KTI Safety Alert PLB SA2G - 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon Manual

Introduction

The Safety Alert SA2G is a compact, self-contained emergency radio transmitter. When activated it will emit a distinctive radio signal on the 406MHz international distress frequency and a 121.5MHz homing signal for 24 hours minimum.
The Safety Alert SA2G is designed and approved to be operated on the ground or above the ground.

The PLB was not designed, tested or intended for operation whilst in water.

Note: The PLB is self-buoyant should it accidentally be dropped into water. This will aid in beacon recovery.

Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) sold or manufactured in Australia must be satellite compatible and will therefore be capable of being detected by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite aided Search and Rescue System.
The Safety Alert SA2G has been designed in Australia and manufactured and approved to exacting performance specifications.
A lanyard and carry case are provided, the lanyard is designed to be attached to PLB top section. The carry case can be attached to a belt (less than 50mm wide).

Features

PLB Registration

Registration of 406 Mhz satellite PLBs with the Registration Section of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) or Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is mandatory because of the global alerting nature of the COSPAS-SARSAT system.

The information provided in the registration is used only for search and rescue purposes.

Fill in the owner registration card immediately upon completion of the sales transaction. Register on-line, mail, fax or email the registration card to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) or Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) immediately. Registration cards are also available online, visit www.amsa.gov.au/beacons

If the beacon is to enter service immediately, complete the registration card, register on-line, mail, fax or email the information to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) or Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).

If the beacon is being transferred to a new owner, the current owner is to inform the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) or Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) by email, facsimile, letter telephone, or on-line of the name and address of the new owner.

The new owner of the beacon is required to provide the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) or Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) with the information as shown on the registration card.

The COSPAS-SARSAT Satellite aided rescue system

COSPAS-SARSAT is an international (global) search and rescue system that uses satellites to detect and locate 406MHz emergency beacons carried by vessels, aircraft, or individuals.

The system consists of a network of satellites both (polar orbiting and geostationary), ground stations, called Local User Terminal (LUT), Mission control centre (MCC) and rescue coordination centres.
When a PLB is activated, the 406MHz signal may be received by a satellite, the signal processed and data with position and digital message then re-transmitted either in real-time or stored. The signal is continuously down loaded until the satellite is in view of a LUT, when the LUT receives satellite data it's directly forwarded to MCC. The Rescue Co-ordination Centre will arrange the search and Rescue using appropriate SAR facilities in the vicinity of the distress location.
The Safety Alert SA2G homing signal (121.5MHz) allows SAR facilities to "home" directly to the signal using radio direction finders.

When a DISTRESS situation occurs

Only operate in a grave and imminent danger situation.
(Non-emergency operation carries severe penalty.)

A mariner, aviator or individual in distress has several options to alert authorities when in need of assistance and to help them and Search andRescue(SAR) Forces to locate the precise distress position.
If two-way, radio or a mobile phone are available, they should be used immediately to contact authorities. If contact cannot be made by twoway radio communications and all other distress procedures fail to summon assistance and there is a grave and imminent danger situation, then the Safety Alert SA2G may be deployed to alert authorities to the emergency and provide an accurate distress position.
Should the PLB be activated other than for a test, we recommend the PLB be removed from service and returned to Kinetic Technology International PtyLtd. either through supply dealer, our agent or direct, for battery replacement.

In the event of INADVERTENT ACTIVATION

If the PLB is inadvertently activated;
Press blue TEST button until strobe light stops flashing.
Immediately inform the nearest search and rescue (SAR) authority or the Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) in Australia.
toll free on: 1800 641 792 or Aviation: 1800 815 257
or in New Zealand the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), toll free on 0508 472 269

Beacon Test Procedure

To prevent inadvertent activation under NO circumstances remove RED switch cover during TEST.
(Non-emergency operation carries severe penalty.)

Beacon testing should be limited to no more then once per month as each test consumes valuable battery power and transmits signals to satellites.

Visually inspect the PLB for signs of physical damage and verify the red switch cover is in place over activate button.
It is important that the "Replace LiFeS2 Battery" date be checked.
For safety tolerances this is at half the nominal shelf life of the battery.

Should the switch cover be removed, the battery time expired or the beacon fail subsequent test, return to Kinetic Technology International Pty. Ltd. or its agents for service.

Beacon test: (Warning: Do not remove RED switch cover)

1. Release antenna from PLB by sliding end-lock forward from slot (Fig.1)
   
   Fig.1
   
   & set antenna to vertical position (Fig. 2).
   
   Fig.2
   
2. Press Blue button (approx. 1 second) until Red light illuminates then release button and red light will extinguish. After (approx. 1 second) white strobe light will flash then Green light will illuminate indicating test pass.
3. Carefully place antenna around PLB and slide end-lockback into top section slot.

Beacon GPS Test Procedure

The optional GPS test will consume battery power and to ensure maximum battery life the GPS test should not be conducted more than two times per year.

The RED cover prevents the PLB from being accidentally activated. It is in the owner's interest to ensure that this cover remains in place to remove any doubt as to whether the beacon has been operated causing reduction of battery life.

If tested repeatedly over time the GPS test function will be locked out.
Before testing ensure beacon is positioned outdoors in an open area with a clear unobstructed view of the sky to maximise satellite visibility. Avoid testing during poor weather conditions. i.e. Heavy precipitation.

Testing may be terminated at any time by pressing Blue test button until the Red light stops flashing.

Optional GPS test (Warning do not remove RED switch cover)

1. Press and hold the Blue test button (approx. 4 seconds) until Red light flashes rapidly then release button. Red light will now flash every two seconds during test (up to 1 minute) then strobe light will flash and Green light will illuminate indicating test pass.
   

Helpful operating and information notes

The Safety Alert SA2G is most effective (i.e. maximum range) when placed in a clear and if possible elevated area.
Metal objects or people in the immediate vicinity of the PLB may distort the radiation pattern of the radio signal. It is therefore desirable to have the transmitting beacon a few meters clear of such objects.

Note: Do not operate PLB inside an Aircraft, vehicle, buildings, vessel cabin, enclosed areas or under cover/canopy.

The SA2G is designed and approved to be operated on the ground or above the ground (in situations where placement on the ground is not suitable)

To view the test light in bright sunlight, it may be necessary to shade it with your hand.

It is recommended the PLB be stowed in carry case provided.

Cleaning your PLB if required.
Care should be taken not to remove activation switch cover, damage the aerial or inadvertently activate the beacon when cleaning. Visually inspect the beacon for any physical damage or cracks in enclosure) which could allow moisture ingress and cause a malfunction.
Only wipe the PLB with a damp cloth. Do not use chemicals.

Photosensitive Seizures;
A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to certain visual images, including flashing lights. Even people who have no history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause these "photosensitive epileptic seizures" while watching an PLB.

These seizures may have a variety of symptoms, including light-headedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion, or momentary loss of awareness. Seizures may also cause loss of consciousness or convulsions that lead to injury from falling down or striking nearby objects. Immediately stop looking at strobe light and consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

RF exposure;
Due to transmitted RF power requirements for PLBs, Australian standards recommend where practical to minimise exposure by keeping head more than 20cm from an PLB which has been activated.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

The Safety Alert SA2G was designed to be operated on the ground or above the ground.

To Activate:

1. Slide RED protective cover downwards to access button.
2. Release antenna end-lock by sliding forward and set antenna to vertical position. (Fig. 1 & 2)
   
   Fig. 1 & 2
   
3. Press & hold RED Activation button until Green light starts flashing then release button. (Strobe light will also flash)(Fig. 3)
   
   Fig. 3
4. Place in a clear area with antenna in vertical position or place above the ground. Ie. If held by operator (ensure antenna is in the vertical position). (Fig.4).
   • On the ground:
     
     
   • Held by operator:
     
     
     
5. Leave beacon operating continuously until rescued.

To Deactivate (Turn OFF)

1. Press blue TEST button until Strobe light stops flashing.

Registration contacts

Australian coded beacons, address all correspondence to:

Beacon Registration Section,
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181 Canberra City ACT 2601

Fax: International +61 2 9332 6323 Local 1800 406 329
Phone: International +61 2 6279 5766 Local 1800 406 406

On-line registration: www.amsa.gov.au/beacons
Email: ausbeacon@amsa.gov.au

New Zealand coded beacons, address all correspondence to:
Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand
PO Box 30050, Lower Hutt 5040

Fax: International +64 4 577 8041
Phone +64 4 557 8033
Email: 406registry@maritimenz.govt.nz

All information subject to change without notice or obligation.
An area on the clear top back section is provided for the registration label which maybe supplied when PLB is registered.

PRODUCT WARRANTY

The "Safety Alert" SA2G is covered by manufacturer's warranty valid for 10 years from date of manufacture. This Warranty covers labour and materials: all freight charges are to be borne by the purchaser. In the event of any claim under this Warranty, please arrange the return of the PLB to Kinetic Technology International Pty Ltd. 1 Kembla street, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia 3192, either direct or through supply dealer, together with your proof of original purchase date. This Warranty does not exclude any conditions and remedies you may have under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

Battery replacement and servicing

The Safety Alert SA2G is fitted with special lithium batteries and it is not possible to replace batteries in the field.
Battery replacement and servicing of the beacon is carried out by Kinetic Technology International Pty. Ltd. (KTI) or assigned agent. Unless the beacon has been activated, battery replacement should only occur at ten yearly intervals.

The battery replacement period of ten year was evaluated for the storage temperature of 20ºC.

If storage temperatures are higher than 20ºC this would result in reduced battery replacement life.
Kinetic Technology International Pty Ltd (KTI) conduct full mechanical and operational testing when replacing the batteries in accordance with specifications.

DO NOT incinerate beacon.
DO NOT short circuit the battery or cells.

All information subject to change without notice or obligation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequencies:	406.040 MHz and 121.5 MHz (homing signal).
Approvals:	Australian and New Zealand AS/NZS 4280.2 C/S TAC: 255 (Manual Activation)
COSPAS-SARSAT:	Fully compatible. C S T 001 Class 2 / .
GPS:	GPS receiver accuracy: 3m (CEP 50). Type receiver: GPS L1 C/A-code, SPS.
Homing signal:	Homing signal Amplitude Modulated, down swept tone.
Activation: Test:	Manual switch with Indicator lights. Manual switch with Indicator lights.
Solid-state Strobe:	Greater than 1cd effective intensity .
Transmission Time:	24 hours minimum.
Batteries:	Long-life lithium LiFeS2 Factory replaceable , only. Replace battery prior to expiry date shown on PLB.
Antenna:	Flexible marine grade stainless steel, swivelling to maintain vertical aspect.
Buoyant:	Self buoyant (should PLB be dropped in water) The PLB was not designed, tested or Intended for operation whilst in water.
Enclosure: . Dimension:	UV stabilised high impact plastic . W: 64, D: 31mm, H: 88 mm
Weight:	Gross weight 140 grams approx.
Immersion:	Watertight to a depth of 3 metres for 1hr.
Operating Temperature:	-20º C to +55 ºC
Storage Temperature:	-30º C to +70 ºC
Compass safe:	30cm
Accessories:	Case with belt loop & neck/wrist lanyard.

Kinetic Technology International Pty. Ltd. 1 Kembla street, Cheltenham, 3192 Victoria, Australia.
Tel: 61 3 9583 9566
Fax: 61 3 9583 9805
internet: www.kti.com.au

Documents / Resources

References

• Beacons - Australian Maritime Safety Authority
• Home - KTI

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