Rhein Tech Laboratories, Inc. Client: BriarTek, Inc.
360 Herndon Parkway Model: ORCA TX104
Suite 1400 FCC ID: QJYORCA1
Herndon, VA 20170 Standards: Part 80
http://www.rheintech.com Report #: 2008083
Appendix H: User Manual
Please refer to the following pages.
17 of 25
Overboard Recovery
Communications
®
Apparatus (ORCA
)
TX-104 User’s Guide
BriarTek, Inc. Technical Support: (703) 548-7892, Email: support@briartek.com
©2008 BriarTek Incorporated
, URL: www.briartek.com
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Introduction
ORCA® is a personal saltwater or manual-activated man overboard (MOB) alarm system
developed by BriarTek Inc. The system is utilized by the U.S. Navy and other mariners to aid in
the rescue of an MOB victim. The ORCA
transmitter, receiver, and direction finder. When the transmitter is activated, it emits a signal from
the victim to the receiver. The receiver emits an audible alarm and displays the ship type/hull #
and serial number of the transmitter on the receiver LCD. The transmitter also emits a signal that
is received by the direction finder and other standard search and rescue (SAR) equipment to locate
the MOB.
®
system operates on 121.5 MHz and includes a
Parts Overview (figure 1)
A - Antenna
B - Manual activation/
deactivation recess
C - Water sensors
D - Distress marker light
E – Battery door
F – Antenna tip holder
Modes
The TX104 has three modes:
♦ ARMED - Each
transmitter is ARMED
after a 3 volt CR123
lithium battery is
correctly installed.
♦ TRANSMIT - The
transmitter goes from
ARMED to TRANSMIT
mode when it is
automatically activated
by submerging it in
saltwater for a minimum
of 3 seconds or when it
is manually activated.
After the transmitter is activated, it emits an FM signal for approximately 1 minute. This
sends the transmitter identification to the receiver. After approximately 1 minute, the
transmitter emits an AM signal. This allows the DF to track the transmitter.
♦ DISABLED - The transmitter is DISABLED when the battery is removed or the battery
runs out.
B
C
Figure 1: TX104 parts
D
C
A
F
A
E
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Operating Instructions
Manual activation: Remove antenna tip (A) from
holder and insert tip in manual activation/ deactivation
recess (B). See figure 2. The distress marker light
begins flashing to indicate activation. Approximately
3-5 seconds after distress marker light begins flashing,
the transmitter will begin transmitting.
Automatic activation: The transmitter will activate
when the water sensors are submerged in saltwater for
at least 3 seconds.
All Clear (deactivate transmitter): When the MOB is
recovered, remove antenna tip from holder and insert tip
in manual activation/deactivation recess. This sends an
ALL CLEAR message to the receiver and returns the
transmitter to the ARMED mode.
B
A
Figure 2: Manual
activation/deactivation
Wearing the transmitter
THE TRANSMITTER MUST BE WORN SO
THAT THE WATER SENSORS ARE UNDER
WATER AND WET AND THE ANTENNA IS
ABOVE THE WATER SURFACE WHEN THE
PERSON IS FLOATING. The transmitter can be
attached to a PFD using the pouch provided by the
manufacturer with the antenna attached to the collar
using a lanyard clip. In addition, the transmitter has
been designed to be worn around the neck. See figure
3. This affords the best opportunity for the signal to be
received in a man overboard event if the MOB is not
wearing a PFD.
Battery Information
Battery Lifespan—TX104 has very low current
consumption. It is recommended that the battery
should be replaced once a year and sooner if the
TX104 has been activated for more than occasional
testing. When the TX104 is in TRANSMIT mode, a
new battery will last approximately 24 hours.
Use the following steps to test the battery strength:
1. Activate the unit by inserting the antenna tip in the manual activation/deactivation recess.
Figure 3: TX104 worn around neck
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2. As soon as the distress light begins to flash rapidly, insert the antenna tip in the manual
activation/deactivation recess once again.
3. If the light turns on and remains on solid for
approximately 5 seconds, the battery is useable. If the
light flashes on and off for 5 seconds, the battery is
not useable and must be replaced
Use the following steps to replace battery:
1. Using a #1 size Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew
the crosshead screw on the battery door. See figure 4.
2. Remove battery door.
3. Remove used battery.
4. Insert new 3 volt CR123 lithium battery according to
polarity diagram on the inside of the battery door.
5. Replace battery door. Grasping screwdriver with
thumb and forefinger, screw down the battery door to
45 in/oz.
6. Do not over tighten!
Specifications
♦ Size: length = 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) x width = 1.7
inches (4.3 cm) x depth = 0.8 inches (2.0 cm)
♦ Weight: 2.5 oz. (70.9 g)
♦ Power: 100 mW
♦ Tracking Range: 2 NM from small craft, 5 NM from ship, 20 NM or greater from aircraft
♦ Alerting Range: 1 NM to receiver
♦ Power Source: One (1) 3 volt
CR123 lithium battery
♦ Battery Life: One year (Armed
mode); 24 hours continuous once
activated (Transmit mode)
♦ Activation: manual or saltwater
♦ Current Draw: Armed 15 uA;
Transmit (high power): 185mA;
Transmit (low power): 80mA
♦ Modulation Frequency: 121.5
MHz
♦ 25.5 inch (64.75 cm) external
antenna with strain relief (the
length can be modified based on
user needs)
♦ Operating Temperature -10º C
(14º F) to +55º C (131º F)
♦ Storage Temperature -40 º C (-
40 º F) to +60 º C (140 º F)
Figure 5: TX104 dimensions
Figure 4: Remove battery door
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Warranty
BriarTek will provide a one-year warranty on the ORCA® man overboard alarm system
following the purchase date.
If a component fails to function properly during its warranty period (one year), the
manufacturer will proceed according to its warranty as follows:
BriarTek Inc. guarantees each product it distributes to be free from defective materials and
workmanship and agrees to remedy any such defect, or to furnish a new or equal part in
exchange (at its option) for a period of one year from the date the component is purchased.
For an exchange of the product, carefully pack the equipment and return to BriarTek Inc. at the
following address:
BriarTek Inc.
112 E. Del Ray Ave
Suite A
Alexandria, VA 22301
This warranty is void if:
♦ any component has been subject to misuse or improper installation by a non-BriarTek
employee, or has been repaired or altered by a non-BriarTek employee.
♦ any component fails to function properly after being put into service due to something
other than defective materials or workmanship, i.e. excessive temperature, humidity or
shock while component is in storage.
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