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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Safety Information Pressure Case As with any sealed pressure case, the contents could be under pressure due to a battery or seal failure. This could expel the batteries when either end cap of the case is removed.
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Outdoor Use Only DO NOT operate indoors. Unit is Equipped WARNING – OUTDOOR USE ONLY! with GPS and Iridium communications and require a direct view of the sky to receive satellite signals.
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Introduction The iBCN is a self-contained submersible Iridium/GPS Satellite Beacon designed to assist in the location and recovery of underwater oceanographic equipment. There are two models of the iBCN available depending on the depth requirements.
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iBCN – User Manual This manual covers the iBCN product line including TD 13 – 053 accessories: • iBCN – Iridium Beacon, 7500m (9x CR123A) • iBCN Infinity – Iridium Beacon, 12000m (9x CR123A) • iBCN-7 – Iridium Beacon, 7500m (7x “D” Alkaline/Lithium) •...
NOTE: See Section 6.4 for assistance with setting up a Bluetooth connection. 5. Confirm the iBCN is transmitting Iridium messages by using an Iridium message detector like the MetOcean Telematics iON Iridium Detector. 6. iBCN IS READY TO BE DEPLOYED!
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Installation Various installation factors can affect the performance of the iBCN. Install the unit in a location that will ensure that, at the surface, the head assembly will be vertical and well out of the water. Keep the antenna above and clear of metal obstructions.
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Operating Instructions On/Off The device may be forced to the low-power Sleep mode by actuating the magnetic reed switch, located on the head assembly (identified by a circle or flat surface) with an externally placed magnet.
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iBCN – User Manual Always remove batteries when the iBCN is not in use. TD 13 – 053 Please refer Section 7.2 for battery change details. NOTE: Following disconnecting the head assembly from the batteries, wait for a period of two minutes before reconnecting.
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Operation The iBCN is primarily intended for locating and recovering free drifting or moored, surface or submerged assets at sea. After being turned on, the iBCN can be submerged where it is deactivated by detecting submergence. The iBCN can be deployed underwater for up to 24 months.
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iBCN – User Manual The recommended short interval of 2-5 minutes can be TD 13 – 053 used for all deployments using conductivity water sense to get notified about the location of your asset. The iBCN can be reconfigured via Over-The-Air (OTA) commands to lengthen the GPS/Reporting interval to conserve battery power and limit data usage if necessary or to shorten the interval for retrieval.
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iBCN – User Manual The following flow chart outlines the activation sequence TD 13 – 053 and timing of the iBCN operation. Figure 2: iBCN Activation Sequence...
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Operating Notes The Bluetooth connection is available for at least 10 minutes upon initial power-up of the device with the magnet removed. Each Bluetooth command sent to the device resets the Bluetooth timeout period extending the connection time. The Bluetooth connection is shut down after the connection time expires to conserve power.
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Configuration The iBCN configuration consists of 6 operating parameters. GPS Position Interval – This interval sets the timing for GPS position acquisitions. Positions are stored into the internal memory log. Minimum setting is 2 minutes with a maximum setting of 2 days.
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iBCN – User Manual They will be available via download in a direct TD 13 – 053 connection to the device. If this mode is disabled, all data not transmitted will begin to be sent on the next transmission interval. NOTE: Disabling this mode during a deployment may result in additional data charges and battery consumption.
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iBCN – User Manual Surfacing Setting – This setting controls how the iBCN TD 13 – 053 detects the surface: With the Surfacing Setting set to Always On, the iBCN will attempt GPS acquisition and Iridium transmissions at the configured intervals regardless of being submerged. The GPS acquisition will timeout after 5 minutes if no GPS position is determined and the Iridium transmission will timeout after 3 minutes.
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iBCN – User Manual It will remain in low-power Sleep mode and not acquire TD 13 – 053 or transmit while submerged. This Conductivity Water Sense option is only available on the 7500 meter rated iBCN. Iridium Satellite Communication The iBCN uses Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) mode for transmitting data.
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 BlueTooth® Communication The configuration of the device is controlled through the Configurator Software Tool or the JouBeh Asset Website. The device uses a BlueTooth® serial connection to interface with the software tool. Prior to using the Configurator Software, a BlueTooth®...
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 4. Select Enter the device’s pairing code to setup the Bluetooth® link and click Next 5. Enter the pairing code 0000 and click Next Figure 4: Select Pairing Code Option Figure 5: Enter Pairing Code...
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Once the system installs the communication drivers and Figure 6: Bluetooth Connection Established assigns a COM port, the connection to the device is established and the Software Tool may be used. For any future connections on your computer simply powering up the iBCN will allow bluetooth connection as the pairing information will be saved.
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 NOTE: The Bluetooth Interface is only activated on the device for 10 minutes. If no connection is established within that time, the device must be power cycled (remove and re-attach battery pack) to attempt a new connection.
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iBCN – User Manual Device Configuration may be accessed and modified by TD 13 – 053 clicking the “Configure” button. A summary area is displayed to provide feedback on the configuration parameters. Figure 9: Configuration Dialog...
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Transmission Data Format The following tables define the data formats of transmitted position reports from the iBCN. Position Reporting – multiple reports (up to 195 bytes) CMD_TYPE = 0x01 CMD_SUB_TYPE = 0xFD Data Name Value Start Byte...
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 The following fields only apply to the GPS Record Type. y = x Reserved Number sats y = x + 3 Sats Visible HDOP y = 0.5x 0.000001 Latitude x - 90 Longitud 0.000001 x - 180...
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Maintenance There are no user serviceable parts in the Pressure Case. Return the unit to the factory for repairs. Regular Maintenance • Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after every use • Always remove batteries when not in use •...
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iBCN – User Manual It is highly recommended in all cases that these batteries TD 13 – 053 be accessed and changed through the bottom end of the beacon. Install fresh batteries with the positive terminal towards the head assembly as shown in Figure 10.
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 The batteries are vulnerable to damage if the battery NOTE: tube experiences a large vertical shock. The batteries may deform under these conditions and provide intermittent power to the head assembly. Replace any damaged batteries to ensure the device will function optimally.
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 iBCN-7 Battery Change The iBCN-7 battery pack is particularly sensitive to impact and vibration. If impact and vibration are predicted during the deployment of a iBCN-7 beacon it is suggested that contact wave springs be installed between D cells in the battery tube.
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 “O” Ring Facts The main problem with “O” rings is that over time they can take a “set” shape. They lose their original round shape and they become slightly flattened resulting in less compressibility.
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– User Manual TD 13 – 053 “O” Ring Maintenance MetOcean Telematics strongly recommends that “O” rings be serviced on a regular basis to ensure a reliable seal. Remove and lubricate at least once a year, preferably With regular maintenance, “O” rings will be very reliable more often, and replace every two years or sooner.
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iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Head Assembly M1.5x22 – DURO 90 106460 to Battery Tube iBCN-7 Upper Cap of 2X 2-026 – DURO 70 106324 Battery Tube iBCN-3 Lower Cap of 2X 2-026 – DURO 70 106324 Battery Tube Head Assembly M1.5x22 –...
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Licensing Requirements The Iridium/GPS Satellite beacon uses the 9603 Iridium certified SBD modem and requires no radio station license to operate it. The 9603 Iridium modem contains transmitter module: FCC ID: Q639603 IC: 4629A-9603 The 9603N Iridium modem contains transmitter module: FCC ID: Q639603N...
Warranty Terms MetOcean Telematics guarantees this product to be free from defective materials and workmanship and agrees to remedy any such defects for a period of 1 year...
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– User Manual TD 13 – 053 Service Terms MetOcean Telematics obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at MetOcean Telematics option) products that have been returned prepaid to MetOcean Telematics. MetOcean Telematics will return warranted equipment by surface carrier, prepaid.
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 10. Specifications 1.6 W Average Transmit -117 dBm Power Receiver 1616 MHz to 1626.5 MHz Sensitivity Frequency 1 year of daily transmissions after a subsea Range deployment of 1.5 years. Battery Life 48-channel L1 SiRFstarIV receiver Storage for up to 1 million records...
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 Magnetic reed switch Water sensor or GPS Satellite check for ON/OFF activation Control Integrated dual band GPS/Iridium ceramic patch Antenna Iridium SBD Communication Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Profile) Connectivity iBCN-OEM 220g iBCN 810g Weight iBCN Infinity...
iBCN – User Manual TD 13 – 053 11. Index Antenna ........12 Maintenance ....30, 35 Batteries ......... 13 Number of Intervals per Battery Change ..30, 31, 33 Mailbox Check ..... 19 BlueTooth® Number of Intervals per Communication ....23 Transmission .......
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