ocean SIGNAL EPIRB3 Pro 406 MHz Global Rescue Beacon Instruction Manual
- June 12, 2024
- ocean SIGNAL
Table of Contents
SIGNAL EPIRB3 Pro 406 MHz Global Rescue Beacon
Instruction Manual
GET THE MOBILE APP. TO SEE YOUR BEACON’S TEST INFORMATION
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https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ais.config.oceansignal|
https://apps.apple.com/app/ocean-signal-ais-config/id1453183713
EPIRB3 Pro Ocean Signal
OWNER DETAILS
Name——————
Vessel——————
CONTACT——————
Tel.——————
Email——————
BEACON REGISTRATION
It is the owner’s responsibility to register this beacon with the appropriate
National Authority before operation.
Documentation is provided within the packaging with information regarding
registration with the relevant body to comply with the required configuration
of the beacon.
ATTACH YOUR BEACON DETAILS HERE
GET THE MOBILE APP. TO SEE YOUR BEACON’S TEST INFORMATION IN CASE OF
EMERGENGY
USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER
NOTE: Remove the
rubber lanyard cover and tie the lanyard to the life raft or your person to
prevent loss. DO NOT tie to a vessel in that is in danger of sinking.
NOTE: Once removed from the bracket the EPIRB3 will automatically
activate when placed in the water. To deactivate remove from the water.
ABOUT YOUR AIS EPIRB
COSPAS/SARSAT
System The basic Cospas-Sarsat concept is illustrated in the adjacent figure.
The System is composed of:
- distress radio beacons (ELTs for aviation use, EPIRBs for maritime use, and PLBs for personal use) which transmit signals during distress situations
- ground receiving stations, referred to as Local Users Terminals (LUTs), which receive and process the satellite downlink signal to generate distress alerts
- Mission Control Centers (MCCs) which receive alerts produced by LUTs and forward them to Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs), Search and Rescue Points Of Contacts (SPOCs) or other MCCs The Cospas-Sarsat System includes two types of satellites:
- satellites in low-altitude Earth orbit (LEO) which form the LEOSAR System
1.2 Return Link service
The Galileo Return Link Service (RLS) is a free-of-charge global service
available to Cospas-Sarsat RLS compatible beacons. The new functionality,
currently offered uniquely by Galileo, enables a communication link that
relays Return Link Messages (RLM) back to the originating beacon through the
Galileo Navigation Signal in Space.
The RLS feature is an indication on the EPIRB3 Pro that confirms to the User
that the distress signal from the EPIRB3 Pro has been localised by the Cospas-
Sarsat system and is being sent to the SAR authorities. It does NOT mean that
a search and rescue mission has been launched, but only confirms that the
distress alert has been received by the Cospas-Sarsat system and is being
routed to the appropriate SAR agencies. The RLS aims to send an acknowledgment
to the beacon within 30 minutes following activation (the response may not be
received by the beacon for significantly longer). RLS is an optional function
and may not be permitted in all countries. The full RLS specification can be
found here: https://gsc-europa.eu/sites/default/files/sites/all/files
/Galileo-SAR-SDD.pdf
1.3 AIS System
AIS systems operate on VHF radio bands and transceivers are fitted to all
commercial shipping and an ever growing number of recreational vessels
globally. Shortly after activation an AIS Man Over Board device will activate
an alarm on all AIS equipped vessels within VHF range alerting them to the
fact that a person is in the water needing assistance. Often it is a vessel in
the close vicinity of an incident that is able to react and effect a rescue
quicker than the emergency services.
Emergency service craft are fitted with AIS receivers allowing them to
pinpoint a casualty in the water more precisely than any other system.
OPERATION
WARNING: Use only in situations of grave and imminent danger.
Deliberate misuse may result in a severe penalty.
Ensure that your beacon 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 9 of the
User Manual.
Category 1 beacons are designed to be automatically deployed from the
Automatic
Release Housing and will automatically be activated on contact with the water.
Category beacons MUST be removed from the housing before they can be manually
activated.
To prevent loss secure the beacon to your person or life raft using the
attached lanyard.
Never secure the lanyard to the vessel, this will cause the EPIRB to sink with
the vessel.
When active the beacon is designed to operate while floating in the water. For
best operation do not take the beacon into a life raft or obstruct the upper
case.
2.1 Optical Indications on activation
- The LED will illuminate green (blue if RLS is enabled) for 1 second.
- The strobe light will start flashing.
- AIS transmission will be indicated by the LED flashing 8 times at 2 second intervals (green if a GNSS fix has been acquired or red if there is no fix). This will not happen until after the first 406MHz transmission,
2.2 Deactivation
To deactivate your beacon after use or if it is accidentally activated,
press and hold the ON/OFF
Key until the LED flashes red twice, then release.
2.3 Automatic Activation (Ensure the antenna is released)
The beacon requires removal from the Auto Release Housing to allow automatic
activation. As the beacon is released from the bracket the water contacts are
enabled. Place the EPIRB3 in the water to activate. Only manual activation is
possible while the EPIRB remains in the Auto Release Housing.
For full installation details see the User Manual: www.oceansignal.com/products/epirb3-pro
- The first 406MHz transmission is made between 48 and 52 seconds after activation.
2.4LED Indications with RLS Enabled
TESTING
Routine testing of your beacon once a month is highly recommended to ensure it
is in good working order. Follow the guidance notes below on the frequency
that tests should be carried out. Remember that each test will reduce the
battery capacity slightly and reduce the operation time of your beacon during
an emergency.
5.1 Functional test
To test your beacon is functioning correctly, press and hold the TEST key for
1 to 2 seconds. The LED will illuminate red
to indicate the key has been pressed, then start flashing. Release the TEST
Key now. After a short pause the strobe will flash and the indicator LED will
produce a flash sequence.
A passed test flash sequence indicates the total number of hours that the
battery has already been in use, up to the time that the test was initiated.
5.1.1 LED Indications with RLS Enabled
Because this test transmits a short burst on the aircraft distress frequency
of 121.5MHz, please only carry out this test in the first 5 minutes of each
hour.
The battery must be replaced either prior to the expiry date shown on the rear
label or after the EPIRB3 has been activated.
If, during a self test, the LED flashes magenta or amber the EPIRB3 Pro may
not have sufficient energy to operate for the specified 48-hour period.
Battery replacement is recommended.
NOTE: More information regarding test results is available using the
Mobile App.
2.5 LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol
- The AIS transmissions will show as 8 flashes (1 every 2 seconds) as a sequence repeated once every minute
** The 121MHz Homer will not transmit until after the second 406MHz transmission.
HRU REPLACEMENT
The EPIRB3 Pro is mounted in an Auto Release Housing, this contains a HR1E
Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU). The HRU unit must be replaced two years after
installation – the expiry date is marked on the HRU and on the front of the
housing.
If this date has been reached then the HRU must be replaced with an Ocean
Signal HR1E, failure to do so may result in the HRU not operating correctly
during an emergency situation. See the User Manual for further information
regarding the HRU replacement procedure.
NOTE: The expiry date should be two years from the date of installation
on to your vessel, but no more than three years from the date of manufacture
provided.
Note the HRU Expiry Date here:
INSPECTION
During the monthly EPIRB self test it is advised that the following inspection is performed.
- Inspect the EPIRB for obvious signs of damage including the state of the antenna. Any creases in the antenna may cause the operation of the EPIRB to be impaired.
- Confirm that the EPIRB is securely mounted on the bracket or in the Auto Release Housing.
- Inspect the lanyard and ensure it is not attached to any structures.
- Confirm the battery is within the specified expiry date.
- Confirm the HRU is within the specified expiry date (Two years after the installation date).
- Clean the EPIRB and mounting. It is recommended that the EPIRB is cleaned only using a damp cloth.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the EPIRB3 Pro.
DO NOT OPEN THE EPIRB3 Pro, DOING SO WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY AND MAY CAUSE FALSE ALERTS
5.2 GNSS Test
This test should only be performed where the EPIRB3 Pro3 has a clear and
unobstructed view of the sky. This is required to allow the GNSS receiver to
acquire a signal from
sufficient satellites to allow it to determine a position. Ensure the area
marked “GNSS Antenna” is not obstructed.
It is recommended that a GNSS test is carried out at least once every six
months to ensure correct operation of the EPIRB3 Pro.
Press and hold the TESTkey for 5 seconds. The LED will illuminate red to
indicate the key
has been pressed, then start flashing. Shortly after, the LED will cease
flashing and become a steady red light. Release the TEST key when the LED is
steady red.
During the GNSS test the LED will repeat a long red flash followed by a short
green flash until either a position fix is obtained or the GNSS test fails.
A successful test will be indicated by a number of green LED flashes and an
unsuccessful test will be indicated by a number of red LED flashes. The number
of flashes indicates the number of GNSS tests remaining (e.g. 7 flashes = 7
tests remaining).
The test result flashes will be repeated after 2 seconds.
If there are 10 or more tests remaining then the LED will flash 10 times only
(repeated).
The EPIRB3 Pro has the capacity to carry out 60 GNSS tests within the lifetime
of the battery.
If there are no tests remaining immediately after the current test, the LED
will flash green or red rapidly for three seconds (not repeated) depending on
whether the GNSS test was successful or not, respectively.
When there are no tests remaining, the LED will flash red rapidly for three
seconds on key release (not repeated).
The test can be ended at any time by holding the TEST key for 1 to 2 seconds.
For further information regarding Self Test and Self Test history use the
Ocean Signal App to connect to your EPIRB3 Pro using Near Field Communication
(NFC).
Approvals
In addition to Cospas Sarsat Type Acceptance, the EPIRB3 complies with the
following National Approvals:
6.1 European Union
Complies with the requirements of the EU Marine Equipment Dir
! Pending
6.2 UK
! Pending
Complies with MSN 1874 as amended
6.3 USA
Complies with FCC 47 CFR Part 80 and US Coast Guard requir
! Pending
6.4 Canada
! Pending
Compliance with ISED RSS GEN and RSS182
6.5 Australia/New Zealand
! Pending
Complies with AZ/NZS 4280.1-2017
Specifications
406MHz Transmitter
Transmit Power (EIRP)
Frequency
Modulation
Encoding
Rate| 12W
406.031 MHz ±1KHz
Phase ±1.1 Radians (16K0G1D)
Biphase L
400 bps
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AIS Transmitter
Transmit Power (EIRP)
Frequency
Baud rate
Synchronisation Messages
Repetition interval| 1Watt±3dB
161.975/162.025MHz ±500Hz 9600baud
UTC
Message 1 (Position), Message 14 (Status) 8 messages/minute
Message 14 sent twice every 4 minutes
121.5MHz Transmitter
Transmit Power (PERP)
Frequency
Modulation Duty Cycle
Modulation Factor
Frequency Stability
Duty Cycle| 50mW±3dB
121.5 MHz >35% 0.85 to1.00
±50ppm >98%
Strobe and Night Vision Lights
Light Type
Light Colour
Average Intensity Visible
Average Intensity Night Vision Light
Flash Rate| High Intensity LED & Infrared (IR)
White and IR
1 candela
15mW/sr
24 per minute (nom.)
Battery
TypeOperating Time
Battery Replacement Period| Lithium Iron Disulphide (LiFeS2)
48Hours @ -20°C
10 years
GNSS Receiver
Satellite Channels
Sensitivity
Cold Start / Re-acquisition
GNSS Antenna| 72 acquisition
-167dBm
-148dBm / -160dBm
Microstrip Patch
General Dimensions of EPIRB (Inc. antenna)
Weight (EPIRB Only) Dimensions of Automatic Release Housing
Weight (Inc. EPIRB) IEC60945 Category Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature Waterproof (EPIRB) Auto Release Depth 912S-03970 v01.11
410mm x 90mm x 101mm
(16.1 x 3.5 x 3.9 in.) 422grams (0.92lbs)
237mm x 191mm x 121mm (9.3” x 7.5” x 4.8”)
1,252grams (2.76lbs) Portable
Class 2 -20C to +55C
Class 2 -30C to +70C
10m depth for 1 hour 4m maximum 14/11/2022
https://www.oceansignal.com/approvals-documents
See “www.oceansignal.com/approvals-documents” for documentation.