GME accusat MT410, accusat MT410G User Manual

PAGE 1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 406 MHZ PLB

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

PAGE 2 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 406 MHZ PLB

WARNING .......................... 2

FEATURES .......................... 2

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ABOUT THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM ..... 3

ABOUT 406 MHz BEACONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

REGISTRATION & TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP 3

Registration Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION . . . 4

Contacts for Reporting Activations . . . . 4

BATTERIES & MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . 4

TESTING THE PLB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

GPS SATELLITE ACQUISITION TEST ........ 5

SAFETY SEAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ACTIVATION IN AN EMERGENCY ......... 5

Location for deployment ............ 5

ACTIVATING THE MT410/410G .......... 6

DEACTIVATING THE MT410/410G ........ 6

DISPOSAL .......................... 6

SPECIFICATIONS ..................... 7

WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back page

NATIONAL AUTHORITY INFO ......back page

CONTENTS

FEATURES

•

Suitable for marine, aviation and land

applications.

•

GPS model available - Accusat Pocket Pro+

(MT410G).

•

7 year Battery life, 7 year Warranty.

•

Typical accuracy - MT410G: <45 m

MT410: <5 km.

•

High visibility flashing light.

•

Unique patented technology - no warm up period.

•

Featherweight, compact and robust construction.

•

Digital 406 MHz, 5 Watt transmission plus 121.5

MHz homing signal.

•

COSPAS-SARSAT worldwide operation.

•

National and International Approvals.

•

Buoyant and waterproof design (exceeds IP67).

•

Simple 2-step activation.

•

Complete with retention strap and protective

carry pouch.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on purchasing your new Accusat Pocket
Series Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). The GME Accusat
Pocket MT410 and GPS equipped Accusat Pocket Pro+
MT410G are the most advanced 406 MHz digital satellite
beacons available today. Using new digital frequency
generation technology, GME have developed and approved
world wide, a new family of affordable high performance
406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons

GENERAL

The GME MT410 and MT410G PLBs are designed for use
when the safety of life is endangered and you have no
other means of communication. The PLB can save your life
and the lives of others by leading an air, land or sea rescue
to your precise location.

PLBs are an excellent choice to provide added safety while
participating in just about any outdoor or remote area
activity. The MT410/410G beacons are fully sealed units
and will not sink if dropped into water, making them
equally suitable for use on land and many marine and
aviation applications.

A PLB is distinctively different to an EPIRB and the
requirement for either is determined by personal situation and
intended usage. Note than unlike an EPIRB, the MT410/G
PLB when activated in a maritime environment, requires
assistance to keep its antenna clear of the waters surface.

EMERGENCY BEACONS SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN SITUATIONS

OF GRAVE AND IMMINENT DANGER.

It is important that you read this manual thoroughly.

Compliance Statement and Application
Certificates: please visit: www.gme.net.au/epirb

WARNING

PAGE 3 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 406 MHZ PLB

In the past, using the analogue system, (which will become
obsolete in February 2009) extensive and lengthy searches
have been carried out for missing persons, sometimes to
no avail. Your GME PLB is a self contained 406 MHz digital
radio transmitter that emits an internationally-recognized
distress signal on a frequency monitored by the COSPAS­SARSAT satellite system. The MT410 and MT410G contain
a unique identity code which can be cross referenced
to a database of registered 406 MHz beacons, allowing
the beacon’s owner to be immediately identified in the
event of an emergency. Both PLB models include a high
performance solid state light and 121.5 MHz VHF homing
signal to assist in leading rescuers to your precise location.

The MT410G also features an integrated 16 Channel GPS
Receiver which when activated, will automatically acquire a
position and relay the latitude and longitude of the beacon
along with the personal identifier and emergency signal.

ABOUT THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM

The COSPAS-SARSAT system is a complete global search
and rescue service using geostationary and polar orbiting
satellites. Many countries provide ground facilities known
as Local User Terminals (LUTs). Polar orbiting satellites
provide complete, although non-continuous, coverage of
the earth (due to fact that these satellites can only view a
portion of the earth at any given time) and can accurately
resolve an active beacons’ location. Additionally,
geostationary satellites can give an immediate alerting
function in many regions of the world.

The basic COSPAS-SARSAT concept is illustrated in the
following diagram

ABOUT 406 MHZ BEACONS

406 MHz beacons provide more accurate and reliable
alert data to search and rescue agencies than the older

121.5/243 MHz systems presently being phased out.
The older 121.5 MHz analogue system required that the
satellite be within view of both the beacon and the LUT
before it could transmit the beacons’ position. This limited
the coverage to an area immediately surrounding the

LUT.

However, the digital nature of the 406 MHz system

means

that the satellites are able to store the beacons’

position and

digital message, no matter where in the
world it is received. These details are then relayed to the
next LUT that comes

into range, giving the 406 MHz

system true global coverage.

REGISTRATION & TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP

Registration of your 406 MHz satellite PLB
with the Registration Section of your National
Authority is important and now mandatory in
most countries because of the global alerting
nature of the COSPAS-SARSAT system.

Owner Registration Forms for registering your beacon may
be supplied within the packaging, otherwise, your National
Authority will be able to provide the correct forms. Up to
date forms are often available online.

The information provided in the registration is used only
for search and rescue purposes. Promptly fill in the owner
registration form upon completion of the sales transaction,
then mail, fax or email it to your National Authority. If the
PLB is to enter service immediately, complete the
registration form and fax or email the information.

Should the PLB be transferred to a new owner, as the
previous owner you are obligated to inform your National
Authority by email, fax, letter or telephone of the name
and address of the new owner. The new owner of the
beacon is also required to provide their National Authority
with the information as shown on the registration form.
This obligation transfers to all subsequent owners.

Note: Your MT410/MT410G has been programmed with
a unique identifying code which will be transmitted by
the beacon in an emergency. Registering your beacon
provides the authorities with immediate access to your
details when the beacon is detected. This means they will
know who you are and who your emergency contacts
are. In situations of accidental activation they can also
immediately eliminate your beacon as an emergency
situation by contacting you when activation is detected.

REGISTRATION CONTACTS

Australian users - Address all correspondence to:

Beacon Registration Section, AusSAR
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181, Canberra City, ACT 2601.
Phone: [phone] or International: [phone].
Fax: [phone] or International: [phone].
Email: [e-mail].

New Zealand users - Address all correspondence to:
Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand

PO Box: 30050, Lower Hutt 5009.

PAGE 4 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 406 MHZ PLB

Phone: [phone]. Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Ensure information is current. Notify the appropriate
authority if ownership of the beacon is transferred.

Other areas - Please contact your Country Distributor
as shown on page 8 of this manual. If you have a beacon
coded with a foreign country code, or if you do not know
what country code has been used, then you will need
advice, please contact the relevant authority on one of the
numbers shown above or visit:
www.cospas-sarsat.org/BeaconsCodingGuideGeneral/poc.htm

PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION

The signal from a PLB is regarded by authorities as an
indication of distress and is given an appropriate response.
It is the responsibility of every owner of a PLB to ensure
that it is not activated unintentionally or in situations that
do not justify its use.

Most cases of accidental transmission result from poor or
inappropriate storage or failure to totally disable an old
model beacon before disposal.

The need to treat emergency beacons responsibly cannot
be too highly emphasised.

The MT410/410G will not commence transmitting until
approximately 60 seconds after activation, providing a
period of audible and visual warning. If you hear the
beacon beeping while it is being carried or stowed, you
may still be able to deactivate it during this time period
without actually transmitting a distress signal. If in doubt,
report the incident to your local authorities just in case.

To minimise the possibility of accidental activation, PLB
owners are urged to pay careful attention to the
following points:

1. Follow the self-testing procedures

2. Educate your travelling companions on how and when
to correctly operate your PLB

3. Avoid stowing the PLB where it will be subjected
to continuous direct sunlight. This could cause the
beacon’s internal temperature to exceed the maximum
storage temperature of +70°C. Long term stowage
under these conditions could result in reduced battery
life, poor performance or degradation of the plastics
due to excessive U.V. light.

4. Do not allow children to interfere with the PLB.

CONTACTS FOR REPORTING ACTIVATIONS

If you suspect that a PLB has been activated inadvertently,
you MUST turn it off and report it immediately to your
National Authority‘s Rescue Co-ordination Centre to
prevent an unnecessary search.

When reporting you should include the following:

1. Your PLB’s 15 character Unique Identifier Number
(UIN), which is marked on the unit body.

2. Date, time and duration of activation.

3. Cause of activation.

4. Location at time of activation.

Search and Rescue authorities will not penalize an
EPIRB owner or operator in cases of genuine accidental
activation.

Contact numbers:

Australia: 1800 641 792
New Zealand: 0508 472 269
United States of America: [phone]
United Kingdom: 01326 317 575

BATTERIES & MAINTENANCE

The MT410 and MT410G PLBs are fitted with the very
latest in high capacity battery technology. These batteries
are able to operate within a temperature range of -20°C
to +55°C.

The full operational capability of your beacon may not
be available if the batteries fitted have exceeded their
replacement date, as shown on the body of the unit.
Prior to reaching this date, make arrangements to have
your MT410/MT410G returned for service.

Note: PLB maintenance operations, including battery
replacement, require that the beacon be returned to a
manufacturer approved service facility. A list of authorised
Service Centres can be found on: www.gme.net.au.
The replacement of batteries due to expiry or usage is not
covered by the product‘s Warranty.

MT410/MT410G batteries are not user replaceable.

Although the MT410/410G are otherwise maintenance
free, routinely following these few simple steps will help
ensure that your beacon will be operationally ready if
called upon:

1. Test the PLB at the recommended interval.

2. Confirm the SAFETY SEAL has not been broken.

3. Check that the batteries have not passed their
replacement date.

4. Inspect the MT410/410G for physical damage
or deterioration.

5. Keep the unit clean by wiping over with a damp cloth
(warm water and mild detergent are suitable), then dry.

PAGE 5 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 406 MHZ PLB

If there is any doubt as to the products’ serviceability,
immediately contact your authorised Dealer or Service
Centre for advice.

TESTING THE PLB

It is recommended that you test the MT410/410G at
regular intervals to ensure it is fully functional. You should
also test the beacon prior to an extended journey.

WARNING •

DO NOT over test

– testing consumes
some battery power, no more than once
per month.

•

DO NOT deploy the antenna as
this will break

the seal and activate the
beacon to transmit a distress signal after 60
seconds.

You may test the PLB using the following procedure:

1. Remove the beacon from the carry pouch.

2. Use the key (attached to the lanyard) to slide the self
test switch down and then release, a double beep and
flash of the light will indicate the MT410/MT410G
is functioning correctly.

GPS SATELLITE ACQUISITION TEST

The standard self test procedure is more than sufficient to
perform a comprehensive check of your beacon without
consuming too much battery capacity. On occasions, and no
more regularly than on average once a year, you may wish
to perform a GPS satellite acquisition check (MT410G only).

Whereas the routine self test verifies the GPS receiver’s
circuitry, the full test will include the operation of the
special GPS antenna as well.

1. This test consumes much more power than a standard
self test so choose a test location with good visibility of
the open sky above. A quick satellite acquisition means
a short test, and less wasted power consumption.

2. Carry out a self test in the usual way but rather than
releasing the key, continue to hold it in position. After
the self test pass confirmation, both the light flash
and the internal beeper will start. Count a further four
flashes/beeps then immediately release the key.

3. The MT410G will continue to flash and beep whilst it
searches for available satellites. This may continue for

a number of minutes depending on the number and
location of satellites present. It is not possible to abort
the test once started, and note that distress signals are
not radiated as part of this test.

4. If no satellites are found after a predetermined time the
repetitive flash and beep will stop. This may indicate a
fault with the GPS receiver system within the PLB and
you should contact your local service centre for advice.

If the test terminates with a rapid sequence of flashes and
beeps then GPS satellite acquisition and correct operation
has been confirmed.

SAFETY SEAL

The safety seal which covers the antenna on the rear side
of the beacon is designed to tear if the unit is switched on.
A safety seal that is not broken serves to indicate that the
beacon has never been manually activated.

NEVER remove or break the seal unless deploying the PLB
in an emergency. If the beacon has been activated for any
length of time, the batteries can no longer be guaranteed
to have the capacity to operate for the minimum 24 hour
period and therefore must be replaced.

TRANSPORTATION

GME PLBs use batteries with a low level of lithium content.
Consequently GME PLBs are classed as ‘non-hazardous
products’ by IATA and maybe shipped without DG
declaration

and carried without problem (accompanied
or unaccompanied) on passenger aircraft. However, it is
advisable that you check with your carrier that they do not
have specific restrictions which may apply to you.

ACTIVATION IN AN EMERGENCY

PLBs should only be activated in situations of grave and
imminent danger. Deliberate misuse may well result in the
unnecessary deployment of valuable Search and Rescue
resources and could incur a severe penalty.

Should there be an inadvertent activation it is the
responsibility of the user to immediately switch the beacon
off and notify the nearest RCC (Rescue Coordination
Centre).

LOCATION FOR DEPLOYMENT

The MT410/410G will deliver best performance where
there is a clear view of the sky. Deploying the beacon
within an enclosure, particularly one which is electrically
conductive such as under a car roof, will reduce the signal
strength and may mean that it cannot be detected by
rescue satellites or overflying aircraft. If you find yourself
in a narrow valley or ravine, you can greatly increase the
chances of your beacon signal being detected by placing it
on higher ground.

PAGE 6 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 406 MHZ PLB

Deploy the beacon in an upright position with
the wire antenna vertical and well clear of any
surrounding obstructions such as trees or rocks. If
adverse weather conditions exist, use any available
props around the base of the beacon to ensure it
will not topple over. Where on-person operation is
unavoidable, choose an elevated position that also
achieves good local clearance around the vertical
wire antenna.

Once the beacon has been

activated, leave it switched on.

A continuous signal is needed for
Rescue Authorities to determine
your location.

ACTIVATING THE MT410/410G

1. Hold firmly and release the antenna by pushing the
black arm (where marked by a yellow triangle) inwards
then upwards The antenna will quickly uncoil and
extend.

2. Swing the antenna

fully upwards 180
degrees clockwise,
breaking the safety
seal. The antenna arm
will click into place.

The PLB is now ACTIVE.

The MT410 will ‘beep’ and pulse the inbuilt light 20-21
times per minute.

The MT410G will emit a rapid series of ‘beeps’ and light
flashes for a period of 6 seconds, indicating to the user
that it has acquired a GPS position fix and is relaying this
position along with the distress signal and the unique
personal identifier to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.

After 6 seconds the MT410G will continue to ‘beep’ and
pulse the light 20-21 times per minute.

DEACTIVATING THE MT410/410G

1. Using the key (attached to the lanyard) depress the
antenna latch.

2. Swing the antenna fully down 180 degrees anti­clockwise and latch.

3. Re-wrap antenna around

the groove on unit back.

The PLB is now turned OFF and

the audio and visual alerts
will cease.

DISPOSAL

Special precautions must be taken when finally disposing
of your beacon at the end of it’s useful life. Legislation may
determine the specific requirements which apply to you.
In the first instance, contact your National Authority for
advice. The following information may also be helpful:

To permanently disable the beacon:

1.

At the rear of the beacon remove the two retaining screws
located just under the safety seal. Turn the unit over and
remove a third screw from the middle of the cap.

2. Release the antenna just sufficiently to allow the cap to
be partially withdrawn, remove the yellow plastic insert
from the front centre to allow the unit to slide apart.

3.

Unplug the battery leads at the base of the circuit board.

•

Lithium batteries are generally not considered as hazardous
waste when fully discharged. Qualified personnel may be
able to slowly and safely discharge the cells for you.

• 

The MT410 and MT410G contain many recyclable parts.

PAGE 7 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 406 MHZ PLB

MODES OF OPERATION

Activated: UHF (406) and VHF (homer)

complete with high intensity light
and audible alert.

Self Test: Comprehensive internal

diagnostics with visual and
audible operator feed-back.
UHF test message (inverted
synchronisation compatible with
portable beacon testers).
GPS satellite acquisition test
(MT410G only).

OPERATION

Activation: Automatically when antenna

deployed.

Duration: In excess of 24 hours at -20°C

Longer at higher ambient
temperatures.

Transmission: 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz

Delay: 60 seconds to deactivate prior

to distress transmission.

Warm Up: None required (due to patented

digital frequency generation).

VHF: 121.5 MHz, 50 mW ±3 dB, swept

tone AM (analogue).

UHF: 406.028 MHz, 5 W ± 2 dB,

PSK (digital).

Light: > 20 flashes/minute

2 x high intensity white LED.

COSPAS-SARSAT

Certified to C/S T.001 (Class 2)

requirements.

UHF-Protocol/Data: Supports all short (MT410)

and long (MT410G) operation
protocols (re-programmable by
Distributor).

Repetition Period: 50 s mean, digitally generated

randomization.

VHF: Satellite compatible phase

coherent

BATTERY

Replacement Prior to expiry date marked on
Period: case - (7 yrs), or after use.

Replacement

Service centre or factory only

Method:

(non-user replaceable).

Battery Chemistry:

LiMnO2 (0.49 g Lithium per cell)

Battery

2 electronically isolated batteries,

Configuration:

consisting of 2 cells type

CR17345.

PHYSICAL

Operating:

-20 to +55°C

Storage:

-30 to +70°C

Weight:

MT410 - 235 g, MT410G - 250 g

Compass Safe

Distance:

0.1 m (for minimal deflection)

Dimensions (mm):

135 (h) x 71 (w) x 38 (d)

Buoyant:

Will float in fresh/salt water

(RTCM Cat 1).

Waterproof:

Submersion to 1 m, exceeds IP67.

Materials:

High visibility yellow chassis with

translucent cap. UV stabilised
high impact plastic chassis with
energy absorption over-moulded
bumpers.

GPS RECEIVER (FITTED TO MT410G ONLY)

Type:

Ultra-high sensitivity L1

frequency C/A.

Channels:

16 Channel, 8192 time/frequency

search windows.

Antenna:

Dielectrically loaded quadrifilar

helix

Acquisition:

Cold start 34 seconds typical

Hot start <3.5 seconds typical.

Position:

Located to within 45 m typical

OTHER FEATURES

Standards and AS/NZS 4280.2,
Approvals: ETSI EN 302 152-1 (CE0168!),
RTCM 76-2002/SC110,

FCC ID: TXJMT410-G

Transport:

Meets UN requirements for
transport as non-hazardous cargo
on board passenger aircraft.

Antenna:

Flexible, self straightening and

robust wire rope design. Marine

grade 316 Stainless Steel.

Included

Wrist/Neck strap.

Accessories:

Protective carry pouch with

multidirectional belt loops.

SPECIFICATIONS*

*All specifications are typical and subject to change without notice or obligation.

GME limit this warranty to the original purchaser of the
equipment. GME warrant this product to be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of 7
years from the date of purchase from the
authorised retailer.

Replacement of batteries due to expiry or usage is
excluded from this Warranty. Should the product require
servicing during this period, all labour and parts used
to effect repairs will be supplied free of charge. GME
reserve the right to determine whether damage has been
occasioned by accident, misuse or improper installation,
whereby the Warranty could be void. In the event of a

defect occurring during the Warranty period, the original
purchaser may return the defective unit along with suitable
proof of purchase (i.e. receipt, credit card slip etc.) and a
full description of the defect to the retailer from whom the
unit was purchased.

The retailer will forward the unit to an authorised GME
Service Depot in your State.

All freight charges incurred for transportation by the
retailer or GME are the purchasers’ responsibility.

International customers should contact their in-country
retailer contact GME directly at: [e-mail]

Owner Details

: Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

........................................................................

Tel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

UIN (Hex ID) #: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Distributed by:

Australia: 24 Hour Emergency Contact

Phone: [phone] or
International:

[phone]

New Zealand: 24 Hour Emergency Contact

Phone: [phone] or
International:

[phone]

WARRANTY

NATIONAL AUTHORITY INFORMATION

A Division of:

Head Office: SYDNEY- Locked Bag 2086, North Ryde N.S.W. 1670, Australia. Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone].
MELBOURNE ADELAIDE PERTH BRISBANE SYDNEY AUCKLAND

7 Mircro Circuit 14 Phillips St. Unit 1 Unit 1 Unit B Unit 2
Dandenong South Thebarton 10-12 Harvard Way 89-101 Factory Rd. 22-24 College St. 24 Bishop Dunn Pl.
Vic. 3165 S.A. 5031 Canning Vale Oxley Gladesville East Tamaki
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] W.A. 6155 Qld. 4075 N.S.W. 2111 Manukau N.Z. 2013
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]

For customers outside Australia and New Zealand, please contact your local GME retailer or email to: [e-mail]

Part Number: 310361 Drawing Number: 4300 3 - 8

Notifications to permit sale and use of this equipment have been
lodged with the relevant National Authorities of the following countries :

Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and Turkey.