terrapin Safety Turtle User manual

Safety TurtleR
User Guide

Safety Turtle 2User Guide
Keep page 3 open when reading these
operating instructions.

C
A
(front)
A
(rear)
D
E
B
K
J
F
G
H
I
L
Safety Turtle 3User Guide

Safety Turtle 4User Guide
General Product Description
(Refer to Page 3)
Base Station Package
ABase Station
BBaby Turtle receptacle
CMoon-shaped button
DOn light (green)
ETest light (amber)
FBasket
GPlug in AC adapter
HPower socket
Turtle Wristband Package
ITurtle
JLocking buckle
KKey for locking buckle
LBaby Turtle plug

Safety Turtle 5User Guide
IMPORTANT
Safety Turtle is not a substitute for diligent supervision or for pool
access barriers. It has been designed as a “last line of defense” to help prevent
drowning of young children.
Failure to observe any of the following may delay or prevent alarming
when the Turtle is immersed:
® Attach the Turtle wristband to the wrist only.
® Do not cover theTurtle wristband with a jacket or other clothing.
® Immediately remove any food, beverage, or other material that
enters the space between the top and bottom Turtle shells.
A residue such as milk that has been allowed to dry can prevent
alarming when the Turtle is immersed.
Read all instructions. Carefully follow Initial Setup and Testing
instructions before using Safety Turtle.
Observe the following precautions:
® Your Turtles must all be of the same color as the Baby Turtle plug inserted into
the Base Station.
® The Base Station is for indoor use only. Locate the Base Station where the
alarm can be heard.
® Do not locate the Base Station where it can accidentally be unplugged or
power from the outlet switched off. The Base Station will not sound the
alarm if not plugged in to a live AC outlet.
® Use only the Terrapin AC adapter provided, plugged into a matching electrical
outlet.Terrapin adaptors operate at one AC voltage only.
® Follow the Initial Setup and Testing instructions to verify that the alarm sounds
when each of your Turtles is immersed.Test all areas of your pool. Re-verify if
the Base Station is relocated.

Safety Turtle 6User Guide
® Always test your Turtles before using.Towel dry edges of Turtle after removing
from water.
® Attach the Turtle wristband securely to your child’s wrist, so it cannot slip
over the hand. Dots on buckle must align exactly. Keep the buckle key
out of children’s reach.
® Minimize wear of locking buckle by turning key in one direction only.
® Remove the Turtle wristband while bathing your child or playing with your child
in the pool. Don’t forget to put the wristband back on. Never
unplug the Base Station.
® The alarm is very loud. Avoid prolonged exposure to prevent possible
hearing damage.
® Do not use Safety Turtle if the Base Station is emitting a rapid beeping sound.
Refer to Troubleshooting.
® Follow the instructions in Care of your Safety Turtle.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations on purchasing Safety Turtle.This state-of-the-art product
provides a “last line of defense” for you in protecting children in your care from
swimming pool accidents. It is not a substitute for diligent supervision or for pool
access barriers.
The Turtle wristband has been designed to be pleasing to young children, so they
will want to wear it. But the Turtle wristband is not a toy; keep out of
children’s reach when not being worn.
Please complete and return the accompanying registration card.
This allows us to forward further information about the safest use
of this product.

Safety Turtle 7User Guide
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Notice
This device complies with FCC Part 15 Rules and Industry Canada RSS 210 Issue 2
Regulations. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
® this device may not cause harmful interference; and,
® this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Terrapin Communications Inc.
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Your Safety Turtle
Alarm System
The Safety Turtle alarm system is designed as a “last line of defense” to help prevent
drowning of young children. It is not a substitute for diligent supervision or for pool
access barriers.
Please take the time to read these instructions carefully before using the product.
Ensure that you pay particular attention to the instructions related to testing.
Your Safety Turtle alarm system consists of a Base Station, one or more Turtle
wristbands of the same color and (optionally) a carrying bag/battery pack.
® The Base Station and each Turtle wristband are purchased individually.
® The Base Station package includes an AC adapter and this User Guide.
® The Turtle wristband package includes a Baby Turtle plug and a 1/4 inch
Allen key for the locking buckle.
® A Baby Turtle plug must be inserted into the Base Station.
® Turtles come in the following colors: green, blue, red, yellow, orange and purple.
Only Turtles of the same color as the Baby Turtle can trigger an alarm.

Safety Turtle 8User Guide
® The maximum operating separation (range) between the Base Station and
Turtle is typically 200 feet (60 meters).This will vary from home to home
due to differences in blockage and radio interference.
® If you purchase more than one Turtle wristband, keep the extra Baby Turtle
plug(s) and key(s) as spares.
The Safety Turtle alarm system has two modes of operation: Active Mode and
Test Mode. It also has a Fault Condition to alert you if the system detects a
problem with one of its components.
® ACTIVE MODE is the normal mode for Safety Turtle.The green light is on
and the amber light is off. If a Turtle of the same color as the Baby Turtle plug
is immersed in water, a loud siren sound will be produced and the amber
light will flash on and off.The alarm volume can be reduced by pressing the
moon-shaped button on the Base Station.The alarm will then stop completely
a few seconds after the Turtle has been towel dried.
® TEST MODE is provided for convenient testing of Safety Turtle.To enter
Test Mode, press the moon-shaped button on the Base Station.The amber
light will turn on. If a Turtle of the same color as the Baby Turtle plug is
immersed in water, the Base Station will emit a slow beeping sound and the
amber light will flash on and off.The test beep indicates that the Safety Turtle
alarm system is operating properly.To return to Active Mode, remove the
Turtle from the water, towel dry, then press the button when the beeping
stops. For safety reasons, the Base Station will also automatically
return to Active Mode 15 minutes after Test Mode is entered.
® FAULT CONDITION is entered if the Base Station detects an opera-
tional problem such as the Baby Turtle not being inserted correctly or AC
power being incorrect.The Base Station will emit a rapid beeping sound and
the green light will flash on and off. Do not use when in Fault Condition.
For more information, see the Troubleshooting section. Fault Condition
does not detect all possible faults – always follow the instructions
given in the Daily Use and Testing section.

Safety Turtle 9User Guide
Initial Setup and Testing
See the illustrations on the inside back cover.
® Peel off the label covering the receptacle at the lower left corner of the Base
Station. Insert the Baby Turtle plug into the receptacle.The plug should snap
firmly into place.
® Ensure that all your Turtles are the same color as the Baby Turtle plug inserted
into the Base Station.
® Locate the Base Station:
® protected from elements
® as close as possible to the furthest point of the pool
® at chest level or higher
® where it won’t be accidentally moved or unplugged
® where the alarm can be heard
® with minimum metal obstruction between Base Station and pool
® not beside cordless phone receptacle
® Connect the AC adapter cord to the socket at the bottom of the Base
Station.The plug must be fully inserted. Plug the adapter into a matching
electrical outlet only. Ensure that the green light is on.
® Make sure that each Turtle works by testing it as follows. Conduct all
tests with the Base Station at its actual operating location.
® Set the Base Station to Test Mode by pressing the moon-shaped button
on the Base Station (the amber light will now turn on).
® Immerse a Turtle in the pool and verify that the Base Station is
beeping slowly.
® To increase the volume of the test beep, hold down the moon-shaped
button while the beep is sounding. Release the button when the desired
test beep volume is reached.To decrease the volume, release the button,
then hold it down until the volume drops.

Safety Turtle 10 User Guide
® Test each Turtle at points around the edge of the pool, including the point
furthest from the Base Station.The slow beeping sound should be heard
every time a Turtle is immersed at a depth of up to 4 inches (10 centimeters)
in the pool.Test each Turtle individually.
® Immediately towel dry edges of Turtle to stop beeping.
Daily Use and Testing
With daily testing (following these instructions), the battery life of the Turtles will be
at least 3 years.
® Ensure that the Base Station is plugged in and that the green light is on.
® Ensure that each Turtle works by testing it as follows. Conduct all tests
with the Base Station at its actual operating location.
® Set the Base Station to Test Mode by pressing the moon-shaped button
on the Base Station (the amber light will now turn on).
® Immerse a Turtle in the pool at a depth of 4 inches (10 centimeters) and
verify that the Base Station is beeping slowly.
® The volume of the test beep can be increased by holding down the moon-
shaped button. Once the desired volume is reached, release the button.
® Immediately towel dry and shake Turtle.
® Immediately following testing, press the moon-shaped button on the
Base Station to return to Active Mode (the amber light will turn off).The
Base Station will also automatically return to active mode 15 minutes after
Test Mode is entered.
® A loud alarm will sound if Test Mode ends automatically while the Turtle
is still immersed.To continue testing, dry Turtle and after alarm stops press
the moon-shaped button to return to Test Mode.
® The Base Station should be left in Test Mode only while a Turtle is being tested.
® If the Base Station fails to alarm in either Test Mode or Active Mode,
or the Base Station emits a rapid beeping sound, discontinue use and see
the Troubleshooting section.

Safety Turtle 11 User Guide
® Attach the Turtle wristband comfortably but securely to the child’s wrist. Use the
Safety Turtle key to lock the strap buckle, ensuring that the dots on the buckle
are exactly lined up and that the wristband cannot slip over the child’s hand.
® Safety Turtle is ready for use.
® Keep the Turtle clean of food and dirt, as they may delay or prevent alarming.
Refer to Care of Your Safety Turtle Product.
Care of Your Safety Turtle
Product
Turtle Do not allow dirt, food, beverages, or other material to accumulate in
the space between the top and bottom Turtle shells, or on the thin sheet that is
sandwiched between the shells.This could delay or prevent alarming when the
Turtle is immersed.
Clean the Turtle by rinsing in water (no hotter than 100°F or 38°C) or by wiping
with a clean damp cloth. If necessary, a cotton-tipped swab can be used to clean
between the Turtle shells. Avoid scraping the surface of the thin sheet. Do not use
a knife, pen, or other sharp or hard-tipped object. Do not use abrasives, alcohol,
solvents, or cleaning fluids. Do not put in the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, or
any other household appliance, or hot air dry.
Protect from freezing and from exposure to high temperatures. Do not attempt to
open the Turtle case.
Base Station Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe. Do not immerse in water. Do
not use abrasives, alcohol, detergents, solvents, or cleaning fluids. Do not attempt to
open the case.
Replacing Your Turtle
If your Turtle needs replacement, take it to your dealer for disposal. Do
not incinerate.

Safety Turtle 12 User Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1Are longer straps available?
Longer straps and replacement parts may be purchased from Terrapin.
2I’m having trouble threading the strap through the buckle.
First turn the key so the dots are at right angles.
3Can I use my Turtle(s) with someone else’s Base Station?
Yes, but only if your Turtle(s) are the same color as the Baby Turtle plugged into
that Base Station.
4Can I increase the audibility of the alarm throughout
my home?
The volume of the alarm in Active Mode cannot be increased.You can use more
than one Base Station or connect to home alarm system – see Question 12.
5Can I expand the water area within which my Turtle(s)
will alarm?
A second Base Station may be situated to expand coverage area. Call Terrapin’s
customer support line to discuss Initial Setup and Testing with more than one
Base Station.
6Should my child wear the Turtle wristband in the bath or
when I take him or her into the pool?
No. Always remove the wristband first.
7Why won’t the beeping stop after the wristband has been
removed from the water?
The Turtle keeps transmitting until it is dry.

Safety Turtle 13 User Guide
8Can I operate the Base Station from batteries?
Use only Turtle Power battery pack, an accessory available from your dealer
or Terrapin.
9Can I attach the Turtle wristband to my child’s ankle?
The Turtle wristband must be worn on the wrist. If worn on the ankle, it may fail
to alarm when your child falls in the pool.
10 Can I use Safety Turtle at my cottage?
Locate the Base Station near a window, at maximum height where the shoreline
is not obstructed by ground terrain.Test the shoreline coverage using Test Mode.
If the child enters the water beyond the shoreline coverage, the Base
Station won’t alarm. To extend shoreline coverage, see Questions 5 and 11.
11 What if my house is more than 200 feet (60 meters) from
the water?
Instead of a standard Base Station, you need an Integrator Base Station and
Remote Alarm Unit. Call Terrapin.
12 Can I connect Safety Turtle to my home alarm system?
You need an Integrator Base Station to do this. Call Terrapin.
13 Can I use Safety Turtle on my boat?
Yes, in fresh water. Locate the Base Station above metal obstructions and halfway
between stem and stern. Test coverage around the boat using Test Mode.
14 How do I know when the Turtle battery is getting low?
See 5 of Troubleshooting.

Safety Turtle 14 User Guide
Troubleshooting
If you encounter a problem with your Safety Turtle system, please follow the
suggestions given below.
1The green On light is not lit.
Make sure that the AC adapter supplied with the Base Station is plugged into a
matching electrical outlet, wall switch is on, and that the adapter cord is plugged into
the bottom of the Base Station.
Use only the AC adapter supplied with the Base Station.The plug on the end of
the adapter cord must be fully inserted into the Base Station. The plug should not
protrude below the bottom surface of the Base Station.
2The green On light is flashing and the Base Station
is beeping rapidly.
Make sure that the Baby Turtle plug has been fully inserted into the front of the
Base Station. (If there is a label covering the opening, remove it before inserting
the plug.) The plug should snap firmly into place.
Make sure that the AC adapter supplied with the Base Station is plugged into
a matching electrical outlet of correct voltage. Use only the 9 volt AC adapter
supplied with the Base Station.
If the flashing and beeping continue, call Terrapin’s customer support line. Do not
attempt to use the system, as it may not be capable of generating an alarm.
Note: When the green On light is flashing, the likely problem can be identified by
holding down the moon-shaped button. If the amber Test light remains off, the AC
line voltage may be incorrect. If the Test light comes on, the Baby Turtle plug has
not been inserted correctly or is faulty. If the Test light flashes, the Base Station is
faulty or there is strong interference from other telecommunications devices.

Safety Turtle 15 User Guide
3The alarm doesn’t sound when the Turtle is
immersed in my pool.
If you haven’t already done so, install the system as described in Initial Setup
and Testing.
Make sure that the green On light is lit on the Base Station. If it is not lit or is
flashing, see the suggestions given above for these cases.
The Turtle being immersed must be the same color as the Baby Turtle inserted
into the Base Station.
Note: Safety Turtle is not designed to operate at distances of over 200 feet
(60 meters). Obstructions in the line of sight from the pool to the Base Station
can also prevent operation.Try setup with Base Station near a second floor
window facing pool.
4The test beep stops when my Turtle is immersed
below a certain depth in the pool
If no test beep is obtained when testing at the recommended test depth
of 4 inches (10 centimeters), discontinue use and call Terrapin’s customer
support line.
The test beep will typically stop at a pool depth of 6 to 36 inches
(15 to 90 centimeters). Variations arise from differences in the concentration
of salts normally found in pools.
Note: Sea water or pool water having a salt concentration greater than
4000 ppm obstructs the radio transmission.

Safety Turtle 16 User Guide
5The alarm sounds in Active Mode but not in Test Mode.
Do not continue to use a Turtle that cannot cause the Base
Station to beep when its amber light is on, even though normal
alarming occurs.
Note: Failure to beep or stopping after a few beeps indicates that
the Turtle’s battery is nearing end of life. As the Turtle is permanently
sealed, the battery cannot be replaced or recharged. Do not attempt to open the
Turtle case.
If these do not solve the problem, or if your problem is not mentioned here,
please call Terrapin’s toll-free customer support line at :
1-800-368-8121 (USA and Canada)
or send an e-mail to :
ser[email protected].

Safety Turtle 17 User Guide
Warranty and Service
Terrapin Communications Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that if any
manufacturing defect becomes apparent in this product, it will be replaced free
of charge as follows:
® Base Station – 12 months from original date of purchase.
® Turtle Wristband – 6 months from original date of purchase.
Damage or the effects of misuse are not covered by this warranty.
Mail prepaid (with proof of purchase and explanation of problem) to:
Terrapin Communications Inc.
4017 Carling Avenue, Suite 201
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K2K 2A3
If shipping from outside Canada, please declare: "Product being returned
to Manufacturer".
or contact us at:
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web site: www.safetyturtle.com
The provisions of this written warranty are in addition to and not a modification
of or subtraction from the statutory warranties and other rights and remedies
contained in any applicable legislation, and to the extent that any such provisions
purport to disclaim, exclude or limit any such statutory warranties and other
rights and remedies, such provisions shall be deemed to be amended to the
extent necessary to comply therewith.
Warning
Do not buy used.There is no way for you to determine the remaining battery
charge and hence the remaining life of a previously used Turtle. Purchase only
from a reputable source.

Initial Setup Testing
Insert baby turtle plug.
Connect the power adapter.
Press moon-shaped button.
4”
Immerse turtle in water.
align dots
to lock
Lock turtle wristband to child’s wrist. Press moon-shaped button to reset.
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Safety Turtle 18 User Guide