BriarTek ORCA TX-104 User manual

ORCA®TX-104 and TX-F104
Owner’s Manual
ORCA®TX-104 IS A
MAN OVERBOARD
IDENTIFICATION
AND TRACKING
DEVICE FOR
PLEASURE BOATING
AND INDUSTRIAL
APPLICATIONS

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BriarTek, Inc. Technical Support:
703.548.7892
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.briartek.com

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Introduction
ORCA®is a personal saltwater or manual-activated man overboard (MOB) alarm
system developed by BriarTek Inc. The system is utilized by the U.S. Navy and
other mariners to aid in the rescue of an MOB victim. The ORCA®system operates
on 121.5 MHz and includes a transmitter, receiver, and direction finder. When the
transmitter is activated, it emits a signal from the victim to the receiver. The receiver
emits an audible alarm and displays the ship type/hull number and serial number
of the transmitter on the receiver’s LCD display. The transmitter also emits a signal
that is received by the direction finder and other standard search and rescue (SAR)
equipment to locate the MOB.
Parts Overview (figure 1)
A- Antenna
B- Manual activation/
deactivation recess
C- Water sensors
D- Distress marker light
E– Battery door
F– Antenna tip holder
Modes
The TX-104 and TX-F104 have
three modes:
» ARMED: Each transmitter is
armed after a 3-volt CR123
lithium battery is correctly
installed.
» TRANSMIT: The transmitter
goes from armed to transmit
mode when it is activated.
After the transmitter is activated, it emits an FM signal for approximately 1 minute.
This sends the transmitter identification to the receiver. After approximately 1
minute, the transmitter switches to a non-data FM transmission for 40 seconds
for optimal DF tracking. After every 40 second non-data transmission, the unit
transmits identification information to the receiver for 9-15 seconds.
» DISABLED: The transmitter is disabled when the battery is removed or the battery
is depleted.
Figure 1

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Operating Instructions
Manual Activation:
Option 1: Release antenna tip (A) from holder and
align with manual activation/deactivation recess (B).
See figure 2.
Option 2: If transmitter is being worn in the blue nylon
pouch provided (see figure 3), the transmitter can be
manually activated by releasing the securing strap
and aligning the embedded magnet with the manual
activation/ deactivation recess.
After the antenna tip (option 1) or embedded
magnet (option 2) has been aligned with the manual
activation/deactivation recess for approximately 3
seconds, the distress marker light begins flashing to
indicate activation. Remove antenna tip/embedded
magnet from the recess. Approximately 3-5 seconds
after distress marker light begins flashing, the
transmitter will begin transmitting.
Automatic Activation:
The transmitter will activate when the water sensors are
submerged insaltwater (fresh or saltwater for TX-F104)
for at least 3 seconds.
All Clear (deactivate transmitter):
When the MOB is recovered, align the antenna tip/
embedded magnet with the manual activation/deactivation
recess. This sends an all clear message to the receiver
and returns the transmitter to the armed mode.
Wearing the Transmitter
THE TRANSMITTER MUST BE WORN SO THAT THE
WATER SENSORS ARE UNDER WATER AND WET
AND THE ANTENNA IS ABOVE THE WATER SURFACE
WHEN THE PERSON IS FLOATING. The transmitter
can be attached to a personal flotation device (PFD) using
the pouch provided by the manufacturer with the antenna
attached to the collar using a lanyard clip (see figure 4).
In addition, the transmitter has been designed to be worn
around the neck (see figure 5). This affords the best
opportunity for the signal to be received in a man overboard
event if the MOB is not wearing a PFD.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5

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Battery Information
Battery lifespan:
consumption. It is recommended that the battery is
replaced once a year or sooner if the transmitter has
been activated for more than occasional testing. When
either transmitter is in TRANSMIT mode, anew battery
will last approximately 24 hours.
Testing battery strength:
1. Activate the unit using Option 1 or 2 in Operating
Instructions on the preceding page.
2. As soon as the distress marker light begins to flash
rapidly, remove antenna tip/embedded magnet from
the recess.
3. Once more, align antenna tip/embedded magnet with the manual activation/
deactivation recess.
4. If the light turns on and remains on for approximately 5 seconds, the battery is
useable. If the light flashes on and off for 5 seconds, the battery is not useable
and must be replaced.
Replacing the battery:
1. Using a #1 size Phillips head
screwdriver, unscrew the crosshead
screw on the battery door (see figure 6).
2. Remove battery door.
3. Remove used battery.
4. Insert new 3-volt CR123 lithium battery
according to polarity diagram on the
inside of the battery door (see figure 7).
5. Replace battery door. Grasping
screwdriver with thumb and forefinger,
screw down the battery door to 45 in/oz.
Caution: Do not over tighten!
Figure 6
Figure 7
The TX-104 and TX-F104 have very low current

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Specifications
» Size: length = 2.4 inches (6.1 cm)
width = 1.7 inches (4.3 cm)
depth = 0.8 inches (2.0 cm)
» Weight: 2.5 oz. (70.9 g)
» Power: 100 mW
» Tracking Range: 2 NM from small
craft, 5 NM from ship, 20 NM or
greater from aircraft
» Alerting Range: 1 NM to receiver
» Power Source: One (1) 3-volt
CR123 lithium battery
» Battery Life: One year (Armed
mode); 24 hours continuous once
activated (Transmit mode)
» Activation: manual or water
» Current Draw: Armed 15 uA; Transmit (high power): 185mA; Transmit (low
power): 80mA
» Modulation Frequency: 121.5 MHz
» 25.5 inch (64.75 cm) external antenna with strain relief (the length can be
modified based on user needs)
» Operating Temperature -20º C (-4º F) to +70º C (158º F)
» Storage Temperature -40º C (-40º F) to +85º C (185º F)
Figure 8

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Warranty
BriarTek provides a one-year warranty on all
ORCA®system following the date of original
purchase – original receipt is required.
If a component fails to function properly during its
warranty period (one year), the manufacturer will
proceed according to its warranty as follows:
» BriarTek Inc. guarantees each product it
distributes to be free from defective materials and workmanship and agrees to
remedy any such defect, or to furnish a new or equal part in exchange (at its
option) for a period of one year from the date the component is purchased.
» For an exchange of the product, please contact BriarTek at 703.548.7892 or on
the web at www.briartek.com and a customer service representative will provide
the necessary instructions.
This warranty is void if:
» any component has been subject to misuse or improper installation by a non-
BriarTek employee, or has been repaired or altered by a non-BriarTek employee.
» any component fails to function properly after being put into service due to
something other than defective materials or workmanship, i.e. excessive
temperature, humidity or shock while component is in storage.

San Diego, California |Alexandria, Virginia |Norfolk, Virginia |Indianapolis, Indiana
Technical Support: 703.548.7892
www.briartek.com