jotron Tron 40VDR User manual

USERS MANUAL
www.jotron.com
Tron 40VDR
Float Free Emergency Transmitter with VDR

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MANUAL OPERATION AND ACTIVATION
It is not recommended to operate the beacon inside a life raft or under a cover
or canopy. Do NOT tie the lanyard to the ship in distress, as this will prevent the
unit to functioning if the ship sinks.
1. Remove the locking pin from bracket cover
2. Remove the cover
3. Take out the EPIRB from the bracket
4. Break the seal and pull the locking pin holding the main activator switch
5. Push slider to move switch to ON position (the switch is spring-loaded and will
automatically go to the ON position)
6. Tie the beacon lanyard to you or to the survival craft
7. The strobe light, located at the top of the EPIRB, will start flashing indicating
that the EPIRB is operating
If possible keep the EPIRB in an open area, away from any metal objects (ship
construction etc.) that may limit the satellite coverage. Transmission can be
stopped by turning the switch to READY position and take it out of the water.
EC Declaration of Conformity, available at www.jotron.com

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IMPORTANT
The information in this book has been carefully checked and is believed to be
accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies.
This equipment contains CMOS integrated circuits. Observe handling precau-
tions to avoid static discharges which may damage these devices. Jotron AS
reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any products or
modules described herein to improve reliability, function or design. Jotron AS
does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of the de-
scribed product.
WARNING / IMPORTANT
Jotron AS is a prime manufacturer of safety equipment designed for rescue of
human lives and their property. For safety equipment to be effective in line with
the design parameters it is important that they are handled, stowed and main-
tained in compliance with the manufacturers instructions. Jotron AS can not be
held responsible for any damage caused due to incorrect use of the equipment
or breach of laid down procedures or for failure of any specific component or
other parts of the equipment.
The chapter covering battery replacement is added for information only. Jotron
AS does not take any responsibility for improper disassembling/assembling of
the beacon. We strongly recommend all service to be done by authorized Jotron
AS agents. In addition to normal service, Jotron AS agents have the necessary
equipment and education to test the operational functions of the beacon. Non-
original maintenance and/or service parts may destroy the equipment function
and performance.

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WARRANTY AND LIMITATION.
This product is warranted against factory defects in material and workmanship
for a period of 5 years from date of purchase. During the warranty period Jotron
AS will repair or, at its option, replace the unit at no cost to you for labour, ma-
terials and return transportation from Jotron AS or its subsidiaries.
For further assistance, please contact [email protected]
This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by ac-
cident or misuse, or as a result of service or modification performed by
an unauthorized factory or person. The Company shall not be liable for
consequential or special damages.
COUNTERFEIT SPARE PARTS.
Jotron AS is aware of extended counterfeit spare parts being marketed and sold
to fit GMDSS safety products. It is of extreme importance that any spare parts
being fitted to this product are original spare parts, manufactured or approved
by Jotron AS. Any use of counterfeit spare parts will deviate from the product
type-approval certificates.
PRODUCT RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL
Tron 40VDR Float Free Capsule can be recycled according to EC Directive
WEEE, except for the battery-module. The battery-module consists of Lithium
batteries and must be handled acc to local regulations concerning primary
Lithium battery guidance.

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INNHOLD
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 8
1.1 TRON 40VDR 8
1.2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 9
1.2.1 SIGNAL DETECTION 9
1.2.2 DISTRESS LOCATION DETERMINATION 10
1.2.3 GPS ADVANTAGE 10
1.2.4 EPIRB REGISTRATION 11
2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 14
2.1 GENERAL 14
2.2 COSPAS-SARSAT TRANSMITTER 14
2.3 NAVIGATION DEVICE 14
2.4 HOMING TRANSMITTER 15
2.5 BRACKETS 15
2.6 BATTERY SAFETY DATA SHEET 15
2.6.1 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION 15
2.6.2 FIRST AID MEASURES 16
2.6.3 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES 16
2.6.4 HANDLING AND STORAGE 17
3 EPIRB DESCRIPTION 18
3.1 GENERAL 18
3.2 BATTERY MODULE 19
3.3 FLOAT FREE BRACKET 19
4 INSTALLATION OF TRON 40VDR FLOAT FREE CAPSULE 20
4.1 FB-40 BRACKET INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING 20
4.2 HOW TO FIT TRON 40VDR CAPSULE IN THE BRACKET 21
5 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 22
5.1 MANUAL OPERATION 22
5.1.1 OUT OF BRACKET 23
5.1.2 IN THE FLOAT FREE BRACKET FB-40 23
5.2 AUTOMATIC OPERATION - FLOAT FREE BRACKET FB-40 24
6 TESTING AND PERIODICAL CONTROL 25
6.1 TESTING 25
6.1.1 NORMAL SELF-TEST 25
6.1.2 EXTENDED SELF-TEST INCLUDING GPS-TEST 25
6.1.3 EPIRB ERROR MESSAGES 26
6.2 PERIODICAL CONTROL 27

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6.2.1 EVERY MONTH: 27
6.2.2 EVERY 12TH MONTH: 27
6.2.3 EVERY 2ND YEAR: 28
6.2.4 EVERY 4th OR 5th YEAR: 28
6.2.5 EVERY 10th YEAR: 28
6.3 TEST AND MAINTENANCE RECORD 28
6.4 FALSE ALERT 29
6.5 SERVICE PROCEDURE 30
6.5.1 WARRANTY CLAIM 30
6.5.2 SERVICE – NOT WARRANTY CLAIM 30
7 MAINTENANCE 31
7.1 EPIRB MODULE / BATTERY PACK 31
7.1.1 CHANGE OF BATTERY 31
7.2 HYDROSTATIC RELEASE REPLACEMENT 32
7.2.1 REPLACING THE RELEASE MECHANISM IN FB-40
BRACKET 32
8 SPARE PARTS 34
8.1 Tron 40VDR SPARE PARTS 34
8.2 COUNTERFEIT SPARE PARTS. 34
9 SERVICE AGENTS 35
10 ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS 36
11 AMENDMENT RECORDS 38

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1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Tron 40VDR is emergency equipment consisting of:
• Tron 40VDR Cospas-Sarsat emergency EPIRB.
• FB-40 - Automatic float free bracket.
• VDR storage module.
The Tron 40VDR EPIRB is developed to meet the regulations and rules for use
on vessels and life rafts in the maritime service. Tron 40VDR meets the following
specifications for 406 MHz EPIRBs for use in search and rescue operations at
sea.
See “Declaration of Conformity” document at www.Jotron.com for information
of required standards.
1.1 TRON 40VDR
The Tron 40VDR is buoyant and have water activated contacts which will start
DISTRESS transmission if deployed into water. Tron 40VDR are currently avail-
able with one float free bracket. The bracket prevents DISTRESS transmission if
water spray are applied to the EPIRB.
The Float free bracket, FB-40 is a covered bracket with an hydrostatic release
unit (HRU) which will release the Tron 40VDR if the bracket is submerged to a
depth of 2-4 meters if the ship are about to sink.
The purpose of the Tron 40VDR is to give a primary alarm to the search and
rescue authorities. The EPIRB gives an immediate alarm when activated, trans-
mitting the ID of the ship in distress. Care must be taken not to activate the
EPIRB unless in an emergency situation, in such cases the user will be held re-
sponsible. For periodic testing a test function is implemented. During the test
cycle the EPIRB does a self-test on the transmitters and on the battery status.
No emergency signal is transmitted during the self-test.
The battery of the EPIRB will last for at least 168 hours from activation of the
EPIRB.

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1.2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
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. Since the
introduction of the system more than 28000 persons have been rescued by
the Cospas-Sarsat system (2009). 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 40VDR, more polar orbiting satellites will be available in the future, giv-
ing a faster location and rescue time.
In addition several geostationary satellites are equipped with a 406 MHz tran-
sponder, these satellites are not able to locate the Tron 40VDR but will give an
early warning to the rescue forces, minimising the time from an emergency oc-
curs till the rescue forces are at the site.
Each emergency EPIRB in the system is programmed with its own unique code,
therefore it is vital that the ships data that is given to the dealer you obtained
your Tron 40VDR, is correct. It is also important that your EPIRB is registered in
the database for each country. This database is normally located in the same
country that the ship is registered.
1.2.1 SIGNAL DETECTION
When the Tron 40VDR is activated
(manually or automatically) it trans-
mits on the frequencies 121.5 MHz and
406.037 MHz. An analogue signal is
emitted on 121.5 MHz and a digital
signal is transmitted on 406.037 MHz.
After the Tron 40VDR is activated, the
next passing satellite will detect the transmitted signal and relay it to an an-
tenna at a ground station, called LUT.
The International Cospas-Sarsat System has ceased satellite processing of
121.5/243 MHz beacons from 1 February 2009.

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1.2.2 DISTRESS LOCATION DETERMINATION
The location of the distress signal is determined by taking
measurements of the doppler shift of the EPIRB frequency
when the satellite first approach and then pass the EPIRB.
The actual frequency is heard at the time of closest approach
(TCA). Knowing the position of the satellite and using the re-
ceived doppler signal information, it is possible to determine
the location of the Tron 40VDR from the satellite at the TCA.
At the LUT, actually two positions are calculated. One is the actual position (A)
and the other is the mirror image (B) position. A second satellite pass confirms
the correct location (A). Doppler-only accuracy is within 5 km (3 mi) (3.1 statute
miles or 2.6 nautical miles)— that is, the position is sufficiently accurate for SAR
purposes even after only one pass. What’s more, the most likely of the two ’mir-
ror’ positions can be determined valid with 98.5% accuracy after only one satel-
lite pass. This accuracy can be increased to 99.3% using so-called ”combined
Leo-Geo processing,” and this technique also enables accurate positions to be
generated with as little as two or three bursts from the beacon (i.e. less than 4
minutes of transmission) and thus greatly increases the chances of being found
even if the beacon is ultimately consumed by fire or is otherwise destroyed
1.2.3 GPS ADVANTAGE
Tron 40VDR has been designed to operate with the Cospas-Sarsat system and
will enhance further the lifesaving capabilities of conventional beacons.
Please see picture on next page for comparison between Tron 40VDR and
EPIRB without GPS depending on detection by polar orbiting or geostationary
satellites.
GPS position is updated every 6-16 minutes, and can also be tested in SELF-
TEST.

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1.2.4 EPIRB REGISTRATION
Normally the MCC will contact the vessel or the contact person registered in a
shipping register and/or an EPIRB register (Ships owner, family member etc.) be-
fore alerting the RCC. This is to determine if the alarm from the EPIRB for some
reason is a false alarm, and an expensive rescue operation can be avoided. Be-
cause of this it is important that the ships data is correct in the shipping register
or in the EPIRB database.
You should register your beacon with the national authority associated with the
country code in the hexadecimal identification (15 Hex ID) of your beacon. You
can register your beacon online with the Cospas-Sarsat IBRD if your country
does not provide a registration facility and your country has allowed direct reg-
istration in the IBRD: www.406registration.com
If your country operates a national beacon registry, consult the document
C/S S.007 ”Cospas-Sarsat Handbook of Beacon Regulations” available at
www.cospas-sarsat.org to obtain the point of contact.

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Some EPIRB registration links:
USA: http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
UK: http://www.mcga.gov.uk (search for ”EPIRB registration”)
USA REGISTRATION CARD
For registration of the beacon, use this link:
http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov
Follow instructions you see on your screen.
Other registrations methods are mail or fax. Forms are ready with correct infor-
mation and it may be downloaded from the above web site.
The Emergency Contact information has to be accurate, especially regarding
the telephone number, as this will be used to validate an alert. Only if the bea-
con registration and approximate location details can be confirmed will USCG
(United States Coast Guard) launch an immediate rescue, otherwise there will be
a delay whilst further alerts from the same source are received and verified.
Registration address:
SARSAT BEACON REGISTRATION
NOAA
NSOF, E/SPO53
1315 East West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910

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2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 GENERAL
Battery: Primary Lithium-Thionyl Chloride, 7.2V/ 18Ah,
5 years service life
Housing material: Glass reinforced Polycarbonate
Dimensions:
• Weight: 1.9 kg
• Height: 400 mm
• Max diameter: 200 mm
Compass safe distance: 0,8 m
Temperature operating: -20°C to + 55°C (-4°F to +131°F)
Temperature storage: -40°C to + 65°C (-22°F to +149°F)
Operating life: Minimum 168 hours at -20°C
2.2 COSPAS-SARSAT TRANSMITTER
Frequency: 406.037 MHz 2 ppm
Output power: 5W 2 dB
Protocols: Tron 40VDR: Maritime, Serialized, Radio Call sign,
Location protocols
Modulation: Phase modulation 1.1 0.1 rad
Data encoding: Bi Phase L
Stability: Short term: 2 x10e-9
Medium term: 0e-9
Residual noise: 3 x10e-9
Bit rate: 400 b/s
Antenna: Built in, omnidirectional
2.3 NAVIGATION DEVICE
Type: 22 Channel GPS Receiver
Antenna: Chip type
+
-
-
+
+
-
>
>
>
_
_
_

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2.4 HOMING TRANSMITTER
Frequency: 121.500 MHz
Output power: Up to 100 mW
Modulation: A9, AM sweep tone between 300Hz and 1600Hz
Sweep range: 700 Hz
Sweep rate: 2.5 Hz
Stability: 10 ppm over temperature range
Antenna: Built in, omnidirectional
2.5 BRACKETS
Materials: Glass reinforced polycarbonate / Glass reinforced
nylon
Dimensions (H/L/W): 215mm / 553mm / 236mm
Weight: 2.9 Kg
Release mechanism: Jotron HRU kit (part. no. 86218)
2.6 BATTERY SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: SAFT BATTERIES
TYPE NO.: LSH 14 LIGHT
LITHIUM METAL CONTENT: BELOW 1g/CELL
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 51g
CHEMICAL SYSTEM: Primary lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCI2)
DESIGNED FOR RECHARGE: No
2.6.1 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Do not short circuit, recharge, puncture, incinerate, crush, immerse, force dis-
charge or expose to temperatures above the declared operating temperature
range of the product. Risk of fire or explosion. The Lithium-Thionyl chloride bat-
teries described in this Safety Data Sheet are sealed units which are not hazard-
ous when used ac- cording to the recommendations of the manufacturer

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Under normal conditions of use, the battery is hermetically sealed.
Ingestion: Swallowing a battery can be harmful.
Inhalation: Contents of an open battery can cause respiratory irrita
tion.
Skin Contact: Contents of an open battery can cause skin irritation.
Eye Contact: Contents of an open battery can cause severe irritation.
2.6.2 FIRST AID MEASURES
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting or give food or drink. Seek medical
attention immediately. CALL NATIONAL BATTERY
INGESTION HOTLINE for advice and follow-up (202-625-
3333) collect day or night.
Inhalation: Provide fresh air and seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap
and water.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15
minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, until no evidence of the
chemical remains. Seek medical attention.
Note: Carbon black is listed as a possible carcinogen by International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC).
2.6.3 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
In case of fire where lithium batteries are present, flood area with water or
smother with a Class D fire extinguishant appropriate for lithium metal, such as
Lith-X. Water may not extinguish burning batteries but will cool the adjacent
batteries and control the spread of fire. Burning batteries will burn themselves
out. Virtually all fires involving lithium batteries can be controlled by flooding
with water. However, the contents of the battery will react with water and form
hydrogen gas. In a confined space, hydrogen gas can form an explosive mixture.
In this situation, smothering agents are recommended. A smothering agent will
extinguish burning lithium batteries.
Emergency Responders should wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Burn-
ing lithium-iron disulfide batteries produce toxic and corrosive lithium hydroxide
fumes and sulfur dioxide gas.

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2.6.4 HANDLING AND STORAGE
Storage: Store in a cool, well ventilated area. Elevated temperatures can result
in shortened battery life. In locations that handle large quantities of lithium bat-
teries, such as warehouses, lithium batteries should be isolated from unneces-
sary combustibles.
- WARNING:
Battery can explode or leak and cause burns if installed backwards, disassem-
bled, charged, or exposed to water, fire or high temperature.

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3 EPIRB DESCRIPTION
3.1 GENERAL
Tron 40VDR Float Free Capsule consists of upper and lower house mounted
together with an equator ring. On the lower housing, the VDR storage module is
fitted as a removable module, connected to the EPIRB through a clamp.
The EPIRB may be split into the following main parts when disposal:
1. EPIRB module with antenna
2. Equator ring and Gasket.
3. Battery-module.
4. VDR storage module.
5. VDR storage module sealing bracket.

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3 EPIRB DESCRIPTION
3.1 GENERAL
Tron 40VDR Float Free Capsule consists of upper and lower house mounted
together with an equator ring. On the lower housing, the VDR storage module is
fitted as a removable module, connected to the EPIRB through a clamp.
The EPIRB may be split into the following main parts when disposal:
1. EPIRB module with antenna
2. Equator ring and Gasket.
3. Battery-module.
4. VDR storage module.
5. VDR storage module sealing bracket.
3.2 BATTERY MODULE
The Battery module supplies the EPIRB module with power to keep the EPIRB
transmitters active for 168 hours when activated, and for test sequences. The
water detector is mounted in the battery module and can be seen as two metal
contacts on the back of the battery housing. Pay attention not to touch both
contacts while carying Tron 40VDR as this can be detected as water and acti-
vate the EPIRB.
3.3 FLOAT FREE BRACKET
The Float Free bracket, type FB-40, is an automatic bracket, were a hydrostatic
release mechanism (HRU) releases the EPIRB from the bracket when reaching
2-5 mtr below sea-level.
The HRU is type approved by Jotron and special adjusted to the FB40 includes a
special bolt with adjusted fittings. This module is supplied as a HRU-Kit.
The Tron 40VDR Float Free Capsule is activated automatically when immersed
into water. There is a safety switch which prevents the water sensors from acti-
vating the beacon while placed in the mounting bracket.

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4 INSTALLATION OF TRON 40VDR FLOAT FREE CAPSULE
WARNING:
DO NOT INSTALL THE EPIRB NEAR STRONG
MAGNETIC FIELDS THAT COULD ACTIVATE THE BEACON
4.1 FB-40 BRACKET INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING
The Tron 40VDR Float Free Capsule should be installed in a location guid-
ed by COMSAR.Circ 32 (Chap 4.10)
http://www.imo.org/blast/blastDataHelper.asp?data_id=10750&lename=32.
pdf
Installation of the FB-40 bracket can be made direct on the ship-wall, as
long as the contact of the surface is plane and the areas is bigger than
the actual bracket. The FB-40 needs rm ground contact on the grounding
screw. Please ensure as short and wide grounding path as possible. Apply
silicone grease on the screw before mounting to ensure good connection.