Kannad Marine SOLO PLB User Manual [en, de, es, fr]

406 MHz GPS Personal Location Beacon

www.kannadmarine.com

Orolia Ltd

Silver Point, Airport Service Road,
Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5PB UK

TELEPHONE:
Int + 44 (0)23 9262 3900
Fax: Int + 44 (0)23 9262 3998

WEB: www.kannadmarine.com
EMAIL: [e-mail]

EMERGENCY LOCATION BEACONS

406 MHz GPS Personal Location Beacon

An Orolia Group Business

91-310 Issue 3

USER MANUAL

3

SAFETY NOTICES

WARNING: A Personal Locator Beacon

(PLB) is an emergency radio beacon.

Use only in situations of grave and
imminent danger to life.

CAUTION: False alerts endanger lives

and cause expensive disruption to Search
and Rescue services, deliberate misuse of
the PLB may result in a penalty.

CAUTION: Spring action antenna
deployment; tilt the PLB away from your
face when deploying the antenna.

CAUTION: Do not dismantle the PLB;
contains no user-serviceable parts.

CAUTION: Contains lithium batteries.
Do not incinerate, puncture, deform, short­circuit or recharge.

CAUTION: Dispose of a used PLB

in accordance with local waste disposal
regulations. Refer to End of Life Statement.

Your PLBs unique

identification information

CAUTION: Avoid using chemical
solvents to clean the PLB as some solvents
can damage the case material.

CAUTION: Radio licensing; the PLB is a

radio transmitter. Some administrations may
require that the user holds a valid radio license
to cover its ownership and use.

CAUTION: The PLB will not float unless

fitted with the supplied buoyancy pouch, but
we still recommend you fit a lanyard restraint
when near water to avoid loss.

RADIO FREQUENCY EXPOSURE WARNING
WARNING: The PLB emits low levels of

radio frequency radiation; avoid handling
the antenna once activated.

REGISTRATION

WARNING: The PLB must be promptly

registered with the appropriate National
Authority. Failure to register the PLB could
delay a Search and Rescue (SAR) response
and may be unlawful.

Stick copy

Programming label here

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on purchasing the SafeLink SOLO PLB. When carrying a
SafeLink SOLO you enjoy the reassurance of a last resort safeguard against life
threatening incidents that may occur anywhere in the world.
If you find yourself in a remote area without any other form of emergency
communication, on land or at sea, your SafeLink SOLO can call for help.

SafeLink SOLO will transmit a unique emergency identifier to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite
system which can determine your location anywhere on the earth’s surface. In most cases
the emergency alert is received within 5 minutes of activation, but depending on satellite
coverage at the time this, can sometimes extend to 45 minutes.

SafeLink SOLO has a secondary ‘homing’ transmitter which allows SAR teams to
direction find or ‘home in’ on it once they arrive on scene. SafeLink SOLO has a storage
life of 6 years and once activated will continue to transmit emergency alerts for a
minimum of 24 hours.

For further information visit COSPAS-SARSAT on line at www.cospas-sarsat.org
and www.kannadmarine.com.

5

INCLUDED WITH YOUR SAFELINK
SOLO PLB

Buoyancy pouch

Lanyard

Universal pouch

RADIO LICENSE

U.S. users are not required to hold a radio license
for a PLB. Other national administrations may
require the PLB user to be licensed, for further
advice check with your dealer or contact your
national communications licensing authority.

The PLB’s unique identifier must be registered
with the national authority indicated in the white
area on the rear of the PLB. Complete the user
registration form and return it to the address
indicated on the form. Some national authorities
allow online registration, a good starting place
is the online emergency beacon registration
database called IBRD at www.406registration.
com. IBRD will not accept all registrations and
where appropriate you will be re-directed
to your national authority. Some countries
(including USA and UK) will send the registered
user a DECAL label which you are obliged to fit
to the rear of the PLB as ‘proof of registration’.

Battery
expiry date

Country name
& Hex ID

Fit “proof-of­registration” DECAL
label here

OVERVIEWUSER REGISTRATION

Red pull handle

Pull to expose antenna

Only pull in an emergency

Pulling breaks the plastic anti-tamper seal that

can not be reset by the user

White indicator Light

Flashes every 3 seconds once PLB is active,

Long flash every 50 seconds means satellite

transmission OK

Flashes twice a second when GPS is searching

3 rapid flashes means GPS location sent

Antenna

Unwraps and stands vertical once cover is off

GPS antenna zone

Do not obstruct

Needs a clear view of the sky for best operation

ON button

Press once to activate PLB

When the PLB is on, push the ON button again to

make the indicator light flash an SOS signal pattern

TEST / OFF button

Push and hold to start the self test

feature, a flash of white light indicates that the

self test is successful

Once PLB is active

Hold TEST to turn PLB off

Eyelet for lanyard

7

ACTIVATING THE SAFELINK SOLO

Only ever activate in situations of grave or imminent danger.

1) Flip up the red pull handle,
Pull the antenna cover off

IMPORTANT

The antenna cover is an anti-tamper seal,
once broken it cannot be refitted. If accidently
removed, you will need to contact your
supplier for a new cover.

2) Hold the end of the antenna.
Unwrap the antenna until
it stands vertical

CAUTION

Spring action antenna deployment; tilt the
PLB away from your face before deploying
the antenna.

3) Press the ON button

Transmission of the first emergency alert message
takes place 50 seconds after initial activation.
In the event of an accidental or false activation
this delay allows time for the user to turn off the
SafeLink SOLO before the first alert is transmitted.

DEPLOYING THE PLB

• Always position the PLB so that the antenna stands vertical

• If it is windy, rotate the PLB so that the white indicator light faces into the wind

Do NOT allow

YES

YES

Use around water

The SafeLink SOLO is waterproof to 10 metres and will float when used
with the accompanying buoyancy pouch. To avoid loss when in the water, fit
the retaining lanyard through the eye hole in the base of the PLB and fasten it
securely to your wrist, clothing or personal flotation device.

The PLB is not a substitute for an EPIRB that may be required under maritime
regulation.

Note: The PLB will not float if the buoyancy pouch is not correctly fitted on the unit. The PLB is not
designed to float in an upright position or transmit a distress alert when floating in water.

the PLB to
tip over

Do NOT hold
the antenna

Do NOT
cover the GPS
antenna zone

Do NOT allow
the antenna
to sit in a puddle
of water

NO

NO

9

INDICATOR LIGHT

The indicator light will start flashing immediately
the SafeLink SOLO is activated.

SafeLink SOLO Light indication

PLB ACTIVE
1 flash every 3 seconds

SATELLITE TRANSMISSION OK
Large flash once every 50 seconds

SafeLink SOLO GPS Light indication

GPS SEARCHING
2 flashes every 1 second

SATELLITE TRANSMISSION SENT WITH
GPS LOCATION OK
Sequence repeats every 50 seconds

PLB ACTIVE
1 flash every 3 seconds

FLASH SOS FEATURE

When the PLB is active, pressing the ON button
will cause the indicator light to flash a Morse
code SOS pattern. This can be used to attract
attention after nightfall. The SOS pattern is
repeated four times on each press.

To conserve battery life, a maximum of
30 presses are allowed, after which this feature
is disabled.

DE-ACTIVATION AFTER USE

To turn off the SafeLink SOLO, press and hold the
TEST button for several seconds until the indicator
light stops flashing.

We recommend the
antenna is re-wound
under the plastic peg.
If possible, the yellow
antenna cover should
be pushed back in place
and temporarily taped
over, to avoid accidental
pressing of the ON button.

Important

As soon as possible the PLB should be returned to
a service agent, who will fit a new antenna cover
and check the battery condition. If the PLB was
active for more than a few hours we recommend
fitting a fresh battery to ensure the full 24 hour
operational life is still available.

SELF TEST

Self-test verifies operation of the PLB by checking
all key features including the battery and alert
transmitters.

TEST button

Push and hold the SELF
TEST button very firmly
for a minimum of 2
seconds, the indicator
light will flash once to
indicate the start of the self test sequence.

After a few seconds, a good self-test will result in
the indicator light flashing a number of times in
quick succession depending on battery usage;

fresh battery self test pass
minimum usage self test pass
medium usage self test pass

NO FLASH self test fail PLB requires service

The PLB will switch off automatically when the
self-test has completed.

Important

Each self-test draws small amounts of energy
from the battery pack. Unnecessary testing of
the PLB will reduce the run time of the PLB in an
emergency. On average, the PLB should only be
self tested 12 times per year, or a total of 60 times
during the 6 year battery lifetime.

11

GPS POSITION ACQUISITION TEST

When testing the GPS, take the PLB outside
into an open space with a clear view of the
surrounding sky.

Self testing of the in-built GPS is restricted to
a maximum of 10 tests throughout the 6 year
storage life of the battery. Once all the tests
have been used up, attempting further tests will
cause the indicator light to flash 4 times in quick
succession and the PLB to power off.

The GPS self-test feature can only be
accessed after first completing a standard PLB
self-test routine;

Push and hold the TEST button for a minimum of
2 seconds, the indicator light will flash once to
indicate the start of the self test sequence. Release
the TEST button.

After a few seconds the standard self-test routine
will complete and should result in the indicator
light flashing a number of times in quick
succession depending on the past battery usage.

Immediately after the indicator light stops flashing,
hold down the TEST button for around 30 seconds.
The GPS test routine starts when the indicator
light begins to flash, now release the TEST button.
The light will continue to flash slowly for up to 5
minutes; you should continue to watch the PLB
throughout this period.

A successful GPS test is signalled by the indicator
light flashing a number of longer flashes in quick
succession.

GPS self test pass
10 – 4 GPS tests remaining

GPS self test pass
3 – 1 GPS tests remaining

GPS self test pass
No GPS tests remaining

Important

To preserve battery life, GPS testing is restricted
to a maximum of 10 tests throughout the 6 year
battery life. Once used up, further GPS tests are
prohibited.

CHOOSING THE BEST LOCATION

The SafeLink SOLO works best under an
unobstructed view of the sky. This ensures the
emergency alert message reaches the satellite
system and gives the GPS receiver the best signals
to work with.

If it’s not possible to pick a location with
an unobstructed view of the sky, then try to
maximize the amount of sky available.

Tree canopy degrades performance. Find a
clearing with as much sky view as possible.

Ravines, canyons, caves and overhangs should be
avoided if at all possible.

Stay put - Rescue teams expect you to remain
stationary. Trying to walk for help is generally
not advised and will probably slow down the
rescue effort.

On foot

If you must walk for help, ensure the SafeLink
SOLO antenna remains vertical.

Aircraft

A PLB is often used as an additional carry-off
safety device. The PLB should NOT be activated
aboard an aircraft. The signal will be blocked by
metalwork and the PLB may be damaged by any
impact. Activate the PLB after landing, away from
the aircraft, as it may
cause shadowing.

Vehicles

The PLB will not work well inside a vehicle due to
metalwork shadowing. Exit the vehicle, activate
the PLB, and place it on the roof,
the hood, or just on the ground away from
the vehicle.

Land

Find the best sky view, then place the PLB on
flat ground. Keep the antenna pointing towards
the sky and ensure wind does not knock the
PLB over. Do NOT allow the antenna to sit in a
puddle of water.

Aboard ship

Place the PLB flat on the deck, choosing a position
with the best sky view.

Liferaft

Try to keep the PLB flat and try to elevate the PLB
to avoid bodies blocking the signal. Consider
holding the PLB outside the canopy. First attach
a lanyard between the PLB and your clothing to
avoid loss of the PLB.

Lifejacket

Attach a lanyard cord between the PLB and
clothing to avoid loss of the PLB. Hold the PLB flat
on top of the life vest and try to keep it above
any wave wash. Keep the antenna vertical. Avoid
holding the antenna, or blocking the GPS zone
with your hand.

False alerts

If the PLB has been accidentally activated, or if
rescue has been completed before arrival of the
rescue services:

• Switch off the PLB and notify the appropriate

rescue services or authorities at the earliest
possible time.

• Contact the rescue services, coastguard, or

police by radio or telephone to advise them of

the false alert.
In the U.S. call 1-800-851-3051
In the UK call MRCC Falmouth

[phone]

13

TRANSPORTATION

Passenger Aircraft;

This product contains small lithium metal batteries.
They can normally be carried on board passenger
aircraft as a personal item in carry-on baggage.
Orolia Ltd always recommends declaring the PLB
to airline staff at check in, in the same way you
would for a laptop PC or video camera.

As air cargo;

This product contains small lithium metal batteries.
Due to the overall low level of lithium content
they are not restricted as air cargo under IATA
UN3091-PI 970, always check with the carrier
concerned for any additional restrictions that
could apply.

END OF LIFE STATEMENT

At the end of the product’s useful life, it is vital
that the battery is removed from the main body of
the PLB to prevent false alerts. False alerts cause
expensive disruption to Search and Rescue services
and may endanger lives as a consequence.

Safe disposal

Contains traces of lithium, may contain lead and
brominated flame retardants (BFRs), both in the
housing material and circuit boards.

DO NOT INCINERATE

Oroliac Ltd strongly recommends that this
PLB product is disposed of in a sensible and
considerate manner. For example, do not simply
discard the product in the domestic waste. Instead
take it to a civil recycling
facility, or contact
Orolia Ltd for advice.

SAFELINK SOLO

STANDARDS COSPAS-SARSAT
APPLIED T.001/T.007 class2

RTCM SC110 STD 11010.2
ETSI EN 302-152-1
AS/NZS 4280.2
NSS-PLB06

ENVIRONMENTAL

Exterior Finish Highly visible yellow
Sealing Waterproof to 10m (30ft)

(IP 58, IPX8)
Operating Class 2, -20°C to +55°C

temperature (-4°F to +131°F)
Storage Temperature

(-22°F to +158°F)
Altitude 40,000 feet

BATTERY

Battery Type 6V Lithium Metal
Battery storage 6 years
Battery By service centre

replacement
Battery use Logged by microcontroller

OPERATION

Activation
activation

Self test Tests transmitters,
battery and light

SOS flash light Morse code SOS pattern
(30 operations allowed)

TRANSPORTATION

Air cargo UN 3091, not restricted,
IATA SP 188 - PI 970

Class 2, -30°C to +70°C

Three stage manual

ELECTRICAL

406.037 MHz ± 1KHz, 5W ± 2dB
transmitter

121.5 MHz ± 3KHz, 50mW ± 3dB PERP
transmitter

Homer sweep UP or DOWN
direction

Transmit Antenna Deployable flexible
vertical blade

Programming Optical Infra-red link
interface

PHYSICAL

SafeLink SOLO Category 2, will not float
Size (D x W x L) 36 x 50 x 112mm

(1.42” x 1.97” x 4.40”)
Weight 165g (5.8oz)
GPS 50 channel
Receive Antenna Ceramic Patch
GPS Self test Position acquisition test

PART NUMBER

K91-001-310A
retail pack

SafeLink SOLO is only recommended for use
on or in water when fitted with the supplied
flotation device.

A SafeLink SOLO is not an ELT or an EPIRB and
does not meet the regulatory requirements for
an ELT or an EPIRB.

(10 operations allowed)

SafeLink SOLO PLB (with GPS)

AVIS DE SÉCURITÉ

AVERTISSEMENT: Une radiobalise

personnelle de repérage (Personal Locator
Beacon, PLB) est une radiobalise d’urgence

Son utilisation doit être réservée aux situations
de danger grave et imminent.

AVERTISSEMENT: Les fausses alertes mettent
des vies en danger, perturbent les services de
recherche et de sauvetage et sont coûteuses. Une
utilisation abusive délibérée de la PLB pourrait
entraîner des pénalités et des amendes.

ATTENTION: Le mécanisme de déploiement
de l’antenne contient un ressort; inclinez la
PLB loin de votre visage lorsque vous dépliez
l’antenne.

ATTENTION: Ne démontez pas la PLB.
Elle ne contient aucune pièce réparable par
l’utilisateur.

ATTENTION: Contient des batteries au
lithium. Ne pas incinérer, percer, déformer, court­circuiter ou recharger.

ATTENTION: Mettre la PLB au rebut en
respectant la réglementation locale concernant
les déchets. Consulter la déclaration de fin de vie
utile.

ATTENTION: Evitez l’utilisation de solvants

chimiques pour nettoyer la PLB car certains
solvants peuvent endommager le matériau du
boîtier.

ATTENTION: Licence radio - la PLB est
un émetteur radio. Certaines administrations
peuvent exiger que l’utilisateur possède une
licence radio en cours de validité s’ils possèdent
et utilisent une PLB.

ATTENTION: La PLB ne flottera pas si elle
n’est pas à l’intérieur de la pochette flottante
fournie avec la balise, mais nous recommandons
toujours de sécuriser la PLB avec une lanière à
proximité de l’eau pour éviter de la perdre.

AVERTISSEMENT CONCERNANT L’EXPOSITION
AUX FRÉQUENCES RADIO

AVERTISSEMENT:

rayonnement à fréquence radioélectrique. Evitez
de manipuler l’antenne quand la PLB est activée.

La PLB émet un faible

INSCRIPTION

AVERTISSEMENT: La PLB doit être enregistrée
rapidement auprès de l’autorité nationale
pertinente. Ne pas enregistrer la PLB pourrait
retarder l’intervention des services de sauvetage et
peut être illégale.

15

INTRODUCTION

Félicitations, vous venez d’acheter la radiobalise personnelle de repérage (PLB)
SafeLink SOLO. Quand vous emportez une PLB SafeLink SOLO, vous savez que
vous bénéficiez d’une protection « de dernier recours » en cas d’incident grave,
n’importe où dans le monde. Si vous vous trouvez dans un endroit reculé, sans
aucune autre forme de communication d’urgence, sur terre ou en mer, votre
SafeLink SOLO peut lancer un appel au secours.

SafeLink SOLO transmet un N° d’identification unique au système satellitaire COSPAS­SARSAT qui pourra alors déterminer votre localisation n’importe où dans le monde.

Dans la plupart des cas, l’alerte d’urgence est reçue dans un délai de 5 minutes à compter
de l’activation, mais en fonction de la couverture satellitaire ce délai peut parfois aller
jusqu’à 45 minutes.

SafeLink SOLO est équipée d’un émetteur secondaire de radioralliement qui permet aux
équipes SAR de se diriger ou de cibler l’émetteur une fois arrivées sur place. La durée de
vie de la SafeLink SOLO est de 6 ans si elle n’est pas utilisée. Une fois activée, elle continue
à émettre des alertes d’urgence pendant 24 heures minimum.

Pour obtenir un complément d’information, rendez-vous sur le site Internet de
COSPAS-SARSAT sur www.cospas-sarsat.org et www.kannadmarine.com.

Les références d’identification

uniques de votre PLB

Coller l’étiquette

de programmation ici