jotron Tron 40S MkII EPIRB User manual

Tron 40S MkII EPIRB
Float free brackets
User manual

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Abbreviatons
BIT
Short form of Binary Digit. The smallest element of data in a
binary-coded value
BPS
Bits Per Second
COSPAS
COsmicheskaya Sistyema Poiska Avariynich Sudov
EPIRB
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
FRM
Final Record Medium
GPS
Global Positioning System (NAVSTAR): consists of orbiting
satellites, a network of ground control stations, and user
positioning and navigation equipment. The system has 24
satellites plus 3 active spare satellites in six orbital planes
about 20,200KM above the earth.
HRU
Hydrostatic Release Unit
IBRD
International 406MHz Beacon Registration Database
IEC
International Electrotechnical Commission
IMO
International Maritime Organization
ITU
International Telecommunication Union
LED
Light Emitting Diode
LUT
Local User Terminal (Ground station)
MCC
Mission Control Centre
MHz
Megahertz
NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA)
RCC
Rescue Coordination Centre
SARSAT
Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System
SBM
Shore Based Maintenance
UIN
Unique Identifier Number
USCG
Unite States Coast Guard

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Table of Contents
1List of figures ............................................................................... 6
2List of tables................................................................................. 7
3General ........................................................................................ 8
4Standards..................................................................................... 9
5Product description ................................................................... 12
5.1 Product image...................................................................13
5.2 Cospas-Sarsat system description ....................................14
5.2.1 Signal detection ...................................................14
5.2.2 EPIRB registration ................................................15
5.2.3 False alerts transmitted .......................................16
6Functional description ............................................................... 17
6.1 Tron 40S MkII components...............................................17
6.2 Main module.....................................................................18
6.3 Antenna.............................................................................18
6.4 Battery pack ......................................................................18
6.5 Brackets.............................................................................18
6.5.1 FB-6 and FB-42 float free brackets ......................19
6.5.2 FBH-42 float free bracket with heating...............19
7Installation................................................................................. 19
7.1 Brackets.............................................................................19
7.1.1 Mounting the FB-6 float free bracket..................19
7.1.2 Mounting the FB-42 float free bracket................20
7.1.3 Mounting the FBH-42 float free bracket .............21
7.2 Replacing the battery........................................................21
8Operation instructions............................................................... 21
9Manual operation ...................................................................... 22
9.1.1 Out of bracket ......................................................22
9.1.2 Stored in the FB-6 float free bracket...................24
9.1.3 Stored in the FB-42 float free brackets ...............27
9.1.4 Stored in the FBH-42 float free brackets.............27

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9.2 Automatic operation from the FB-6 float free bracket....28
9.3 Automatic operation from the FB-42 float free brackets 29
9.4 Automatic operation from the FBH-42 float free brackets
29
9.5 Wrist strap.........................................................................29
10 Maintenance.............................................................................. 31
10.1 Inspection..........................................................................31
10.2 Testing...............................................................................32
10.2.1 Self-test ................................................................32
10.2.1.1 Error codes (flashes) ...........................34
11 Replacing the hydrostatic release unit (HRU)............................ 34
12 Test and maintenance records .................................................. 38
13 Battery safety information ........................................................ 39
13.1 Handling and storage........................................................39
13.1.1 Transportation .....................................................39
14 Technical specifications............................................................. 40
14.1 Product specification ........................................................40
14.2 COSPAS-SARSAT transmitter.............................................40
14.3 Homing transmitter ..........................................................40
14.4 Brackets.............................................................................41
14.4.1 FB-6 float free bracket .........................................41
14.4.2 FB-42 float free bracket.......................................41
14.4.3 FBH-42 float free bracket ....................................41
15 Optional accessories.................................................................. 42
16 Spare parts................................................................................. 42
16.1 Counterfeit spare parts.....................................................42
17 Recycling and disposal............................................................... 42
18 Warranty.................................................................................... 42
19 Service ....................................................................................... 42
19.1 Service agents ...................................................................43
20 Document revision log............................................................... 44
21 Emergency instructions ............................................................. 46

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1List of figures
Figure 1 Image - Tron 40S MkII.....................................................................13
Figure 2 Illustration - signal detection ..........................................................15
Figure 3 Illustration - Tron 40S MkII with float free bracket components ..17
Figure 4 Illustration - FB-6 float free bracket dimensions............................20
Figure 5 Illustration - automatic operation of a FB-6 float free bracket......29
Figure 6 Illustration - self-test.......................................................................33
Figure 7 Emergency instructions overview ..................................................46

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2List of tables
Table 1 Tron 40S MkII components..............................................................18
Table 2 Tron 40S MkII maintenance requirements......................................31
Table 3 Tron 40S MkII self-test error codes (flashes)...................................34

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3General
Jotron manufactures safety products designed for the search and rescue of
human lives and property. For this product to be effective according to the
design parameters, it is imperative that it is handled, maintained, serviced
and stowed in accordance with this manual.
All information contained within this manual has been verified and is to
Jotron’s knowledge correct. Jotron reserves the right to make changes to
any product(s) or module(s) described herein to improve design, function
or reliability, without further notice.
Jotron is not liable and cannot be held responsible for
any injury or damages caused directly or indirectly by an
error or omission of information, incorrect or misuse,
breach of procedures or failure of any specific
component or part of this product.
Jotron documentation can be downloaded from jotron.com.

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4Standards
Jotron declares that this this product is compliant with IMO and SOLAS
regulations and both MED and ROHS directives.
A copy of the declaration of conformity can be downloaded from
jotron.com.
The Tron 40S MkII has been verified, tested and meets the following
product standards:
IEC 61097-2 Ed. 3.0
Global maritime distress and safety
systems (GMDSS) Part 2: Cospas-Sarsat
EPIRB – Satellite emergency position
indicating radio beacon operating on
406 MHz – Operational and performance
requirements, methods of testing and
required test results.
IEC 60945 Ed. 4.0 including
IEC 608945 Corrigendum 1
Corrigendum 1 – Maritime navigation
and radiocommunication equipment and
systems – General requirements –
Methods of testing and required results.
EN 300 066 v.1.3.1
Electromagnetic compatibility and radio
spectrum matters (ERM); Float free
maritime satellite – EPIRB operating in
the 406,9 MHz to 406,1 MHz frequency
band; technical characteristics and
methods of measurement
IEC 63000:2016
Technical documentation for the
assessment of electrical and electronic
products with respect to the restrictions
of hazardous substances
ISO 14001
Environmental management systems
ISO 9001
Quality management principles
In accordance with SOLAS regulations, the following controls must be
followed:

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IV/15.9.2 of SOLAS 1974, in
accordance with MSC/Circ.
1039 guidelines
SOLAS regulation for Shore Based
Maintenance (SBM) of Satellite EPIRBs
within 5 years if: Passenger ships (> 12
passengers) and cargo ships (> 300GT)
engaged in international voyages, shall
perform SBM as follows: Latest by the
date of the EPIRB label with this text, or
the battery Label, whichever is first. And
when this EPIRB becomes due for SBM in
accordance with national requirements.
IV/15.9.2 of SOLAS 1974 as
amended to in accordance
with MSC/Circ.1039
guidelines
SOLAS regulation for shore-based
maintenance of satellite EPIRBs within 5
years, or by the date of battery expiry,
whichever is first. As it applies to
maintenance (servicing and tested) for
vessel that requires GMDSS compliant
equipment.
SOLAS Chapter IV reg. 15.9.2
and IMO MSC. Circ. 1039
Regarding battery change. This must be
completed at a Jotron SBM authorized
location and it must also be approved by
the VDR manufacturer. The interval is
dependent on the flag-state
administration. If neither international
nor national regulations apply to the
EPIRB then the battery may be changed
by an authorized Jotron
partner/distributor.
IMO - MSC/Circ.1040 & rev.1
as required by SOLAS IV/15.9
Regarding yearly testing of 406 MHz on
satellite EPIRBs. Rev.1 requires that
annual testing be performed by an
authorized radio-surveyor or an
authorized person who is trained and
certified by Jotron.

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IMO MSC.1/Circ.1222
Regarding an additional yearly testing
requirement for the Tron 40VDR float
free capsule.
IMO COMSAR/Circ. 32 (latest
revision)
Correct installation and storage of this
product.

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5Product description
The Tron 40S MkII is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
(EPIRB).
The purpose of the Tron 40S MkII is to send a primary alarm to the search
and rescue authorities. The EPIRB sends a distress signal when activated,
transmitting the ID of the ship.
The Tron 40S MkII is buoyant and activates automatically when immersed
in water. The EPIRB operates both automatically and manually.
There are several mounting brackets available for with the Tron 40 MkII, a
float free bracket, a heated float free bracket and a manual bracket. Each
bracket is specially designed with an internal safety switch (water
detectors), that prevents the EPIRB from inadvertently being activated by
moisture or water spray when placed in the bracket.
The Tron 40S MkII includes of the following components:
•Cospas-Sarsat emergency EPIRB

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5.1 Product image
Figure 1 Image - Tron 40S MkII

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5.2 Cospas-Sarsat system description
Cospas is an acronym for the Russian words Cosmicheskaya Sistyema
Poiska Avariynich Sudov, which means “Space System for the Search of
Vessels in Distress”. The Cospas-Sarsat system was introduced in 1982 as a
worldwide search and rescue system with the help of satellites covering the
earth’s surface. Between 1982 and 2018 alone this system has aided in
rescuing at least 48,738 individuals in 14,531 search and rescue situations.
Currently, the system consists of 5 functional satellites in a polar orbit
constellation, these satellites cover the entire earth’s surface and receive
the emergency signal from the 406 MHz transmitter within the Tron 40S
MkII, more polar orbiting satellites will be available in the future, giving a
faster location and rescue time.
In addition, several geostationary satellites are equipped with a 406 MHz
transponder. These satellites are not able to locate the Tron 40S MkII but
will give an early warning to the rescue forces, minimizing the time from an
emergency occurs till the rescue forces are at the site.
Each EPIRB in the system is programmed with its own unique code,
therefore, it is vital that the ships data supplied to the dealer upon
purchase or when the Tron 40S MkII was obtained is correct. It is also
important that the EPIRB is registered in the database for each country.
This database is normally located in the same country where the ship is
registered.
5.2.1 Signal detection
When a Tron 40S MkII is activated (manually or automatically) it transmits
an analogue signal on the 121.5 MHz frequency and digital signal on the
406.037 MHz frequency. After the Tron 40S MkII is activated, the next
passing satellite will detect the transmitted signal and relay it to an antenna
at a local user terminal (LUT) ground station.

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Figure 2 Illustration - signal detection
5.2.2 EPIRB registration
Normally the Mission Control Centre (MCC) will contact the vessel, or the
contact person registered in the shipping register and/or EPIRB register
(ship owner, family member etc.) before alerting the Rescue Coordination
Centre (RCC). This is to determine if the alarm from the EPIRB is a false
alarm and a rescue operation can be avoided. Hence, it is important that
the data in the shipping register and/or EPIRB register is correct.
Register the beacon with the national authority associated with the country
code in the hexadecimal identification (15 Hex ID) of the beacon. Register
online with the Cospas-Sarsat IBRD, if the country does not provide a
registration facility and the country has allowed direct registration in the
IBRD: www.406registration.com
If the country operates a national beacon registry, obtain a point of contact
at www.cospas-sarsat.org (review C/S S.007 Cospas-Sarsat Handbook of
Beacon Regulations).
Suggested EPIRB registration links:

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USA: http://beaconregistration.noaa.gov and UK: http://www.mcga.gov.uk
(search - EPIRB registration)
USA registration card:
Suggested registration link: http://beaconregistration.noaa.gov
It can also be registration via mail or fax. Downloadable forms are available
from the website.
The Emergency Contact information and telephone number must be
accurate as it is what will be used to validate an alert. The United States
Coast Guard (USCG) will only launch an immediate rescue if the beacon
registration and approximate location details can be confirmed. Delays will
occur whilst further alerts from the same source are received and verified.
Registration address:
NOAA/SARSAT Beacon Registration
NSOF, E/SP053
1315 East West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910
5.2.3 False alerts transmitted
If for any reason an inadvertent activation or false alarm occur, you must
report it to the nearest search and rescue authorities. The following
information must be reported:
•15-digit unique identifier number (UIN) on the beacon label.
•Date and time of activation (including time zone).
•Cause and duration of the activation.
•Location of the beacon at the time of activation.
To report a false alarm in the United States, contact the US Coast Guard at
1-855-406-USCG (8724)
To report a false alarm outside of the US, contact the national authority
where the beacon is registered.

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6Functional description
6.1 Tron 40S MkII components
An overview of the components.
Figure 3 Illustration - Tron 40S MkII with float free bracket components

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Item no. Item
1
Front cover
2
Tron 40S MkII EPIRB
3
Bracket
4
Hydrostatic release unit (HRU)
5
Stability clip
6
Catapult
7
Cotter pin
Table 1 Tron 40S MkII components
6.2 Main module
The main board includes all electronic circuity and the main switch.
6.3 Antenna
The antenna in the Tron 40S MkII is omnidirectional and includes a LED
flash at the top.
6.4 Battery pack
The battery pack supplies the EPIRB with power to keep the EPIRB
transmitter active for 48 hours when activated and for test sequences. The
battery pack is integrated within the product.
Two water detectors are mounted in the battery pack. These two metal
contacts are located one on each side of the lower housing.
Do not touch the metal contacts as this can be detected
as water and activate the EPIRB.
6.5 Brackets
The following three brackets are available for mounting the Tron 40S MkII:
•FB-6 – automatic float free bracket
•FB-42 – automatic float free bracket

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•FBH-42 – automatic float free bracket with heating
6.5.1 FB-6 and FB-42 float free brackets
The FB-6 and FB-42 float free brackets are covered brackets with a
hydrostatic release unit (HRU). The HRU releases the Tron 40S MkII if the
bracket is submerged to a depth of 2-4 meters when a ship is sinking.
When the Tron 40S MkII is mounted in either the FB-6 or the FB-42
brackets, it operates as an automatic float free unit.
6.5.2 FBH-42 float free bracket with heating
The basic construction of this float free bracket is the same as the other
available float free brackets, however, the heating must be connected to
the fixed installation (230V AC, 10A) through a thermostat connection box.
7Installation
The Tron 40S MkII must be installed and stored as described in this manual.
Do not install the EPIRB near strong magnetic fields,
otherwise the EPIRB may be activated.
7.1 Brackets
Brackets should be mounted in a well protected area from environmental
conditions such as direct water spray, chemicals, oil, exhaust and
vibrations.
7.1.1 Mounting the FB-6 float free bracket
For best operation, the FB-6 should be mounted as high as possible within
these requirements:
•The EPIRB should be mounted so that it can be released freely
without getting caught in a railing or other superstructure.
•The EPIRB should be mounted so that it can be easily released
by a person and brought to a survival craft. Do not mount on a
radar mast or on any other surface that can only be reached
by vertical ladder.

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To mount the FB-6, do the following:
1. Using 5mm bolts mount the bracket according to the dimensions
drawing.
The FB-6 can be mounted horizontally or vertically. A
vertical position is recommended, however, do what is
best for maintenance and operation.
Figure 4 Illustration - FB-6 float free bracket dimensions
7.1.2 Mounting the FB-42 float free bracket
Refer to the user manual FB-42 heating bracket for steps regarding how to
mount of this bracket.