Siemens Str. 5
A-7343 Neutal
AUSTRIA
Phone.: +43 2618 20455-0
Fax: +43 2618 20455-9010
E-mail: office@ft-tec.com
Website: www.ft-tec.com
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12 Declaration of conformity
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13 FAQ
What is needed to receive the emergency signal transmitted by the SEAANGEL?
You need an AIS transponder or AIS receiver. If you want to show messages, you will also
need either PC software (e.g. OpenCPN) or a chartplotter.
FT-TEC recommends the affordable AIS receiver, the SEANEXX RX100 or RX110. For more
information, please visit www.ft-tec.com
I can no longer disable my SEAANGEL. What should I do?
You can turn off the device by the holding the Test button for 3 seconds continuously. If the
device still does not disable, make sure the ripcord is attached to the device and the device
is not in the water.
According to the description, the SEAANGEL sends a burst of 8 messages per minute.
However, sometimes I receive fewer messages in a minute.
This can have several causes:
1. Your receiver unit cannot receive simultaneously on both AIS channels. Since the
SEAANGEL sends alternately on both channels, some data gets lost.
2. The SEAANGEL has a limited range. The reception conditions may be extremely
poor.
3. AIS uses a time slot method. In a time slot, only one device can transmit. Since the
SEAANGEL has no receiver, it cannot check before a transmission whether the
current time slot is occupied or not. If several AIS devices transmit at the same time,
there is an overlap and the message cannot be received correctly.
Why does the device need to be serviced after each emergency activation?
According to industry standards, the device must be able to run (after storage for 5 years) for
a period of at least 96 hours after activation. If you have used the unit for emergency
operation, this period cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, the on-board battery must be
replaced.
The ripcord is lost. The device can'o be turned off, what can I do?
You can only disable the device by placing a magnet against the point where the ripcord was
attached. Remember that the ripcord is attached to the lifejacket using the carabiner to
prevent this from happening.
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Can an AIS-SART device be mounted on a lifejacket?
The scope of an AIS-SART unit is well defined in IEC 61097-14. For proper functionality, the
device (especially the antenna) must be mounted at least one metre above the water
surface. This is of course not possible using a lifejacket. This will also lead to performance
issues. There are MOB (man over board) devices available if you wish to mount a unit onto a
lifejacket. An AIS-SART generally meets all the requirements of an AIS-MOB and surpasses
them (e.g. lifespan, performance, etc.). Accordingly, you can use an AIS-SART on life rafts
as well as on lifejackets.
Besides, AIS-SART devices are suitable for commercial ships and therefore meet high
quality standards.
What is the difference between AIS-MOB and AIS-SART devices?
AIS-MOB devices are intended to be mounted on lifejackets, AIS-SART are intended for life
rafts or lifeboats. These two devices differ in their characteristics and quality standards.
Generally speaking, AIS SART is higher quality.
I own an AIS-capable chartplotter. How can I tell, which messages were sent from my
SEAANGEL?
On the back of your SEAANGEL, you will find your user ID which is linked to the transmitted
messages. This ID should be displayed on the chartplotter – depending on the model. For
the SEAANGEL, this number features the identifier 97097xxxx, where xxxx stands for any
number. Please remember that this user ID is not unique among AIS-SART devices (unlike
the MMSI which your transponder uses), which means you may receive another device with
the same user ID.
What sense is there in having a breaking point on the safety slide when there is no
visual indication showing previous emergency operations activated by the ripcord or
by water contact?
In short, there is none! However, this is a requirement according to norm IEC 61097-14 and
must therefore be included. To ensure that your instrument works properly, send it in for
servicing immediately after emergency operation and run the self-test at the specified
intervals.
There are similar products available on the market, which allow you to change the
batteries yourself. Why is this not possible for the SEAANGEL SA14-SART?
It is not possible for customers to check whether the device is still waterproof after replacing
batteries. When FT-TEC replaces the batteries, they additionally check whether the device
still functions correctly, whether there are any leaks, and they re-calibrate the device in order
to guarantee performance.