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 &...
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 ................
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.
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 •...
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.
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 •...
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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...
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.
(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.
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...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the fastfind maxg and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers