Orolia 82-001 406MHz/121MHz EPIRB User Manual E3 users manual

Orolia Ltd 406MHz/121MHz EPIRB E3 users manual

E3 users manual

406 MHzSatellite OWNERS  MANUAL
sos 3422115
11. PURPOSEAn Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is used to alert searchand rescue services in the event of an emergency. It does this by transmitting acoded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency. This message is relayed viasatellite and earth station to the nearest rescue co-ordination centre.The McMurdo E3 works with the Cospas-Sarsat polar orbiting satellite system whichprovides true global coverage. The system has an alert delay of typically 45 minutesdependant on when the satellites come into view on the horizon.The satellite can determine the position of your E3 to within 5km (3 miles) and thecoded message identifies the exact vessel to which the E3 was registered. Thisinformation allows the rescue services to eliminate false alerts and launch anappropriate rescue.The E3 also has a secondary distress transmitter. This transmits on 121.5 MHz andis used for “homing” purposes.  When the rescue services get close, this allowsthem to direction find on the signal. To cater for searches at night, the E3 has abright flashing light that aids final visual location.SEALREADYTESTPRESS TOAntennaStrobeRed lampProgram pointSea contactsLanyardON buttonunder hereREADYbuttonBattery expiry date
22. DESCRIPTIONThe E3 is a powerful self-contained distress transmitter. It is powered by a lightweight Lithium battery that has a replacement interval of 5 years. An EPIRB isintended to be a one-shot device, once activated it can operate for 48 hours. Itoperates best while floating in water, but it can also be operated while onboard.Refering to the previous figure, the key components of your E3 are as follows.Antenna This is a flexible whip. It must be near vertical when operating.If the antenna gets bent, gently straighten it out.Strobe light This is the glass U-tube visible through the clear lens dome.When the E3 is activated this will flash every few seconds.Red lamp Visible through the clear lens dome at the rear of the E3.This stays on or flashes to show you which mode you are in.Program point A dimple in the clear dome, through which your supplier canoptically input the coded message unique to your E3.You must register the coded message with local authorities.READY button Press this key once to de-activate the E3. Hold it down torun the built-in self-test, which checks basic operation.ON button Press this key to manually activate the E3. The key is protectedby a sliding door, which is fitted with a tamper seal.Sea switch The two screw heads below the keys are sea switch contacts.Submerge these in water to automatically activate the E3.Lanyard Pull the lanyard spool down to free it. Use the cord to tether theE3 to a survival craft. Never tie the E3 to your vessel.2.1  Wall bracketIf you purchased the manually activated version (E3m), this is normally suppliedwith a wall mounting bracket (see section 6). The bracket is made from white plasticso it will not rust. Its top section is sprung loaded, so that one simple squeeze willquickly release the E3 allowing it to be carried to a liferaft. The wall bracket shouldbe sited in plain view near an emergency exit. This bracket is more than just astowage point, it contains a magnet which disarms the E3’s sea switch. If you do notstow the E3 in its bracket, there is a risk of the E3 activating if it gets wet.2.2 Float-free enclosureIf you purchased the automatically activated version (E3a), also known as the “float-free” version, then your E3 is supplied in a plastic enclosure (see section 7). This ismuch more than just a protective housing, it contains a sprung loaded lever whichautomatically pushes the enclosure lid off and releases the E3 if your vessel sinks.This automatic ejection is controlled by a device called a Hydrostatic Release Unit(HRU). If the enclosure is submerged then before it reaches 4 metres (13 feet) deep
3the HRU cuts a plastic rod that holds back the spring and the lid is ejected,releasing the EPIRB which floats to the surface and switches on automatically.The diagram below illustrates the automatic release sequence.1)  As the vessel sinks, the enclosure fills with water. The HRU contains a bladewhich is released due to water pressure acting on a diaphragm. Before itreaches a depth of 4 metres, the HRU will operate and cut the plastic rod,releasing the coil spring.2)  The spring pushes the E3 and the enclosure lid outwards. As the lid pivots offit disengages from the screw head that helped hold it in place. The lid isweighted so it rolls over and falls away.3)  As the E3 floats away from the lid, it moves out of range of the magnet. Onceaway from the magnet its sea switch becomes armed.4)  The sea switch activates. The EPIRB then floats on the surface with its strobelight flashing. After 50 seconds it makes its first distress transmission.If you need to manually activate your E3, it can be freed from the enclosure simplyby pulling out the R-shaped retaining pin and removing the lid.2.3  Manual E3 in enclosureCustomers who need to mount their E3 in an exposed position can select theprotective enclosure without an HRU fitted (E3c). This means that the E3 will notfloat free if your vessel sinks. This is known as a category 2 EPIRB. You can tellwhich enclosure you have by reading the category from the front of the enclosure…E3a Category 1 HRU fitted Automatic float-freeE3c Category 2 No HRU fitted Will not float freeHRU1) HRU cuts rod2) Lid ejects4) sea switch activates3) EPIRB arms onceaway from magnetMagnet
4READYHOLD TOTESTON3. CONTROLS3.1  ON buttonThis is hidden behind a sliding door, which protects it from accidental activation.The sliding door has a tamper seal to show if the E3 has been activated before.The E3 can be manually activated by sliding the door to the left (breaking the seal)and then momentarily pressing the ON button.When activated the E3 will start to flash immediately. It will not make any distresstransmissions for the first 50 seconds. This gives you a chance to turn it off, if youactivated it accidentally. During the first 50 seconds the red lamp comes oncontinuously. When the red lamp starts to flash, the 50 seconds is over and distresstransmissions have started.3.2   READY buttonThis button can de-activate the E3 and it can test the E3.Ready Pressing and releasing this button quickly will de-activate the E3 andreturn it to its “ready” state. When the button is released the strobe andthe red lamp will stop flashing.Self-test Pressing and holding the ready button (for about 10 seconds) will allowthe built-in self-test to run. When the button is held down the red lampwill come on for 4 seconds, then go off.  During this time both the121.5MHz homer and the 406MHz satellite transmitter make “safe”transmissions. If both of these test transmissions arrive at the antennawith sufficient power then the strobe light will flash 3 times to tell youthat all is well. If the strobe light does not flash within 10 seconds thenthere is a fault and the ready button can be released.3.3  Sea switchIt is important to realise that the only time the E3 is completely off is when it is fittedin its mounting bracket. As soon as you take it out of its bracket a magnetic switchactivates and puts the E3 into its “ready” state. It will not drain the battery in thisstate, but it will turn on automatically if the sea switch contacts are bridged by water.The sea contacts are the two exposed screw heads beside the rear switches.Although you can manually control the E3 with the READY and ON switches, thesea switch overrides any manual settings. For the manual switches to operateproperly the E3 must first be dry so that the sea switch is de-activated.To ensure the sea switch operates properly in rough seas, it has a built-in timedelay. It has to be wet for at least 2 seconds before it will activate and it has to bedry for at least 8 seconds before it will de-activate.
5Squeeze top untilit springs up12Lift up tofree base34Pull  forward  Pull  down 4.  OPERATING PROCEDUREAn EPIRB is a piece of life saving equipment. Its sole purpose is to call for help.It must only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger.Misuse can involve a severe penalty.4.1  SinkingIf you have a category 1 “float-free” enclosure (see marking on enclosure label),then if your vessel sinks, the E3 will automatically release itself from its enclosurebefore it reaches a depth of 4 metres. The E3 will float to the surface and start tooperate because its sea switch is activated.If possible, the E3 should be recovered andtied (using its lanyard) to one of the liferafts.An EPIRB is meant to mark survivors, not theaccident scene. For best operation leave theE3 floating in the sea near the liferaft.4.2  Abandon shipIf the vessel is sinking and there is time to fetch the EPIRB then this should alwaysbe done. Release the E3 from its mounting bracket as described in section 4.3 or4.4 and carry it to one of the liferafts. Once the liferaft is in the water, uncoil thelanyard and tie it to the liferaft, then throw the E3 overboard so that it floats next tothe liferaft. The E3 will operate because its sea switch will activate.4.3  Releasing E3 from a wall bracketIf you have an E3 fitted into a wall bracket then follow the instructions below torelease it from the bracket…
64.4  Releasing E3 from an enclosureIf your E3 is fitted inside a full enclosure then follow the instructions below tomanually release it from its enclosure…4.5  Manual activationIf the vessel is not sinking, but there is imminent danger, then remove the E3 fromits bracket and manually activate it as shown below. Note that once activated it willflash immediately, but it will not transmit a distress call for 50 seconds. This givesyou a chance to turn it off, if you activated it in error.Once activated the E3 must have its antenna near upright and it must have a clearview of the sky for proper operation. Lying it on its side or placing it next to a metalwall will impair its range and may fail to alert the rescue services. Avoid handling theantenna, as this will also impair performance.21Pull R-clipfrom pinPullcoveroff3Pull EPIRBtowards you123switchesLocateon rearPress ON button4EPIRBwill flashSlide cover to leftBreaking tamper seal
712Slide cover to rightPress READY buttonREADYHOLD TOTEST1Insertantenna23Push  backwards  Push firmly into cup Push downuntil clip locks44.6  De-activationIf the E3 was activated by mistake or if the emergency ends then the E3 can bereset back to its “ready” state as follows…•  Remove EPIRB from any water   and dry its sea switch contacts.Wait 8 seconds for sea switch to turn off.If EPIRB is still flashing then it must havebeen turned on manually…•  Slide the switch cover fully to the right.•  Press and release READY button.If EPIRB is still flashing then it has a fault.Refer to section 5 on “False alarms”.4.7  Battery conditionIf your E3 has been activated for a cumulative period in excess of 2 hours then itsbattery will need replacing. This is necessary to ensure that the next time it getsused it will operate for the full 48 hours required by government regulations. Seesection 9.3 for battery replacement instructions.4.8  Re-fitting E3 into wall bracketThe E3 is now in its “ready” state, but its sea switch is still armed and will activate ifit gets wet. To fully de-activate the E3 it must be returned to its mounting bracket,where a magnet hidden in the bracket will make the E3 safe. Follow the appropriateinstructions below…
84.9  Re-fitting E3 into enclosure•  Offer E3 into backplate with switches facing outwards.•  Engage base of E3 into D shaped metal prongs.•  Antenna rests either to left or right of release pin.•  Check E3 is fully engaged in metal prongs and resting on foam pad.•  Refit cover by first locating release pin through hole in cover.•  Locate cover onto backplate, then snap down over locating lug.•  Refit R-clip through hole in end of release pin.3Fit coverover pin4Snap cover ontolocating lug5Fit R-clipthrough pin12SwitchesfacingoutSlide D-shapedfoot into prongs
95. FALSE ALARMSFalse alarms are a serious problem for the rescue services. About 90% of EPIRBinitiated distress alerts turn out to be false alarms. If your EPIRB should cause afalse alarm, follow the instructions below…5.1  Stand down rescue servicesIt is most important that you contact the nearest search and rescue authorities andtell them it was a false alarm, so that they can stand down any rescue services. Useany means at your disposal to make contact. Often this can be by VHF radio to thelocal coastguard or mobile phone if you are within coastal range, but MF/HF DSCand Inmarsat A,B,C,M may also be used. Useful contacts are…Country Region Telephone What to reportAtlantic / Gulf of Mexico (212) 668 7055Pacific (510) 437 3700USAFrom any location (800) 323 7233UK From any location 01326 317 575EPIRB Unique ID (UIN)Date, time & durationCause of activationLocation when activated5.2  De-activate the EPIRBIf the E3 was activated by mistake, then de-activation is simple…•  Remove the E3 from any water and dry its sea switch contacts.•  Wait about 8 seconds for the sea switch to de-activate.•  If the E3 is still flashing then it must have been turned on manually…•  Slide the switch cover fully to the right.• Press and release the READY button.•  The E3 should now stop flashing.•  Refit the E3 into its mounting bracket (correctly).Modern EPIRBs have sea switches and it is not uncommon for the sea switch toactivate in rough seas or heavy rain, simply because the EPIRB has been badlyfitted in its mounting bracket. The E3 bracket has a hidden magnet to hold the E3 inan off state. If the E3 is wrongly fitted the magnet does not do its job and heavyseas may activate the sea switch. The simple cure is to ensure the E3 is correctlyfitted as per section 4.8 or 4.9.5.3  Dealing with a transmitting E3In the unlikely event that your E3 develops a fault and will not turn off, then preventits radio signal from reaching the satellite using one of the following methods…•  Remove the antenna. Wrap the E3 in metal foil and take it below decks.•  Remove the antenna and place the E3 in a metal container or locker.Leave it in this condition for 3 days until its battery is dead. See section 9.4 forinstructions on returning the E3 for servicing. Also see section 9.7.
106. WALL BRACKET INSTALLATION6.1  SitingThe wall bracket should ideally be sited in plain view near an emergency exit. Whenchoosing a suitable mounting position you should also consider…•  Ease of access in an emergency.•  Mount at least 1 metre (3’) from any compass equipment.•  Allow at least 25mm (1”) above the bracket for it to spring open.•  Allow 18cm (7”) for the antenna. Heavy bending of the antenna is bad.6.2  Mounting procedure The wall bracket is supplied with a set of stainless steel fixings 25mm (1”) in length.The bracket mounts against a flat surface using 4 fixing points. Offer the bracketinto the chosen position and mark through the mounting slots. If you are using thenuts and bolts supplied, drill 6mm (1/4”) holes in the centre of each mark. You willneed a 4mm Allen key to tighten the bolts. If the rear of the mounting surface isinaccessible then use the self-tapping screws supplied and drill 3mm (1/8”) holes.Always fit washers under the heads of the screws to avoid damage to the plastic.175mm(7")130mm25mm(1")29mm(1.14")59mm(2.32")55mm(2.16")240mm(9.5")115mm(4.5")(5.1")
116.3  Mounting instruction plate The E3 is supplied with an instruction plate. This is a rigid plate with basic visualinstructions for how to operate the E3 in an emergency. The plate varies slightlydepending on whether you have a wall bracket or a full enclosure. The wall bracketversion is illustrated below.The instruction plate should be mounted next to the EPIRB so that it is easily visiblein an emergency. Use the four self-tapping screws supplied to mount the plate.Mounting dimensions are shown in the diagram above, or you can use the plateitself at a drilling guide for the screws.During vessel maintenance, ensure the plate does not get painted over or cleaneddown with strong degreasing solvents.sos2134558.4mm (2.3")70mm (2.75")130mm(5.1") 116.3mm(4.58")Mount platenext to EPIRB
127. ENCLOSURE INSTALLATION7.1  SitingThe enclosure should be mounted upright against a vertical bulkhead. Alternately, itmay be mounted horizontally on a flat surface, such as a cabin roof. No otherorientations are recommended.If you have a float-free E3 it is critical that you choose a position where the releasedEPIRB will not get trapped by overhangs, rigging, aerials etc, should the vesselever sink. An expanse of flat surface is required to allow the enclosure lid to eject.Use the list below to choose a suitable mounting position…•  Mount on the outside of the vessel’s structure.•  Mount close to the vessel’s navigation position.•  Consider ease of access in an emergency.AVOID•  Positions with insufficient space for lid ejection and maintenance.•  Positions within 1m (3’) of any compass equipment.•  Mounting within 2m (6’) of any Radar antenna.•  Direct impact from waves•  Siting where damage is likely.•  Exhaust fumes, chemical and oil sources.7.2   Mounting procedureThe enclosure mounts against a flat surface using 4 fixing points. See illustration formounting dimensions, or use the backplate of the enclosure as a marking guide. Todo this, pull out the R-shaped clip and remove the enclosure lid. Note how the E3fits then remove it to somewhere dry (its sea switch is now armed).Offer the back plate into the chosen position and mark through the mounting holes.The enclosure is supplied with a set of 25mm (1”) stainless steel fixings. If you areusing the nuts and bolts, drill 6mm (1/4”) holes where you have marked. You willneed a 4mm Allen key to tighten the bolts. If the rear of the mounting surface isinaccessible, use the self-tapping screws supplied. Always fit washers under headsof the screws to avoid damaging the plastic.
137.3   Mounting instruction plateThe E3 is supplied with a rigid plate giving visual instructions on how to operate theE3 in an emergency. Mount this next to your EPIRB as explained in section 6.3.7.4   Marking HRU expiryIf you are installing a float-free E3 you must now mark the HRU expiry date. TheHRU has a 2 year in-service life which starts as soon as it gets exposure to amarine environment. Hence the 2 years starts at installation and it is left to thecustomer to mark this date during installation. A date 2 years into the future shouldbe marked on the HRU body and copied onto the label on the side of the enclosure.The HRU is marked by cutting out the corresponding dates on its label. Theenclosure should be marked using the alpha-numeric stickers provided, thencovering them with the clear sticky label provided (but see 7.5 first). The preferreddate format is month and year, for example : JUN 2001.150mm(5.9")84mm (3.3")44mm(1.73")104mm(4.1")150mm(5.9")440mm(17.3")140mm(5.5")OBSTRUCTION FREE AREA0.8m x 0.5m (32" x 20")
147.5  Marking vessel nameIn most countries it is usual to have your EPIRB programmed by your supplier withthe vessel’s existing “callsign” (see registration section below). Your supplier willthen mark all the EPIRB labels accordingly. However, if your EPIRB was purchasedin the USA, Canada or UK then your EPIRB will have all the necessary markingsexcept for vessel name. In these countries it is left to the customer to mark thevessel name during installation.The name must be marked on the rear of the E3 itself and also on the enclosure, ifyou have one. Use the alpha-numeric stickers provided to mark the vessel name (orits abbreviation) on the top line of the E3’s rear label and again on the enclosurelabel. Protect the markings with a section of the clear sticky label provided.You must register your EPIRB with the appropriate authorities.Failure to register may slow the rescue and lead to loss of life.In the USA failure to register leads to monetary forefeit.8. REGISTRATION8.1  OverviewEvery EPIRB is pre-programmed with a unique identity before it reaches thecustomer. This is done by the manufacturer or in some cases the distributer. Theidentity includes a 3 digit country code. This is the country that takes responsibilityfor storing that particular EPIRB’s registration details. In most cases this is thecountry to which the vessel is flagged. The country programmed into your E3 can befound from its rear “identity” label. You must register with this country.When you activate your EPIRB in an emergency, the nearest maritime search andrescue coordination centre (MRCC) will receive the message and decode thecountry code (eg 232). They will then access the registration database for thatcountry and expect to find details of your vessel, its radio equipment and who tocontact. If they fail to find this information, this may slow down any rescue.Identity ProgrammedFlagCodingCategoryIDMV Spirit of Freedom232   G Britain2307689DOF3489CE34B211   AUTOVessel name here15 characters usedby the authoritiesUniqueIdentityNumberSerial NumberMMSICallsignCOUNTRY
158.2   How to registerThree registration forms are provided, two are for future use and one must becompleted now. The forms are all pre-printed with your EPIRB’s identity, all youhave to do is complete details of your vessel and provide some contact numbers.Wherever possible the forms are also pre-printed with the correct mailing addressand a faxback number. If your form does not have a mailing address, contact yoursupplier. When you have completed the form, you can choose to fax it or mail it.It is usual to receive confirmation when you register. In the USA you will alsoreceive a “Decal” sticker which you must fit to the E3 itself. The Decal is proof ofregistration. Not having a Decal is an offence. Useful registration contacts are…USA Sarsat Beacon RegistrationE/SP3, RM3320, FB-4NOAA, 5200 Auth RoadSuitland MD 20746-4304Tel 1888 212 7283 Fax 301 568 8649UK EPIRB RegisteryHM Coastguard (Southern)Pendennis Point, Castle DriveFalmouth  TR11 4WZTel 01326 211569  Fax 01326 3192648.3   Warranty formPlease complete the warranty form supplied and fax or mail it to McMurdo. Failureto do this may delay any future warranty claim.8.4   Radio licenceAn EPIRB is a radio transmitter and must therefore be added to your radio licence.If you have been allocated a radio callsign, then you already have a radio licence foryour VHF or MF radio set. You should update your licence to include your EPIRB.For further details see your licence or use these contact numbers…USA FCC  Tel : 888 225 5322   Website :  www.fcc.gov\Forms\Form506\506.pdfUK Wray Castle, PO Box 5, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0BF. Tel : 01539 4346628.5   Sale or transferEPIRBs registered in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia do not need to be re-programmed when transferred to a new vessel. Simply complete anotherregistration card to inform the authorities of the transfer. Use one of the spare cardsprovided or contact McMurdo for a blank card. (See warranty section for address).For most other countries, the EPIRB must be re-programmed with either the newvessel’s Maritime Mobile Station Identity (MMSI) or its radio callsign, whichever isrequired by the country controlling the new vessel.Since the EPIRB identity contains a country code, it follows that changing the flagstate of the vessel also means the EPIRB must be re-programmed.Programming can be carried out at McMurdo or any of our designated agents. Fordetails of your nearest agent, either contact McMurdo using the details in thewarranty section, or visit the McMurdo web site at  www.mcmurdo.co.uk.
169. MAINTENANCE9.1   Monthly self-test & inspectionAs an important item of safety equipment, your E3 should be checked regularly. TheE3 has a built-in test capability that can be used as a confidence check. This self-test confirms that the battery is healthy, that both of the distress transmitters arefunctional and that the strobe light is operational. The self-test should be performedmonthly. It should be performed during the first 5 minutes of the hour, to minimisedisturbance on the emergency channel.If your E3 is in an enclosure it can be tested through the test window, without havingto remove the E3 from the housing. If you have a bracket mounted E3 it will have tobe removed from the bracket as described in section 4.3. The procedure for self-testing is as follows…•  On rear of E3 press and hold the READY button for 10 seconds.•  The red lamp will come on for 4 seconds to confirm test in progress.•  When the red lamp goes out, the strobe lamp must flash (3 times).•  If the strobe does not flash repeat the test then see section 9.4.During these monthly checks you should take the opportunity to visually inspect theE3 and its mountings for deterioration or damage.On the E3 itself check the following…1)  Inspect the E3 for any obvious damage.2)  Check there is no sign of water inside the unit.3)  Check that the lanyard is not tied to the vessel structure.4)  Check the battery is within its expiry date.If you have a wall bracket…5)  Confirm the bracket top clip springs up when squeezed.6)  Check the E3 is correctly fitted and secure in its bracket.If you have an enclosure…7)  Check the HRU is within its expiry date (category 1 only).8)  Confirm the cover can be manually removed with ease.9)  Ensure the E3 base is correctly fitted into the D-shaped prongs.If the E3 or its mounting needs cleaning then this should be done using warm soapywater and a damp (not wet) cloth. Do not use strong detergents or solvents.Do not paint the E3 or its mountingDo not clean with detergents or solventsDuring vessel cleansing or painting remove the E3 and its mounting
179.2 HRU replacementIf you have an E3 in an enclosure which is marked as category 1 then it contains aHydrostatic Release Unit (HRU). This has a 2 year replacement interval. The HRUexpiry date should be checked regularly. It is marked on the HRU itself and also onthe enclosure side label.When the HRU expires you can obtain a replacement at a local chandler, or directfrom McMurdo at the address shown on the warranty page. McMurdo will supply anHRU kit (Part No. 82-210B) complete with breakable plastic rod, date labels andinstruction sheet. At a chandler you should ask for a Pains Wessex “BreakthroughHRU with an EPIRB kit”. The HRU replacement procedure is as follows…1)   On the enclosure, remove the R-clip and pull the cover slowly off.2)   Remove the E3 and stow it in a dry place. It will activate if wet.3)   Hold back the metal lever arm to take up the force of the spring.4)   Push the HRU back then upwards, out of slot in the lever arm.5)   When the rear clip disengages slowly release the lever arm.6)   The HRU with its breakable rod can now be lifted free and replaced.7)   Using pliers, remove the rear E-clip and slide off the old HRU.8)   Fit the new HRU over the new rod, with its label facing outward.9)   Refit the washer and the rear E-clip. Ensure rod moves freely.10)  Mark the HRU with an expiry date 2 years into the future.11)  Slide the HRU into the slot in the lever arm and push lever arm back.12)  Engage rear washer into backplate by pushing back and sliding down.13)  Look under the spring and confirm that the washer is fully engaged.14)  Slide E3 into D-shaped foot on lever arm. Switches outermost.15)  Refit cover by engaging hole over rod and then snapping into place.16)  Refit R-clip through top of rod.17)  On side of cover, remove old HRU expiry date and mark new date.12Breakable rodHRULever armSpringEngagewasher hereRear E-clipFitting HRUWasher
189.3 Battery replacementThe E3 uses a 9V Lithium Sulphur Dioxide battery pack, McMurdo type 82-140.Typically this will have to be replaced every 5 years. The exact battery expiry date ismarked on the rear of the E3 lens dome and if you have a full enclosure it is alsomarked on the outside of the enclosure. The battery expiry date should be checkedregularly. You will need to replace the battery when…•  The expiry date has been reached.•  The E3 has been used in an emergency situation.•  A false activation exceeds 2 hours of use.The battery is a one shot device. It is not rechargeable or user replaceable. Batteryreplacement must be carried out by a McMurdo approved service agent. Lithiumbatteries have special disposal requirements. Never incinerate a Lithium battery.Never dispose of one at sea. Your service agent will deal with battery disposal.9.4 ServicingAll servicing must be carried out by a McMurdo approved service agent. Always callyour nearest agent and talk to their service department before returning suspectequipment. You can find your nearest service agent from…•  The McMurdo web site : http://www.mcmurdo.co.uk•  Contacting McMurdo direct (see warranty page).9.5 TransportationThe E3 has no special transportation requirements. Its Lithium battery has beentested under the “transportation of dangerous goods” regulations and has beendeclared as non-hazardous for transportation purposes.9.6 GMDSS inspectionsIf your vessel is subject to GMDSS regulations then you can expect to get regularvisits from ship surveyors enforcing national legislation. They will check the expirydates and activate the EPIRB to prove it really works and they will read the identitymessage stored inside the EPIRB to check that you have registered it properly.Leisure vessels are not subject to these inspections. However, in some countriespassenger and fishing vessels are covered by the legislation.
199.7  Fully disabling an E3In the unlikely event that your E3 refuses to turn off then it may have a fault.Procedures for dealing with a faulty E3 are covered in section 5 on false alarms andin simple terms you should do the following…•  De-activate the EPIRB as per section 5.2•  Suppress its signal by wrapping the E3 in metal foil as per section 5.3•  Leave for 3 days until the battery is used up.We do not recommend any other course of action. However, if it is absolutelynecessary to fully disable an E3 (by unplugging its battery) proceed as follows. Thisis a dangerous task and should only be performed by a qualified technician.WARNINGRisk of electric shockProceed at your own risk, no liability accepted•  Take the E3 below decks into the dry.•  Locate a flat bladed screwdriver with a long reach.•  Unscrew and retain the front 4 sealing screws.•  Pull the lanyard out and remove the 2 hidden rear screws.• Do not as yet remove the sea contact screws.•  Lift the lens dome off. Remove and retain the grey gasket.• Avoid touching the circuit board and the glass strobe tube.•  Hold the hexagon shaped pillars and remove the sea screws.•  Use a cross-headed screwdriver to remove the front screw.•  Grip the white plastic coil former and lift the circuit board up 3cm (1”).•  Using fingers, unplug the white 4-way battery connector.•  The flashing will now cease.•  Collect up all the parts and return them to your nearest service agent.270V dcStrobeFront screwGasketHiddenscrewsSeascrewsBatteryconnectorDANGER - HIGH VOLTAGEsealingscrewsFrontpillarHexPull up oncoil formerLens domeCircuitboard
20Technical specification406 MHz Transmitter Operating frequency 406.025 MHz +/- 5kHzPower output 5W typicalModulation Phase  (16K0GID)121.5 MHz Homer Operating frequency 121.5 MHz +/- 3.5kHzPower output 50mW radiated typicalModulation Swept tone AM  (3K20A3X)Strobe light Type Xenon discharge tubeLight output 0.75 Candela minimumFlash rate 23 flashes per minuteBattery Type Lithium Sulphur dioxideOperating life 48 hours minimumShelf life 5 years typical in serviceEnvironment Operating temperature -40°C to +55°C (class 1)Storage temperature -50°C to +70°CAutomatic release depth 4 metres max. (13 feet)Physical Weight 740 grammes (1.6 lb)Height of body 21  cm (8.2 inches)Length of antenna 18 cm (7 inches)Approvals Satellite system Cospas-Sarsat T.001 / T.007Europe ETS-300-066Marine Equipment DirectiveUSA USCG / FCC approvedFCC ID : KLS-82-001Worldwide IEC1097-2Meets IMO regulations A662(16) A694(17) A810(19)This device complies with the GMDSS provisions of part 80 of the FCC rules.
WARRANTYThis product is covered by a 12 month non-transferable manufacturer'slimited warranty commencing on the date of purchase. The warranty coversfaulty materials and workmanship during manufacture, but excludes normalwear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, abnormal conditions and failureto follow manufacturer's instructions.The manufacturer shall not be liable for any consequential loss or damagecaused by a defective product. A copy of the full warranty conditions isavailable upon request. This warranty statement does not affect yourstatutory rights.Claims under warranty should be directed to your local dealer withsupporting proof of purchase. Technical advice and information on localdealers can be obtained from the address given below.McMurdo LtdRodney RoadFrattonPortsmouthHampshireUnited KingdomPO4 8SGTEL  +44 (0)1705 775044FAX +44 (0)1705 819087Email : sales@mcmurdo.co.ukRecord Serial No. (visible through dome) : _______________________ McMurdo Ltd 1998The Copyright on this manual is owned by McMurdo Ltd. This manual, orinformation from this manual may not be copied or otherwise transferred tothird parties using any media, including electronic, without prior writtenpermission of McMurdo Ltd.
McMurdo LtdRodney RoadFrattonPortsmouthHampshireUnited KingdomPO4 8SGA member of Chemring group PLC82-163-001M issue 1

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