GME MT400AUS User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

P/N: 310221 Dwg No: 42210-3

www.gme.net.au

NATIONAL AUTHORITY DETAILS

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR DETAILS

Chemistry:

LiSO

(2.4 g Lithium per cell).

PHYSICAL

No./Size:

Operating:

when stowed in bracket.

Performance:

OTHER FEATURES

Storage:

Weight:

Compass Safe

Distance:

Dimensions:

Materials:

Retention Lanyard:

Refl ector:

Solid-state Strobe:

Antenna:

Bracket:

2

2 D size cells.

-20°C to +55°C.

-30°C to +70°C.

555 g (plus 98 g for bracket).

MT400 - 0.1m
MT401 - 0.7m (incl mounting bracket) from magnetic

navigational device when inactive.

260 mm (H) x 102 mm (W) x 83 mm (D) max.

UV stabilized plastic chassis.

IEC 61097; IEC 60945; AS/NZS 4280.1;

ETSI EN 300 066.

Buoyant type approximately 5.5 metres long.

SOLAS retro-refl ective tape encircling unit above waterline.

High reliability solid state design exceeds IMO

requirements.

Flexible self straightening stainless steel design.

Quick release mechanism (manual). Retained by four (4)

vessel fi xing points.

* Standard factory setting. Dealer programmable via external interface.

Specifi cations are subject to change without notice or obligation.

GME SIX (6) YEAR WARRANTY

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 6 years from the date of purchase from the
authorised dealer.

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 Dealer from whom the unit was purchased. The dealer will
forward the unit to an authorised GME Service Depot in your State.

All freight charges incurred for transportation by the dealer or GME are the
Purchasers’ responsibility.

Australia
24 hour Emergency Contact

Phone: [phone]

Registration

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

Fax: [phone] Local Only.
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.amsa.gov.au
Phone: Freecall 1 800 406 406 Local only.

[phone] Business hours only, local
or International.

Calls from a mobile attract connection
charges.

New Zealand
24 hour Emergency Contact

Phone: [phone]

Registration

Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand
PO Box: 30050, Lower Hutt 5040

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

Standard Communications PTY LTD.

HEAD OFFICE: Locked Bag 2086, North Ryde, N.S.W. 1670, Australia.

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

INTERNATIONAL ENQUIRIES

International enquiries should be direccted to:
[e-mail]

MT400

MANUAL ACTIVATION

MT401

MANUAL & WATER
ACTIVATION

406 MHz

Homer/Strobe

EPIRB

EMERGENCY

POSITION INDICATING

RADIO BEACON

OWNER DETAILS

activated by the operator in an emergency situation. The MT401 will also
automatically activate out of the mounting bracket if it is fl oated in water.

Name:

Address:

Additionally each includes a ultra high performance solid state strobe and

121.5 MHz VHF homing beacon to assist in leading rescuers to your precise
location.

ABOUT THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM

Phone:

Beacon UIN/15-HEX ID:

Congratulations on purchasing your new MT400 series EPIRB. The GME
MT400 and MT401 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 beacons.

A CAUTIONARY NOTE: The satellite EPIRB is the most signifi cant advance in

search and rescue technology in many years. It is not a substitute for a marine
radio – mariners should not be over-reliant on any single system. Wise, safe
mariners plan carefully, ensure that shore contacts know their sail plan, carry a
marine radio and the right range of other safety equipment and operate their
craft sensibly to suit conditions at sea.

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.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The basic COSPAS-SARSAT concept is illustrated in the fi gure above.

ABOUT 406 MHZ BEACONS

406 MHz beacons provide more accurate and reliable alert data to search

MT400
(orange – chassis)

MT401 also has
water activation

MT401
(yellow – chassis)

The GME MT400 and MT401 digital Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacons (EPIRB) are designed for use when the safety of your craft and crew
is endangered and you have no other means of communication. The EPIRB
can save your life and the lives of others on board by leading an air/sea
rescue to your precise location. In the past, extensive and lengthy searches
have been carried out for missing craft, sometimes to no avail.

Your GME EPIRB is a self contained 406 MHz radio transmitter that emits an
internationally-recognized distress signal on a frequency monitored by the
COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. The MT400 and MT401 contain a unique
identity code which can be cross referenced to a database of registered 406
MHz beacons, allowing the beacon’s owner or vessel to be immediately
identifi ed in the event of an emergency. Both models can be manually

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 AND TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP

Registration of your 406 MHz satellite EPIRB with the Registration Section of
your National Authority is important 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 fi ll in the owner registration form upon completion

of the sales transaction, then mail, fax or email it to your National Authority.
If the beacon is to enter service immediately, complete the registration form
and fax or email the information.

Should the beacon be transferred to a new owner, as the previous owner
you are 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 required to provide their National Authority
with the information as shown on the registration form. This obligation
transfers to all subsequent owners.

NOTE: Your MT400/401 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, who your
emergency contacts are and what type of vessel or craft you are in. In situations
of accidental activation they can also immediately eliminate your beacon as an
emergency situation by contacting you when activation is detected.

PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION

The signal from an EPIRB is regarded by authorities as an indication of
distress and is given an appropriate response. It is the responsibility of every
owner of an EPIRB 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 EPIRB before disposal.
The need to treat EPIRBs responsibly cannot be too highly emphasized.

The MT400/401 will not commence transmitting until approximately 60
seconds after activation, providing a safety 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 minimize the possibility of accidental activation, EPIRB owners are urged
to pay careful attention to the following points:

1. Always stow the EPIRB in the mounting bracket and with the switch
cover closed. The mounting bracket and switch cover are designed
specifi cally to prevent accidental activation.

2. Avoid stowing the EPIRB where it may lie in water.

3. Avoid mounting the EPIRB 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 EPIRB.

5.

Educate others on board your vessel regarding the consequences of activation.

NOTE: (MT401 only): This model should always be stowed in its bracket to
minimise the possibility of an accidental automatic activation in the presence
of moisture. The yellow collar, provided only with this model‘s bracket, contains
special features which temporarily inhibit automatic water activation of the
EPIRB. If transporting the MT401 out of it’s mounting bracket, ensure that it
remains completely dry at all times.

INSTALLATION

The MT400/401 can be mounted upright or horizontally against a panel or
bulkhead. When selecting a location,
consider the following:

• Select a location that is readily

accessible in an emergency.

• Ensure the unit is protected against

the environment. Avoid locations
where it will be subject to water
spray or continuous sunlight.

• Mount the unit in a location

where it will be safe from physical
damage.

• The specications section contains

the ’Compass Safe Distance’ for
your particular model EPIRB. This is the minimum distance that must
be maintained between an inactive stowed beacon and any magnetic
navigational device.

• Conrm the selected location allows sufcient clearance to remove the

beacon from the bracket when required.

Hold the mounting bracket in place (with the EPIRB removed) and mark the
location of the mounting holes. Screw the bracket to the panel or bulkhead
using the stainless steel screws supplied.

NOTE: The placement of the mounting holes for the mounting bracket are

identical to those used on the earlier MT300 EPIRB.

Once the bracket is fixed in place, fit the MT400/401 to the bracket.

IN AN EMERGENCY

If an emergency occurs, you should first try to use your radio to summon
assistance.

Distress procedures should only be used where grave and imminent danger
threatens your craft and assistance is required. If contact is made, it may
not be necessary to use the beacon. Notify the ‘Emergency Facility’ that you
have a beacon and that you will turn it on upon their instructions.

Use the Beacon as a Last Resort.

If dire emergency threatens life and you have been unable to make radio
contact or have lost radio contact, use the beacon. The distress signal

transmitted by your beacon identifies you as a craft in distress and will initiate
an air/sea search and rescue.

BRACKET RELEASE AND STOWAGE

To remove the EPIRB

WARNING: (MT401 only) DO NOT remove the MT401 from its‘ mounting bracket

if the unit is wet, it may automatically activate. Ensure the unit is thoroughly dry
before removal.

1. With one hand, press down on the tab marked ’RELEASE’ at the base of

the bracket.

2. Grasp the EPIRB with the other hand and
pull it outwards and downwards.

3. The antenna will release automatically and

spring to the upright position.

To re-fit the EPIRB

1. Insert the EPIRB, antenna first, upwards into
the bracket.

2. Press the tip of the antenna against the
bottom of the three ridges in the antenna
slot and slide the EPIRB upwards into the
frame of the bracket so that the antenna
folds over.

3. Press downwards on the ‘RELEASE’ lever and push the EPIRB base firmly
into the bracket until the lever clicks upwards.

MANUAL ACTIVATION (MT400 AND MT401)

1. Remove the beacon from the bracket.

2. Lift the switch cover (marked ‘LIFT’).

3. Slide the ‘ON’ slider switch fully forward

in the direction of the arrows. The unit
will initially self test, then after two
seconds the flashing strobe and beeps
will indicate the beacon is operating.

4. Close the cover to secure the switch.

WATER ACTIVATION (MT401 ONLY)

1. Remove the beacon from the bracket.

2. Deploy the beacon in water if sea conditions permit. The unit will initially

self test, then shortly after the flashing strobe and beeps will indicate the
beacon is operating.

The MT401 has been designed to maintain continuity of operation even when
the units sensors leave the water for periods of several seconds at a time.
Uninterrupted operation is however always best guaranteed by also manually
activating the EPIRB.

If the beacon is to be deployed but not in water the manual activation
method must be used.

DEPLOYING THE EPIRB

Unwind the cord and secure the EPIRB to prevent
loss.

When activated, the MT400/401 will transmit the

strongest signal

to the satellites when:

• It is oating in water.

• It is well clear of surrounding and

overhanging objects.

• The antenna is vertical.

In extreme sea conditions, you should not float the EPIRB free of the vessel
or the life raft if there is the possibility of loss or damage to the EPIRB.

By observing the following guidelines
satisfactory operation should still be
achieved when operating the EPIRB
out of water.

• The EPIRB signal

through metal

will not pass

but will pass

METAL

through fiberglass, wood or fabric
with some loss when wet.

• The body of the EPIRB can be attached to metal ttings, but the antenna

vertical and clear of the metal.

must be

• If the cabin is metallic (such as steel or aluminium), the EPIRB should be

mounted on a clear space outside with the antenna vertical and clear of
surrounding objects.

WARNING: Switching a beacon on and off interferes with the satellites ability
to determine your location. Once activated in an emergency allow the beacon to
operate without interruption until your rescue.

NOTE: Normal operation of your beacon will cease once battery capacity is
depleted. Special circuitry within the MT400/401 however directs any remaining
capacity towards extended operation of the homing transmitter. Although the
beacon may otherwise have appeared to cease functioning it is likely that a
homing signal is still being emitted.

TURNING THE EPIRB OFF

It is important that you turn the EPIRB off as soon as possible after being
rescued. If you leave the EPIRB running when it is no longer needed it may
make it difficult for the satellites to detect other beacons that may be
transmitting in the area.

1. Remove beacon from the water.

’).

2. Lift the switch cover (marked ‘

3. Slide the yellow slider switch fully towards the

(MT401) position.

LIFT

’OFF’

(MT400) or

READY

‘

’

4. Close the cover to secure the switch.

5. To cancel Water Activation (MT401 only) dry the beacon or restow the

beacon in the bracket. It may take a number of seconds for the EPIRB
to de-activate.

6. Check that both the strobe light and the ‘

beep’ have stopped.

IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL ACTIVATION

If you suspect that an EPIRB 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.

If at sea call your local VHF coast station, or Rescue Co-ordination centre.

international waters contact a Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre or

In
Coast Radio Station (CRS) by any available means.

When reporting you should include the following:

1. Your EPIRB’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.

BATTERIES AND MAINTENANCE

The MT400/401 is fitted with the very latest in high capacity Lithium 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
MT400/401 returned for service.

NOTE: The replacement of batteries due to expiry or usage is not covered by the
product‘s Warranty. EPIRB maintenance operations, including battery replacement,
require that the beacon be returned to a manufacturer approved service facility.

Although the MT400/401 is 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 EPIRB 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 MT400/401 and bracket for damage or deterioration.

5. Keep the unit clean by wiping over with a damp cloth (warm water and

mild detergent are suitable), then dry.

6. Verify that the unit releases correctly from the bracket and is securely
retained when returned to it.

If there is any doubt as to the products’ serviceability, immediately contact
your authorised dealer or service centre for advice.

NOTE: Some installations may be covered by state, national or international

carriage requirements. Such legislation may impose additional inspection and
maintenance requirements beyond those listed above. Contact the relevant
authority for further information.

SAFETY SEAL

The safety seal which covers the tab behind the ‘
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 EPIRB 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 48
hour period and therefore must be replaced.

ON’

slider is designed to

TESTING THE EPIRB

It is recommended that you test the MT400/401 at regular intervals
(approximately monthly) to ensure it is fully functional. You should also test
the EPIRB prior to an extended journey.

DO NOT over test – testing consumes some battery power.

WARNING:

(MT401 only) DO

NOT

remove the MT401 from its‘ mounting bracket
if the unit is wet, it may automatically activate. Ensure the unit is thoroughly dry
before removal.

You may test the EPIRB at any time using the following procedure:

1. Remove the beacon from the bracket. Keep the antenna well clear of

metalic objects during testing.

2. Lift the cover marked ‘LIFT’.

3. Briefly press then release the

yellow ‘TEST’ button.

4. The unit will give a double beep

and flash of the strobe light to
show it is functioning correctly.

5. Close the switch cover and press

firmly into place until it clicks.

6. Return the beacon into the bracket.

If the EPIRB fails the testing process you should return it to your Dealer or
nearest GME branch office for maintenance.

UNACCOMPANIED TRANSPORTATION

Your MT400/401 EPIRB contains Lithium batteries. Some transportation or
courier companies may have special requirements for transporting devices
containing Lithium Batteries.

If returning your MT401 to your dealer or GME branch office for repair
or scheduled battery replacement, you should inform the transportation

company beforehand that your beacon contains Lithium batteries.

DO NOT send your beacon through the postal system.

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 remove the 4 screws retaining the

cover, open unit, unplug battery lead, then reseal.

• 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.

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

SPECIFICATIONS - MT400 AND MT401

MODES OF OPERATION

Activated:

UHF (406) and VHF (homer) complete with high intensity

strobe and audible activation alert.

OPERATION

Activation:

MT401 - Automatic when deployed in water.

effective intensity.

Repetition Period:

BATTERY

Replacement Period:

Replacement Method: Service centre, or factory only (non-user replaceable).

Self test:

Bracket Type:

Duration:

Transmission Delay:

Warm Up:

VHF:

UHF:

Strobe:

COSPAS-SARSAT

UHF-Protocol/Data:

VHF:

Comprehensive internal diagnostics with visual and

audible operator feedback. UHF test message (inverted
synchronisation compatible with portable beacon testers).

MT400/401 - Manually by operator

Manual Release.

48 hours minimum.

121.5 and 406 MHz distress signals commence ~
60 seconds after activation.

None required (due to digital frequency generation).

121.5 MHz, 50 mW ±3 dB, swept tone AM.

406.028 MHz*, 5 W ± 2 dB, PSK (digital).

20 flashes/minute at greater than 0.75 cd

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

Serial User*.

50 s mean, digitally generated randomization.

Satellite compatible phase coherent.

Prior to expiry date marked on case.