4.4
GNSS Test
!
This test should only be performed where the EPIRB3 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.
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 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 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 using Near Field Communication (NFC).
5. APPROVALS
In addition to Cospas Sarsat Type Acceptance, the EPIRB3 complies with the following National
Approvals:
5.1
European Union
Complies with the requirements of the EU Marine Equipment Directive (MED)
5.2
UK
Complies with MSN 1874 as amended
5.3
USA
Complies with FCC 47 CFR Part 80 and US Coast Guard requirements
5.4 Canada
Compliance with ISED RSS GEN and RSS182
5.5
Australia/New Zealand
Complies with AZ/NZS 4280.1-2017
See “www.oceansignal.com/approvals-documents” for documentation.
2.4
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
(x8)
At transmit*
AIS
No Fix
(x8)
At transmit*
AIS
Fix acquired
(x1)
Every 2.5 s**
121MHz
RLS Reply not received
(x1)
Every 2.5 s**
121MHz
RLS Reply received
(x1)
Every 2.5 s
2.5
LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol
LED
When
Transmit
GNSS
(x1)
Every 5 s
Searching
(x3)
Once
Fix acquired
(x5)
At transmit
406MHz
No Fix
(x5)
At transmit
406MHz
Fix acquired
(x8)
At transmit*
AIS
No Fix
(x8)
At transmit*
AIS
Fix acquired
(x1)
Every 2.5 s**
121MHz
(x1)
Every 2.5 s
*
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.
3. 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 EPIRB3.
!
DO NOT OPEN THE EPIRB3, DOING SO WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY AND MAY
CAUSE FALSE ALERTS
NOTE:
Non-RLS Protocol is usually
country specific and is not a
user changeable function.
4. 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.
4.1
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 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.
4.2
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
4.3
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
!
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 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.
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.
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.
•
Within 1 minute of activation, the indicator LED will flash a quick burst of 5 indicating
406MHz transmission*.
•
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 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 EPIRB3 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:
* The first 406MHz transmission is made between 48 and 52 seconds following activation.
www.oceansignal.com/products/epirb3
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