Ocean Signal EPIRB1 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) User Manual

Ocean Signal Ltd. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) Users Manual

Users Manual

User Manual
Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon
English
EPIRB1
www.oceansignal.com
© 2014 Ocean Signal Ltd
The technical data, information and illustrations contained in
this manual were believed to be correct at the time of print.
Ocean Signal Ltd reserve the right to change specifications
and other information contained in this manual as part of our
continual improvement process.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise,
without the prior permission of Ocean Signal Ltd.
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions in
this manual.
Ocean Signal® and rescueME® are registered trademarks of
Ocean Signal Ltd.
For ease of access please record details of your EPIRB here.
Owners Name: .......................................................
Vessel Name: .......................................................
Beacon HEX ID (UIN): .......................................................
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF
GRAVE OR IMMINENT DANGER
l Remove the EPIRB from the bracket
l Pull the antenna out from the body to its
full extent* using the red tab
l Remove break off tab
l Lift the flap up
l Press the ON key (5) for one second
to activate the beacon
l The green led will flash to
indicate activation
l Release the ON key
l The strobe light will start flashing
to indicate it is activated
l Remove the lanyard cover (6)
l Holding the free end of the lanyard,
throw the EPIRB into the water
* Pull the antenna out until firm resistance is felt.
The antenna will extend to 25.5cm.
NOTE: Refer to section 4.2 for deactivation instructions
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5
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY................................................... 3
1. GENERAL.............................................................. 5
1.1 Introduction.......................................................... 5
1.2 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy............ 5
1.3 Warnings.............................................................. 5
1.4 Operating Mode................................................... 5
1.5 COSPAS/SARSAT System.................................... 6
2. Installation........................................................... 6
3. EPIRB1 OVERVIEW............................................... 7
4. OPERATION.......................................................... 8
4.1 Activation.............................................................. 8
4.2 Deactivation.......................................................... 9
4.3 False Alerts.......................................................... 9
5. TESTING........................................................................ 10
5.1 Beacon test.......................................................... 10
5.2 GPS test................................................................ 11
6. APPENDIX..................................................................... 12
6.1 Maintenance and Troubleshooting...................... 12
6.2 Batteries............................................................... 12
6.3 Transport.............................................................. 12
6.4 Disposal................................................................ 12
6.5 Specifications....................................................... 13
6.6 Approvals............................................................. 14
6.7 Registration......................................................... 14
6.8 Limited Warranty................................................. 15
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1. GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
The rescueME range of products provide the user with the latest
technology specifically designed for compact size and ease of operation.
The EPIRB1 is a Class 2, Category 2 Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacon (EPIRB) for manual release only. It is intended as a carry
off EPIRB, but may also be used as a supplementary alerting device as
specified in SOLAS regulations.
1.2 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
This product also complies with EN62479 (EU) and RSS-102 (Canada).
1.3 Warnings
It is a legal requirement to register your EPIRB with your
National Authority.
Only use your EPIRB in a situation of grave and imminent danger.
Deliberately misusing your EPIRB or setting it off accidentally may
result in prosecution and a fine.
Your EPIRB contains small lithium batteries.
Please see section #6.2 for information on safe transportation.
The battery in your EPIRB should be replaced immediately if it has
been activated, or if the test indicator shows the battery as ‘used’,
or if the expiry date marked on the unit has been exceeded.
Please read these instructions carefully. Failure to follow the
guidance in this manual may result in loss of warranty.
1.4 Operating Mode
Your EPIRB1 may be operated in a variety of modes.
1.4.1 Floating in water (a)
This is the preferred method of operation. Ensure the EPIRB is firmly
tied to the life raft or person before deployment.
1.4.2 On deck (b)
When deploying the EPIRB on a deck, ensure it is vertical and clear of
obstructions that might impede a clear view of the sky.
1.4.3 In a safety raft (c)
The EPIRB may be deployed in a life-raft, where it should be held in
a vertical position so that there is a clear view of the sky, preferably
outside of the canopy.
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[a] Floating in water [b] Deployed on deck [c] Used in a liferaft
1.5 COSPAS/SARSAT System
The COSPAS/SARSAT system utilises two satellite
arrays to provide distress alert and location
data to search and rescue authorities.
The GEOSAR system can provide near
immediate alerting within the coverage
of the receiving satellite. The LEOSAR
system provides coverage of the polar
region beyond the range of the GEOSAR
system. It can calculate the location of distress
events using Doppler processing techniques and is less susceptible to obstructions
which could block a signal in a given direction. The system is comprised of
instruments on board the satellites which detect the signals from the distress
beacons. Ground receiving stations, referred to as Local Users Terminals (LUTs)
receive and process the satellite downlink signal to generate the distress alerts.
The distress alerts, generated by the LUTs, are then received by Mission Control
Centres (MCCs) which then forward the alert to Rescue Co-ordination Centres
(RCCs), Search and Rescue Points of Contacts (SPOCs) and other MCCs.
2 INSTALLATION
The EPIRB1 should be mounted where it is easily
accessible in an emergency. We recommend
that the mounting bracket is in a sheltered
position, where it cannot be accidentally knocked
off, whether by waves washing over it or being
bumped into.
The bracket should be securely fixed to a flat
bulkhead using the three screws provided.
Mounting dimensions are shown in the drawing.
50mm
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*The lanyard is provided to attach the lanyard to the life raft or your person, once
it is activated. Do not use it to attach it to the ship, as this may result in the loss of
the EPIRB if the vessel sinks.
The EPIRB is supplied with a clear label to protect the UIN information on the side
of the product. Please fit this before use.
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3
45
6
7
8
1) Break Off Tab
2) ON Key (Under flap)
3) Strobe light
4) Indicator LED
5) Antenna pull grip
6) Antenna rewind knob
7) TEST Key
8) Lanyard under rubber band*
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4. OPERATION
WARNING: USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND
IMMINENT DANGER. MISUSE MAY RESULT IN A SEVERE
PENALTY
Ensure that your EPIRB1 is always fitted with an unused
battery that is within the marked expiry date. Failure to do
so may result in reduced operating time when used in a real
emergency. Please observe the recommendations on testing
in section 05.
4.1 Activation
Only activate your EPIRB in situations requiring emergency
assistance from the rescue authorities. Deliberate misuse of
your EPIRB may result in a fine.
• RemovetheEPIRBfromitsbracketbypushingthetabon
the bottom of the cradle down.
• To activate your EPIRB in an emergency, pull the red
antenna tab out completely until firm resistance is felt (25.5cm)
• Removebreakofftab.
• Lifttheprotectiveflapand...
•PresstheON key for one second until the green LED starts
flashing and then release the key.
• DuringoperationthegreenLEDwillflashonceeveryfive
seconds while the GPS is turned on and obtaining a fix.
Once a fix is obtained, the green LED will flash quickly three
times.
• Eachtimea406MHztransmissionismadetheLEDwillflash
quickly five times; green for transmission with a GPS
position and red for a transmission without a position.
• TheRedLEDwillflashevery2.5secondswhilethe
121.5MHz homing beacon is active.
• WhenoperatingtheEPIRBinwater,tetherthebeaconto
your body or the liferaft.
• Holdyourbeaconwiththeantennastandingvertically.
Keep the area marked ‘GPS Antenna’ free from obstruction,
which would interfere with the GPS reception.
The EPIRB does not transmit an alert until approximately
50 seconds has elapsed. This allows time to deactivate the
unit if accidentally turned on. The homing beacon is not
activated until after the first alert is sent.
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4.2 Deactivation
To deactivate your EPIRB after use or if it is accidentally activated, press the
ON key for one second until the indicator LED flashes red twice, then release.
Rewind the antenna using the knob on the top of the EPIRB. Do not push the
antenna back into the EPIRB as this may cause it to be damaged.
Should your EPIRB fail to deactivate using the ON key, wind in the antenna and
completely wrap the EPIRB in several layers of aluminium foil, or place in a metal
container.
4.3 False Alerts
False alerts cause the rescue authorities unnecessary time and expense.
To avoid false alerts make sure your EPIRB is safely stowed with the protective
cover closed and the antenna fully wound in. Make sure that there is no excessive
pressure applied to the protective cover. Ensure that anybody carrying the EPIRB
is fully aware that this device is for emergencies and should only be used in
situations of grave and imminent danger.
If you accidentally activate your beacon or otherwise set it off when a rescue is not
required, contact your local emergency services as soon as possible and advise
them of your beacon’s 15 digit HEX code (UIN), your current location and the time
the beacon was first activated.
For USA phone: 1-800-851-3051 (USAF Rescue Coordination Center)
For UK phone: +44 (0)1326 317575 (UKCG)
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5 TESTING
Routine testing of your EPIRB is recommended to ensure it is in good working
order if needed, but please follow the guidance notes below on the frequency
that tests should be carried out. Please remember that each test will reduce the
battery capacity slightly and reduce the operation time of your EPIRB during an
emergency.
5.1 Beacon Test
Pull the antenna out completely until firm resistance is felt (25.5cm) before
commencing the test. Retract the antenna after the test.
To test your EPIRB1 is functioning
correctly, press and hold the TEST
key for one second. The red LED
will come on to indicate the switch
is depressed, followed by the red
LED flashing rapidly, indicating test
mode is activated. The switch may
now be released. The strobe light
will flash once (indicating that the
406 and121.5MHz signal has been
transmitted). The indicator LED will
flash green or amber to show a pass
or red to show fail status. The unit
will automatically turn off.
Note: This
status indication is repeated a second
time after a short delay.
The number of green/amber flashes
in each group indicates the number of
hours the battery has been used for as
shown in the table opposite.
Self Test Result Indicator
No. of
Flashes
No. of
Hours Used
Green/Amber
Indicator*
Type of
Failure
Red
Indicator
1 Flash
0 to 1hr
(Green) 121.5MHz
homer
1 to 2hrs
(Amber)
2 Flashes 2 to 4hrs
(Amber)
406MHz
generation
3 Flashes 4 to 6hrs
(Amber)
406MHz
power
4 Flashes 6 to 8hrs
(Amber)
Faulty
battery
5 Flashes 8 to 10hrs
(Amber) Other failure
6 Flashes Over 10hrs
(Amber)
*Changes to Amber after 1 hour of use
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Because the test transmits a short burst on the aircraft distress frequency
of 121.5MHz, please only carry out this test in the first five minutes of each
hour.
It is recommended to test your EPIRB once a month.
The amber test result indicates the battery has been used for over one
hour or the allowed number of tests has been exceeded. The EPIRB will
still operate normally in distress, but the battery should be replaced to
ensure the full operating life when your EPIRB is needed.
5.2 GPS Test
WARNING: AS TESTING THE GPS RECEIVER EXPENDS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS
OF BATTERY ENERGY DO NOT TEST THE GPS OPERATION MORE THAN ONCE A
YEAR. TESTING THE GPS RECEIVER IS LIMITED TO 12 TESTS OVER THE LIFETIME
OF THE BATTERY, AFTER THIS THE GPS TEST WILL FAIL TO ACTIVATE.
THIS TEST MUST ONLY BE PERFORMED WHERE THE EPIRB HAS A CLEAR AND
UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW OF THE SKY. THIS IS REQUIRED TO ALLOW THE GPS
RECEIVER TO ACQUIRE A SIGNAL FROM SUFFICIENT SATELLITES TO ALLOW IT
TO DETERMINE A POSITION. MAKE SURE THE AREA MARKED ‘GPS ANTENNA’ IS
NOT OBSTRUCTED.
Press and hold the TEST key for ten seconds. The LED will illuminate red to
indicate the key has been pressed then start flashing.
Note: If the TEST key is released before ten seconds, the EPIRB will enter the self
test mode.
After ten seconds the LED will change to a long red flash and a short green flash
until either a position fix is obtained or the GPS test fails. A successful test will be
indicated by the strobe flashing and the green LED flashing. The number of green
flashes indicates the number of GPS tests remaining. The unit automatically turns
off after the test indication.
If there is not GPS position received a GPS position after five minutes, a failure will
be indicated by the red LED flashing after which the unit will turn off.
The test can be ended at any time by holding the ON key for one second or by
holding the TEST key for five seconds.
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6 APPENDIX
6.1 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Your EPIRB will require little maintenance except periodic cleaning, if required.
Always use a damp cloth to clean the case and dry thoroughly. Do not use
solvents or other cleaning fluids as this may cause the plastics to deteriorate.
Ensure the antenna is free to unwind.
6.2 Batteries
The EPIRB1 contains Lithium batteries for long operating life. Your battery must
be replaced either after the expiry date or after the EPIRB has been activated,
even if only for a short period of time. Battery replacement must be done at an
Ocean Signal authorised battery replacement centre.
All Lithium batteries self discharge slowly over time at a rate that is related to
temperature. Maximum performance of the battery is achieved with long term
storage at an average temperature of no greater than 20°C.
6.3 Transport
When shipping your EPIRB the following guidance and regulations should be
followed, but you are advised to contact your nearest battery replacement centre
or Ocean Signal prior to shipping as regulations may have changed.
l Always pack your EPIRB securely in a stout cardboard carton. Ocean Signal
advises that you keep the original packaging in case of return for service.
l For surface transport the EPIRB may be shipped ‘excepted’ under special
provision 188.
l For air transport the EPIRB should be shipped as category UN3091 and packed
under IATA packing instruction 970 section II. If you are hand carrying your
EPIRB on an aircraft please contact you airline for advice
6.4 Disposal
Care should be taken when disposing of your EPIRB when it is no longer required.
It is recommended to remove the battery from the EPIRB by removing the case
lid. The case screws are covered by the top label. Dispose of the battery in
accordance with local waste regulations. Please note that the EPIRB1 is not user
serviceable and removing the lid will invalidate the warranty.
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6.5 Specifications
406MHz Transmitter
Frequency ............................................................................... 406.040 MHz ±1KHz
Output Power .............................................................................................. 5W Typical
Modulation .......................................................................... Phase ±1.1 Radians Pk
.............................................................................................. (16K0G1D)
Encoding ............................................................................................... Biphase L
Rate ................................................................................................... 400 bps
121.5MHz Transmitter
Frequency .............................................................................................. 121.5 MHz
Output Power ............................................................................................ 40mW±2dB
Modulation .................................................................... Swept Tone AM (3K20A3X)
Modulation Depth ...................................................................................................... ~97%
Frequency Stability .................................................................................................. ±50ppm
Duty Cycle ...................................................................................................... ~35%
Low Duty Cycle Strobe
Light Type ........................................................................ Dual High Intensity LED
Flash Rate ................................................................................... 20-30 per minute
Battery
Type .................................................. Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnO2)
Operating ................................................................................. >48Hours @ -20°C
GPS Receiver
Satellites Tracked ............................................................................................. 66 Channel
Sensitivity ................................................................................................ -148dBm
Cold Start Re-acquisition ................................................................................................ -163dBm
GPS Antenna .................................................................................... Microstrip Patch
General
Dimensions of Body ..................................................................... 178mm x 89mm x 100mm
Weight ............................................................................................... 422grams
Environmental
IEC60945 Category .................................................................................................. Portable
Operating Temperature .............................................................................. Class 2 -20C to +55C
Storage Temperature .............................................................................. Class 2 -30C to +70C
Waterproof ............................................................................................... 10m depth
Approvals
Cospas Sarsat standards ............................................................................................ T.001, T.007
Test standards .............................................................. IEC61097-2, RTCM SC11000-2
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14 Part No. 912S-01365
6.6 Approvals
6.6.1 Marine Equipment Directive
The EPIRB1 is approved under the EU Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC as
amended by Directive 2012/32/EU under Annex A,1/5.6 for carry off purposes only.
6.6.2 Industry Canada Approval
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
6.7 Registration
It is a legal requirement to register your EPIRB with your national authority.
Failure to do so may result in prosecution. Accurate registration will help the
authorities if your EPIRB is activated and may speed up your rescue.
To register your beacon, contact your national registration authority via post,
email or online. Provide your 15 digit HEX ID (UIN), 5 digit checksum if required,
your contact details and emergency contact information. Some countries also
require additional information such as boat type and identification or alternative
emergency contacts.
For UK registrations go to: www.dft.gov.uk/mca/epirb
For USA registrations go to: www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
For Australia go to: www.amsa.gov.au/beacons
For New Zealand go to: www.beacons.org.nz
Details of other authorities may be found at:
www.cospas-sarsat.int/en/beacons-pro/beacon-regulations-pro/beacon-
registration-contact-information
It is important to make sure that registration details are kept up to date and that
the authority is advised of change of ownership or disposal of your EPIRB.
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6.8 Limited Warranty
Your Ocean Signal EPIRB1 is warranted against manufacturing defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of purchase
and in accordance with the following conditions.
Ocean Signal will at its discretion, repair or replace faulty product free of charge
excluding the cost of shipping. Proof of purchase shall be required in order for a
warranty claim to be valid from the original purchaser. All claims shall be made
in writing to Ocean Signal or an approved service dealer.
Ocean Signal shall not be liable to the buyer under the above warranty:
l For any repairs or modifications carried out on the EPIRB using parts that are
not supplied or approved by the manufacture Ocean Signal including batteries
and for work carried out other than by Ocean Signal or approved service
dealers.
l For any part, material or accessory that is not manufactured by Ocean Signal
the consumer will be covered by the guarantee / warranty offered to Ocean
Signal by the manufacturer or supplier,
l For product which has not been fully paid for.
l For any product supplied by Ocean Signal to a customer under an alternative
warranty agreement.
l For the cost of shipping product to and from the customer.
The Battery is only warranted until the date of expiry and provided the unit is
tested in accordance with the information in the user manual. This warranty
does not apply to a used battery as indicated by the electronic witness
(see page 8).
The following specific items are excluded from this warranty:
l Lift up flap and associated mechanism.
l Retractable antenna.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights. This warranty is to be
interpreted under English law.
For further assistance please contact our Technical Service Department.
Email: service@oceansignal.com
Ocean Signal Ltd.
Unit 4, Ocivan Way
Margate
CT9 4NN
United Kingdom
info@oceansignal.com
www.oceansignal.com

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