BriarTek ORCA dsc User manual

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SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR
MARITIME SURVIVABILITY & RESCUE
Owner’s Manual

BriarTek, Inc. Technical Support: 703.548.7892
Email: [e-mail]
©2010 BriarTek Incorporated. All rights reserved.
www.briartek.com

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Introduction
ORCA®dsc (Overboard Recovery Communications
Apparatus – digital selective calling) is a personal water
activated man overboard (MOB) alarm beacon developed
by BriarTek, Inc. The beacon is utilized by mariners to aid
in the rescue of an MOB victim. ORCA®dsc communicates
with existing marine radio communications infrastructure to
alert vessels of an MOB event on a DSC-equipped marine
VHF radio (VHF radio). ORCA®dsc also includes a 121.5
MHz transmitter module which enables users equipped
with a radio direction finder (DF) to locate the MOB.

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A
B
E
F
C
D
H
G
I

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ORCA®dsc Parts Overview
A- Distress Marker Light (DML): Daylight visible strobe light
B- Program Recess: Utilized when programming/checking individual Maritime Mobile
Service Identities (MMSIs)
C- Test/Off: System test and return ORCA®dsc to ARMED state after recovery of an MOB
D&E - Water Sensors: Initiate transmit mode when water submersion is detected –
keep clear of debris
F- Battery Door: Contains CR123, 3V lithium battery
G- Antenna: Signal transmission; correct orientation required for maximum transmission
range. See “Wearing the Transmitter” on page 10 for instructions on proper antenna
employment.
H- Antenna Tip: Utilized for system test, returning unit to ARMED state and programming
individual MMSI
I- Lanyard: Detachable antenna lanyard to provide multiple transmitter mounting options

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Modes of Operation
ORCA®dsc has three modes:
• ARMED - A transmitter is ARMED after a 3-volt CR123 lithium battery is
correctly installed.
• TRANSMIT - The transmitter switches from ARMED to TRANSMIT mode when it is
submerged in water for 4–6 seconds. When the transmitter is ON, it transmits a DSC
message on marine VHF channel 70 and subsequently transmits at 121.5 MHz for
search and rescue (SAR) authorities or DF-equipped platforms to locate the MOB.
• DISABLED - The transmitter is DISABLED when the battery is removed or when the
battery is depleted.

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Operating Instructions
Important: ORCA®dsc operates within the framework of the Radio Technical Commission
for Maritime Services (RTCM) STANDARD 11901.0, Maritime Survivor Locating Devices
(MSLD). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
use RTCM standards to specify the use and operation of DSC radios. The RTCM standard
delineates that MSLDs should not broadcast to all VHF radios within range, but only to VHF
radios with a registered individual MMSI that are paired to the MSLD. VHF radios can also
be programmed to accept an MSLD’s group MMSI.
The ORCA®dsc MOB transmission will not alert a VHF radio until the user programs
BriarTek’s group MMSI into the vessel’s VHF radio(s). It is recommended that the user
program his or her individual MMSI into ORCA®dsc as well. Please review “ORCA®dsc
MMSI Programming” on page 15 for beacon programming instructions.

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Program MMSI
The user may program an individual MMSI into the memory of ORCA®dsc. See the section
titled “ORCA®dsc MMSI Programming” on page 15 for detailed instructions on programming
an individual MMSI.
Check MMSI
ORCA®dsc can display the individual MMSI programmed into its memory. To perform an
MMSI check, insert the antenna tip into the Test/Off Recess until the DML rapidly flashes.
This will initiate a battery check. When ORCA®dsc displays the battery condition (solid or
slowly flashing DML) insert the antenna tip into the Program Recess for approximately
3 seconds. ORCA®dsc will now flash the individual MMSI programmed into its memory.
Test
The ORCA®dsc test function determines the condition of the battery installed in the transmitter.
WARNING – WHEN PERFORMING A SYSTEM TEST, DO NOT LOOK AT THE DML AS THE
LIGHT IS VERY BRIGHT. To perform a system test, insert the antenna tip into the Test/Off
Recess until the DML flashes rapidly. ORCA®dsc will then indicate the battery condition.

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A solid DML indicates the battery is OK. A slow flashing DML indicates that the battery
should be replaced. When the test is complete, ORCA®dsc returns to the ARMED mode.
Activation
The ORCA®dsc activates within 4–6 seconds upon immersion in water. This is the only method
of activation (there is no manual activation). After the ORCA®dsc is submerged for 4–6 seconds,
the DML will flash rapidly for 5 seconds to indicate that it will transmit a DSC message. After
the unit flashes rapidly for 5 seconds, it will transmit a DSC message and will continue until
deactivated. To cancel the transmission, insert the antenna tip into the Test/Off Recess while the
DML rapidly flashes. This will cancel the DSC transmission and will initiate a battery check (see
Test above). When the batter y t e s t i s c o m p l e t e , O R C A ®dsc returns to ARMED mode.
Deactivate Transmitter
When the MOB is recovered, insert the antenna tip into the Test/Off Recess for 3 seconds.
This cancels the DSC transmission and initiates a battery check (see “Test” on the preceding
page). When the battery test is complete, ORCA®dsc returns to the ARMED mode.

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Wearing the Transmitter
WARNINGS:
• ORCA®dsc MUST BE WORN SO THAT THE WATER SENSORS ARE UNDER WATER AND
THE ANTENNA IS ABOVE THE WATERLINE DURING AN MOB EVENT.
• IF NECESSARY, UTILIZE A LANYARD OR OTHER FASTENER TO SECURE THE
TRANSMITTER/ANTENNA TO THE USER’S CLOTHING OR PERSONAL FLOTATION
DEVICE (PFD) TO ENSURE THE TRANSMITTER DOES NOT BECOME SEPARATED FROM
THE USER DURING AN MOB EVENT.
• THE ANTENNA SHOULD NOT BE COILED AS THIS WILL DEGRADE THE TRANSMISSION.

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Pendant Method
ORCA®dsc is supplied with a
lanyard that may be clipped to
the antenna and the ORCA®dsc
enclosure. When the antenna is
attached to the enclosure, it may
be worn as a pendant around
the user’s neck. This location
allows the water sensors to be
submerged while keeping the
antenna above the waterline.

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Jacket Method
ORCA®dsc may be attached to any inherently
buoyant life vest, survival jacket, etc. by inserting
the beacon enclosure in a pocket/pouch and
securing the antenna tip to a strap on the PFD
using a lanyard. If the beacon is inserted in a
pocket, the pocket should be designed such that
water can enter the pocket during an MOB event
to allow for water activation. To reduce the chance
of an inadvertent activation, the pocket should be
designed to allow water to drain so the pocket will
not fill with water. If you have questions regarding
the optimal method for wearing the ORCA®dsc,
please contact BriarTek technical support. Contact
information is listed on the inside front cover.

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Battery Information
ORCA®dsc has a very low current consumption in the ARMED state. It is recommended that
the battery should be replaced once a year or sooner if ORCA®dsc has been activated for
more than occasional testing. When ORCA®dsc is in TRANSMIT mode, a new battery will
last approximately 18 hours. The battery door is vented to allow gases to escape the battery
door pocket while preventing water intrusion.

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To Replace the Battery:
1. Ensure enclosure is dry.
2. Using a #1 size Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew
the two crosshead screws on the battery door.
3. Remove battery door.
4. Remove used battery.
5. Insert new 3-volt CR123 lithium battery
according to polarity diagram on the inside of the
battery compartment.
6. Replace battery door. Grasping screwdriver with
thumb and forefinger, screw down the battery
door. Recommended torque setting is 30 in/oz.
7. Do not over tighten! Applying excessive torque
when tightening battery door screws may cause
the battery door to crack which can result in
water intrusion and beacon failure.

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ORCA®dsc MMSI Programming
Overview
Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSIs) are nine digit numbers used primarily by VHF
radios and automatic identification systems (AIS). MMSIs are regulated and managed
internationally by the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva, Switzerland.
For commercial users or those who travel outside the U.S., one must apply to the Federal
Communications Commission to obtain an MMSI for a ship station license. All vessels
required to carry a shipboard radio or those that travel outside the US are required to have
an FCC ship station license.
Non-commercial users (e.g. recreational boaters) who remain in US waters can obtain an
MMSI through approved organizations such as BOAT US (800-563-1536 or www.boatus.
com/mmsi/), SEA TOW (800-4SEATOW), or US Power Squadron (888-367-8777).
The MMSI issued to its owner should be programmed into all equipment capable of transmitting
and receiving DSC calls, i.e. fixed mount VHF radios, handheld VHF radios, ORCA®dsc, etc.

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MMSI Format
Maritime Identification Digits (MID): MIDs are three digit identifiers ranging from 201 to 775
denoting the country or geographical area of the administration responsible for the ship station.
The MID prefix for U.S. based boats and ships are 338, 366, 367, 368 & 369.
All individual ship MMSIs use the format M1I2D3X4X5X6X7X8X9where the first three digits represent
the Maritime Identification Digits (MID) and X is any digit from 0 to 9. When a user applies for
an MMSI, that person is issued an individual MMSI and may place individual station calls. A VHF
radio can also transmit group calls to one or more ship stations sharing a group MMSI. The group
MMSI format is 01M2I3D4X5X6X7X8X9, where the first digit is zero and X is any digit from 0 to 9.
No process currently exists to assign non-federal group ship station identities. However, users
having an MMSI assigned by FCC license may create a group identity by inserting a zero before
the MID and removing the trailing digit (e.g. a user having an MMSI of 366123450 is allowed to
use the group identity 036612345).
ORCA®dsc is factory programmed with a permanent BriarTek group MMSI of 033809818. ORCA®dsc
will not transmit an individual MMSI until the user programs it into the ORCA®dsc memory.

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Programming Individual MMSI into ORCA®dsc
IMPORTANT: Please read through entire instruction set before attempting to program
individual MMSI. The user may request BriarTek to program the 9-digit individual MMSI
number at the factory or it may be accomplished manually. To program an individual MMSI,
follow the instructions below.
1. Start MMSI programming mode:
a. Obtain individual MMSI that will be programmed into ORCA®dsc
b. Ensure ORCA®dsc is ARMED (battery installed)
c. Insert antenna tip into TEST/OFF recess for approximately 3 seconds
d. DML will flash rapidly for 5 seconds
e. While DML is flashing, place antenna tip into Program recess.
f. DML will flash rapidly at a faster duty cycle for 5 seconds and then PAUSE
(DML is off) for 2 seconds before the programming sequence starts
2. Program MMSI procedure
a. The MMSI will be programmed in the following sequence: M1I2D3X4X5X6X7X8X9
b. Determining number (M1 (0-9), I2 (0-9), D3 (0-9), etc…)
i. Nomenclature
1. Programming visual

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a. 2 second flash is graphically represented by (--)
b. 1 second flash is graphically represented by (-)
2. MMSI confirmation visual
a. 500 millisecond flash is graphically represented by (+)
b. 100 millisecond flash is graphically represented by (*)
ii. ORCA®dsc will flash up to 10 times representing numbers 0-9 for each position M1- X9
1. The starting flash is 2 seconds long and represents digit “0” (--)
2. ORCA®dsc continues flashing to represent digit “1”. This is represented by two
flashes, one 2 second flash followed by one 1 second flash (--,-)
3. ORCA®dsc continues flashing to represent digit “2”. This is represented by three
flashes, one 2 second flash followed by two 1 second flashes (--,-,-)
4. This process is repeated through digit “9” (--,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-)
c. To select a number, press the antenna tip into the “PROGRAM” recess when the DML flashes
the required digit
i. If ORCA®dsc does not sense the antenna tip after flashing digit “9”, then it will exit
programming mode and no individual MMSI will be recorded in the ORCA®dsc memory

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d. ORCA®dsc will confirm the digit by rapidly flashing the sequence back to the user.
i. Digit “0” is represented by (*), while digits “1-9” are represented by
(+ through +,+,+,+,+,+,+,+,+,+)
e. This process repeats through MMSI positions I2 – X9
f. Upon completion of programming ORCA®dsc, it will display its programmed MMSI by flashing it
g. This is followed by a 2 second pause and then a battery check (solid DML=battery OK, flashing
DML=replace battery)
h. ORCA®dsc returns to its “ARMED” state
i. The MMSI will only be stored in the ORCA®dsc memory if all 9-digits are successfully
programmed
j. The programmer may stop the programming process at any time (i.e., if a mistake was made
during program) by inserting the antenna tip into the “TEST/OFF’ recess

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3. Programming example
a. Program MMSI “368010230”
i. Start MMSI programming mode by following steps 1a-1f
1. Position M1should be digit “3”
a. ORCA®dsc flashes digits 0, 1, 2, 3 (--,-,-,-)
b. During the fourth flash, place the antenna tip into the “PROGRAM” recess
c. ORCA®dsc confirms digit “3” has been programmed by flashing (+,+,+)
2. Position I2should be digit “6”
a. ORCA®dsc flashes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (--,-,-,-,-,-,-)
b. During the seventh flash, place the antenna tip into the “PROGRAM” recess
c. ORCA®dsc confirms digit “6” has been programmed by flashing
(+,+,+,+,+,+)
3. Position D3should be digit “8”
a. ORCA®dsc flashes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (--,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-)
b. During the ninth flash, place the antenna tip into the “PROGRAM” recess
c. ORCA®dsc confirms digit “8” has been programmed by flashing
(+,+,+,+,+,+,+,+)