rescue Me EPIRB2 Ocean Signal Safesea Epirb1 Pro User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- rescue Me
Table of Contents
rescue Me EPIRB2 Ocean Signal Safesea Epirb1 Pro
Specifications
- 406MHz Transmitter
- Transmit Power (EIRP)
- Frequency Modulation Encoding Rate
- 121.5MHz Transmitter
- Transmit Power (PERP)
- Frequency Modulation Duty Cycle
- Modulation Factor
- Frequency Stability Duty Cycle
- Strobe and Night Vision Lights
- Light Type
- Light Colour
- Average Intensity Visible
- Average Intensity Night Vision Light
- Flash Rate
- Battery
- Type
- Operating Time
- Battery Replacement Period
- GNSS Receiver
- Satellite Channels
- Sensitivity Cold Start / Re-acquisition
- GNSS Antenna
- NFC Transmitter/Receiver
- Operating Frequency
- General
- Dimensions of EPIRB (Inc. antenna)
- Weight (EPIRB Only)
- IEC60945 Category
- Operating Temperature
- Storage Temperature
- Waterproof (EPIRB)
- Expected Life (EPIRB and Bracket)
Product Usage Instructions
About Your EPIRB
The EPIRB operates within the COSPAS/SARSAT system, utilizing satellites for rescue operations.
In Case of Emergency
- Remove the EPIRB from the bracket.
- Fully extend the antenna.
- Break off the tab.
- Lift the flap and press the button.
Note: Once removed from the bracket, the EPIRB2 will automatically activate when placed in the water. Deactivate by removing it from the water.
Operation
Ensure the beacon always has a valid battery to maintain proper functionality. Category 2 beacons can be manually deployed from the bracket and activated manually or automatically in water.
Secure the beacon to your person or life raft using the lanyard provided. Do not secure the lanyard to a vessel at risk of sinking.
FAQ
How do I register my EPIRB?
It is the owner’s responsibility to register the EPIRB with the appropriate National Authority before operation. Follow the instructions provided in the packaging for registration details.
What should I do in case of deliberate misuse?
Deliberate misuse of the EPIRB may result in severe penalties. Only use the EPIRB in situations of grave and imminent danger as intended.
ABOUT YOUR 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
- instruments on board satellites in geostationary and low-altitude Earth orbit which detect the signals transmitted by distress radio beacons
- ground receiving stations, referred to as Local Users Terminals (LUTs), 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
- satellites in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) which form the GEOSAR System
The future Cospas-Sarsat System will include a new type of satellite in the medium-altitude Earth orbit (MEO) which will form the MEOSAR System.
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 EPIRB2 that confirms to the User that
the distress signal from the EPIRB2 has been localized 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 beacon may not
receive the response 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
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
USE ONLY IN SITUATIONS OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER MANUAL ACTIVATION
- Remove from the bracket
- Fully extend the antenna
- Break off the tab
- Lift the flap
- Press the button
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 that is in danger of sinking.
NOTE:
Once removed from the bracket the EPIRB2 will automatically activate when
placed in the water. To deactivate remove from the water.
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 2 beacons are designed to be manually deployed from the Category 2 Manual Bracket and then activated manually or placed in the water to activate automatically. Category 2 beacons can also be manually activated when still in the bracket.
- 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.
Optical Indications on Activation
- The LED will illuminate green ( blue if RLS is enabled) for 1 second.
- The strobe light will start flashing.
- Within 1 minute of activation, the indicator LED will flash a quick burst of 5 indicating 406MHz transmission*.
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.
Automatic Activation (Ensure the Antenna is manually extended)
The beacon requires removal from the Manual Bracket to allow automatic
activation. As the beacon is released from the bracket the water contacts are
enabled. Place the EPIRB2 in the water to activate.
Only manual activation is possible while the EPIRB remains in the bracket.
! For full installation details see the User Manual: www.oceansignal.com/products/epirb2
- The first 406MHz transmission is made between 48 and 52 seconds following activation.
LED Indications with RLS Enabled
LED | When | Transmit | GNSS | RLS |
---|---|---|---|---|
(x1) | Every 5 s | Searching | ||
(x3) | Once each cycle | Fix acquired | ||
(x5) | At transmit | 406MHz | No Fix | RLS Request sent |
(x5)
| At transmit| 406MHz| Fix acquired| RLS Request sent
(x1)| Every 2.5 s| 121MHz| | RLS Reply not received
(x1)| Every 2.5 s| 121MHz| | RLS Reply received
(x1)| Every 2.5 s| | |
LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol
LED | When | Transmit | GNSS |
---|---|---|---|
(x1) | Every 5 s | Searching | |
(x3) | Once each cycle | Fix acquired | |
(x5) | At transmit | 406MHz | No Fix |
(x5) | At transmit | 406MHz | Fix acquired |
(x1) | Every 2.5 s* | 121MHz | |
(x1) | Every 2.5 s |
NOTE:
Non-RLS Protocol is usually country specific and is not a user changeable
function.
The 121MHz Homer will not transmit until after the second 406MHz transmission.
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 Manual Bracket.
- Inspect the lanyard and ensure it is not attached to any structures.
- Confirm the battery is within the specified expiry 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 EPIRB2.
! DO NOT OPEN THE EPIRB2, DOING SO WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY AND MAY CAUSE
FALSE ALERTS
TESTING
Routine testing of your beacon once a month is highly recommended to ensure it
is in good working order. Follow the guidance notes in the User Manual for the
frequency that tests should be carried out. Each test reduces operation time
of your beacon in an emergency.
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 when flashing. 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.
LED Indications with RLS Enabled
No. of Flashes | Functional Test Pass | Fail |
---|---|---|
1 | 0 to 1hr 59min | 121.5MHz homer |
2 | 2hrs to 3hrs 59min | 406MHz power |
3 | 4hrs to 5hrs 59min | |
4 | 6hrs to 7hrs 59min | |
5 | 8hrs to 9hrs 59min | Battery failure |
6 | 10hrs + | No GNSS |
LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol
No. of Flashes | Functional Test Pass | Fail |
---|---|---|
1 | 0 to 1hr 59min | 121.5MHz homer |
2 | 2hrs to 3hrs 59min | 406MHz power |
3 | 4hrs to 5hrs 59min | |
4 | 6hrs to 7hrs 59min | |
5 | 8hrs to 9hrs 59min | Battery failure |
6 | 10hrs + | No GNSS |
Warning
- 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 EPIRB2 has been activated.
- If, during a self test, the LED flashes magenta or amber the EPIRB2 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.
GNSS Test
Warning
This test should only be performed where the EPIRB2 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 EPIRB2.
Press and hold the TEST key 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 several green LED flashes and an
unsuccessful test will be indicated by several 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 10 or more tests are remaining then the LED will flash 10 times only
(repeated).
The EPIRB2 can carry out 60 GNSS tests within the lifetime of the battery.
If no tests remain 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 no tests are 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 EPIRB2 using Near Field Communication
(NFC).
APPROVALS
In addition to Cospas Sarsat Type Acceptance, the EPIRB2 complies with the
following National
Approvals:
-
European Union
Hereby, Ocean Signal Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type EPIRB2 complies with Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The DoC can be found on the following website link: https://oceansignal.com/approvals-documents/ -
UK
Complies with UK Radio Equipment Regulation (UK RER):2017 -
USA
Complies with FCC 47 CFR Part 80 and US Coast Guard requirements -
Canada
Complies with ISED RSS GEN and RSS287 -
Australia/New Zealand
Complies with AS/NZS 4280.1
See “www.oceansignal.com/approvals-documents” for documentation.
Specifications
406MHz Transmitter
- Transmit Power (EIRP) 12W
- Frequency 406.031 MHz ±1KHz
- Modulation Phase ±1.1 Radians (16K0G1D)
- Encoding Biphase L
- Rate 400 bps
121.5MHz Transmitter
- Transmit Power (PERP) 50mW±3dB
- Frequency 121.5 MHz
- Modulation Duty Cycle >35%
- Modulation Factor 0.85 to1.00
- Frequency Stability ±50ppm
- Duty Cycle >98%
Strobe and Night Vision Lights
- Light Type High-Intensity LED & Infrared (IR)
- Light Colour White and IR
- Average Intensity Visible >1 candela
- Average Intensity Night Vision Light 15mW/sr
- Flash Rate 24 per minute (nom.)
Battery
- Type Lithium Iron Disulphide (LiFeS2)
- Operating Time >48Hours @ -20°C
- Battery Replacement Period 10 years
GNSS Receiver
- Satellite Channels 72 acquisition
- Sensitivity -167dBm
- Cold Start / Re-acquisition -148dBm / -160dBm
- GNSS Antenna Microstrip Patch
NFC Transmitter/Receiver
- Operating Frequency 13.56 MHz
General
- Dimensions of EPIRB (Inc. antenna) 410mm x 90mm x 101mm(16.1 x 3.5 x 3.9 in.)
- Weight (EPIRB Only) 422grams (0.92lbs)
- IEC60945 Category Portable
- Operating Temperature Class 2 -20C to +55C
- Storage Temperature Class 2 -30C to +70C
- Waterproof (EPIRB) 10m depth for 1 hour
- Expected Life (EPIRB and Bracket) Over 10 years
OWNER DETAILS
- Name
- Vessel
- CONTACT
- Tel.
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
References
- EPIRB2 - Ocean Signal
- Approvals Documents - Ocean Signal
- EPIRB2 - Ocean Signal
- Approvals Documents - Ocean Signal
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