GME MT401FF, Instruction Manual

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METAL
If there is any doubt as to the products’ serviceability, immediately contact
your authorised dealer or service centre for advice.
NOTE: Some installations may be covered by state, national or international
carriage requirements. Such legislation may impose additional inspection and
maintenance requirements beyond those listed above. Contact the relevant
authority for further information.
SAFETY SEAL
The safety seal which covers the tab behind the ‘
ON’
slider is designed to tear
if the unit is switched on. A safety seal that is not broken serves to indicate
that the beacon has never been manually activated.
NEVER remove or break the seal unless deploying the EPIRB in an emergency.
If the beacon has been activated for any length of time, the batteries can no
longer be guaranteed to have the capacity to operate for the minimum 48
hour period and therefore must be replaced.
TESTING THE EPIRB
It is recommended that you test the MT400/401 at regular intervals
(approximately monthly) to ensure it is fully functional. You should also test
the EPIRB prior to an extended journey.
DO NOT over test – testing consumes some battery power.
WARNING: (MT401 only) DO NOT remove the MT401 from its‘ mounting bracket
if the unit is wet, it may automatically activate. Ensure the unit is thoroughly dry
before removal.
You may test the EPIRB at any time using the following procedure:
1.
Remove the beacon from the bracket. Keep the antenna well clear of
metalic objects during testing.
2. Lift the cover marked ‘LIFT’ .
3. Briefly press then release the
yellow ‘TEST’ button.
4. The Strobe light will flash once and
the unit will give two quick beeps
to show that it is functioning.
5. Close the switch cover and press
firmly into place until it clicks.
6. Return the beacon into the bracket.
If the EPIRB fails the testing process you should return it to your Dealer or
nearest GME branch office for maintenance.
UNACCOMPANIED TRANSPORTATION
Your MT400/401 EPIRB contains Lithium batteries. Some transportation or
courier companies may have special requirements for transporting devices
containing Lithium Batteries.
If returning your MT401 to your dealer or GME branch office for repair
or scheduled battery replacement, you should inform the transportation
company beforehand that your beacon contains Lithium batteries.
DO NOT send your beacon through the postal system.
DISPOSAL
Special precautions must be taken when finally disposing of your beacon
at the end of it’s useful life. Legislation may determine the specific
requirements which apply to you. In the first instance contact your National
Authority for advice.
The following information may also be helpful:
• To permanently disable the beacon remove the 4 screws retaining the
cover, open unit, unplug battery lead, then reseal.
• Lithium batteries are generally not considered as hazardous waste when
fully discharged. Qualified personnel may be able to slowly and safely
discharge the cells for you.
DO NOT short circuit the cells or battery. DO NOT incinerate.
SPECIFICATIONS - MT400 AND MT401
MODES OF OPERATION
Activated: UHF (406) and VHF (homer) complete with high intensity
strobe and audible activation alert.
Self test: Comprehensive internal diagnostics with visual and
audible operator feedback. UHF test message (inverted
synchronisation compatible with portable beacon testers).
OPERATION
Activation: MT400/401 - Manually by operator
MT401 - Automatic when deployed in water.
Bracket Type: Manual Release.
Duration: 48 hours minimum.
Transmission Delay:
121.5 and 406 MHz distress signals commence ~
60 seconds after activation.
Warm Up: None required (due to digital frequency generation).
VHF:
121.5 MHz, 50 mW ±3 dB, swept tone AM.
UHF: 406.028 MHz*, 5 W ± 2 dB, PSK (digital).
Strobe: 20 flashes/minute at greater than 0.75 cd
effective intensity.
COSPAS-SARSAT Certified to C/S T.001 (Class 2) requirements.
UHF-Protocol/Data:
Serial User*.
Repetition Period:
50 s mean, digitally generated randomization.
VHF: Satellite compatible phase coherent.
BATTERY
Replacement Period: Prior to expiry date marked on case.
Replacement Method: Service centre, or factory only (non-user replaceable).
5. Educate others on board your vessel regarding the consequences of activation.
NOTE: (MT401 only): This model should always be stowed in its bracket to
minimise the possibility of an accidental automatic activation in the presence
of moisture. The yellow collar, provided only with this model‘s bracket, contains
special features which temporarily inhibit automatic water activation of the
EPIRB. If transporting the MT401 out of it’s mounting bracket, ensure that it
remains completely dry at all times.
INSTALLATION
The MT400/401 can be mounted upright or horizontally against a panel or
bulkhead. When selecting a location,
consider the following:
• Select a location that is readily
accessible in an emergency.
• Ensure the unit is protected against
the environment. Avoid locations
where it will be subject to water
spray or continuous sunlight.
• Mount the unit in a location
where it will be safe from physical
damage.
• The specifications section contains
the ’Compass Safe Distance’ for
your particular model EPIRB. This is the minimum distance that must
be maintained between an inactive stowed beacon and any magnetic
navigational device.
• Confirm the selected location allows sufficient clearance to remove the
beacon from the bracket when required.
Hold the mounting bracket in place (with the EPIRB removed) and mark the
location of the mounting holes. Screw the bracket to the panel or bulkhead
using the stainless steel screws supplied.
NOTE:
The placement of the mounting holes for the mounting bracket are
identical to those used on the earlier MT300 EPIRB.
Once the bracket is fixed in place, fit the MT400/401 to the bracket.
IN AN EMERGENCY
If an emergency occurs, you should first try to use your radio to summon
assistance.
Distress procedures should only be used where grave and imminent danger
threatens your craft and assistance is required. If contact is made, it may
not be necessary to use the beacon. Notify the ‘Emergency Facility’ that you
have a beacon and that you will turn it on upon their instructions.
Use the Beacon as a Last Resort.
If dire emergency threatens life and you have been unable to make radio
contact or have lost radio contact, use the beacon. The distress signal
transmitted by your beacon identifies you as a craft in distress and will initiate
an air/sea search and rescue.
BRACKET RELEASE AND STOWAGE
To remove the EPIRB
WARNING: (MT401 only) DO NOT remove the MT401 from its‘ mounting bracket
if the unit is wet, it may automatically activate. Ensure the unit is thoroughly dry
before removal.
1. With one hand, press down on the tab marked ’RELEASE’ at the base of
the bracket.
2. Grasp the EPIRB with the other hand and pull
it outwards and downwards.
3. The antenna will release automatically and
spring to the upright position.
To re-fit the EPIRB
1. Insert the EPIRB, antenna first, upwards into
the bracket.
2. Press the tip of the antenna against the
bottom of the three ridges in the antenna slot
and slide the EPIRB upwards into the frame of
the bracket so that the antenna folds over.
3. Press downwards on the ‘RELEASE’ lever and push the EPIRB base firmly
into the bracket until the lever clicks upwards.
MANUAL ACTIVATION (MT400 AND MT401)
1. Remove the beacon from the bracket.
2.
Lift the switch cover (marked
‘LIFT’
).
3. Slide the ‘ON’ slider switch fully forward
in the direction of the arrows. The unit will
initially self test, then after two seconds
the flashing strobe and beeps will indicate
the beacon is operating.
4. Close the cover to secure the switch.
WATER ACTIVATION (MT401 ONLY)
1. Remove the beacon from the bracket.
2.
Deploy the beacon in water if sea conditions permit. The unit will initially
self test, then shortly after the flashing strobe and beeps will indicate the
beacon is operating.
The MT401 has been designed to maintain continuity of operation even when
the units sensors leave the water for periods of several seconds at a time.
Uninterrupted operation is however always best guaranteed by also manually
activating the EPIRB.
If the beacon is to be deployed but not in water the manual activation
method must be used.
5. To cancel Water Activation (MT401 only) dry the beacon or restow the
beacon in the bracket. It may take a number of seconds for the EPIRB
to de-activate.
6. Check that both the strobe light and the ‘beep’ have stopped.
IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION
If you suspect that an EPIRB has been activated inadvertently, you MUST turn
it off and report it immediately to your National Authority‘s Rescue
Co-ordination Centre to prevent an unnecessary search.
If at sea call your local VHF coast station, or Rescue Co-ordination centre.
In
international waters contact a Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre or
Coast Radio Station (CRS) by any available means.
When reporting you should include the following:
1.
Your EPIRB’s 15 character Unique Identifier Number (UIN), which is
marked on the unit body.
2. Date, time and duration of activation.
3. Cause of activation.
4. Location at time of activation.
Search and Rescue authorities will not penalize an EPIRB owner or operator
in cases of genuine accidental activation.
BATTERIES AND MAINTENANCE
The MT400/401 is fitted with the very latest in high capacity Lithium battery
technology. These batteries are able to operate within a temperature range of
-20°C to +55°C.
The full operational capability of your beacon may not be available if the
batteries fitted have exceeded their replacement date, as shown on the body
of the unit. Prior to reaching this date, make arrangements to have your
MT400/401 returned for service.
NOTE:
The replacement of batteries due to expiry or usage is not covered by the
product‘s Warranty. EPIRB maintenance operations, including battery replacement,
require that the beacon be returned to a manufacturer approved service facility.
Although the MT400/401 is otherwise maintenance free, routinely following
these few simple steps will help ensure that your beacon will be operationally
ready if called upon:
1. Test the EPIRB at the recommended interval.
2. Confirm the SAFETY SEAL has not been broken.
3.
Check that the batteries have not passed their replacement date.
4.
Inspect the MT400/401 and bracket for damage or deterioration.
5.
Keep the unit clean by wiping over with a damp cloth (warm water and
mild detergent are suitable), then dry.
6. Verify that the unit releases correctly from the bracket and is securely
retained when returned to it.
DEPLOYING THE EPIRB
Unwind the cord and secure the EPIRB to prevent loss.
When activated, the MT400/401 will transmit the
strongest signal to the satellites when:
• It is floating in water.
• It is well clear of surrounding and
overhanging objects.
• The antenna is vertical.
In extreme sea conditions, you should not float
the EPIRB free of the vessel or the life raft if there is the possibility of loss or
damage to the EPIRB.
By observing the following guidelines satisfactory operation should still be
achieved when operating the EPIRB out of water.
• The EPIRB signal
will not pass
through metal but will pass
through fiberglass, wood or fabric
with some loss when wet.
• The body of the EPIRB can be
attached to metal fittings, but
the antenna must be
vertical and
clear of the metal.
• If the cabin is metallic (such as steel or aluminium), the EPIRB should be
mounted on a clear space outside with the antenna vertical and clear of
surrounding objects.
WARNING: Switching a beacon on and off interferes with the satellites ability
to determine your location. Once activated in an emergency allow the beacon to
operate without interruption until your rescue.
NOTE: Normal operation of your beacon will cease once battery capacity is
depleted. Special circuitry within the MT400/401 however directs any remaining
capacity towards extended operation of the homing transmitter. Although the
beacon may otherwise have appeared to cease functioning it is likely that a
homing signal is still being emitted.
TURNING THE EPIRB OFF
It is important that you turn the EPIRB off as soon as possible
after being
rescued. If you leave the EPIRB running when it is no longer needed it may
make it difficult for the satellites to detect other beacons that may be
transmitting in the area.
1. Remove beacon from the water.
2. Lift the switch cover (marked ‘ LIFT ’).
3. Slide the yellow slider switch fully towards the ’OFF’ (MT400) or ‘ READY ’
(MT401) position.
4. Close the cover to secure the switch.