mcmurdo fastfind maxg User Manual
mcmurdo fastfind maxg User Manual

mcmurdo fastfind maxg User Manual

Personal location beacon
Hide thumbs Also See for fastfind maxg:

Advertisement

mcmurdo
mcmurdo
mcmurdo
mcmurdo
Fastfind MaxG, Fastfind MaxG(B)
& Fastfind Max
Personal Location Beacon
User manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the fastfind maxg and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for mcmurdo fastfind maxg

  • Page 1 Fastfind MaxG, Fastfind MaxG(B) & Fastfind Max Personal Location Beacon User manual...
  • Page 3 The actual time to rescue in an emergency will be dependant upon the performance of all factors within the SAR (Search and Rescue) system, and as such, is outside the control of McMurdo. Applicability of this manual Fastfind Max and MaxG build standard: May 2008 This manual is applicable to both the Fastfind Max &...
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Preparing the PLB for use................3 Handling false alerts..................4 Emergency Operation .................. 5 Switching off an active PLB.................. 6 Emergency Operation with GPS (Fastfind MaxG) ..........7 Self-test ......................8 Getting the best from the PLB..............9 General use......................9 Get the best from GPS PLBs ................
  • Page 5: Safety Notices

    However it is advisable not to handle the antenna while the unit is transmitting. Disclaimer McMurdo is a brand name operated by Signature Industries Limited. The information and illustrations contained in this publication are to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to print. We reserve the right to change specifications, equipment, installation and maintenance instructions without notice as part of our policy of continuous product development and improvement.
  • Page 6: Quick Start Checklist

    Quick start checklist Emergency operation 1. Open the flip cover 2. Tear off the red plastic tab 3. Press and hold the red button for 2 seconds Register the PLB with the National Authority • Learn how to activate and position the PLB in an emergency •...
  • Page 7: Introduction

    Thank you for purchasing your McMurdo Fastfind Max Personal Location Beacon (PLB). The Max ranges are the very latest state of the art McMurdo PLBs manufactured by Signature Industries Limited. When carrying a Fastfind Max, you will enjoy the reassurance of having a PLB as a last resort safeguard against any life threatening incidents that may occur anywhere in the world.
  • Page 8: Handling False Alerts

    Handling false alerts If the PLB has been accidentally activated, or if rescue have been effected before arrival of the rescue services: Only switch off the PLB when instructed to do so by the rescue services or • authorities. Attempt to contact the rescue services, coastguard, or police by radio or •...
  • Page 9: Emergency Operation

    Emergency Operation Anti-tamper cover seal Flip-top lid GPS ZONE do not cover (Fastfind MaxG) Activation button Green light Red light Self-test/OFF button PLB controls (Max)
  • Page 10: Switching Off An Active Plb

    Emergency Operation Important: ONLY pull the red anti-tamper seal in an emergency. Raise the flip-up lid to expose the red anti-tamper cover. Once opened, the flip-up lid can be pulled off the PLB and discarded if necessary. Grasp the handle part of the red anti-tamper cover, and pull sharply away from the PLB body.
  • Page 11: Emergency Operation With Gps (Fastfind Maxg)

    Emergency Operation with GPS (Fastfind MaxG) When the PLB is first activated the inbuilt GPS receiver will attempt to acquire a valid geographical position fix. Once a GPS position fix is acquired the GREEN indicator light will start to flash once every 3.5 seconds in sequence with the red indicator light.
  • Page 12: Self-Test

    Self-test International regulations require that Self-testing of the PLB should only be carried out in the first five minutes of any hour. Self-test verifies operation of the PLB by checking key features including battery voltage and 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz alert transmitters. Important Each self-test draws small amounts of energy from the battery pack.
  • Page 13: Getting The Best From The Plb

    Important: While self-testing keep your fingers away from the top of the PLB as the close proximity of any objects can affect the results of the self-test. If the self-test still fails, repeat it and if the problem persists remove the PLB from use and contact your service dealer for advice.
  • Page 14 Even if the GPS PLB initially fails to acquire a valid GPS position, the first alert message will still be transmitted within 2 minutes of activation. The PLBs position will be determined as if it was a standard PLB without GPS. Using the PLB afloat The PLB is totally waterproof but is not designed to operate when floating on the surface of the water.
  • Page 15 On the move If on the move, take care to keep the PLB flat with the antenna pointing skyward. Using the PLB on land The PLB should be placed to have the clearest possible view of the sky. Make sure the PLB does not become covered by drifting material (e.g.
  • Page 16 It is ESSENTIAL that you register your PLB Registration helps reduce the number of false alarms and hoax calls, and so makes the rescue service more efficient. It is important to update your registration details if your address or 24 hour contact details ever change. On receipt of a PLB alert, the SAR organization will firstly try to check that the registered owner of the PLB has not accidentally activated the beacon.
  • Page 17: Satellite Distress Beacons Explained

    Satellite Distress Beacons explained Satellite Distress Beacons such as Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are used to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency. They do this by transmitting a coded message on the international 406 MHz distress frequency which is relayed via satellites and earth stations to the nearest rescue co-ordination centre.
  • Page 18: How Does Your Plb Work

    20 minutes. The inclusion of GPS based positional information can greatly reduce the time it takes for the SAR authorities to arrive on scene. When speed of response and accuracy of location are important considerations, then GPS PLBs offer the best in performance.
  • Page 19: Registration And Licensing

    completely to get a valid GPS position. If this happens, the GPS PLB “fails safe” and does not transmit an inaccurate position but instead sends information to indicate that no position is available. Location of the PLB without GPS position information is dependent on the orbiting satellite system just like with a non-GPS PLB.
  • Page 20: Radio Transmitter Licence Requirements

    WARNING: Do not attempt to fit the decal in any other position, as this could interfere with the battery seal or with the operation of the PLB. Radio transmitter Licence requirements The PLB is a radio transmitter; some administrations require that the user holds a valid radio licence to cover its ownership and use.
  • Page 21: Service And Maintenance

    McMurdo authorized service station. For safe transportation, wrap the antenna around the body of the PLB and fix in place with adhesive tape. Do not close or fold the flip- up lid over the top of the deployed antenna as this may damage the antenna.
  • Page 22: Deactivation

    The battery pack is easily user replaceable. Once the battery expiry date has been reached it must be replaced. only fit an original McMurdo branded -20 °C Class 2 Battery Pack kit. Battery packs provide a minimum of 48 hours continuous operation at a minimum temperature of -20 °C (-4 °F).
  • Page 23: How To Assemble Your Plb

    360° additional turn (torque setting 25 cNm). Perform a self-test, (see page 11). If the PLB does not pass the self-test, repeat it once. If the PLB still does not pass the self-test, contact McMurdo or your dealer for further advice.
  • Page 24: Technical Specifications

    Technical Specifications Part Number: 85-880-001A Fastfind Max PLB retail pack Part Number: 85-890-001A Fastfind MaxG GPS PLB retail pack Part Number: 85-890-007A Fastfind MaxG(B) GPS PLB retail pack...
  • Page 25 Fastfind Max and Fastfind MaxG Specification General Approved to COSPAS-SARSAT T.007 Class 2, TAC-184 Internationally type approved, a list of current type approvals is held in the Fastfind Max section of the McMurdo web site; www.mcmurdo.co.uk Complies with relevant clauses EN 60945 RTCM 76-2002/SC110-STD V1.1 Operating temperature range -20 °C to +55 °C...
  • Page 26: Usage Statement

    Transmit antenna Type Flexible vertical tape monopole Characteristics Vertically polarised, omni-directional Receive antenna (Fastfind MaxG & MaxG(B) only) Type Ceramic dielectric patch Characteristics RH circular polarised, gain +3 dBi nominal External interfaces Programming interface Infra-red diode Manual activation Sealed membrane switch with tamper cover...
  • Page 27: Declaration Of Conformity

    Declaration of Conformity...
  • Page 29: Product Warranty

    McMurdo's sole discretion to refund to the buyer the price of the product (or a proportional part of the price). McMurdo shall not be liable to a buyer who is not a consumer for any other loss or damage (whether indirect, special or consequential loss of profit or otherwise) costs, expenses or other claims for compensation which arise out of or in connection with this product.
  • Page 30: End Of Life Statement

    (BFRs), both in the housing material and circuit boards. In keeping with the directive, McMurdo strongly recommends that this PLB product and its battery pack be disposed of in a sensible and considerate manner. For example, do not simply discard the product in the domestic waste.
  • Page 31: Annex 1. Registration Information

    Annex 1. Registration information PLBs must be registered with a relevant national authority. Some administrations allow for on line registration or require a completed registration application form to be submitted by letter or FAX. General information related to PLB registration requirements around the World is published by the Cospas-Sarsat organisation.
  • Page 32 Fax: +33 5 61274878 Email: fmcc@cnes.fr Online registration: n/a Greenland (Denmark) Point of contact: Greenland Telecom Administration Tel: +45 35430333 Fax: +45 35431434 Email: n/a Online registration: n/a India Point of contact: INMCC/ISTRAC/ISRO Tel: +91 80 28371857 Fax: +91 80 28371857 Email: inmcc@istrac.org Online registration: n/a Ireland...
  • Page 33 Fax: +351 21 3979794 Email: n/a Online registration: n/a South Africa Point of contact: SASAR, MRCC Cape Town Tel: +27 21 9383310 Fax: +27 21 9383319 Email: mrcc.ct@samsa.org.za Online registration: n/a Sweden Point of contact: MRCC Goteborg Tel: +46 31 699080 Fax: +46 31 648010 Email: n/a Online registration: n/a...
  • Page 34: Annex 2. Quick User Card Detail

    Annex 2. Quick user card detail...
  • Page 36 McMurdo A Division of Signature Industries Ltd Silver Point Airport Service Road Portsmouth PO3 5PB United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)23 9262 3900 Fax: +44 (0)23 9262 3998 Email: customerservice@mcmurdo.co.uk Website: www.mcmurdo.co.uk 85-902-880 Iss. 2...

This manual is also suitable for:

Fastfind maxg(b)Fastfind maxFastfind maxg

Table of Contents