mcmurdo SMARTFIND PLUS G5 User manual

SMARTFIND
E5/G5
USER MANUAL
mcmurdo
mcmurdomcmurdo
mcmurdo

This manual is applicable to both the E5 Smartfind and the G5
Smartfind Plus EPIRBs. The Smartfind Plus contains a GPS receiver for
improved positional accuracy; some parts of this manual are applicable
only to the Smartfind Plus and are marked accordingly.

APPLICATION
This EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is
designed for use in maritime emergencies, and is approved for
these contingencies.
It is not designed or recommended for use on land or in the air.
Use the EPIRB only in situations of grave and imminent danger.
Intentional false alerts may result in penalties.
REGISTRATION
This EPIRB must e registered with the appropriate national
authority.
The function of the EPIRB is to send an alert to the COSPAS-
SARSAT satellites, as descri ed in the Appendix. How soon an
alert is received depends on the positions of the satellites at the
time, and can e influenced y overhead o structions a oard
the vessel. Rescue time following an alert depends on the
overall performance of the Search and Rescue organisations,
which is outside the control of McMurdo.
Disclaimer
McMurdo reserves the right to change this specification at any
time without notice and here y specifically disclaims lia ility for
any consequences of such action.

IN EMERGENCY
Remove the EPIRB completely from its
bracket or enclosure
Hold the lanyard spool and throw the EPIRB
into the water where it will self-activate
OR
If time permits pull the tear-off tab up then
press the activation button and slide the
switch left

Contents
1 Recommendations and safety notices ................................................................2
2 Mandatory Registration.........................................................................................3
2.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................3
2.2 How to register ..................................................................................................................3
2.3 Warranty form....................................................................................................................4
2.4 Radio licence.....................................................................................................................4
2.5 Sale or transfer..................................................................................................................4
3 Description.............................................................................................................6
3.1 Bulkhead racket...............................................................................................................8
3.2 Float-free enclosure ..........................................................................................................9
4 Controls................................................................................................................10
4.1 Activation switch..............................................................................................................10
4.2 TEST utton ....................................................................................................................10
4.3 Sea switch .......................................................................................................................10
4.4 LEDs................................................................................................................................10
4.5 Buzzer .............................................................................................................................11
5 Operating procedure ...........................................................................................12
5.1 Sinking.............................................................................................................................12
5.2 A andon ship ..................................................................................................................12
5.3 GPS Operation (Smartfind Plus only)..............................................................................12
5.4 Releasing EPIRB from a ulkhead racket.....................................................................15
5.5 Releasing EPIRB from an enclosure...............................................................................16
5.6 Manual activation ............................................................................................................16
5.7 Deactivation.....................................................................................................................17
5.8 Re-fitting EPIRB ..............................................................................................................17
6 False alerts...........................................................................................................21
6.1 Stand down rescue services ...........................................................................................21
6.2 Turn off the EPIRB ..........................................................................................................21
6.3 Dealing with a transmitting EPIRB ..................................................................................22
7 Fully disabling an EPIRB ....................................................................................23
8 Bulkhead bracket installation.............................................................................24
8.1 Siting ...............................................................................................................................24
8.2 Mounting procedure ........................................................................................................24
9 Enclosure installation .........................................................................................26
9.1 Siting ...............................................................................................................................26
9.2 Mounting procedure ........................................................................................................26
9.3 Mounting instruction plate ...............................................................................................27
9.4 Marking Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) expiry .............................................................27
9.5 Marking vessel name ......................................................................................................28
10 Maintenance.........................................................................................................29
10.1 Self Test & inspection......................................................................................................29
10.2 Mechanical inspection.....................................................................................................31
10.3 HRU replacement............................................................................................................32
10.4 Battery replacement ........................................................................................................33
10.5 Servicing..........................................................................................................................33
10.6 Transportation .................................................................................................................33
10.7 GMDSS inspections ........................................................................................................34
11 How does it work?...............................................................................................35
12 Technical specification .......................................................................................36
12.1 Declarations of Conformity ..............................................................................................37

13 Appendix – Satellite Systems ............................................................................ 41
14 United States EPIRB registry system............................................................. 43
15 Product Warranty................................................................................................ 44
16 End of Life Statement ......................................................................................... 45

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1 RECOMMENDATIONS AND SAFETY
NOTICES
• This EPIRB is an emergency device for use only in grave
and imminent danger.
• False alerts endanger lives. Help to prevent them;
understand how to activate and de-activate your
equipment. Intentional false alerts may involve penalties.
• Read the complete manual before installing testing or
using the EPIRB.
• Ensure you test the EPIRB monthly – see section 10.1
• Ensure the EPIRB is registered with your local
authorities (Flag State nation) – see section 2.
• The EPIRB contains no user serviceable parts. Do not
open. Return to your dealer for battery replacement or
other service.
• This device contains Lithium batteries; do not
incinerate puncture deform or short-circuit. Take care if
you need to dispose of these batteries or the complete
EPIRB – refer to section 10.3
• This device emits radio frequency radiation when
activated. This radiation is not classed as harmful;
however it is advisable not to handle the antenna while
the unit is activated.
• It is advisable not to stare directly at the strobe LEDs.

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2 MANDATORY REGISTRATION
You must register your EPIRB with the appropriate authorities.
Failure to register may slow the rescue and lead to loss of life.
In the USA failure to register may result in a fine.
In the UK you are legally required to register your EPIRB.
2.1 Overview
Every EPIRB is pre-programmed with a unique identity efore it reaches the
customer. This is done y the manufacturer or, in some cases, the distri utor. The
identity includes a 3 digit country code. This is the country that takes responsi ility for
storing that particular EPIRB’s registration details. In most cases this is the country to
which the vessel is flagged. The country programmed into your EPIRB can e found
from its rear identity la el. You must register with this country.
MV BELLANA
EPIRB 1
1D1400063F81FE0
FLAG 232 G BRITAIN
SERIALISED 000012
CATEGORY 1 – AUTO
Class 2 –20/+55 C (-4/+131 F)
When you activate your EPIRB in an emergency, the nearest maritime search and
rescue coordination centre (MRCC) will receive the message and decode the country
code (eg 232). They will then access the registration data ase for that country and
expect to find details of your vessel, its radio equipment and who to contact. If they fail
to find this information, this may slow down any rescue.
2.2 How to register
Three registration forms are provided, two are for future use and one must e
completed immediately. These forms are pre-printed with your EPIRB’s identity; all
you have to do is complete details of your vessel and provide contact num ers.
Wherever possi le the forms are also pre-printed with the correct mailing address and
a fax ack num er. If your form does not have a mailing address, contact your
supplier. When you have completed the form, you can choose to fax it or mail it.
It is usual to receive confirmation when you register. In the UK and USA you will also
receive a “Decal” sticker which you must fit to the EPIRB itself. The Decal is proof of
registration. Not having a Decal is an offence.
Vessel
Unique
Identity
Num er
(UIN)
Country

Page 4
Useful registration contacts are:
USA Sarsat Beacon Registration
NOAA, NSOF, E/SP3,
4231 Suitland Road,
Suitland MD 20746
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
UK EPIRB Registry
HM Coastguard (Southern)
Pendennis Point, Castle Drive
Falmouth TR11 4WZ
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
Details of the North American on-line registration systems are given on Page 43.
COSPAS-SARSAT provide registration details for many countries; use the we
address www.cospas-sarsat.org and follow the links to 406 MHz Beacons and
Registration; alternatively. there is direct access to the data ase on
www.406registration.com
2.3 Warranty form
Please complete the warranty form supplied and fax or mail it to McMurdo. Failure to
do this may delay any future warranty claim.
2.4 Radio licence
An EPIRB is a radio transmitter and must therefore e added to your radio licence. If
you have een allocated a radio callsign, then you already have a radio licence for
your VHF or MF radio set. You should update your licence to include your EPIRB. For
further details see your licence or use these contact num ers:
USA FCC Tel : [phone] We site : www.fcc.gov\Forms\Form506\506.pdf
UK Ship Radio Licensing, Radio Licensing Centre, The Post Office, PO Box
1495
Bristol BS99 3QS Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Minicom: 0117 921 9550 We site: www.radiolicencecentre.co. k/
2.5 Sale or transfer
EPIRBs registered in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia do not need to e re-
programmed when transferred to a new vessel. Simply complete another registration
form to inform the authorities of the transfer. Use one of the spare forms provided or
contact McMurdo for a lank form. (See warranty section at rear for address).
For most other countries, the EPIRB must e re-programmed with either the new
vessel’s Maritime Mo ile Station Identity (MMSI) or its radio callsign, whichever is
required y the country controlling the new vessel.
Since the EPIRB identity contains a country code, it follows that changing the flag
state of the vessel also means the EPIRB must e re-programmed. Programming can
e carried out at McMurdo or any of our designated agents. For details of your nearest

Page 5
agent, either contact McMurdo using the details in the warranty section, or visit the
McMurdo we site at www.mcm rdo.co. k.
2.5.1 Mandatory information for Oceania
(The term Oceania is normally used to designate all the islands of the Central
and the South Pacific including Australia and New Zealand.)
Advice to owners of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons:
Registration of 406 MHz satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons
(EPIRB) with the EPIRB Registration Section of the appropriate Maritime Safety
Authority (MSA – see elow) is mandatory ecause of the glo al alerting nature of the
system.
The information provided in the registration card is used only for rescue purposes.
Fill in the owner registration card immediately on completion of the sales transaction.
Mail the registration card immediately.
If the eacon is to enter service immediately, complete the registration card and fax
the information to the MSA. The original card must still e mailed to the MSA for hard-
copy reference and filing.
If the current owner is transferring the eacon to a new owner, the current owner is
required to inform the MSA y letter, fax or telephone of the name and address of the
new owner.
The su sequent owner of the eacon is required to provide the MSA with the
information shown on the owner registration card. This o ligation transfers to all
su sequent owners.
*The MSA is the Australian Maritime Safety Authority or the Maritime Safety Authority
of New Zealand, as appropriate, whose respective fax num ers are 06 257 2036
(Australia) and 04 382 6482 (NZ).

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3 DESCRIPTION
The EPIRB is a powerful self-contained distress transmitter. It is powered y a Lithium
attery that has a replacement interval of 5 years. An EPIRB is intended to e a one-
shot device; once activated it will operate for at least 48 hours. It operates est while
floating in water, ut it can also e operated while on oard a vessel or in a liferaft.
The key components of your EPIRB are:
Antenna This is a flexi le whip. It must e near vertical when operating.
If the antenna gets ent, gently straighten it out.
Stro e light These are the right white LEDs visi le through the clear lens
dome. When the EPIRB is activated they will flash every few
seconds.
Red LED Visi le through the clear lens dome at the rear of the EPIRB.
This stays on or flashes to show which mode the EPIRB is in.
Green LED Where fitted ( eside the red LED), this flashes when the GPS
acquires a position fix.
Sea switch The two studs on the sides of the EPIRB are sea switch contacts.
Su merge these in water to activate the EPIRB automatically.
Keep these contacts clean – see section 10.2
Activation switch Pull the tear-off ta upwards to release the switch, then push the
switch in and move it fully left.
Test utton This utton ena les the user to run test sequences to verify the
readiness of the EPIRB.
Lanyard Pull the lanyard spool down to free it. Use the cord to tether the
EPIRB to a survival craft.

Page 7
Test
utton
Stro e
Red LED
Green LED
Activation
switch
Lanyard
Sea switch
Antenna

Page 8
3.1 Bulkhead bracket
If you purchased the manually activated EPIRB version, this is normally supplied with
a ulkhead mounting racket (see section 8). The EPIRB is released y pulling out a
R-clip.
The ulkhead racket should e sited in plain view near an emergency exit.
To avoid accidental activation if the EPIRB is removed from its mounting, the racket
is in two sections. The remova le collar section contains the deactivating magnet for
the EPIRB, so the demounted EPIRB with its attached CARRYSAFE collar cannot e
activated y moisture. This allows it to e removed easily and transported in, for
example, a wet gra ag.
WARNING
The EPIRB will NOT be activated by moisture while it is in the bracket or
in the CARRYSAFE collar (but it may activate if placed in close
proximity to a magnet). The EPIRB must be removed from all parts of
the bracket; it will then activate if immersed or if switched on manually.
EPIRB in CARRYSAFE
r
emova le
collar
Fixed ulkhead mount
Press to release
CARRYSAFE collar

Page 9
3.2 Float-free enclosure
If you purchased the automatically activated version (‘a’ suffix), also known as the
“float-free” version, then your EPIRB is supplied in a plastic enclosure (see section 9).
This is much more than just a protective housing; it contains a spring-loaded lever
which automatically pushes the enclosure lid off and releases the EPIRB if your vessel
sinks. This automatic ejection is controlled y a device called a Hydrostatic Release
Unit (HRU). If the enclosure is sinking then efore it reaches 4 metres (13 feet) depth
the HRU cuts a plastic rod that retains the lever; this ejects the lid and releases the
EPIRB which floats to the surface and switches on automatically, as shown elow:
1. As the vessel sinks, the enclosure fills with water. The HRU contains a
lade which is released due to water pressure acting on a diaphragm.
Before it reaches a depth of 4 metres, the HRU will operate and cut the
plastic rod, releasing the coil spring.
2. The spring pushes the EPIRB and the enclosure lid outwards. As the lid
pivots off it disengages from the moulding lip that helped hold it in place.
The lid is weighted so it rolls over and falls away.
3. As the EPIRB floats away, it moves out of range of the magnet. Once
away from the magnet its sea switch ecomes armed.
4. The sea switch activates. The EPIRB then floats on the water surface
with its stro e light flashing. After 50 seconds it makes its first distress
transmission.
If you need to activate your EPIRB manually, it can e freed from the enclosure after
pulling out the R-shaped retaining pin and removing the lid.

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4 CONTROLS
4.1 Activation switch
This slide switch is protected against accidental activation y a red tear-off seal which
indicates if the EPIRB has een activated previously.
The EPIRB can e activated manually y tearing the seal upwards, depressing the
locking utton on the switch and sliding the switch to the left.
When the EPIRB is activated the stro e will start to flash immediately, ut the EPIRB
will not make any distress transmissions for 50 seconds. This gives you a chance to
turn off if you activated it accidentally. During this time the red LED illuminates
continuously. When the red LED starts to flash, the 50 seconds delay has passed and
distress transmissions have started.
4.2 TEST button
This control allows various test sequences to e run on the EPIRB. Details of these
tests are given in Section 10.1.
4.3 Sea switch
It is important to realise that the only time the EPIRB is completely off is when it is
fitted in its mounting racket or enclosure. As soon as you take it out, a magnetic
switch activates and puts the EPIRB into its “ready” state. It will not drain the attery in
this state, ut it will turn on automatically if the sea switch contacts are immersed in
water. The sea contacts are the two studs, one on each side of the EPIRB.
Although you can control the EPIRB manually with the activation switch, the sea
switch overrides any manual settings. For the manual switch to operate properly the
EPIRB must first e dry so that the sea switch is de-activated.
To ensure the sea switch operates properly in rough seas, it has a uilt-in time delay.
It has to e wet for at least 2 seconds efore it will activate and it has to e dry for at
least 8 seconds efore it will de-activate.
4.4 LEDs
4.4.1 Strobe (white)
The stro e is the visual means of locating the EPIRB. When activated, the stro e
flashes (approximately) 21 times per minute, with a pause during the time when the
EPIRB is transmitting on 406 MHz.

Page 11
4.4.2 Red LED
The red LED is used to indicate transmissions y the EPIRB. When activated, it
flashes alternately with the stro e to indicate a good transmission on 121.5 MHz.
Every 50 seconds it illuminates for 2 seconds to indicate a good transmission on 406
MHz; immediately efore the transmission the LED flashes rapidly as a warning to the
user.
When the EPIRB is first activated the red LED is illuminated continuously until the
EPIRB egins to transmit, when it egins to flash.
4.4.3 Green LED (fitted to Smartfind Plus only)
The green LED flashes alternately with the stro e to indicate that a valid position has
een o tained y the GPS receiver. Every 50 seconds it illuminates for 2 seconds to
indicate that the position is eing transmitted on 406 MHz.
Every 20 minutes the GPS receiver updates its position information. If a fix is not
o tained, the green LED stops flashing, and illuminates only every 50 seconds (when
the previous position information is transmitted).
All LEDs also indicate the results of self-test – refer to section 10.1
4.4.4 Interpreting the LEDs:
There are three principal indications to the user:
• If the red LED is ON continuously, the EPIRB is active ut has not yet made
a transmission. There is time to turn it off without causing an alert.
• If the red and green LEDs flash together and alternate with the stro e flash,
the EPIRB has a valid GPS position which it is transmitting regularly. This is
the normal operating condition which requires no user action.
• If the red and green LEDs flash at different rates, the EPIRB is attempting to
o tain a GPS fix. If this indication persists, it is advisa le to move the EPIRB
to a different location; something may e affecting its a ility to see the GPS
satellites.
The LEDs can give many other indications; these are principally for diagnostic
purposes.
4.5 Buzzer
The EPIRB contains a uzzer to give audi le feed ack.
When the EPIRB is activated the uzzer pulses rapidly (whilst the red LED is ON
continuously) as a warning that the EPIRB is a out to transmit. Once the first
transmission is complete, the uzzer sounds synchronously with the stro e.
The uzzer is also used to indicate the results of self-test.

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5 OPERATING PROCEDURE
An EPIRB is a piece of life saving equipment. Its sole purpose is to call for help.
It must only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger.
Misuse can involve a severe penalty.
5.1 Sinking
If you have a category 1 “float-free” enclosure (see marking on enclosure la el), then
if your vessel sinks, the EPIRB will automatically release itself from its enclosure
efore it reaches a depth of 4 metres. The EPIRB will float to the surface and start to
operate ecause its sea switch
is activated.
If possi le, the EPIRB should
e recovered and tied (using its
lanyard) to the survival craft. An
EPIRB is meant to mark
survivors, not the accident
scene.
For est operation leave the EPIRB floating in the sea near the survival craft, as this is
the condition for which it was designed and tested.
NOTE: Satellite coverage at the time an alert is transmitted and, if activated on oard a
ship or raft, overhead o struction on the ship or raft, may affect whether and how soon
an alert is received y the satellite system.
5.2 Abandon ship
If the vessel is sinking and there is time to fetch the EPIRB then this should always e
done. Release the EPIRB from its mounting racket as descri ed in section 5.4 or 5.5
and carry it to one of the liferafts. Once the liferaft is in the water, uncoil the lanyard
and tie it to the liferaft, then throw the EPIRB over oard so that it floats next to the
liferaft. The EPIRB will operate ecause its sea switch will activate.
5.3 GPS Operation (Smartfind Plus only)
The GPS receiver needs a clear view of as much sky as possi le in order to acquire
signals from sufficient satellites to determine its position. Should it fail to do this, the
eacon will still transmit the 406 MHz distress signal, and its position will e
determined y the COSPAS-SARSAT satellites using Doppler techniques.

Page 13
Getting the best from your EPIRB
Your EPIRB is designed and optimised to e used floating in the sea. However, if you
have to use it in other situations, this section provides guidance on how to get the est
from your EPIRB.
Aboard ship:
DO:
• Place the EPIRB in the open,
clear of overhangs
• Keep the EPIRB upright (hold it
if necessary)
• Switch on the EPIRB
DON’T:
• Place the EPIRB close to large
structures
• Lay the ERIRB on its side
• Place the EPIRB under cover
• Secure the EPIRB lanyard to the
vessel
OK
NO NO

Page 14
In a liferaft:
DO:
• Make sure you switch on the EPIRB
• Hold the EPIRB up as high as possi le.
Note: the high intensity flashing stro e light may cause discomfort if viewed for
prolonged periods.
We recommend that the EPIRB is used floating in the sea
OK
BEST

Page 15
5.4 Releasing EPIRB from a bulkhead bracket
If you have an EPIRB fitted into a ulkhead racket, pull the R-clip out of the racket
to release the retaining strap. Hold the antenna to prevent it springing loose and lift
the EPIRB out of the mounting points.