Ocean Signal PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon User Manual PLB1
Ocean Signal Ltd. Personal Locator Beacon PLB1
PLB1 user manual
PLB1
PLB1PLB1
PLB1
© 2012 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.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
IN CASE OF EMERGENCYIN CASE OF EMERGENCY
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
USE ONLY IN CASE OF GRAVE OR IMMINENT DANGER
• PULL THE ANTENNA OUT FROM THE
BODY TO ITS FULL EXTENT USING THE
BLACK TAB.
• LIFT THE FLAP UP
• PRESS THE ON KEY FOR ONE SECOND
TO ACTIVATE THE BEACON.
• THE GREEN LED WILL FLASH TO
INDICATE ACTIVATION
• RELEASE THE ON KEY.
• ENSURE THE ANTENNA IS HELD
VERTICALLY WHILE OPERATING THE
PLB
• THE STROBE LIGHT WILL START
FLASHING TO INDICATE IT IS
ACTIVATED
Hold for 1sec
Hold for 1secHold for 1sec
Hold for 1sec
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Contents
1.
GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1
Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy .................................................................. 5
1.2
Warnings..................................................................................................................... 5
1.3
Model designators...................................................................................................... 5
1.4
Registration ................................................................................................................ 5
2.
PLB1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 6
3.
False Alerts................................................................................................................................ 6
4.
Operation.................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1
Activation .................................................................................................................... 7
4.2
Deactivation ................................................................................................................ 7
5.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 8
5.1
Testing ........................................................................................................................ 8
5.1.1
Beacon test ....................................................................................................... 8
5.1.2
GPS test ............................................................................................................ 9
6.
Batteries..................................................................................................................................... 9
6.1
Disposal ...................................................................................................................... 9
7.
Appendix....................................................................................................................................10
7.1
System Overview....................................................................................................... 10
7.1.1
COSPAS/SARSAT System............................................................................... 10
7.1.2
GPS System..................................................................................................... 10
7.2
Accessories............................................................................................................... 10
7.3
Specifications............................................................................................................ 11
7.4
Approvals .................................................................................................................. 12
7.4.1
European Declaration of Conformity............................................................. 12
7.4.2
Country of Intended Use (EU requirement)................................................... 13
7.4.3
Industry Canada Approval.............................................................................. 13
7.5
Limited Warranty...................................................................................................... 14
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1.
1.1.
1. GENERAL
GENERALGENERAL
GENERAL
1.1
1.11.1
1.1 Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
Exposure to RF Electromagnetic EnergyExposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Energy
This product also complies with EN62479 (EU) and RSS-102 (Canada).
1.2
1.21.2
1.2 Warnings
WarningsWarnings
Warnings
It is a legal requirement to register your PLB with your National Authority.
Only use your PLB in a situation of grave and imminent danger. Deliberately
misusing your PLB or setting it off accidentally may result in prosecution and a
fine.
Your PLB contains small lithium batteries. Please see section 6 for information
on safe transportation.
The battery in your PLB 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.
THIS PLB WILL NOT FLOAT, unless fitted with a flotation lanyard. The lanyard
will ensure your PLB will not sink and can be retrieved from the water.
The PLB1 is not designed and intended for operation while floating in water. In
the case of exceptional circumstances during operation the beacon shall always
be kept above the water.
Please read these instructions carefully. Failure to follow the guidance in this
manual may result in loss of warranty.
1.3
1.31.3
1.3 Model designators
Model designatorsModel designators
Model designators
The Ocean Signal PLB is available in two variants. The rescueME PLB1 has a GPS receiver
built in for maximum position accuracy. The rescueME PLB2 is a version without the GPS
receiver. This manual covers both variants, but section 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 and other
references to the GPS do not apply to the PLB2.
1.4
1.41.4
1.4 Registration
RegistrationRegistration
Registration
To register your beacon, contact you 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 USA the registration is at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/
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2.
2.2.
2. PLB1
PLB1PLB1
PLB1 OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
1) Antenna rewind knob
2) Antenna pull grip
3) Strobe light
4) Indicator LED
5) ON
ONON
ON Key (Under Flap)
6) Lift up flap
7) T
TT
TEST
ESTEST
EST Key(Under Flap)
8) Lanyard fixing (on rear of case)
3.
3.3.
3. FALSE ALERTS
FALSE ALERTSFALSE ALERTS
FALSE ALERTS
False alerts cause the rescue authorities unnecessary time and expense. To avoid false
alerts make sure your PLB 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 PLB 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)
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
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4.
4.4.
4. OPERATION
OPERATIONOPERATION
OPERATION
Ensure that your PLB1 is always fitted with an unused battery that is within the marked
expiry date. Failure to do so may result in reduced operating time is used in a real
emergency. Please observe the recommendations on testing in section 5.
4.1
4.14.1
4.1 Activation
ActivationActivation
Activation
Only activate your PLB1 in situations requiring emergency
assistance from the rescue authorities. Deliberate misuse of
your PLB may result in a fine.
•
To activate your PLB in an emergency, pull the black antenna
tab out completely.
•
Lift the protective flap and press the ON
ONON
ON key for one second
until the green starts LED flashing and then release the key.
Do not force the flap through more than 180°, otherwise
the hinge may break.
•
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 PLB over water, tether the beacon to
your body or the liferaft and keep the PLB clear of water.
•
Hold your beacon laying flat with the antenna standing
vertically. Keep the area marked ‘GPS Antenna’ free from
obstruction, which would interfere with the GPS reception.
The PLB does not transmit an alert until approximately 50seconds 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.
4.2
4.24.2
4.2 Deactivation
DeactivationDeactivation
Deactivation
To deactivate your PLB after use or if it is accidentally activated, press the ON
ONON
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 PLB. Do not push the antenna back into the PLB as this may
cause it to be damaged.
Hold for 1sec
Hold for 1secHold for 1sec
Hold for 1sec
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5.
5.5.
5. MAINTENANCE AND TROU
MAINTENANCE AND TROUMAINTENANCE AND TROU
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
BLESHOOTINGBLESHOOTING
BLESHOOTING
Your PLB 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.
5.1
5.15.1
5.1 Testing
TestingTesting
Testing
Routine testing of your PLB 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 PLB during an emergency.
5.2
5.25.2
5.2 Beacon test
Beacon testBeacon test
Beacon test
To test your PLB1 is functioning correctly, press and hold the TEST
TESTTEST
TEST key for one second.
The red LED will come on to indicate the switch is depressed, followed by the red LED
flashing rapidly. The switch may now be released. The strobe light will flash once and the
indicator LED will flash one or more times in two groups to indicate the pass and fail
status. The number of green/amber flashes indicates the battery status as shown in the
table below.
PASS: ---
USED: ---
FAIL: ---
Green / Amber
Green / Amber Green / Amber
Green / Amber
Indicator
IndicatorIndicator
Indicator.
..
.
Chages to
Chages to Chages to
Chages to A
AA
Amber
mber mber
mber
after 1 hour of use
after 1 hour of useafter 1 hour of use
after 1 hour of use
Red
Red Red
Red
indicator
indicatorindicator
indicator
No of
No of No of
No of
Flashes
FlashesFlashes
Flashes
No
NoNo
No of
of of
of
Hours Use
Hours UseHours Use
Hours Use
Type of
Type of Type of
Type of
Failure
FailureFailure
Failure
1 Flash 0 to 1hr
59min
121.5MHz
homer
2
Flashes
2hrs to 3hrs
59min
406MHz
generation
3
Flashes
4hrs to 5hrs
59min
406MHz
power amp
4
Flashes
6hrs to 7hrs
59min
Replace
battery
5
Flashes
8hrs to 9hrs
59min
Other failure
6
Flashes
10hrs +
Pull antenna out fully before commencing the
test. Retract the antenna after the test.
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 PLB once a
month.
The amber test result is an electronic witness
that indicates the battery has been used for over
one hour or the allowed number of tests has been
exceeded. The PLB will still operate normally in
distress, but the battery should be replaced to
ensure the full operating life when your PLB is
needed.
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5.2.1
5.2.15.2.1
5.2.1 GPS test
GPS testGPS test
GPS test
To test the GPS function of your PLB press and hold the TEST
TESTTEST
TEST key for ten seconds. Initially
the red LED will illuminate while the button is held and then start flashing. After ten
seconds the LED will change to a long red flash and a short green flash until either a 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 one more than the number
of GPS tests remaining. A failure is indicated by the red LED flashing. The test can be
ended by holding the TEST
TESTTEST
TEST key down for five seconds.
Ensure that the PLB has a clear view of the sky when performing the GPS test.
Make sure the area marked ‘GPS antenna’ is not obstructed.
Do not test the GPS operation more than once a year as this will reduce the
operating time during an emergency. (The maximum number of GPS allowed is
limited to ten over the life of the battery. After ten tests the GPS test will fail to
activate)
6.
6.6.
6. BATTERIES
BATTERIESBATTERIES
BATTERIES
The PLB1 contains Lithium batteries for long operating life. Your battery must be replaced
either after the expiry date or after the PLB 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.
When shipping your PLB 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. The PLB1 battery contains <2g of lithium.
•
Always pack your PLB securely in a stout cardboard carton. Ocean Signal advises that
you keep the original packaging in case of return for service.
•
For surface transport the PLB may be shipped ‘excepted’ under special provision 188.
•
For air transport the PLB should be shipped as category UN3091 and packed under
IATA packing instruction 970 section II. If you are hand carrying your PLB on an aircraft
please contact you airline for advice.
6.1
6.16.1
6.1 Disposal
DisposalDisposal
Disposal
Care should be taken when disposing of your PLB when it is no longer required. It is
recommended to remove the battery from the PLB 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 PLB1 is not user serviceable and removing the lid will
invalidate the warranty.
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7.
7.7.
7. APPENDIX
APPENDIX APPENDIX
APPENDIX
7.1
7.17.1
7.1 System Overview
System OverviewSystem Overview
System Overview
7.1.1
7.1.17.1.1
7.1.1 COSPAS/SARSAT System
COSPAS/SARSAT SystemCOSPAS/SARSAT System
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.
7.1.2
7.1.27.1.2
7.1.2 GPS System
GPS SystemGPS System
GPS System
The GPS system is a satellite array that enables a GPS receiver to determine its position
around the globe. There are a minimum of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth providing
accurate position, velocity and time information. The PLB1 PLB has a built in 66 channel
GPS receiver and antenna allowing reception of this positional data. The received position
is then coded into the PLB emergency transmission thus enabling search and rescue
teams to narrow the search area and increase the effectiveness of the rescue operation.
7.2
7.27.2
7.2 Accessories
AccessoriesAccessories
Accessories
To be completed
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7.3
7.37.3
7.3 Specifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
406MH
406MH406MH
406MHz Transmitter
z Transmitterz Transmitter
z 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
121.5MHz Transmitter121.5MHz Transmitter
121.5MHz Transmitter
Frequency ......................................................................................................................... 121.5 MHz
Output Power ............................................................................................................25-100mW PEP
Modulation .............................................................................................. Swept Tone AM (3K20A3X)
Modulation Depth ..................................................................................................................... ~97%
Frequency Stability ...............................................................................................................±50ppm
Duty Cycle ................................................................................................................................. ~35%
Low Duty Cycle Strobe
Low Duty Cycle StrobeLow Duty Cycle Strobe
Low Duty Cycle Strobe
Light Type .............................................................................................................High Intensity LED
Light Colour / Intensity ...................................................................................White / 1candela (typ)
Flash Rate ..............................................................................................................20-30 per minute
Battery
BatteryBattery
Battery
Type........................................................................................................Lithium Manganese Dioxide
............................................................................................................................................. (LiMnO2)
Operating ............................................................................................................. >24Hours @ -20°C
Replacement Interval ............................................................................................................ 7 years
GPS Rec
GPS RecGPS Rec
GPS Receiver
eivereiver
eiver
Satellites Tracked ............................................................................................................66 Channel
Sensitivity ............................................................................................................................-148dBm
Cold Start Re-acquisition ...................................................................................................-163dBm
GPS Antenna ...........................................................................................................Microstrip Patch
General
GeneralGeneral
General
Height of Body ..........................................................................................................................76mm
Width of Body ...........................................................................................................................52mm
Depth of Body............................................................................................................................32mm
Weight.................................................................................................................................115grams
Environmental
EnvironmentalEnvironmental
Environmental
IEC60945 Category ...............................................................................................................Portable
Operating Temperature ................................................................................... Class 2 -20C to +55C
Storage Temperature ...................................................................................... Class 2 -30C to +70C
Waterproof ........................................................................................................................15m depth
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7.4
7.47.4
7.4 Approvals
ApprovalsApprovals
Approvals
7.4.1
7.4.17.4.1
7.4.1 European Declaration of Conformity
European Declaration of ConformityEuropean Declaration of Conformity
European Declaration of Conformity
English
English English
English Hereby, Ocean Signal Ltd declares that this PLB is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC
Finnish
FinnishFinnish
Finnish Ocean Signal Ltd vakuuttaa täten että PLB tyyppinen laite on direktiivin
1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien direktiivin muiden
ehtojen mukainen
Dutch
Dutch Dutch
Dutch Hierbij verklaart Ocean Signal Ltd dat het toestel [type van toestel] in
overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere relevante
bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG
French
FrenchFrench
French Par la présente Ocean Signal Ltd déclare que l'appareil PLB est conforme
aux exigences essentielles et aux autres dispositions pertinentes de la
directive 1999/5/CE
Swedish
SwedishSwedish
Swedish Härmed intygar Ocean Signal Ltd att denna PLB står I överensstämmelse
med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som
framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG
Danish
DanishDanish
Danish Undertegnede Ocean Signal Ltd erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr PLB
overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF
German
GermanGerman
German Hiermit erklärt Ocean Signal Ltd, dass sich dieser/diese/dieses PLB in
Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den anderen
relevanten Vorschriften der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG befindet".
Greek
GreekGreek
Greek ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ Ocean Signal Ltd ∆ΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ PLB ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ
ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩ∆ΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ∆ΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ
Ο∆ΗΓΙΑΣ 1999/5/ΕΚ
Italian
ItalianItalian
Italian Con la presente Ocean Signal Ltd dichiara che questo PLB è conforme ai
requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva
1999/5/CE
Spanish
SpanishSpanish
Spanish Por medio de la presente Ocean Signal Ltd declara que el PLB cumple con
los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o
exigibles de la Directiva 1999/5/CE
Portuguese
PortuguesePortuguese
Portuguese Ocean Signal Ltd declara que este PLB está conforme com os requisitos
essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva 1999/5/CE
0168
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7.4.2
7.4.27.4.2
7.4.2 Country of Intended Use (EU requirement)
Country of Intended Use (EU requirement)Country of Intended Use (EU requirement)
Country of Intended Use (EU requirement)
Austria
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
Greece
Poland
Bulgaria
Hungary
Portugal
Cyprus
Ireland
Romania
Czech Republic
Italy
Slovakia
Denmark
Latvia
Slovenia
Estonia
Lithuania
Spain
Finland
Luxembourg
Sweden
France
Malta
United Kingdom
7.4.3
7.4.37.4.3
7.4.3 In
InIn
Industry Canada Approval
dustry Canada Approvaldustry Canada Approval
dustry 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.
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7.5
7.57.5
7.5 Limited Warranty
Limited WarrantyLimited Warranty
Limited Warranty
Your Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 is warranted against manufacturing defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of 7 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 including
return carriage to the owner. 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:
•
for any repairs or modifications carried out on the PLB 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,
•
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,
•
for product which has not been fully paid for,
•
for any product supplied by Ocean Signal to a customer under an alternative warranty
agreement.
• for the Medium Term Frequency Stability of the TCXO(oscillator) which is only
warranted for a period of five years from date of manufacture.
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:
•
lift up flap and associated mechanism,
•
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
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