Orolia PLB-1-GPS Fastfind Plus User Manual

Orolia Ltd Fastfind Plus

User Manual

Fastfind & Fastfind PlusPersonal Locator BeaconOwner’s manual
WARNINGUse only in situations of grave and imminentdangerRegister PLB with NOAA SARSAT (refer to detailson Page 2 following) before useMcMurdo Limited reserves the right to change this specification at any timewithout notice, and hereby specifically disclaims liability for any consequencesof such action.
ContentsRecommendations and Safety Notices.......................................1Registration and licensing...........................................................2Quick Checklist ...........................................................................3Introduction .................................................................................4Preparation for Use.....................................................................4Operation ....................................................................................5Self-test .............................................................................................5Emergency operation ........................................................................7Switching off......................................................................................8Using the PLB in an emergency .................................................9How does it work?.....................................................................10PLB Registration .......................................................................11COSPAS-SARSAT Satellite System.........................................12Indicators...................................................................................14Fastfind (non-GPS version).............................................................14Fastfind Plus (integral GPS version) ...............................................15False Alarms and Complete Deactivation.................................17Service and Maintenance .........................................................18Before use.......................................................................................18After use.......................................................................................... 18Inadvertent Activation......................................................................18Battery Packs ............................................................................18Spare Parts .....................................................................................19Service ............................................................................................19Verification ......................................................................................19Specification..............................................................................20McMurdo Limited Product Warranty .........................................22IMPORTANTPlease take time to read this manual carefully andto understand its contents fully, so that you canmaintain your PLB and operate it correctly in caseof an emergency
Page 1Recommendations and Safety NoticesThis Fastfind or Fastfind Plus Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is anemergency radio beacon for use only in situations of grave and imminentdanger.False alarms cause expensive disruption to search and rescue services,and may endanger lives. Deliberate misuse of the PLB can result in asevere penalty.Make sure you read this manual and understand how to activate/de-activate your PLB, and how to change the battery packs. Ensure that thePEPIRB is registered with NOAA SARSAT office in Suitland, MD. Failureto register may lead to prosecution.The PLB and battery pack contain no user-serviceable parts. Do notdismantle the PLB or the battery pack. Battery packs contain lithiumbatteries. Do not incinerate, puncture, deform, or short-circuit. Dispose ofspent battery packs safely and in accordance with local waste disposalregulations.The PLB is a radio transmitter, and as such emits radio frequencyradiation when activated. This radiation is classified as harmless becauseof the levels and duty cycles; however it is advisable not to handle theantenna while the unit is transmitting.
Page 2Registration and licensingEach PLB is programmed with a unique digital identity before reachingthe customer. This 15 digit hexadecimal number appears on theprogramming information label located on the back of the PLB (visiblewhen the battery pack is removed), and is pre-printed on the registrationcard included in the PLB pack. This is the identity which is transmitted tothe satellite system when the PLB is activated.The registration form must be completed, signed, and forwarded to theNOAA SARSAT office in Suitland MD by fax or mail as soon as possible.The registration forms are pre-printed with the correct mailing addressand fax number. Registration will also be available on-line (anticipateddate: August 1 2003) at http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov, or forms may bedownloaded now for completion off-line. Use the PLB form in bothcases.Emergency ContactIt is VITAL that the Emergency Contact information is accurate,particularly regarding the telephone number, as this will be used tovalidate an alert. Only if the beacon registration and approximate locationdetails can be confirmed will AFRCC (the Air Force Rescue CoordinationCenter) launch an immediate rescue, otherwise there will be a delaywhilst further alerts from the same source are received and verified.You will be sent a sticker which must be attached to the PLB. The mostconvenient place for this is on the front of the unit clear of the recess foropening the cover.Registration address:NOAA SARSAT Beacon RegistrationE/SP3, RM 3320, FB-45200 Auth RoadSuitland MD 20746-4304FAX: 301-568-8649Helpline: 301-457-5678 or toll-free: 1-888-212-SAVE (7283).
Page 3Quick ChecklistDo:• Test the PLB before taking it on a trip• Ensure that the PLB is registered with NOAASARSAT• Make sure that you know how to activate andposition the PLB in an emergency• Check the battery expiry dateDon’t:• Activate the PLB unless there is a genuineemergency• Tamper with the red cover or antenna• Test the PLB more than once per month (onaverage)
Page 4IntroductionCongratulations on your discerning purchase of this Fastfind 406MHzPLB. This beacon has been designed to ensure your peace of mind byproviding you with many years trouble-free service. If you have anyproblems or require further help and advice, please do not hesitate tocontact your retailer, distributor or McMurdo directly.The Fastfind and Fastfind Plus PLBs are Personal Locator Beacons. In anemergency, activating the beacon causes an alarm to be transmitted tothe rescue services through the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite array. Thisalarm enables the user’s location to be established; the PLB alsotransmits a local homing signal to direct the rescue mission.The Fastfind PLB uses the satellite system to establish the position of theemergency; the Fastfind Plus incorporates a GPS (Global PositioningSystem) module which pinpoints the user’s position directly and sendsthis information to the satellite for onward transmission.Preparation for UseList of contentsPLBBelt bagLanyardUser manual (this document)Open the box and check the contents. Test the PLB in accordance withthe instructions in the next section of this manual.Belt bagThe belt bag is for carrying the PLB hands-free. Fit the bag to the belt.Attach the lanyard to the PLB by removing the battery securing screw, asdescribed on Page 15. Clip the lanyard to the D-ring inside the bag, thenplace the PLB in the bag and close the self-sealing cover. To remove thePLB, pull open the cover and extract the PLB.
Page 5OperationSelf-testThe PLB should be tested before setting out, but testing should be limitedto about 12 times per year to minimise the total power taken from thebattery.Self-test should only be carried out in the first five minutes of any hour.Open the flip-top lid. Do NOT pull off the red anti-tamper cover.Self-test uses the OFF/Test button, located under the flexible handle ofthe red anti-tamper cover on the right side as shown above.Slide a finger under the flexible handle of the anti-tamper cover tooperate the switch. Press the switch and HOLD IT DOWN until the self-test sequence is completed. This will take about 8 seconds. While thebutton is held down and the self -test sequence is in progress the redindicator light marked “ON” (above the switch) will illuminate.Emergency ONbuttonSelf-test/OFFbuttonPLB control panel(Fastfind shown)Green lampRed lamp
Page 6Self-testOn successful completion of the self-test sequence, the green light on theleft will flash 3 times and the buzzer will sound 3 times. The PLB willswitch itself off after completing a self-test, even if the OFF button is stillheld down. Release the button and close the flip-top lid.If the self-test fails, repeat it. If the problem persists, check the batteryexpiry date. Do not use the PLB; return it to a dealer.
Page 7Emergency operationImportant: DO NOT pull off the red anti-tamper cover unless you areactivating the PLB in an emergency. Make sure the PLB is firmlyanchored to lifejacket, clothing, or person (eg with a strap) beforeactivating.Raise the flip-up lid to expose the red anti-tamper cover. Once opened,the flip-up lid can be pulled off the PLB and discarded if necessary. Graspthe handle part of the red anti-tamper cover, and pull sharply away fromthe PLB body. This uncovers the START/ON button. The antenna willspring into an upright position as soon as the anti-tamper cover isremoved.Locate and press the large START/ON button located in the centre of thePLB switch panel. THE START/ON BUTTON MUST BE HELD DOWNFOR ABOUT 1 SECOND.The indicator lights will show the status of the PLB. When the indicatorlights are flashing, the PLB is transmitting. A full table of the statusindications is given in the section “Indicators”. The PLB will continue totransmit for a minimum of 24 hours.Important: Transmissions do not start until the PLB has been active for 2minutes. This is to allow time to switch the unit off in the event ofaccidental activation, preventing a false alert being sent to the search andrescue services. During this period the red indicator light comes oncontinuously on both the Fastfind and Fastfind Plus models.Pulling anti-tamper cover from PLB Antenna erected
Page 8Switching offTo switch off the PLB after it has been activated in an emergency (egwhen rescue has been effected), press the OFF button and hold it downuntil the indicator lights go off and the buzzer stops sounding.A five second delay is built in to the operation of the OFF switch toprevent inadvertent de-activation during an emergency situation. Afteroperating the OFF button, confirm that both indicator lights areextinguished and that the buzzer has stopped.PLB antenna erected
Page 9Using the PLB in an emergencyDo:• Keep PLB flat with antenna vertical• Try to place PLB where it has a clear view ofthe skyDon’t:• Obscure or hold the antenna• Place PLB next to large metal objects• Submerge antennaIdeal position for PEPIRB in open area
Page 10How does it work?Once you activate the PLB, the PLB transmits a continuous series ofradio signals on 406 MHz. Providing the PLB’s batteries are in goodcondition, the signal should continue for a minimum of 24 hours. Thesesignals can be detected by aircraft within range and by orbiting andgeostationary satellites. The Commerce Department’s National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates a series of satellites inlow-earth and geostationary orbits to detect and locate aviators, marinersand land-based users in distress. The satellites, along with a network ofground stations and the U.S. Mission Control Center (MCC) in Suitland,MD, are part of the International Cospas-Sarsat Program whose missionis to relay distress signals to the international search and rescuecommunity.The PLB transmits radio signals to a constellation of Cospas-Sarsatsatellites. Ground stations track these satellites and process the distresssignals to obtain a location (by using Doppler location techniques) of thedistress. The processed information is then forwarded to an MCC whereit is combined with other location and registration information and passedto the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) who alert theappropriate SAR authorities. Successive satellite passes refine andconfirm this information. Alternatively, some beacons operating at the 406MHz frequency can use the GPS system to obtain a very accurateposition to within 200 feet. This position is then transmitted as part of thedistress signal.GPS systems do require a clear view of the sky in order to workeffectively. Positions where the sky area is obscured significantly, suchas under a tree canopy or in a steep-sided canyon, may result in the GPSsystem failing to acquire its position correctly. Under such conditions theGPS system “fails safe”; it does not transmit an inaccurate position, butinstead sends information to indicate that no position is available.Position information is then dependent on the orbiting satellite system,with its 3 miles accuracy. However, the homing signal from the 121.5MHz transmitter is detectable from the air and in some cases from theground and may be of great value in refining the position of the beacon.The Cospas-Sarsat program is operated in the United States by NOAA,the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force and NASA. Since the inception ofthe system in 1982, over 14,000 lives have been saved world-wide andnearly 4,500 persons have been rescued just in the United States.The network of orbiting satellites can detect signals over the entiresurface of the earth; in addition, there are four geostationary satellites thatappear fixed in position and which detect signals over enormous areas(approximately one-third of the surface of the earth, but excluding Polarregions).
Page 11If an aircraft hears an activated beacon, it will immediately make a reportto the Federal Aviation Administration who will pass this information to theAir Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC). Detection of the beaconby aircraft or satellites is highly dependent on the beacon placement andantenna position. Once activated, the beacon should be placed in a cleararea with as clear a view of the sky as possible, and with the antenna fullyextended and as vertical as possible.A beacon should not be switched off once activated for a distresssituation until the SAR agency directs this.PLB RegistrationIt is ESSENTIAL that you register your PLB with NOAA SARSAT atSuitland, MD, as described on Page 2.Registration helps reduce the number of false alarms and hoax calls, andso makes the rescue service more efficient.On receipt of a PLB alert, the SAR organization (ie AFRCC) will firstly tryto check that the registered owner of the PLB has not accidentallyactivated the beacon. They will then try to confirm the approximatelocation before launching a rescue mission. This is another good reasonfor ensuring that somebody at your home knows where you are going. Forthe same reason, you should not lend your PLB to anybody unless youknow what they are planning to do with it - you (or your named contact)will be the person contacted if an alert is generated.
Page 12COSPAS-SARSAT Satellite SystemThis diagram shows the path the distress signal takes from the PLBthrough the satellite and ground station to the Search and Rescueorganization, as was described on Page 10.The orbiting satellites circle the entire Earth; the illustration shows thesatellite “footprint” (the area each satellite sees as it passes).System graphic and GOES images ©NOAA, LEOSAR satellite courtesy ofCOSPAS-SARSAT
Page 13The images below show the coverage areas of the geostationary NOAAsatellites over North America. GOES-W can see the entire continent,although the East coast is marginal; only Alaska and Hawaii are invisibleto GOES-E. Consequently, coverage overlaps over virtually all thecontinental US and there is always one satellite which can see any place.This means that a GPS-fitted PLB will have its distress position knownalmost instantaneously - provided that the GPS system can determinethe position, as described on Page 10.GOES-WGOES-E
Page 14IndicatorsFastfind (non-GPS version)PLB SELF-TESTEvent Self-test button pressed and held Self-test completed and passedRed Light On while self-test sequence inprogress(approx 8 seconds)OffGreenLightOff Flashes 3 timesBuzzer Off Sounds 3 timesEMERGENCY OPERATIONFirst 2 minutes After 2 minutesEvent Start/On button pressed 121.5MHz homing transmitteron.406 MHz burst transmissionRed Light On continuously for first 2minutesFlashes every 2.5 secondsexcept during a 406 MHzburst transmissionOffGreenLightOff Off Long flash for 2 seconds every 50seconds, then off.Buzzer Sounds approx every 2.5 secondsDIAGNOSTIC INDICATIONS SPECIALMODESEvent Self-test buttonpressed andheldSelf-testcompletedDuring operation ProtocolProgrammingRed Light Off Flashes 3timesDoes not flash Flashes every2.5 secondsFlashescontinually.GreenLightOff Off Long flash for 2 secondsevery 50 seconds, thenoff.Does not flash -Buzzer Off Off - - -Meaning No power to PLB Self-testfailureNo 121.5MHz signal No 406 MHzsignalProgrammingmode.Actionto betakenCheck batterypack is secure.Replace batterypack. Return unitto dealer ifproblem persists.Do not use.Return unit todealer.None.Unit is still broadcasting406MHz signal.None.Unit is stillbroadcasting121.5MHzsignal.Programmingcan only becarried out by anauthoriseddealer usingspecialequipment.
Page 15Fastfind Plus (integral GPS version)PLB SELF-TESTEvent Self-test button pressed and held Self-test completed and passedRed Light On while self-test sequence in progress (approx 8 seconds) OffGreen Light Off Flashes 3 timesBuzzer Off Sounds 3 timesEMERGENCY OPERATIONFirst 2minutesAfter 2 minutesEvent Start/Onbuttonpressed121.5MHzhomingtransmitteron.406 MHzbursttransmission406 MHzbursttransmissionwith GPS dataless than 20minutes old406 MHz bursttransmission with GPS datamore than 20 minutes oldRed Light Oncontinuouslyfor first 2minutesFlashesevery 2.5secondsLong flash for2 secondsevery 50seconds.Then flashesevery 2.5seconds.Long flash for2 secondsevery 50seconds.Then flashesevery 2.5seconds.Long flash for 2 secondsevery 50 seconds.Then flashes every 2.5seconds.Green Light Off Off Off On for 2seconds every50 seconds.Then flashesevery 2.5seconds.Comes on intime with redlight.On for 2 seconds every 50seconds (approx), then off.Buzzer Sounds approx every 2.5 seconds
Page 16DIAGNOSTIC INDICATIONS SPECIALMODESEvent Self-testbuttonpressed andheldSelf-testcompletedDuring operation ProtocolProgrammingRed Light Off Flashes 3timesOnly flashesfor 2 secondsevery 50secondsFlashes every2.5 seconds,but no long (2second) flash- Flashescontinually.GreenLightOff Off - - Does not flash -Buzzer Off Off - - - -Meaning No power toPLBSelf-testfailureNo 121.5MHzsignalNo 406 MHzsignalGPS has notbeen able toacquire a fixsince switch-onProgrammingmode.Actionto betakenCheck batterypack issecure.Replacebattery pack.Return unit todealer ifproblempersists.Do not use.Return unitto dealer.None.Unit is stillbroadcasting406MHzsignal.None.Unit is stillbroadcasting121.5MHzsignal.If possible,make sureGPS view ofthe sky is notimpaired.Flashing redlight showsstatus of121.5 & 406MHztransmissions.Programmingcan only becarried out byan authoriseddealer usingspecialequipment.
Page 17False Alarms and Complete DeactivationIf the PLB has been accidentally activated, or if rescue has been effectedbefore arrival of the rescue services:Attempt to contact the rescue services, coastguard, or police byradio or telephone to advise them of the situation.Only switch off the PLB if you cannot make contact with theauthorities, otherwise leave it on until instructed by the rescueservices or authorities to turn it off.The PLB may be completely deactivated by removing the battery pack, asdescribed in the Service and Maintenance section.Because the PLB is completely sealed against the environment only whenthe battery pack is fitted, deactivating the unit by removing the pack is notadvisable unless:the PLB cannot be switched off because of damage sustainedduring the emergencyoron instruction from the authorities or rescue services.
Page 18Service and MaintenanceWARNING: If the PLB has been used in an emergency, the battery packmust be replaced. It is advisable to return the PLB to a dealer for acomplete service.Before useIf the PLB has not been examined for more than 1 month, check thebattery expiry date. Run the self-test. Examine the PLB for any signs ofcracks or other damage.After useIf the PLB has not been activated, clean it using fresh water, wipe dry andexamine for any damage. Store in a cool dry place until next needed.Inadvertent ActivationIf you accidentally damage the tear-off cover or the tamper seal or if youdeploy the antenna, the PLB should be returned to a dealer for repair andexamination.Battery PacksThe PLB may be fitted with either of 2 battery packs, which can bechanged by the user. Both types of pack will operate in temperatures upto +55°C (+131°F), and may safely be stored in temperatures up to +70°C(+158°F).The larger battery pack will provide 24 hours continuous operation at aminimum temperature of -40°C (-40°F), making the PLB compliant withCOSPAS-SARSAT Class 1 beacon requirements. With the larger Class 1battery pack fitted, the PLB does not float and should not be used aroundwater. The smaller battery pack provides 24 hours continuous operationat a minimum temperature of -20°C (-4°F). With this pack fitted, the PLBcomplies with COSPAS-SARSAT Class 2 beacon requirements, and isbuoyant. Make sure that the battery fitted to the PLB is suitable for theenvironment in which it may be used.-20°C Class 2Battery PackPart No. 85-720-004-40°C Class 1Battery PackPart No. 85-740-004
Page 19A new battery pack must be fitted when the expiry date has beenreached. Only use branded battery packs designed specifically for theFastfind and Fastfind Plus products. Do not remove and replace thebattery pack unnecessarily: this may jeopardise the integrity of the O-ringseals which prevent water ingress around the battery connectionsbetween the battery pack and the PLB. To change the battery pack, referto the instructions supplied with each battery pack.Spare PartsBattery pack, Class 1, -40°C 85-763-040Battery pack, Class 2, -20°C 85-763-020Replacement pouch 85-736-004Replacement cover FastFind 85-764-004Replacement cover FastFind Plus 85-764-504ServiceThe PLB contains no user-serviceable parts. It must be returned to adealer or Service Agent if it requires service.A list of dealers and service Agents is on the McMurdo web site,www.mcmurdo.co.uk, and on the McMurdo Pains Wessex site,www.mcmpw.comWhen the PLB is returned by post, if possible the original packing shouldbe used. Postage must be paid. Ensure that the name and address of theowner is enclosed with the PLB.VerificationAfter a battery change, or alternatively at intervals of approximately 5years, it is recommended that the PLB is taken to an Approved ServiceAgent for calibration checking. The Service Agent possesses testequipment which verifies the performance and programming of the PLB;this testing is rapid and involves no disassembly of the PLB.
Page 20SpecificationGeneralApproved to COSPAS-SARSAT T.007 Class 1Complies with EN 60945RTCM 76-2002/SC110-STD V1.1Operating temperature range -40°C to +55°C with Class 1 battery fitted,-20°C to +55°C with Class 2 battery fittedStorage temperature range -50°C to +70°COperational life, Class 1 24 hours minimum at –40°COperational life, Class 2 24 hours minimum at –20°CBattery type, Class 1 12V lithium sulphur dioxideBattery type, Class 2 11V lithium iron disulphideBattery expiry 5 years from date of manufactureElectrical406.028MHz transmitterFrequency 406.028MHz +1kHzOutput power 5W+2dBData encoding Bi-phase LModulation Phase modulation; 1.1rads+0.1radsTransmission time 520ms+1% GPS, 440ms+1% non-GPSRepetition period 50secs+2.5secs121.5MHz transmitter Frequency 121.5MHz +3kHzOutput power 50mW+3dB PERPTransmit duty cycle 100%Modulation format 3K20A3X (2K00A2A during Morse “P” Tx)Modulation frequency sweep 1300Hz to 350Hz(fixed 1kHz tone during Morse “P” Tx)Modulation duty cycle 41%+5%Sweep repetition rate 3Hz+1HzSweep direction UP
Page 21GPS receiver/engine (Fastfind Plus only)Centre frequency Band L1 1.57542GHzReceived signal sensitivity -175dBW minimumMaximum number of satellitestracked12Transmit antennaType Flexible vertical tape monopoleCharacteristics Vertically polarised, omni-directionalReceive antenna (Fastfind Plus only)Type Ceramic dielectric patchCharacteristics RH circular polarised, gain +3dBi nominalExternal interfacesProgramming interface IR link to PC serial portManual activation Sealed membrane switch with tamper coverSelf test/Manual deactivation Sealed membrane switchPhysical characteristicsWeight, Class 1 411gWeight, Class 2 300gLength 146mmWidth 78mmBuoyancy Buoyant with Class 2 batterySealing Waterproof to 5m immersionCommunicationsTime to first transmission 2 minutesTypical time to alert LEOSAR: 90 minutes*GEOSAR: 05 minutes*Position accuracy Fastfind Plus: 30mFastfind: 5km** COSPAS-SARSAT published figures
Page 22McMurdo Limited Product WarrantySubject to the provisions set out below McMurdo Limited warrants that this product will be freeof defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase.McMurdo Limited will not be liable to the buyer under the above warranty:-• for any defect arising from fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, abnormalworking conditions, failure to follow McMurdo Limited's instructions (whether oral or inwriting) including a failure to install properly and/or to use batteries recommended and/orsupplied by McMurdo Limited, misuse or alterations or repair of the product by personsother than McMurdo Limited or an Approved Service Agent;• for parts, materials or equipment not manufactured by McMurdo Limited in respect ofwhich the buyer shall only be entitled to the benefit of any warranty or guarantee given bythe manufacturer to McMurdo Limited;• for the battery storage life which is specifically excluded from this warranty;• if the total price for the product has not been paid.McMurdo Limited does not make any other promises or warranties (express, implied orstatutory) about the product except where the product is sold to a consumer in which case thestatutory rights of a consumer are not to be affected.In order to be valid, claims must be made under the above warranty in writing as soon aspracticable after discovery of the defect or failure and within the warranty period referred toabove. Proof of purchase will be required. The claim should be sent together with the productin question to the address set out below or to an Approved Service Agent.Following a valid warranty claim McMurdo Limited shall be entitled to repair or replace theproduct (or part) in question free of charge, or at McMurdo Limited's sole discretion to refund tothe buyer the price of the product (or a proportional part of the price). McMurdo Limited shallnot be liable to a buyer who is not a consumer for any other loss or damage (whether indirect,special or consequential loss of profit or otherwise) costs, expenses or other claims forcompensation which arise out of or in connection with this product. In the case of a consumerMcMurdo Limited shall only be liable where other loss or damage is foreseeable.Nothing shall limit McMurdo Limited's liability for death or personal injury caused by itsnegligence.This warranty is to be interpreted under English law.All enquiries relating to this warranty or Approved Service Agents shouldbe sent to:McMurdo LimitedSilver Point, Airport Service Road,Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5PB, United KingdomTelephone: Int + 44 (0) 23 9262 3900 Fax: Int + 44 (0) 23 9262 3999Web: www.mcmurdo.co.uk Email:sales@mcmurdo.co.uk
Page 23User Notes
Contact:McMurdo Pains Wessex Inc200 Congress Park DriveSuite 102Delray Beach, Florida 33445Telephone 561 819 2600Fax 561 819 2650Toll free: 1 800 576 2605www.mcmpw.comWebsite: www.mcmurdo.co.ukEmail: customerservice@mcmurdo.co.ukManufactured by:McMurdo LtdSilver PointAirport Service RoadPortsmouthHampshireUnited KingdomPO3 5PBA member of the Chemring Group plc85-902-820 Issue 1

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