mcmurdo Fastfind Personar EPIRB User manual

Fastfind PLBs mcmurd
(Personal Locator Beacons)
This beacon MUST be registered
registration is a legal requirement
Read the User Manualfirst
- it might save Your life
Test the PLB BEFORE You leave
- your life maY dePend on it
Activate only in an emergency
- false alerts can cost lives
ln an emergency:
I Keep the PLB flat with the
antenna Pointing to the skY
I Place PLB in the oPen with a clear
view of the sky for the GPS
(where fitted) to function
efficiently
Do not hold the antenna
Do not cover the GPS antenna
Keep the PLB awaY from large
metal objects eg autos
Do not submerge the antenna (
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Fastfind
Personal €PIRB (PePlRB)
OwnGP's manual

WARNING
Use only in situations
Register PEPIRB with
of grave and imminent danger
NOAA before use
Contents
IMPORTANT

Recommendations and Safety Notices
This Fastfind Personar EpIRB (pEplR-B) is an emergency radio beacon for
use only in situations of grave and imminent danger.
False alarms cause expensive disruption to search and rescue services, and
may endanger rives. Deriberate misuse of the pEplRB can resurt i,-, " slu"r"
penalty
Make sure you read this manuar and understand how to activate/de-activate
your PEPIRB, and how to change the battery packs. Ensure tnat tne piptRa
is registered with NOM.
The PEPIRB and battery pack contain no user_serviceable parts. Do not
dismantle the PEPTRB orine oattery pacr. aattery packs contain rithium
batteries. Do not incinerate, punctuie, deform, o'. iho.t_cir"uit- Dis;;s; of
spent battery packs safery and in accordance with rocar waste oisiosar -
regulations.
The PEPIRB is a radio transmitter, and as such emits radio frequency
radiation when activated. This radiation is crassified as harmress uecause ot
th.e..levels and duty cycles; however it is advisable not to handle tn" anienn"
while the unit is transmitting.

Registration and licensing
Each PEPIRB is progEmmed wilh a unique digital idenlity beforc reaching Quick Checklist
the customer. This 15 digil ho€decimal number appears on the
programming information label located on the back of the PEPIRB (visible
when the battery pack is removed), and is preprinted on the registralion card
included in the PEPIRB pack. This is the idenlity which is transmitled to the Fr^ .. Test the PEPIRB beforc taking it on a trip
ffssi:JilT1:"Tif""r.JJ'fftm"ho.. ir . Ensure thar rhe pEptRB is resisrered with NoAA
. itake sure that you know how to activate and
At prcsent, however, NoAA stillaccepls registralion by mailorfax. The position the PEPIRB in an emergency
registralion form must be completed, signed, and foMarded to the NOAA . Check the battery expiry date
SARSAT offce in Suitland MD byfaxor mailas soon as possible. The
tegistrstion torms sre pre-printed with the conect mailing addrcss and fax
number, Use the EPIRB form in every case.
When you rcgisler you will be sent a sticker which must be attached lo lhe DOn't:
PEPIRB The most convenient place for this is on the rront or th€ unil cl6ar of . Activate the pEplRB unless there isa genuine
lhe recess for opening the cover emergency
. Tamper with the red cover or antenna
. Test the PEPIRB more than once per month (on
average)

Introduction
This PEPIRB has been designed to ensure your peace of mind by providing
you with many years trouble-free service. lf you have any problems or require
further help and advice, please do not hesitate to contact your retailer,
distributor or McMurdo directly.
The Fastfind is a Personal EPIRB. ln an emergency, activating the PEPIRB
causes an alarm to be transmitted to the rescue services through the
COSPAS-SARSAT satellite array. This alarm enables the user's location to
be established; the PEPIRB also transmits a local homing signal to direct the
rescue mtssron.
Preparation for Use
Refer to the Maintenance Procedure Card contained in the Rescue and
Survival Systems Manual for specific steps to be taken to place the Fastfind
into service prior to first use.
Operation
Self-test
Emergency ON
button
Green lamp
Red lamp
SelftesUOFF
button
PEPIRB control panel
The PEPIRB should be tested only once per month to minimise the total
power taken from the battery.
Self-test should only be carried out in the first five minutes of any hour.
Open the flip{op lid. Do NOT pull off the red anti-tamper cover.
Self{est uses the OFF/Test button, located under the flexible handle of the
red anti-tamper cover on the right side as shown above.
Slide a finger under the flexible handle of the anti-tamper cover to operate the
switch. Press the switch and HOLD lT DOWN until the self-test sequence is
completed. This will take about 8 seconds. While the button is held down and
the self-test sequence is in progress the red indicator light marked "ON"
(above the switch) will illuminate.

Self-tesf
On successful completion of the self{est sequence, the green light on the left
will flash 3 times and the buzzer will sound 3 times. The PEPIRB will switch
itself off after completing a self-test, even if the OFF button is still held down.
Release the button and close the flip{op lid.
lf the self-test fails, repeat it. lf the problem persists, check the battery expiry
date Do not use the PEPIRB; return it to MPWI (see Page 14).
Emergency operation
lmportant: DO NOT pull off the red anti-tamper cover unless you are
activating the PEPIRB in an emergency. Make sure the PEPIRB is firmly
anchored to lifejacket, clothing, or person (eg with a strap) before activating.
Raise the flip-up lid to expose the red anti-tamper cover. Once opened, the
flip-up lid can be pulled off the PEPIRB and discarded if necessary. Grasp
the handle part of the red anti-tamper cover, and pull sharply away from the
PEPIRB body. This uncovers the START/ON button. The antenna will spring
into an upright position as soon as the anti-tamper cover is removed.
Locate and press the large START/ON button located in the centre of the
PEPIRB switch panel. THE START/ON BUTTON MUST BE HELD DOWN
FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND.
The indicator lights will show the status of the PEPIRB. When the indicator
lights are flashing, the PEPIRB is transmitting. A full table of the status
indications is given in the section "lndicators". The PEPIRB will continue to
transmit for a minimum of 24 hours.
lmportant: Transmissions do not start until the PEPIRB has been active for 2
minutes. This is to allow time to switch the unit off in the event of accidental
activation, preventing a false alert being sent to the search and rescue
services. During this period the red indicator light comes on continuously.

Using
Do:
Don't:
the PEPIRB in an emergency
. Keep PEPIRB flat
. Try to place PEPIRB where it has a clear view
the sky
. Obscure or hold the antenna
. Place PEPIRB next to large metal objects
r Submerge antenna
of
Switching off
To switch off the PEPIRB after it has been activated in an emergency (eg
when rescue has been effected), press the oFF button and hold it down'until
the indicator lights go off and the buzzer stops sounding.
ilt in to the opera prevent
during an emerg ating the
both indicator lig that the
PEPIRB antenna
erected
Antenna erected
Pulling off anti-tamper cover
Page IPage 9

lndicators
PEPIRB SELF.TEST
Event Self-test button pressed and held Self-test compleled and Passed
Red Light On while self-test sequence in
progress
laoorox I seconds)
off
Green
Liqht off Flashes 3 times
At vTef off Sounds 3 times
EMERGENCY OPERATION
irsl ? minutes After 2 minutes
Event StarUOn button pressed 121 5MHz homing transmitter 406 MHz burst transmission
Red Lighl On continuously for first 2
minutes Flashes every 2 5 seconds
except during a 406 MHz
burst transmission
off
Green
I idht off off Long flash for 2 seconds every 50
scconds then off
Buzer Sounds approx every 2.5 seconds
DIAGNOSTIC INDICATIONS
Event Self{est button
oressed and held Self-test During operation
Red I iohl off Flashes 3 times Does not flash Fleshes everv 2 5 seconds
Green
Light off off Long flash for 2
seconds every
50 seconds, then
Does not tlash
off oft
Meaning No power to PEPIRB Self-test failure No 121 sMHz No 406 MHz signal
Action
to be
taken
Check battery pack is
secure Replace
battery pack Return
unit to dealer if
Do not use
Return unit to
dealer
None
Unit is still
broadcasiing
406MHz signal
None
Unit is still broadcasting '121 SMHz
signal
Page 10
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False Alarms and Complete Deactivation
lf the PEPIRB has been accidentally activated, or if rescue has been effected
before arrival of the rescue services:
Attempt to contact the rescue services, coastguard, or police by
radio or telephone to advise them of the situation.
Only switch off the PEPIRB if you cannot make contact with the
authorities, otherwise leave it on until instructed by the rescue
services or authorities to turn it off.
The PEPIRB may be completely deactivated by removing the battery pack,
as described in the Service and Maintenance section.
Because the PEPIRB is completely sealed against the environment only
when the battery pack is fitted, deactivating the unit by removing the pack is
not advisable unless:
the PEPIRB cannot be switched off because of damage sustained
during the emergency
or
on instruction from the authorities or rescue services.

Service and Maintenance
Service is provided by McMurdo Pains wessex lnc (MPWI). The address and
contact information is on the rear page of this manual.
WARNING: lf the PEPIRB has been used in an emergency, the battery pack
must be replaced. lt is advisable to return the PEPIRB to MPWI for a
complete service
Before use
lf the PEPIRB has not been examined for more than 1 month, check the
battery expiry date. Run the self-test. Examine the PEPIRB for any signs of
cracks or other damage.
After use
lf the PEPIRB has not been activated, clean it using fresh water, wipe dry
and examine for any damage. Store in a cool dry place until next needed.
lnadvertent Activation
lf you accidentally damage the tear-off cover or the tamper seal or if you
deploy the antenna, the PEPIRB should be returned to MPWI for repair and
examination.
Battery Packs
The PEPIRB is fitted with a battery pack which can be changed by the user.
The battery pack provides 24 hours continuous operation at a minimum
temperatuie of -2O"C (-4"F). With this pack fitted, the PEPIRB complies with
COSPAS-SARSAT Class 2 PEPIRB requirements.
A new battery pack must be fitted when the expiry date has been reached.
Only use branded battery packs designed specifically for the Fastfind
product.
Do not remove and replace the battery pack unnecessarily: this may
jeopardise the integrity of the o-ring seals which prevent water ingres_s
around the battery connections between the battery pack and the PEPIRB.
Page 12
Alternative fitting methods for'O' rings
Page 1 3
Battery pack
-20"C Class 2
Battery Pack
Part No. 85-720
Method
1. Remove the battery retaining screw and detach the battery. lf
appropriate, dispose of this battery in accordance with local waste
disposal regulations
2. Fit the two 'O' rings to the battery connectors. lt is recommended to
fit these to the pillars, rather than placing them in the recesses of the
battery pack, but either method may be used as desired
3. Assemble the battery pack to the PEPIRB, taking care that the 'O'
rings stay in place.
4. Fit the lanyard securing tag (the battery screw block - shown as O
in the left illustration below) lt is essential that this part is fitted,
as it forms part of the PEPIRB sealing system.
5. Fit the screw to retain the battery pack, and tighten it securely; a
torque in the range 0 15 to 0.18 footpounds (38 to 46 ounce-inches)
is correct

Spare Parts
Battery pack, Class 2, -2O"C 85-765-020
Replacement cover FastFind 85-764-004
Verification
After a battery change, or alternatively at intervals of approximately 5 years, it
is recommended that the PEPIRB is sent to MPWI for calibration checking.
PEPI RB replacement procedure
The PEPIRB contains no user-serviceable parts. lt must be returned to MPWI
if it requires service.
lf the PEPIRB is suspected of having a fault, first carry out a self-test.
lf the PEPIRB fails self-test, contact MPWI by telephone on 1 800 576 2605
(toll-free) to arrange replacement. A replacement PEPIRB will be shipped
immediately free of charge.
The request for replacement must be confirmed in writing by fax or E-mail
within 24 hours and the faulty PEPIRB must be returned to MPWI within 14
days, otheruvise bharges will be incurred.
When the PEPIRB is returned by post, if possible the original packing should
be used. Postage must be paid. Ensure that the name and address of the
owner is enclosed with the PEPIRB.
REMEMBER to notify NOAA of the changes (cancel registration of returned
PEPIRB and register replacement PEPIRB).
Specification
General
Approved to
Complies with
Sweep direction
Transmit antenna
Type
Characteristics
COSPAS-SARSAT T.007 Class 'l
EN 60945
RTCM 5-97 SC1'1O-STD Version 1
406.028MH2 +lk1z
5W+2dB
Bi-phase L
Phase modulation; 1 lrads+O.1rads
44Oms+1ok
50secs+2.5secs
121.5MH2 +3kHz
5OmW+3dB PERP
100%
3K2OA3X
Programmable UP or DOWN
Flexible vertical tape monopole
Veftically polarised, omni-directional
Operating temperature range -20"C to +55'C with Class 2 battery fitted
Storage temperature range -50'C to +70"C
Operational life, Class 2 24 hours minimum at-2O"C
Battery type, Class 2 11V lithium iron disulphide
Battery expiry
Electrical
405.028MH2 transm itter
Frequency
Output power
Data encoding
Modulation
Transmission time
Repetition period
121.5MH2 transmitter
Frequency
Output power
Transmit duty cycle
Modulation format
5 years from date of manufacture
Modulation frequency sweep 1300H2 to 350H2
Modulation duty cycle 41%!5%
Sweep repetition rate 3Hz!1Hz
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