BriarTek ORCA TX-104 User Manual

Overboard Recovery

Communications Apparatus

(ORCA

)

TX-104 User’s Guide

®

BriarTek, Inc. Technical Support: [phone], Email: [e-mail]

©2011 BriarTek Incorporated

, URL: www.briartek.com

2

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
which is processed by 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

(DML)
E – Battery door
F – Antenna tip holder

B

C

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. Note: the transmitter can be factory-
programmed to be automatically activated in freshwater. 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 switches to a non-data FM
transmission for 40 seconds. This allows the DF to track the transmitter. After every 40
second non-data transmission, the unit transmits identification information to the receiver
for 9-15 seconds.

 DISABLED - The transmitter is DISABLED when the battery is removed or the battery

runs out.

Figure 1: TX104 parts

A

F

D

A

E

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Operating Instructions

Manual activation:

Option 1: Remove antenna tip (A) from holder and press the
antenna tip into the manual activation/ deactivation recess
(B) on the face of the transmitter for 3 seconds until the
DML begins flashing rapidly. See figure 2.

Option 2: If transmitter is being worn in the blue nylon
pouch provided (see figure 3), release the securing strap and
align the embedded magnet with the round recess for 3
seconds until the DML begins flashing rapidly.

After the distress marker light begins flashing, remove
antenna tip / embedded magnet. Approximately 3-5 seconds
after DML 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, align the antenna tip /
embedded magnet with the manual activation/ deactivation recess. This sends an ALL CLEAR
message to the receiver and returns the transmitter to the ARMED mode.

Figure 2: Manual

activation/deactivation

B

A

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 (figures 3 and 4) 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 5. This affords the
best opportunity for the signal to be received in a
man overboard event if the MOB is not wearing a
PFD.

4

Securing

straps

Embedded magnet

Figure 3: Nylon Pouch (front)

Secure to
body by
feeding belt
or strap

Battery Information

through loop

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:

Use the following steps to replace battery:

Figure 4: Nylon pouch (back)

1. Activate the unit using option 1 or 2 in Operating Instructions.

2. As soon as the distress marker light begins to flash rapidly, remove antenna tip / embedded

magnet.

3. Once more, align antenna tip / embedded magnet with the manual activation/deactivation

recess.

4. 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.

1. Using a #1 size Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew the crosshead screw on the battery

door. See figure 6 on following page.

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. See figure 7 on following page.

5. Replace battery door. Grasping screwdriver with thumb and forefinger, screw down the

battery door to 45 in/oz. Caution: Do not over tighten!

Figure 5: TX104 worn around neck

5

Figure 7: Insert new battery

Figure 6: Remove battery door

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 -20º C (-4º F) to +70º C (158º F)
 Storage Temperature -40º C (-40º F) to +85º C (185 º F)

Figure 8: TX104 dimensions

6

Warranty

BriarTek will provide a one-year warranty on the ORCA® system following the date of
original purchase.

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, please contact BriarTek at 703-548-7892 or on the web at

www.briartek.com and a customer service representative will provide the necessary

instructions.

This warranty is void if:
 any component has been subject to misuse or improper installation by a non-BriarTek

employee or a non-BriarTek certified technician, or has been repaired or altered by a non­BriarTek employee or a non-BriarTek certified technician.

 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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Notes:

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Notes:

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Notes:

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