Weatherdock easyRESCUE AIS-SART User manual

Seite 1
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.: [phone] www.weatherdock.de
„easyRESCUE”
Manual
easyRESCUE
AIS-SART
Product No.: A040
Rev. 1.8
Weatherdock AG.
Sigmundstraße 180
D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel. :[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.weatherdock.com
Email: [e-mail]

Page 2 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void user's authority
to operate the equipment.
Safety Precautions
The easyRESCUE contains Lithium batteries. When the device
is used at temperatures outside the limits of -20°C and +55°C,
the useful battery capacity is reduced. Keep the device away
from hot environments, because at temperatures of more
than +70°C the batteries inside the easyRESCUE could explode
or cause damage. Lithium batteries shall be given to the
recycling process and should not be given to the home
garbage. The easyRESCUE produces electromagnetic fields,
which could interfere medical devices. For safety reasons
store this device so that children cannot reach it. The
manufacturer is not responsible for damages or failures that
are caused by the easyRESCUE, damaged battery pack or
misuse by the user. Use this device only together with
certified equipment. Other equipment could damage the
easyRESCUE. Clean this device with a clean, dry and soft
blanket. Do not use aggressive or acid liquids and chemicals
for cleaning. Do not open the device on your own.
Unpermitted opening of the easyRESCUE could damage the
device and the warranty is lost.
LICENSING
IMPORTANT:
In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included
under the vessels marine VHF license provisions. The vessel on
to which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess

Page 3 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
a current VHF radiotelephone license which lists the AIS
system and the vessel Call Sign and MMSI number. Please
contact the relevant authority in your country for more
information. In accordance with a policy of continual
development and product improvement the easyRESCUE
hardware and software may be upgraded from time to time
and future versions of the easyRESCUE may therefore not
correspond exactly with this manual. When necessary
upgrades to the product will be accompanied by updates or
addenda to this manual. Please take time to read this manual
carefully and to understand its contents fully so that you can
install and operate your AIS system correctly.
Information contained in this manual is liable to change
without notice. Weatherdock AG, disclaims any liability for
consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in this
manual and any other documentation provided with this
product.
DISCLAIMER
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR
CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES;
LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER
CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT,
STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Page 4 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
ATTENTION:
PLEASE USE THE EASYRESCUE CAREFULLY AND NOT UNINTENDED.THE
EASYRESCUE IS NOT AN ALERTING DEVICE.
THAT MEANS SEARCH AND RESCUE DIVISIONS OR SERVICES (SAR) ARE NOT
ALERTED AUTOMATICALLY BY THE EASYRESCUE (AIS-SART). THE
EASYRESCUE IS A HOMING DEVICE,WHICH TRANSMITS THE POSITION
INFORMATION TO VESSELS AROUND THOSE CARRY AIS RECEIVERS.
SO THESE VESSELS AND ALSO THE SAR VESSELS AND HELICOPTERS CAN
HOME ON THE EASYRESCUE.
ALSO THE EASYRESCUE WILL NOT OPERATE AUTOMATICALLY.IT MUST BE
INITIALISED BY THE USER IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
All trademarks mentioned in this document are the property
of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2006, Weatherdock AG.
Copying of this document, and giving it to others and the use
or communication of the contents thereof, is forbidden
without express authority. Offenders are liable to the
payment of damages.
Approval Certificates:
BSH/4615/4361565/10
FCC ZO5WDC-040

Page 5 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
DIRECTORY
1. SHORT DESCRIPTION................................................................................6
2. ACTIVATORS AND INDICATORS .............................................................8
2.1. ACTIVATING ELEMENTS...............................................................................8
2.1.1. Slider.....................................................................................................8
2.1.2. Button "TEST"......................................................................................9
2.1.3. Button "ON"..........................................................................................9
2.2. INDICATORS ................................................................................................9
2.2.1. GPS LED..............................................................................................9
2.2.2. ON LED.................................................................................................9
2.2.3. TEST LED ............................................................................................9
2.2.4. Flash-LED.............................................................................................9
3. OPERATION INSTRUCTION ....................................................................10
3.1. ACTIVATION "ON"....................................................................................10
3.2. TESTING THE EASYRESCUE...................................................................11
4. INSTALLATION TIPS.................................................................................14
4.1. BRACKET...................................................................................................14
4.2. LIFE RAFT..................................................................................................15
5. MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................16
6. BOX CONTAINS.........................................................................................18
7. AVAILABLE ACCESSORY.......................................................................19
8. FAQ..............................................................................................................19
9. SUPPORT ...................................................................................................20
10. EASYRESCUE –DATABASE AND LOGIN............................................20
11. APPENDIX RANGE TESTING RESULTS ..............................................22
12. WARRANTY................................................................................................23

Page 6 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
Revision of the operation manual
Rev. 1.2 Author: Jürgen Zimmermann, 6. May 2010
Rev. 1.3 Author: Kotouczek, 10. May 2010
Rev. 1.4 Author: Jürgen Zimmermann, 29. July 2010
Rev. 1.5 Author: Jürgen Zimmermann, 13. Sept. 2010
Rev. 1.6 Author: Wolfgang Werner, 27. Oct. 2010
Rev. 1.7 Author: Jürgen Zimmermann, 23.Nov. 2010
Rev. 1.8 Author: Jürgen Zimmermann, 19.Jul. 2011
C0ngratulations!
Thanks to purchase a unit from the Weatherdock AG. This testifies your
high technical competence
1. SHORT DESCRIPTION

Page 7 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
The easyRESCUE is a portable battery powered AIS
transmitter with an integrated GPS-receiver.
The device is intended for the use in life rafts or life boats.
The easyRESCUE operates as an AIS-SART (AIS Search-And-
Rescue-Transmitter) and it can be activated in case of distress
on sea. All vessels around with AIS stations are able to receive
the position of the easyRESCUE via VHF.
The range depends on the height of the transmitters’
antenna over sea level. The range is approx. 10-20 nautical
miles, if the height of easyRESCUE’s antenna is 1 m above sea
level (e.g. mounted at a life raft). If the easyRESCUE is directly
above the sea level, the range is approx. 7-12 nautical miles
assumed that the receiving antenna is at a height of 15 m (top
of a mast). SAR helicopter can locate the transmitter even at
distances of more than 40 nautical miles.
The easyRESCUE uses the standard AIS positions report, which
is also used by AIS Class A stations. That means almost all AIS
stations (commercial vessels (Class A) and pleasure boats
(Class B)) can receive these messages and show the
easyRESCUE on their display.
The battery pack provides a capacity that ensures an
operation time of more than 96h, when activated (at normal
conditions it lasts longer).
This device maintains water tightness, not unduly affected by
seawater or oil and is resistant to sunlight. It withstands drops
from a height of 20 m into water.
The storage time of an easyRESCUE with new batteries is 5
years.
The battery pack can be replaced only by an authorized
distributor. The reasons are that only he has the industry

Page 8 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
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battery package and that he replaces some elements which
provide the functionality (e.g. seal).
2. ACTIVATORS AND INDICATORS
2.1.Activating elements
2.1.1. Slider
The transparent slider protects the easyRESCUE against
unintended activation. Push the cover to the bottom in order
to give free the button “TEST”. In case of distress push the
slider to the top against the red bracket. The bracket breaks
and enables the antenna to be extended.

Page 9 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
2.1.2. Button "TEST"
Pressing the button „TEST“ the easyRESCUE enters the test
mode. If this button is pressed again for 3 seconds, the test
mode will be terminated and the device is turned off.
2.1.3. Button "ON"
With the button „ON“ the device can be activated in case of
distress. The “active” mode can be terminated by pressing
both buttons together for 3 seconds. The easyRESCUE stops
AIS transmissions and turns off.
2.2. Indicators
2.2.1. GPS LED
The green LED with the marking „GPS“ is blinking, when the
device receives GPS signals and is able to get a position fix. If
the GPS LED does not blink, there is not GPS reception
possible.
2.2.2. ON LED
The green LED with the marking „ON" is blinking, when the
easyRESCUE is activated in case of distress.
2.2.3. TEST LED
The yellow LED with the marking "TEST" is blinking, when
the easyRESCUE is in test mode.
2.2.4. Flash-LED
The white LED is flashing, when the easyRESCUE is in “ON” or
“TEST” state. It is used to support the search in darkness.

Page 10 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
3. OPERATION INSTRUCTION
3.1.Activation "ON"
Activate the device in case of distress only! Push the
slider to the top so that the antenna extends. Caution:
The antenna extends with force. So do not hold the
device close to your head.
Press the button „ON“.
The LED’s start flashing in intervals of 2 seconds. Check
that the GPS-LED should start flashing after 30-60
seconds after activation. If this LED does not start

Page 11 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
flashing, double check if the easyRESCUE is not covered
by metal parts. It should have line of sight to the sky.
Application:
When you are in a life raft fix the device as high as
possible with the lanyard and extend the antenna right
up.
To deactivate the easyRESCUE press both buttons
together for more than 3 seconds. The LED’s stop
flashing. Otherwise the device operates as long the
battery capacity allows to.
3.2. Testing the easyRESCUE
You should test the easyRESCUE regularly. It is sufficient to
test it every year or every half year. More frequent tests
reduce battery capacity. The battery is able to be full
operational for 5 years with in total 20 test procedures.

Page 12 of 25
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Push the slider to the bottom until the test button is
free.
Press the button “TEST” and take care that the
easyRESCUE has got line of sight to the sky. This
ensures best GPS reception conditions.
The TEST-LED starts flashing every 2 seconds. As soon as
a GPS position is available the GPS-LED start flashing
too. The easyRESCUE starts transmitting of eight AIS
messages and the device is turned off automatically.
If there is no GPS positions fix available within 5
minutes, the device transmits AIS messages without
position and it is turned off.
With an AIS receiver (e.g. easyAIS) connected to a chart
plotter or laptop with navigational software you can
check the transmission of the easyRESCUE. Normally
the chart plotter or navigational software shows a ship
symbol or a circle on the display. The information of
the unit ID (9 characters) starting with “970.....“ is
shown together with the safety related text „SART
TEST“.
The test mode can be interrupted earlier by pressing
the button „TEST“ for more than 3 seconds. The LEDs
stop flashing and the device turns off.
Please think about, that other ships around you will
also receive the test message. The test message will

Page 13 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
have “test” information instead of the real alert
message in case of real activation. Anyway it could be
disturbing for your neighbour ships.
At the end of the regular test before the device is turned off
automatically, the device shows the test result:
LED display
Test result
Yellow „TEST-LED“ is continuously
on for 5 sec
The test was conducted successfully.
The batteries are O.K.
Yellow „TEST-LED“ is blinking
The easyRESCUE has detected that
the battery capacity is reduced to
much. This happens when the
expire date was reached or when
more than 10 tests were conducted.
(The LED is also blinking, if the
easyRESCUE was activated by
pressing the ON-button before.)
Green GPS-LED is continuously on
for 5 sec
The easyRESCUE has got a position
fix.
Green GPS-LED is blinking
The easyRESCUE could not get a
positions fix within 5 minutes.

Page 14 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
4. INSTALLATION TIPS
4.1.Bracket
With the bracket you can easily fix
the easyRESCUE. A lanyard
prevents the device from drifting
away, when dismounted from the
holder.
For using the bracket part, you need to screw the mounting
plate to the backside of the easyRESCUE. Just shift the
mounting plate
starting from the wide
side of the
easyRESCUE and fix it
with the screws. Then
you can snap in the
bracket. The both
screws, the mounting
plate and the bracket
are included in the
package. Do not forget to connect the lanyard to the
easyRESCUE! There is a little hole in the mounting plate.

Page 15 of 25
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4.2. Life raft
With the lanyard, which is
included in the bracket,
you can fix the easyRESCUE
as high as possible at the
life raft. Please ensure that
the antenna height is more
than 1 m above sea level.
It is also possible to mount
the easyRESCUE on the top
of a pole with a fixture or
the lanyard.
This is the reference point of the
antenna, from where you calculate
the height over sea level.

Page 16 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:[phone] www.weatherdock.de
5. MAINTENANCE
The easyRESCUE requires the following maintenance:
At least every year (or even every six month), easyRESCUE
should be activated into test mode (i.e. pressing the "TEST"
button). The device should be located, where GPS signals can
be received (normally outside). The flashing GPS indicator
shows, that GPS position is available.
On a chart plotter nearby, which is able to display AIS targets
and that is connected to an AIS receiver, the AIS-SART should
be displayed with the safety text "SART TEST" at the right
position.
Note that the self test uses the internal battery and will
reduce the operational lifetime of the device - therefore the
number of tests should be limited.
The battery unit must be replaced every 5 year, because
batteries discharging themselves for a certain percentage. To
ensure long and reliable operation the battery unit must be
replaced every 5 years.
The batteries can only be changed by your distributor or
your re-seller. This is due to the reason that the batteries are
not available to the public and other elements have to be
changed, too (e.g. seals!)

Page 17 of 25
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Technical Data
Parameter
Value
Dimension
128mm high x 32mm depth x 76mm
width
Weight
350gr
Battery
Industry-Pack - Lithium-Cells 12V
Frequency
161,975 MHz and 162,025 MHz
Radiated power (e.i.r.p.)
> 1 Watt
GPS receiver with integr. Antenna
Approved to IEC 61108-1
VHF-Antenna
extended, vertical polarized
Operating time
min. 96 hours over full temperature
range
Battery lifetime
5 years (since bat. manuf. date)
Operation temperature range
-20°C to +55°C
Storage temperature range
-30°C to +70°C
Display
3 LEDs and a "Flash"-LED
Activators
2 buttons
Brackets
a) Bracket with lanyard
b) Velcro tape and a 10 m
lanyard for fixing to a life
raft (available)
c) Bracket with 10 m lanyard
for fixing the device to an
extension pole (available)

Page 18 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
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Parameter
Value
Supported AIS messages
Msg. 1:
AIS Positions Report (Dynamic data)
transmitted:
6 / 8 times per minute.
Unit-ID: 9 figures (unique) Ident-
Number,
Position (Lat and Lon),
Speed over ground (SOG),
and course over ground (COG).
Msg.14:
Safety related message transmitted:
Twice every 4 minutes.
Unit-ID: (same as in Msg. 1),
Text : "SART ACTIVE" in distress
("ON"-state) or
"SART TEST" in test mode.
Standards
IEC 61097-14, IEC 60945, ITU-R
M.1371-3, IMO Res. MSC.246(83), IEC
61108-1
Unique ident number
Starts with 97021XXXX, please see
your product label on the unit
6. BOX CONTAINS
easyRESCUE, fully functional
Bracket with lanyard
Mounting plate with two screws
Manual

Page 19 of 25
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7. AVAILABLE ACCESSORY
Additional lanyard
Board mounting application
Please contact specialized distributors.
8. FAQ
Problem
Reason
Solution
The GPS-LED is
blinking at the
end of the test
No GPS
reception
Repeat the test with line of sight to the
sky.
Cannot activate
the device.
Battery is
empty
The battery pack has a
durability of for 5 years if you
check the functionality once a
month. Please check the date
of expiry on the label.
If expired, send the easyRESCUE to your
distributor for battery exchange. Only
distributors are allowed to that!
Battery change
The batteries can only be changed by
your distributor or your re-seller. This is
due to the reason that the batteries are
not available to the public and other
elements are to be changed, too (as
seals!)

Page 20 of 25
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstrasse 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
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9. SUPPORT
Although WEATHERDOCK strives for accuracy in all its publications; this
material may contain errors or omissions, and is subject to change without
prior notice. WEATHERDOCK shall not be made liable for any specific,
indirect, incidental or consequential damages as a result of its use.
WEATHERDOCK components may only be used in safety of life devices or
systems, with the express written approval of WEATHERDOCK, as the
failure of such components could cause the failure of the WEATHERDOCK
device or system. If these fail, it is reasonable to assume that the safety of
the user or other persons may be endangered.
Contact your local dealer for WEATHERDOCK AIS support.
If the dealer cannot help anymore, you can contact our service
department:
Weatherdock AG
Sigmundstrasse 180
D.90431 Nürnberg
Tel:[phone] - 35
or
Tel:[phone] - 36
10. EASYRESCUE –DATABASE AND LOGIN
To improve the functionality of the easyRESCUE Weatherdock provides a
database on their web site. On this web site you can enter more
information together with your easyRESCUEs unit ID, which could be
useful for any SAR service.
On a voluntary basis, you can store information concerning your boat
which are relevant from you as an owner of an easyRESCUE. With your