Ocean Guardian FREEDOM7 User manual

Ocean Guardian Dive Series Manual v2.2
© Ocean Guardian 2020
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Table of Contents
I Introduction 3
II Warnings & Safety Information 6
III Getting Started 9
IV Mounting the FREEDOM7 11
V Mounting the SCUBA7 12
VI Turning the Shark Shield On 16
VII Antenna and Electrode Positioning 18
VIII Essential Maintenance and Testing 20
IX FREEDOM7 (GU1000B) LED Indications 21
X FREEDOM7 & SCUBA7 (GU1000C) LED
Indications 22
XI Product Specifications 24
XII Warranty 25
XIII Accessories 29

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Ocean Guardian Dive Series Manual v2.2
1Introduction
Ocean Guardian powered by Shark Shield Technology is for
professional adventurers and is the world’s only scientifically proven
and independently tested electrical shark deterrent. Ocean Guardian
products have been consistently proven to effectively turn sharks
away by the world’s leading scientific experts on sharks. Independent
research and testing by universities has resulted in a number of peer
reviewed science journals confirming the effectiveness of the
technology.
The technology and patents have a twenty-year development history,
in partnership with organizations such as the world’s leading experts
in White Sharks, the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board in South Africa. As a
result, Ocean Guardian is trusted by professional adventurers around
the world, including navies, military and police divers, and is
mandated safety equipment in many industries.
How does it work?
Ocean Guardian devices generate a protective electric field which is
detected by a shark via its short range sensory receptors called
Ampullae of Lorenzini. These Ampullae of Lorenzini are found on the
snouts of all sharks.
Ampullae of Lorenzini on the snout of a shark (left) and under magnification (right)
The electric field causes discomfort to a shark and this increases the
closer the it gets to the electric field, until it becomes intolerable.

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The electrical field transmitted by Ocean Guardian devices has no
known long term effect on sharks. It also has no effect on other marine
creatures.
IMPORTANT: Ocean Guardian devices do NOT attract sharks. This is a
myth and independent scientific research has shown that electrical
deterrents do not attract sharks. As electrical currents can only travel
very short distances through water, the Ocean Guardian creates only a
very localized electrical field. Shark electroreceptors can only sense
electrical currents at very short distances, typically less than half a
meter. When a shark approaches an Ocean Guardian, these
electroreceptors are over-sensitized, causing the shark to turn away.
Ocean Guardian Electronic Fields
Ocean Guardian has been scientifically proven and independently
tested to be effective at turning sharks away. For detailed scientific
research which validates the Ocean Guardian's capability, please visit
our website at www.ocean-guardian.com/technology, or our Ocean
Guardian YouTube channel.
Estimated magnitude of the electrical field
surrounding a diver wearing an Ocean
Guardian FREEDOM7. Model developed by
South African National Space Agency.

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Ocean Guardian Dive Series Manual v2.2
Estimated magnitude of the electrical field surrounding a
diver using an Ocean Guardian SCUBA7. Model developed
by South African National Space Agency.

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2Warnings & Safety Information
1. Sharks can be dangerous and often unpredictable creatures
and we encourage people to wear an Ocean Guardian when
working in, or enjoying the sea, in order to minimize the risk
of shark attack. While extensive testing has been performed,
and great care taken to develop and manufacture the Ocean
Guardian range of products, it is impossible to guarantee
that all sharks will be deterred under all circumstances.
Water based activities in the presence of sharks is inherently
dangerous; therefore, we recommend that if a shark is
sighted, the user gets to safety rather than continue with
their water activity.
2. A large pulsing current is emitted from the Ocean Guardian
antenna to produce the protective electric field. Anyone
with any electronic medical device (EMD) such as a
pacemaker, who is pregnant, or has a health condition which
could be affected by the electric field, SHOULD NOT USE
THE DEVICE. Some examples of health conditions include
heart disease, a history of heart problems, peripheral
vascular decease, stroke, a history of fainting or epilepsy, or
lung disease. Users unintentionally being in close proximity,
or in contact with the antenna, may possibly suffer muscle
spasms in varying degrees; we recommend that users may
need to make adjustments to limit contact in these
situations.
3. Positioning of the Ocean Guardian antenna/electrodes is
critical to the device's performance. Do not attempt to use
the Ocean Guardian in any way other than what is described
in this user manual.
4. Ocean Guardian is designed for sea water use only.
5. Ocean Guardian has been designed and tested as a personal
device. Do not attempt to join multiple Ocean Guardians
together or wear multiple devices.

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6. Some bottom-dwelling and non-predatory sharks such as the
Wobbygong, Carpet and Port Jackson sharks have limited
active Ampullae of Lorenzini. Therefore, the Ocean Guardian
may have limited or no effect on these sharks.
7. Ocean Guardian Battery Warnings:
· Do not use any charger other than that specifically
provided for use with Ocean Guardian devices.
· The Ocean Guardian contains Li-ion batteries. Ensure it is
not stored in high temperatures.
· Do not expose batteries to heat or fire. Avoid storage in
direct sunlight.
· Do not short-circuit the Ocean Guardian.
· Avoid subjecting the Ocean Guardian to mechanical shock.
· Do not store batteries longer than 1 month in a discharged
state.
· Do not store batteries longer than 1 year without recharge.
· The batteries in the Ocean Guardian must be recycled or
disposed of properly.
· This device includes a Lithium-ion battery and it is the
owner’s responsibility to ship this device in full
compliance with all of the latest applicable transportation
regulations. For air transport, refer to current IATA and FAA
regulations, as appropriate, and to your carrier for air
transport compliance information.
· For worldwide sea transportation see the IMO-IMDG code
and special provision 188.
· For European road transportation see ADR special
provision 188.
· Do not ship the Ocean Guardian in the hold when flying.
Lithium-ion batteries must be carried in personal carry-on
luggage.

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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this
manual we are not responsible for any errors or omissions within
it. The product specifications and descriptions within this manual
will be subject to improvements and modifications over time
without notice, as changes to software and hardware are
implemented.

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3Getting Started
This user manual is valid for the Ocean Guardian:
· FREEDOM7 (version GU1000B & GU1000C).
· SCUBA7 (version GU1000C).
FREEDOM7 (GU1000B) and FREEDOM7 (GU1000C) models have
different LED indications and battery performance.
See the section titled FREEDOM7 (GU1000B) LED Status Indications to
view LED indications for this device. See the section titled FREEDOM7
(GU1000C) & SCUBA7 (GU1000C) LED Status Indications to view LED
indications for these devices.
How do I tell the difference between the FREEDOM7 GU1000B and
GU1000C?
These products look the same so check the model number listed on
the FREEDOM7 product label to verify which version you have.
Charging your Ocean Guardian
1. The charger will need to be assembled prior to the first charge.
Select the correct charger mains pins for your region and then
slide them onto the charger, making sure they click securely
into place.
2. Ensure the Ocean Guardian device is turned Off by turning the
red ON/OFF KNOB in an anti clockwise direction until the
position indicator line is on the opposite side to the line on the
Ocean Guardian casing. In the Off position the Ocean Guardian
LEDs should not be illuminated.

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3. Connect the charger plug to the two charger pins on the Ocean
Guardian. Ensure the arrow on the unit and the arrow on the
charger meet.
4. Charging indications:
· FREEDOM7 (GU1000B): A flashing RED LED will appear
when the Ocean Guardian is charging.
· FREEDOM 7 & SCUBA 7 (GU1000C): A solid RED and GREEN
LED will appear when the Ocean Guardian is charging.
5. Indications when charge cycle completed:
· FREEDOM7 (GU1000B): A solid GREEN LED will appear
when the Ocean Guardian is fully charged. Note: A full
charging cycle takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
· FREEDOM 7 & SCUBA 7 (GU1000C): A solid RED LED will
appear when the Ocean Guardian is fully charged. Note: A
full charging cycle takes approximately 2-3 hours
Important Note:
· We recommend each Ocean Guardian device is stored with
some charge when stored for long periods of time.
· When charging the device directly after use, be sure to
thoroughly dry the charger pin region on the unit before
connecting the charger.

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4Mounting the FREEDOM7
Attach the FREEDOM7 to the outside of your ankle using the Velcro
straps on the pouch designed for the unit.

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5Mounting the SCUBA7
The SCUBA7 comprises three parts which are mounted to either the
user or their equipment.
Important Note: The Ocean Guardian SCUBA7 produces a large
current output which flows between two electrodes. Some
people are more sensitive to electrical fields, and therefore may
experience minor muscle stimulation caused by the current
output of the electrodes. If this occurs, wearing a full length
wetsuit will help insulate your body from the field and reduce
the muscular stimulation.

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SCUBA7 Tank Electrode Pad
1. Secure the tank electrode base plate to the rear of the tank
using the BCD tank strap. Make sure the foam spacers are facing
away from the tank.
2. Place the tank electrode pad onto the foam spacers of the
electrode base plate and then secure in place with the four
Velcro straps. Make sure that the stainless steel face of the tank
electrode pad is facing away from the tank.

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SCUBA7 Power Module
Mount the SCUBA7 power module to your thigh using the thigh strap,
or fit to the BCD.

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Ankle Electrode
Mount the SCUBA7 ankle electrode to your ankle. Make sure that the
antenna is pointing towards the front of you and resting on top of your
fin. This ensures the ankle electrode is kept as far away as possible
from the SCUBA7 tank electrode pad.

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6Turning the Shark Shield On
1. Turn on the Shark Shield device by turning the red ON/OFF KNOB
in a clockwise direction until the line on the knob is aligned with
the line on the casing.
2. When turned On the Ocean Guardian performs a short self-check
procedure with the following indications:
· FREEDOM7 (GU1000B): A RED LED turns on for 1 second and
then blinks quickly twice. When the self-test is complete the
Ocean Guardian will beep and a solid GREEN LED will appear.
The solid GREEN LED will start flashing if the Ocean Guardian
detects the antenna/electrode is out of the water.
· FREEDOM 7 & SCUBA 7 (GU1000C): RED LED illuminates for 1
second and then flashes quickly twice. If it passes the self-check
the unit will beep and at the same time the RED LED will turn
Off. The device then displays up to 10 battery status LED flashes.
When battery life indications are complete a GREEN LED
flashes approximately 4 times a second to indicate the unit is
not submerged in salt water.

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3. The Ocean Guardian displays a GREEN LED until the battery charge
is low. Shortly before the Ocean Guardian battery power is fully
drained, the solid GREEN LED will be interrupted approximately
every 3 seconds with a RED LED which illuminates for
approximately 1 second. This LED sequence will continue until the
Ocean Guardian runs out of power.

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7Antenna and Electrode Positioning
Before using Ocean Guardian it is critical to understand the correct
antenna and electrode positioning to ensure the device functions
correctly.
The Ocean Guardian generates its protective electric field by emitting
a large pulsed current via different antenna and electrode assemblies.
This varies depending on the model of Ocean Guardian unit
purchased. For example, the FREEDOM7 use an antenna that
incorporates a stainless steel braid electrode at the top and bottom
ends, whereas the SCUBA7 uses an ankle antenna that incorporates
only one stainless steel braid electrode, with a separate tank-mounted
pad electrode.
The current emitted from the Ocean Guardian flows between the two
electrodes to produce the protective electric field; therefore, the
positioning of the electrodes is critical for the Ocean Guardian device
to produce an effective protective field and reduce the risk of muscle
contraction to the user. When using Ocean Guardian please be aware
of the following.
· The antenna/electrodes need to be fully submerged for the
Ocean Guardian to function correctly.
· The current that flows between the two electrodes uses the path
of least resistance, which is the sea water rather than the user.
Avoid situations where one or both electrodes come out of the
water because the Ocean Guardian will no longer produce a
protective electric field. In addition, the user could accidentally
become the current path between the two electrodes, which
may result in mild to severe, but non-harmful muscle
contractions.
· The electrodes are a specific surface area and must not be
covered with any conductive or non-conductive material.
· Avoid using the Ocean Guardian next to any large metal objects
as this could reduce the size of the protective field.

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Important Notes for FREEDOM7 units:
· When using the FREEDOM7 keep the antenna fully
extended because reducing the distance between the
electrodes will also reduce the size of the protective field.
Always mount the electrode pad to the scuba tank and the
antenna to your ankle when using a SCUBA7.
· When mounting a FREEDOM7 to a kayak or other water
craft, position the Ocean Guardian as close to the user as
possible to ensure the protective field is close to the user.

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8Essential Maintenance and Testing
1. Ocean Guardian devices perform a self-check each time they are
turned on. To confirm the device functions effectively you can also:
a. Place your hand close to the antenna/electrodes to feel the
electric field pulsing when the device is submerged under
salt water .
b. Purchase an Ocean Guardian Tester to verify whether the
Ocean Guardian is producing an electric field.
2. Thoroughly rinse the Ocean Guardian in fresh water after each use.
Dry the unit and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, or
purchase the Ocean Guardian carry case for safe storage.
3. Both connectors should be kept free of dirt and sand at all times.
Ensure both connectors are clean before attaching the Ocean
Guardian device.
4. Allow the Ocean Guardian unit to dry before placing it in storage.
Avoid direct sunlight when drying the unit.
5. We recommend each Ocean Guardian device is stored with some
charge when stored for long periods of time.
6. Please note that over time it is not uncommon for the stainless
steel electrode braid and charger pins to acquire a slight brownish
stain. This is called "tea staining." There are no materials currently
available that avoid this staining. This will have no effect on
performance of the unit, but we recommend you clean the
stainless steel (marine grade 316L) with either WD40, or an
electronic circuit board cleaner.
Cautions:
· Thoroughly dry the charger pin area on the Ocean Guardian
before connecting the charger. Be especially vigilant when
charging the Ocean Guardian immediately after it has been
used in water.
· Under no circumstances should you attempt to repair the
Ocean Guardian as this will void any warranty.