Weatherdock easyRESCUE User manual

Page 1
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.: +49 911 376638 30 www.weatherdock.de
„easyRESCUE” Manual
English
easyRESCUE
AIS-SART
Product No.: A040 / A049 / A040-BW-
COM
Rev. 2.1
Weatherdock AG
Sigmundstraße 180
D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel. :+49 911 37 66 38 30
Fax: +49 911 37 66 38 40
www.weatherdock.com
Email: support@weatherdock.de

Page 2 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!
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.

Page 3 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
LICENSING for the AIS-SART easyRESCUE
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 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.

Page 4 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
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.
Opening the device by a non-authorised person leads
to loss of warranty! Please contact your dealer.

Page 5 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 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 ©2010, 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.

Page 6 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
1. SHORT DESCRIPTION ................................................................... 8
2. ACTIVATORS AND INDICATORS ........................................... 10
2.1. ACTIVATING ELEMENTS ............................................................. 11
2.1.1. Slider.................................................................................. 11
2.1.2. Button "TEST" ................................................................. 11
2.1.3. Button "ON" .................................................................... 11
2.2. INDICATORS .............................................................................. 12
2.2.1. GPS LED............................................................................. 12
2.2.2. ON LED .............................................................................. 12
2.2.3. TEST LED ........................................................................... 12
2.2.4. Flash-LED........................................................................... 12
3. OPERATION INSTRUCTION..................................................... 13
3.1. ACTIVATION "ON" IN CASE OF DISTRESS................................... 13
3.1.1. Manual activation:.......................................................... 13
3.1.2. Automatic activation via water contact .................... 15
3.1.3. Activation via magnetic switch.................................... 16
3.2. TESTING"TEST" THE EASYRESCUE.......................................... 18
4. INSTALLATION TIPS ................................................................... 22
4.1. BRACKET................................................................................... 22
4.2. LIFE RAFT .................................................................................. 23
5. TECHNICAL DATA....................................................................... 24
6. FAULT REMOVAL ....................................................................... 26
7. INFORMATION AND TIPS .......................................................... 27
8. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................... 27
9. SUPPORT...................................................................................... 30
10. EASYRESCUE –DATABASE AND LOGIN.................................. 31
11. LICENSE AGREEMENT ................................................................ 32
12. WARRANTY................................................................................. 32

Page 7 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
Revision of the operation manual
Rev. 1.2 Author: Zimmermann, 6. May 2010
Rev. 1.3 Author: Zimmermann, 10. May 2010
Rev. 1.4 Authors: Körner, Zimmermann, Werner, 1. March 2011
Rev. 1.5 Author: Zimmermann, 19. April 2011
Rev. 1.6 Author: Staudacher, 16. November 2011
Rev. 1.7 Author: Schuster, 15. March 2012
Rev. 2.0 Author: Knipp, 11. May 2012
Rev. 2.1 Author: Knipp, 17. Oct 2012
The easyRESCUE has been approved by the following authorities
and institutions:
BSH (German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency)
BSH / 4615 / 4361565 / 10
FCC (US Federal Communication Commission)
United States Coast Guard
Equipment:
Included in delivery:
easyRESCUE (A040 or A049 or A040-BW-COM)
Manual German/English
Bracket with mounting plate and screws
(only for A040 and A049)

Page 8 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
1. SHORT DESCRIPTION
(A040) (A049) (A040-BW-COM)
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
manually in case of distress on sea. All vessels around
with AIS stations are able to receive the position of
the easyRESCUE via VHF.
Depending on the version, the device has an
additional automatic trigger function via water
contact (A049) or via magnetic switch with ripcord as
a third trigger function (A040-BW-COM).
The range depends on the height of the transmitters’
antenna over sea level. The range is approx. 10-15
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. 5-10 nautical miles assumed that the

Page 9 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
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 96 h at -20°C, 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 battery package and that he replaces
some elements which provide the functionality (e.g.
seal).

Page 10 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
2. ACTIVATORS AND INDICATORS
Automatic activation
(magnetic switch with ripcord)
Flash-LED
TEST-LED
ON-LED
GPS-LED
Button
„TEST“
Button
„ON“

Page 11 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
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.
2.1.2. Button "TEST"
Pressing the button „TEST“, the easyRESCUE enters
the test mode. The device shuts down the test mode
automatically after the test. If this button is pressed
again for 3 seconds, the test mode will be terminated
manually and the device is turned off. The device can
be tested 30 times within 5 years. After that the
batteries must be exchanged by a verified service
partner.
During the test a position report is sent once, which
appear on electronic display devices as “S.A.R.T.
ACTIVE TEST“. This is not an official emergency
message.
2.1.3. Button "ON"
Activation
With the button „ON“, the device can be activated
manually in case of distress.

Page 12 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
Deactivation
The “active” mode can be terminated by pressing
both buttons at the same time for more than 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 easyRESCUE receives signals from the GPS-
satellites and is able to get a position fix. If the GPS
LED does not blink, GPS reception is not 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 13 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
3. OPERATION INSTRUCTION
3.1. Activation "ON" in case of distress
Activation of the device is possible via three different
mechanisms:
3.1.1. Manual activation:
for version A040 / A049 / Ao40-BW-COM
Push the slider to the top so that the antenna
extends. By doing so the release protection breaks.
Caution: The antenna extends with force. So do
not hold the device close to your head.
Press the button „ON“.

Page 14 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
The LEDs 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 flashing, double check if the easyRESCUE is
not covered by metal parts. It should have line of
sight to the sky. If after 5 minutes it still gets no
position fix the easyRESCUE starts sending empty
position reports.
USAGE
When you are in a life raft fix the device as high as
possible with the lanyard and extend the antenna
right up which improves the range even more. The
easyRESCUE continues operating until the
batteries are drained or the device is deactivated.
To deactivate the easyRESCUE press both buttons
(ON and TEST) together for more than 3 seconds.
The LEDs stop flashing and the device is turned
off. It can be activated again afterwards.
Otherwise the device operates as long the battery
capacity allows to.
As a general rule for a case of application:
After activation of the device the batteries need to be
exchanged by an authorized service partner. This is
necessary to ensure the mandatory operating time of
the device.

Page 15 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
3.1.2. Automatic activation via water contact
for version A049 / A040-BW-COM
If the device is permanently under water for more
than one second the „water contact switch“ is
triggered automatically. The electrical resistance is
measured between the antenna axis and the back
panel screw, which is further away from the antenna
axis. Owing to the configuration it is ensured that the
device is not activated by splash water.
Trigger switch via water contact
To deactivate the easyRESCUE push the slider to the
top, so that the release protection breaks and you
have access to both buttons (ON and TEST). Now press
both buttons for more than 3 seconds and the LEDs
stop flashing. Otherwise the device operates as long
the battery capacity allows to.
contact 1,
device ground
contact 2,
antenna axis

Page 16 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
As a general rule for a case of application:
After activation of the device the batteries need to be
exchanged by an authorized service partner. This is
necessary to ensure the mandatory operating time of
the device.
3.1.3. Activation via magnetic switch
only for version A040-BW-COM
The easyRESCUE-BW-COM is suitable for the use with
automatic life vests or in life rafts. The magnetic
switch is built into the upper edge of the device. The
magnet sensor is internally arranged and on the
outside a small magnet retaining plate with a ripcord.
The ripcord is attached to a suitable position on the
life vest or life raft by means of the spring hook.
If the ripcord is under tension when the used personal
buoyancy opens and inflates automatically the small
magnet retaining plate is yanked from the bracket
and triggers the magnet sensor.
This results in the automatic activation of the
easyRESCUE-BW-COM.

Page 17 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
Magnetic Switch:
To deactivate the easyRESCUE push the slider to the
top, so that the release protection breaks and you
have access to both buttons (ON and TEST). Now press
both buttons for more than 3 seconds and the white
Flash-LED and the ON LED stop blinking.
Now the yellow TEST LED starts blinking quickly.
Magnet
Retaining plate
Retaining plate
Ripcord
Fixing part for
the retaining
plate
Spring hook
Magnet

Page 18 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
The quick blinking signalizes that
the transmission is deactivated permanently, i. e.
no alerting message is sent out anymore,
the device cannot be turned off completely due to
the missing magnet.
If existent, please put the ripcord with the magnet
from the front side back into the magnet lug.
The transmitter can be activated via the ON Button
any time.
As a general rule for a case of application:
After activation of the device the batteries need to be
exchanged by an authorized service partner. This is
necessary to ensure the mandatory operating time of
the device.
3.2. Testing"TEST" 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 fully operational for 5 years with in total 30
test procedures.

Page 19 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
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
starts flashing too. The easyRESCUE starts
transmitting of eight AIS messages and the device
is turned off automatically.
If there is no GPS position fix available within 5
minutes, the device transmits AIS messages
without position and it is turned off.

Page 20 of 36
Weatherdock AG Sigmundstraße 180 D-90431 Nürnberg
Tel.:+49 911 37 66 38 30 www.weatherdock.de
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.
If having pressed the TEST button accidentally
instead of the ON button you can switch to the
alert mode by pressing the ON button.
At the end of the regular test before the device is
turned off automatically, the device shows the test
result:
This manual suits for next models
4
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