TACTICAL ALTIMERS ECHOTM Altimeter For Skydiving Instruction Manual

TACTICAL ALTIMERS ECHOTM Altimeter For Skydiving

#### Product Information

 **Specifications**

  *  **Product Name:** ECHOTM
  *  **Manufacturer:** LB Altimeters, Denmark
  *  **Intended Use:** Professional use
  *  **Trademark:** ECHOTM

#### Product Usage Instructions

 **Introduction**  
The ECHOTM is a professional altimeter designed for use in skydiving and
freefall activities. It is essential to follow all instructions carefully to
ensure safe and accurate operation.

 **Features**

  * Climb to Altitude Warning
  * High Speed Warning
  * Low Speed Warning
  * Jump Mode and Memory Bank
  * Quick Buttons for easy access to settings

 **Functions**  
The ECHOTM provides altitude awareness, warning alerts, and customizable
settings to suit your skydiving needs.

 **Usage Steps**

  1. Switch ON the ECHOTM before entering the airplane.
  2. Access settings using the Quick Buttons for altitude offset, IR mode, backlight, and warnings display.
  3. Select and customize warning settings according to your preferences.
  4. Ensure proper calibration and zeroing before each jump.
  5. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions on functionality and factory default warnings.

#### FAQs

Q: Can I use the ECHOTM without proper training?

A: No, the ECHOTM is only for use by individuals who have participated in
approved parachuting or freefall courses.

Q: How do I calibrate the altimeter?

A: The ECHOTM features automatic calibration and manual zeroing options. Refer
to the manual for specific instructions on calibration procedures.

Q: Can I customize warning alerts?

A: Yes, the ECHOTM allows you to select, change, and disable warning alerts
based on your preferences. Access the warning settings menu for customization
options.

**WARNING**

  * This product is only for professional use.
  * The ECHO™, even when used as your primary means of maintaining altitude awareness, may fail. Always use your eyes to determine your approximate altitude.
  * Altimeters may give erroneous readings if you are tumbling or the altimeter is in a burble (wake). Chest mount altimeters are more vulnerable to this problem compared to hand/wrist mounted altimeters. If you are in doubt about how this limitation affects your skydiving, consult a licensed instructor.
  * DO NOT use this equipment unless you are currently participating in, or have successfully passed, an approved parachuting or freefall course.
  * Please read ALL instructions carefully prior to use.
  * The ECHO™ must be switched ON prior to entering the airplane.

 **ECHO™ is a trademark of LB Altimeters, Denmark**  
LB Altimeters operates a policy of continuous development. Therefore, we
reserve the right to make changes and improvements to any of the products
described in this guide without prior notice.

#### INTRODUCTION

The ECHO™ is the most high-end, accurate, and reliable tactical audible
altimeter developed by LB Altimeters to date. The ECHO™ software includes
second-to-none error correction to ensure correct live altitude readings in
any application.

 **Features**

  * Audible altimeter
  * 4 climb to altitude warnings
  * 4 high speed warnings
  * 4 low speed warnings
  * 3 preset memory banks for quick User change
  * Large high contrast, non-flicker, LCD display
  * Waterproof and shock resistant aluminum casing with hardened glass
  * Quick buttons for access to primary functions
  * IR access functionality, to use with optional ALTISET II™ Remote Control

 **Functions**

  1. Calibration to the local elevation
  2. User selection of feet / meter
  3. User selection of pre-set Modes:
      * Tandem
      * Student
      * Expert
  4. User setting of warnings
  5. Optional: Super User setting to ACCESS warnings

#### DESCRIPTION

  1. Altitude Offset / Up 2 Main
  2. Backlight / Down
  3. Display
  4. Battery cover
  5. Reset button
  6. IR port
  7. LEDs

#### DISPLAY

 **Startup  
** When turning on ECHO™, the unit will display the following during the
startup self-test.

 **Main window  
** The main window is the default window after the unit is turned ON, and
starting point for any further actions

  1. Warning number (flashing)
  2. Warning altitude
  3. Feet / meter indicator – Warning altitude
  4. Warning type
  5. Altitude display (flashing when negative)
  6. Battery indicator
  7. Backlight indicator
  8. IR Mode indicator
  9. Feet / meter indicator – Altitude display

 **Jump Mode LED**  
1 of 3 colored LEDs will flash below the main window to display the current
Jump Mode (while LED setting is ON):

 **Warning Type**  
The icon will show the selected warning type for display and settings:

  * Climb to Altitude warning
  * High Speed warning
  * Low Speed warning

 **Warning Display**  
All warnings can be displayed in the top 3rd of the main window by using Quick
Buttons to scroll.

 **Settings / Warning Settings**  
See “Settings / Warnings Settings” sections for display examples and more
information.

 **Altitude window**  
Shortly after take-off, the ECHO™ will enter Flight Mode. The main window will
automatically display the current altitude when entering Flight Mode. The
displayed altitude increments (feet / meter) depend on the current altitude.

 **Battery Indicator**  
The battery indicator shows the current battery status.

  * Full capacity: Two black bars are shown inside the battery symbol
  * Half capacity: One black bar is shown inside the battery symbol
  * Low capacity: The battery symbol is empty. The batteries must be replaced as soon as possible
  * Empty: The battery symbol is flashing. Do not continue jumping. Replace batteries immediately

 **Warning:**  
Do not perform night jumps, or jumps in sub-zero temperatures (Celsius), when
the battery symbol shows low capacity.

#### WARNINGS

The ECHO™ has 3 different types of audible warnings:

 **Climb to Altitude Warning**  
While climbing in the aircraft, each preset warning will sound a series of
beeps starting at the lowest preset altitude. Up to 4 different warnings can
be preset (factory setting being 1 warning at 1000 ft. / 300 m);

  * 1st warning:
  * 2nd warning: One 0.2 second beep
  * 3rd warning: Two 0.2 second beeps
  * 4th warning: One 1.3 second beep

 **The 1st warning will also:**

  * Verify functionality of the ECHO™
  * Indicate the altitude at which the highest preset High Speed warning sounds (one beep per 1000 ft., followed by a pause and another beep if preset an additional 500 ft.)

 **High Speed Warning**  
During a vertical descent with speed over of 13 m/sec, each preset warning
will sound a series of beeps as follows

 **Up to 4 different warnings can be preset;**

  * 1st warning: One 1.5 second alarm. (Pulsating, low repetition)
  * 2nd warning: One 3 second alarm. (Pulsating, low repetition)
  * 3rd warning: One 4 second alarm. (Pulsating, high repetition)
  * 4th warning: One continuous siren. (High pitch siren, continuous while vertical speed is over 13 m/sec)

 **Note:**  
After ECHO™ registers deployment, a vertical descent with speed over of 35
m/sec must be reached before High Speed Alarms activate.

 **Low Speed Warning**  
During descent, each preset warning will sound a series of beeps starting at
the highest set altitude.

 **Up to 4 different warnings can be preset;**

  * 1st warning: One 0.2 second beep
  * 2nd warning: One 0.2 second beep
  * 3rd warning: Two 0.2 second beeps
  * 4th warning: One 1.3 second beep

 **Note:**  
When selecting Guide ON, a series of 5 beeps will ‘count down’ from the 3rd to
the 4th warning. The time between the beeps will shorten as the 4th warning is
approached.

 **Disable Warning(s)**  
Less than 4 warnings can be selected for each type, by setting 2 or more
alarms to the same altitude or zero ‘—-‘:

 **Climb to Altitude Warning:**

  1. warning set to ‘—-‘: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd warnings will be used
  2. warnings set to ‘—-‘: 1st and 2nd warnings will be used
  3. warnings set to ‘—-‘: 1st warning only will be used

 **High Speed Warning and Low Speed Warning:**

  1. warning set to ‘—-‘: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th warnings will be used
  2. warnings set to ‘—-‘: 3rd, and 4th warnings will be used
  3. warnings set to ‘—-‘: 4th warning only will be used

 **Note:** To re-enable any warning, select an altitude above zero.



#### JUMP MODE and MEMORY BANK

ECHO™ has 3 color coded Jump Modes, each with a Memory Bank:

  * Yellow / Student
  * Blue / Tandem
  * Red / Expert

The Memory Bank contains 4 Climb to Altitude warnings, 4 High Speed warnings,
and 4 Low Speed warnings. All Memory Banks are stored on ECHO™ while switching
Jump Mode.

#### MENU OVERVIEW

The ECHO™ menu system consists of 3 separate areas, which include the
following (use road map for reference).

 **Quick Buttons**

  * Turn ON unit
  * Altitude Offset
  * IR Mode
  * Backlight
  * Warning Display

 **Settings**

  * Mode
  * LED ON / OFF
  * Scroll ON / OFF
  * Units – Altitude
  * Sound Pitch
  * Sound Test
  * Guide ON / OFF
  * Guide Test
  * OFF
  * ACCESS to Warning Settings

 **Warning Settings**

  * Climb Warnings
  * High Speed Warnings
  * Low Speed Warnings
  * Super User Lock

#### PERFORMING ACCESS

In order to access each of the individual areas, the following steps must be
performed from the main window (use road map for reference).

 **Quick Buttons**  
Press and hold the designated button for 5 seconds.

#### QUICK BUTTONS

Quick Buttons are accessible from the Main Window and do not require ACCESS.

 **Turn the unit on**

  * Turn on the ECHO™ on the ground before use. The unit runs a self-test and calibrates to the current ground level. The ECHO™ will stay on for 14 hours after the last jump or after last ACCESS performed.
  * With the unit off, press and hold any button for 5 seconds.
  * If ECHO™ is turned on during flight, the present altitude must be adjusted manually.

 **Altitude Offset**

  * Use Altitude Offset to adjust for altitude difference between landing zone and take-off elevation.

 **To ensure proper ground reference on landing zone:**

  * Select a positive offset, if take-off elevation is HIGHER than the landing zone.
  * Select a negative offset, if take-off elevation is LOWER than the landing zone.
  * Alternatively enter the absolute air pressure for the landing zone. Select the mbar value registered/calculated for the landing zone.
  * Press and hold for 5 seconds.
  * Press to increase altitude. Press to reduce altitude.
  * Press to confirm Altitude Offset setting. The Altitude Offset will now be displayed in the main window (flashing when negative). Altitude Offset must be confirmed within 15 seconds following an altitude change. Altitude Offset is cancelled if no button is pressed within 15 seconds.
  *  **Note:** If using Altitude Offset during flight use the aircraft altimeter for reference, or enter the absolute air pressure for the landing zone.

 **IR Mode**  
Activate/Deactivate IR Mode for communication with ALTISET II™ remote control.

  * Press and hold for 5 seconds.
  * IR will flash and IR mode is active for 2 minutes.
  * Activate IR Mode on ALTISET II™. Point the ALTISET II™ at the IR port.
  * ALFA™ adjusts to the ALTISET II™ preset altitude and/or backlight.
  * Press to exit IR mode.
  * Note: Refer to the ALTISET II™ manual for more information on using the ALTISET II™ remote control.

 **Backlight**  
indicates if the backlight is on or off.

  * To enable/disable the backlight, press and hold for 5 seconds.
  * The backlight will turn off automatically after 10 minutes, if ECHO™ is not in
  * Flight Mode. The backlight will remain on while ECHO™ is in Flight Mode.
  *  **Note:** If an Altitude Offset is present, the backlight will stay on until the Altitude Offset is cleared by a jump, times out (14 hours), or the unit is restarted.

 **Warnings Display**

  * In the Main Window the Warnings can be scrolled through manually, or automatically.
  * The Warning number and set altitude will be displayed in the top section of the LCD screen, separated by a colon.
  * Press to select previous Warning.
  * Press to select next Warning.

 **Note:** The flashing LED will show the current Jump Mode selected.

####  **SETTINGS**

  * Settings are used to customize the ECHO™.
  * Perform ACCESS to enter the first entry of Settings.
  * Press to scroll through all settings.
  * ECHO™ will exit Setting if no button is pressed within 15 seconds after ACCESS.

 **Jump Mode**  
Sets the current Jump Mode.

  * Press to select previous Jump Mode.
  * Press to select next Jump Mode.
  * The LED will light up to display the selection made.
  * Press to continue.

 **LED On / Off**  
Will activate or deactivate the LED for displaying Jump Mode.

  * Press or to switch LED on or off.
  * Press to continue.

 **Scroll On / Off**  
Will activate or deactivate the Scroll setting for Warnings in the Main
Window.

  * Press or to switch scroll on or off.
  * Press to continue.

 **Altitude Units  
** Sets altitude display in either feet or meters.

  * Press or to switch units.
  * Press to continue.

 **Pitch**  
Change the pitch of the Warning audible sounds.

  * Press to increase the pitch.
  * Press to decrease the pitch.
  * Press to continue.

 **Sound Test**  
Will test the High Speed Warnings by sounding each one in succession.

  * Press or to start the sound test.
  * Press to continue.

 **Note:** The Warning Altitude will display at the top of the window during
the test.

 **Guide On / Off**  
Will activate or deactivate the Guide for Low Speed Warnings.

  * Press or to switch Guide on / off.
  * Press to continue.

 **Guide Test**  
Will test the Guide for Low Speed Warnings.

  * Press or to start sound test.
  * Press to continue.

 **Note:** The Warning Altitude will display at the top of the window during
the test.

 **Turn Off  
** Turns the ECHO™ off.

  * To avoid unintentionally turning the ECHO™ off, the counter at the top of the screen must be set to ‘5’.
  * Use and to match the counter to ‘5’.
  * Press to turn the unit off.
  * Warning: If the counter is set at ‘5’, cannot be used to scroll through settings and will turn ECHO™ off.
  * Press to continue.

 **ACCESS to Warning Settings**  
Performs ACCESS to Warning Settings.

  * Use and to match the left number to ‘9’ (default).
  * Press to accept.
  * Warning: If ‘–‘ is displayed on the right side, the default number has been changed and the unit is locked for Super User only. ACCESS can only be performed matching the left number to the correct hidden number.
  * Press to continue.

 **Exit Settings**  
is flashing.

  * Press or to exit from Settings.
  * Press to start again from the beginning.

#### WARNING SETTINGS

  * Settings are used to customize the ECHO™ audible warnings.
  * Perform ACCESS to enter the first entry of Settings.
  * Perform ACCESS to enter the first entry of Warning Settings.
  * Press to scroll through all warnings for the selected jump mode.
  * ECHO™ will exit Warnings Settings if no button is pressed within 15 seconds after performing ACCESS.

 **Select Warning**  
Press to scroll through all Warnings for the selected Jump Mode, starting with
1st Climb to Altitude Warning. The Warning number and altitude will be
displayed in the top section of the LCD screen, separated by a colon.

 **Note:** The LED will show the current Jump Mode selected.

 **Change Altitude**  
Change the altitude of the selected Warning.

  * Press to increase the altitude.
  * Press to decrease the altitude.
  * Press to continue.

ECHO™ automatically sort the entered altitudes in order:

  * Climb to Altitude: 1st Warning will be lowest altitude, 4th Warning will be highest altitude
  * High Speed Warning: 1st Warning will be highest altitude, 4th Warning will be lowest altitude
  * Low Speed Warning: 1st Warning will be highest altitude, 4th Warning will be lowest altitude

 **Note:**  
If same altitude is selected as an existing Warning of same type, the Warning
will be disabled.

 **Disable Warning**  
Will disable the warning.

  * Press to decrease the altitude to zero ‘—-’.
  * Press to confirm altitude and continue.
  * Note: To re-enable any Warning, select an altitude above zero.

 **ACCESS Code**

  * Sets hidden ACCESS code for Warnings Settings menu.
  * Press to cycle through all Warnings until the ACCESS code window.
  * Press or to change ACCESS code.
  * Press to confirm and continue.
  * Warning: If any other number is selected other than ‘9’ (default), the unit is locked for Super User only and ‘–‘ will be displayed in the Settings window when performing ACCESS.
  * ACCESS can only be performed matching the left number to the correct hidden number.

 **Note:**  
To reset ACCESS code to ‘9’ (default), a factory reset must be performed.

 **Exit Settings**  
is flashing.

  * Allows manual exit from Warning Settings
  * Press or to exit from Warning Settings.
  * Press to start from 1st Climb to Altitude Warning.

#### FUNCTIONALITY

  *  **Automatic Calibration/Flight Mode**
      * After the ECHO™ is turned on, it will continue to automatically calibrate itself to the field elevation where it is currently located. This will continue after each jump / landing, to ensure the unit is always zeroed before jumps are made and will take into account weather related pressure changes.
      * Shortly after take-off, the ECHO™ will enter Flight Mode. The main window will automatically display the current altitude when entering Flight Mode. At the lowest “Climb to Altitude” warning the ECHO™ sounds a sequence of beeps further indicating the ECHO™ is in Flight Mode. See ”Climb to Altitude Warning” for further explanation.
  *  **Altitude Offset**
      * When performing Altitude Offset, the ECHO™ enters Flight Mode and will retain any offset for 14 hours if no jump is made. After 14 hours the unit calibrates itself to the field elevation where it is located.
      * To exit Flight Mode, turn the unit off, then on.
  *  **Manual Zeroing**  
If the unit does not display the correct altitude when arriving at the drop
zone, it must be manually ze-roed. Turning the unit off, then on, will clear
any Altitude Offset and re-enter automatic calibration.

  *  **Automatic Off**  
The ECHO™ automatically switches off if no jump has been made within 14 hours,
no button has been pressed within 14 hours, or the unit has not been in Flight
Mode within 14 hours.

 **Factory Default Warnings**

####  MAINTENANCE

 **Reset ECHO™**  
A reset may be necessary for troubleshooting and firmware verification.

  * Locate the small hole on the side of the battery cover.
  * Insert a paper clip or similar into hole, press and release.
  * Battery system calibrates.
  * The firmware version will be displayed after reset.

 **Battery Change**

  * Only use Renata CR-2325 batteries (2 ea.).
  * Battery cover screw specs: M3/T6 head (4.5mm length).
  * Remove the screws and battery cover.
  * Remove both batteries and note the polarity.
  * Install 2 new batteries.
  * Install battery cover, and ensure rubber seal is in correct placement.
  * Place and tighten screws, using a torque screwdriver set at 0.3 Nm.
  * Reset ECHO™ after battery replacement.
  * All settings and logbook is kept in a non-volatile memory and will not be lost, however time may need to be set again after battery change.
  *  **WARNING:** The battery cover and seal must be installed correctly, using correct screws and torque, before any water jumps are made.

 **Air Filter Change**

  * Prior to a water jump: Make sure the battery screws are tightened to 0.3 Nm and no foreign objects hinders the function of the cover.
  * The ECHO™ is waterproof to a depth of 5 feet, for 24 hours.
  * If the ECHO™ is submerged into water, allow the unit and air filter to dry in a warm place for 48 hours.
  * The air filter must be replaced if jumping is to be resumed immediately, or if the air filter is suspected to be contaminated.
  * To change the air filter, located inside the battery cover, remove the screws and battery cover. Install new battery cover and ensure rubber seal is in correct placement. Place and tighten screws using a torque screwdriver set at 0.3 Nm.
  * Reset ECHO™ after battery cover replacement.

#### TROUBLESHOOTING

If the ECHO™ detects an issue, an error symbol is shown (ERR) with a number at
the top of the screen.

 **Error codes:**

  1. Transducer defective
  2. Transducer out of range
  3. Transducer Time Out too long
  4. Crystal defective
  5. Communications error to flash  
100: Flash defective

      * Always restart ECHO™ to attempt to remedy a single ERR code.
      * If the ERR code persists, then also perform battery change.
      * After unsuccessful restart of the ECHO™, a Factory Reset is necessary:
      * To perform a Factory Reset, press and hold while pressing the reset button. Continue to hold until the display flashes 5 times and the screen returns to the main window.
      *  **WARNING:** All warning settings will be lost with Factory Reset.
      * If the ECHO™ is still faulty after Factory Reset, it must be serviced by an LB Altimeters Service Center.

#### CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

  * Calibration and maintenance by LB Altimeters Service Center is optional every 4, 8, and 12 years, following the ECHO™ original date of manufacture.
  * If the ECHO™ exceeds mbar tolerances listed in the Specifications section, and absolute air pressure is required for DZ elevation or offset, calibration can be performed by LB Altimeters Service Center.
  * Note: When turned on the ECHO™ unit runs a self-test and calibrates to the current ground level, and the ECHO™ will use measured air pressure for altitude calculations.
  * The ECHO™ can continue to be used until calibration is possible.
  * When setting/changing the altitude using the mbar setting via Altitude Offset, the ECHO™ will use absolute air pressure for altitude calculations.
  * It is recommended that the ECHO™ is calibrated by LB Altimeters Service Center before continued use.

#### SPECIFICATIONS

 **Mechanical:**

  * Casing: Rugged and precision machined aircraft aluminum
  * Screen glass: 2mm thickness – Hardened glass lens
  * Dimensions: 64mm x 44mm x 15mm
  * Weight: 68g
  * LCD viewing area: 34mm x 29.5mm
  * Backlight intensity steps: 1 – fixed
  * ALTISET II™ IrDa compatible: Yes

 **Altitude Adjustment:**

  * Altitude in mbar offset: Yes
  * Altitude mbar offset range: 200 to 1075 mbar (20,67 to 31,74 In Hg)
  * Present mbar steps: 0.5 mbar
  * Altitude in feet/meter offset: Yes
  * Altitude feet/meter offset range: -19900 ft. to +19900 ft. (-6000 m to +6000 m)
  * Present altitude steps: ± 10 ft. (5 meters)

 **Tolerances:**

  * Altitude display: ± 1%
  * Mbar: ± 1 mbar

 **Factory default settings:**

  * Feet / meter: Feet

 **Other:**

  * Operating altitude: 0 to 40,000 ft. (0 to 12,200 m)
  * Storing Temperature: -20C to +70C
  * Operating Temperature Range: -30C to +60C continuous operation
  * Will operate at -50°C for: 10 minutes
  * Storing Pressure: 200 to 1075 mbar
  * Maximum allowable humidity: Up to 99,9% relative humidity
  * Waterproof: 5 feet for 24 hours
  * Function Period: 14 hours
  * Maintenance: Optional 4, 8 and 12 years, from date of manufacture
  * Battery type: 2 x Renata CR 2325
  * L&B part no.: 275727
  * NATO Stock no. 6675-22-630-2339

 **WEEE**  
Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and materials can be dangerous or
hazardous to either health or the environment and must be disposed of
correctly. Device must not be disposed of as general household waste but must
be collected separately.

#### WARRANTY

 **The following conditions apply to the ECHO™ warranty:**

  * If within 24 months of the purchase of ECHO™ a defect or damage is identified by faulty manufacture, LB ALTIMETERS will repair the unit at no cost to the end user.
  * To make a claim under this warranty, send the unit to an authorized dealer or directly to LB ALTIME-TERS together with the dated purchase invoice or receipt.
  * The warranty becomes void if damage is caused by external circumstances or if the unit has been ser-viced or repaired by third parties unauthorized by our national agents or LB ALTIMETERS. All further claims, especially for defects after skydiving accidents, are excluded. LB ALTIMETERS has no obliga-tion to honor any extension of warranty granted by any national agent.

 **WAIVER OF LIABILITY**  
The buyer and user of the ECHO™ indemnify the manufacturer and vendor from any
liability for dam-age incurred before, during and after skydiving with the
instrument.

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