SAILOR EPROG 4
EPIRB PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
82-553-007M
Issue 1
USER GUIDE
82-553-007M
Contents
Background........................................................................................................1
Overview ............................................................................................................2
Installation..........................................................................................................4
System requirements......................................................................................4
Installing the software.....................................................................................4
Connecting the lightpen..................................................................................6
Registration.....................................................................................................6
Input data ...........................................................................................................7
Starting EPROG4...................................................................................................... 7
Completing the main data form ................................................................................. 8
Program EPIRB................................................................................................11
If the EPIRB will not program........................................................................13
Print forms and labels.....................................................................................14
Fit EPIRB Rear Label.......................................................................................16
Fitting to current model EPIRBs....................................................................16
Fitting to earlier models ................................................................................16
Fit Enclosure Label .........................................................................................17
Mark HRU expiry date......................................................................................18
Mark enclosure label.....................................................................................18
Pack registration forms ..................................................................................19
Dealers pre-registration form................................................................................... 20
EPIRB programming certificate ............................................................................... 21
IMPORTANT NOTE......................................................................................22
Options.............................................................................................................23
Startup option ......................................................................................................... 23
Location protocol option.......................................................................................... 23
Changing the printer ............................................................................................... 24
Changing the default programming pen port ........................................................... 25
Adding new MID numbers.............................................................................26
Print preview.................................................................................................27
Support.............................................................................................................29
EPROG4 programming manual Issue 1
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WARNING
This software is provided only to authorised dealers and
distributors. It must not be made available to third parties
or EPIRB end users under ANY circumstances.
Programming of EPIRBs must be carried out only by an
authorised dealer or approved service centre.
The EPIRB is a GMDSS device. Improper use of this
software to program an EPIRB could prevent the unit from
transmitting in an emergency.
Dealers and Service Agents are reminded that the liability
for the correctness of programming lies entirely with the
agent providing the service, and that this liability extends
to the standard of work provided by all persons employed
by, or recognised as providing service by, the agent.
Scope
EPROG4 software enables authorised dealers and distributors to program the
range of E3 and G4 brands of 406 MHz EPIRB. Examples of this range include:
McMurdo E3 McMurdo G4
Pains Wessex SOS Rescue 406 Pains Wessex SOS Rescue 406 Precision
Sailor 406 Satellite
Every 406MHz EPIRB must be coded with a unique identity before being
delivered to the customer. This must be done by either the manufacturer or
dealer; it cannot be done by the customer. The EPIRB and its automatic release
mount, if supplied, must be labelled with the unique programmed identity. The
EPIRB must be registered with the national authority so that in an emergency
the information can be passed to the search and rescue services.
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Background
Every vessel is registered to one country known as the vessel's Flag State. An
EPIRB is normally programmed with the same Flag as the vessel. Each Flag
State is allocated one or more 3-digit numbers (MID number); this number is
programmed into the EPIRB together with one of these identities:
Serialised Protocol
This is the simplest programming scheme used. Each EPIRB is allocated a
simple serial number, which is then programmed into it. The serial number can
be either assigned by the manufacturer or it can be assigned by the registration
authority.
MMSI Protocol
This programming scheme programs the vessel's mobile maritime station
identity (MMSI) number into the EPIRB. Many large ships have a MMSI number
assigned to them by their flag state authority, thus the MMSI protocol
automatically associates the EPIRB with the vessel and its registration country.
(For example, an MMSI of 278/123000 indicates the flag state number is 278
and the MMSI number is 123000.)
Radio Call Sign Protocol
This programming scheme is used by some countries that do not support the
MMSI protocol; instead, they require the radio call sign of the vessel to be used.
Many ships already have a radio call sign assigned to them by their flag state
radio licensing authority, thus the radio call sign protocol automatically
associates the EPIRB with the vessel and its registration country. Radio call
signs can be between four and seven characters long and usually consist of
letters followed by numbers, for example GKU23.
The choice of programming protocol used is often dictated by the registered flag
state authority. Some countries only allow serialised protocol, some require only
MMSI and others allow all three protocols. Where the choice of programming
protocol is imposed by the registration authority, the EPROG4 program will
automatically disable the disallowed options.
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Overview
Installation
Install software.
This is only done once.
Input data
All data is input on a single form. The
software automatically restricts the options
available depending on the type of EPIRB
and the Flag State.
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Program EPIRB
Programming transfers the data to the EPIRB through an infrared
link. The EPIRB acknowledges the correct receipt of the data.
Programming may be repeated as often as desired to ensure
that it has been received correctly.
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Print forms & labels
It is extremely important that the necessary
documentation is printed. The warranty form includes
the labels which must be attached to the EPIRB and,
where applicable, to the float-free enclosure. The
warranty form must be returned to the manufacturer in
order to ensure service.
The registration form is also essential, as the
information enables the rescue service to identify the
vessel transmitting a distress call.
Fit EPIRB rear label
The printed label must be attached to the back of the
EPIRB before it is returned to the customer. This label
contains vital information which by law is required to be
displayed on the EPIRB.
Fit enclosure label
Where applicable, the enclosure label
must be fitted to the side of the float-free
enclosure.
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Mark HRU expiry date
The HRU expiry date is marked by removing the
appropriate sections of the label.
Pack forms
The EPIRB is packed in its box together with the
User Manual and the completed forms.
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Installation
This section contains instructions for installing the software and hardware.
Please read the section completely before proceeding with the installation.
System requirements
The following minimum standard of hardware and software is required to run the
EPROG4 program:
• IBM compatible PC running either Windows 95, Windows 98,
Windows 98 2nd Edition or Windows NT4.
• Minimum of 32 Mb free memory, 64Mb recommended (Windows
NT - 64Mb minimum, 128Mb recommended).
• SVGA display capable of displaying 800 * 600 pixels or greater
with at least 16 colours (256 colours recommended).
• 10Mb free disk space for the EPROG4 software.
• Additional 10Mb free temporary disk space for the EPROG4
installation program.
• Free serial communications port for the programming pen.
• CDROM drive.
• Keyboard and mouse.
• Installed laser printer capable of printing 300dpi on A4/Letter size
paper in black toner. (Inkjet printing is not acceptable, because of
fading under UV radiation.)
Installing the software
The EPROG4 program is supplied on a CDROM disk.
If a previous version of EPROG is installed on the computer, it is advisable to
uninstall it (using the Add/Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel).
To install EPROG4:
• Load the CD into the drive.
• The install program should run automatically. If the autorun feature is
disabled or the program fails to start for any reason:
• Click on the Windows Start button
• Select Run... from the pop-up menu.
• When the Run dialog box appears, type D:\SYSTEM\MENU.EXE,
and click on the OK button. If the CDROM drive is E: or another
identifier, substitute the correct letter when typing. (Alternatively,
click on Browse… in the Run dialog box, then select the Menu
program on the CDROM from the \System\ directory that appears.)
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Whichever method is used to start the install program, the Install startup screen
will appear. This screen is adaptive. The first requirement is to read the
information file.
Thereafter, the installation program either allows a module to be installed, or
allows an installed module to run. For full functionality both the EPROG4
software and the Adobe Acrobat reader must be installed.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to perform the parts of the installation
procedure. Note that to install EPROG4 it is necessary to click on the large
button on the left, as prompted in the dialog box.
Connecting the lightpen
The programming pen supplied with the EPIRB programming kit should be
plugged into an available 9-pin serial port, preferably COM1 or COM2. The
EPROG4 program uses COM2 by default, however it can be configured to use
any available port by selecting the Options button on the main menu.
If the computer has a 25 pin serial port, a 25 to 9 pin adaptor is required which
should be readily available from computer suppliers.
Registration
It is important that the software registration form is completed and returned to
McMurdo.
Support will not be provided for unregistered software.
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Input data
Starting EPROG4
To start the EPROG4 program, click the Windows Start button and select the
Programs submenu. Click the EPROG4 icon; the EPROG4 program will then
load. The first time the program is run (under NT), it asks for the Product ID.
This is the number printed on the CD label and on the front of the CD box; it
must be entered exactly as it is printed.
The EPROG4 program first
displays a sign-on screen
showing the version number.
A welcome screen then
appears which contains the
latest information regarding
the program. After it has been
read for the first time, this
welcome screen can be
prevented from appearing
again by clicking on the box in
the bottom left corner. (It can
be re-enabled if desired from
the Options menu, as
described later.)
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Clicking Close on the welcome screen displays the main data input form, shown
below. The programming instructions refer to labels, buttons and lamps on the
EPIRB as shown.
Programming
pen location
Battery expiry
date
Red lamp
EPIRB serial
Ready button
Top view Rear view
Completing the main data form
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Serial Number Enter the EPIRB serial number. Type the serial number
exactly as it is shown on the label on the EPIRB as seen
through the EPIRB lens dome.
Battery expiry Set the correct battery expiry date as shown on the expiry
date label. The label is fitted to the rear of the EPIRB dome,
just below the antenna. Both the expiry month and year must
be entered.
Brand In the Brand section, choose the correct brand from the drop-
down list. The brand is shown on the front of the EPIRB.
Mounting Select the EPIRB enclosure that will be supplied; the options
are Float Free, Wall Mounting Bracket and Non Float Free
Enclosure.
Name Enter the name of the vessel on which the EPIRB will be
fitted.
Note: the vessel name is limited to 20 characters, so
abbreviations may be necessary in some cases.
Flag Select the vessel's Flag State (MID) from the drop-down list.
Select 1..9 to display the list in MID number order; select A..Z
to display it in country name order.
If the required MID is missing from the list, select Add new
MID. Refer to the Options section for further details on adding
a new MID.
Countries which use MMSI coding of EPIRBs are often
allocated several MID numbers. If you are programming an
EPIRB with a MMSI, only the MID which is supplied as part of
the vessel's MMSI may be used. Never use an alternative
MID.
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You must now choose to input a MMSI, a Radio Call Sign or a C/S Serial
number by clicking the appropriate button. Depending on the selected Flag
State, some options may be 'greyed-out' as unavailable, because that particular
Flag State does not allow that option. Certain countries prefer a C/S Serial
number; in such a case, the program only allows that selection. Where there is a
choice, MMSI is always the best selection; a radio Call Sign is the least
desirable selection.
MMSI Enter the last 6 digits of the
MMSI (eg 123000 if MMSI is
278/123000)
Radio Call Sign Enter the vessel's call sign (4 to 7 alphanumeric characters eg
GKU23)
C/S Serial No. In some cases EPROG4 will calculate a C/S number based
on the manufacturer's serial number which was entered.
If the C/S number is not calculated by the program, a correct
number must be entered. This number must be that allocated
by the registration authority of the appropriate Flag State.
Local authorities usually allocate blocks of serial numbers to
agents within their country, or in some cases to the EPIRB
manufacturer.
To obtain a serial number:
Flag
State
232
UK
366
USA
316
Standard EPIRB GPS EPIRB
Automatic from S/N Ask SP Radio for the next
UK number
Automatic from S/N Ask SP Radio for the next
US number
Automatic from S/N To be defined
Canada
273
Get next S/N from authority Get next S/N from authority
Russia
503
Australia
Enter unit S/N Ask SP Radio for the next
C/S number
WARNING
It is most important that the number is allocated by SP Radio; it must not
be selected at random. Incorrect numbers may seriously hamper rescue
attempts.
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EPIRB number Leave this at 1 if this is the first or only EPIRB on the vessel. If
there are two or more EPIRBs on the vessel, then it is
necessary to determine which EPIRB is being programmed
and to set the EPIRB number accordingly. It is common for
large vessels to have more than one EPIRB.
Program EPIRB
Once all fields of the programming form have been completed,
the Program EPIRB button is enabled and the EPIRB can be
programmed.
Click the Program EPIRB button to open the programming information form:
This form shows the data which will be programmed into the EPIRB. If any
information is incorrect, click Change to return to the data input form to correct
it.
Click on the Program EPIRB button again to open the EPIRB
programming form:
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Follow these instructions to program the EPIRB
(the instructions are repeated on the form):
• Place the programming pen vertically into the
programming dimple on the top cover of the
EPIRB.
• Press and hold down the ‘Ready’ button on the
EPIRB
• Once programmed successfully, the red light
on the EPIRB will flash on and off.
• Release the ‘Ready' button and click on PASS
on the computer screen.
• If the red lamp does not flash, click on FAIL.
Once programming is complete click on the Done
button to return to the main form.
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If the EPIRB will not program
If the red lamp on the EPIRB lights but goes off again after approximately
4 seconds without flashing, or if the strobe flashes, the EPIRB has not
been programmed.
Possible reasons why an EPIRB does not program:
The programming pen
is not located correctly
on the EPIRB
The programming pen
is not vertical
The programming pen
is not connected to the
computer
The wrong serial port is
selected in the
EPROG4 program
The EPIRB does not
work
The serial port does
not work
The PC serial port is
incompatible with the
EPROG4 program
The programming pen
does not work
Ensure the programming pen is located vertically
above the programming window. The programming
window is the small ‘dimple’ on top of the EPIRB
dome, as shown earlier. The programming pen must
be held vertically above the EPIRB and in direct
contact with the programming window to ensure
maximum light transmission from the pen through the
cover
The programming pen must be held vertically above
the EPIRB in direct contact with the programming
window to ensure maximum light transmission from
the pen through the cover
Ensure the programming pen is plugged in correctly
and that the correct serial port is selected in the
EPROG4 program
Ensure the correct serial port is selected in the
EPROG4 program
Try programming a different EPIRB
Try a different serial port in the PC
Some laptop and desktop PCs cannot supply
sufficient power through the serial port to power the
programming pen. In this case, try using a different
desktop PC instead
Contact SP Radio for a replacement
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Print forms and labels
After the EPIRB has been programmed the labels, warranty form and
registration documents must be printed.
Click on the Print button to open the print options form; select the
required printed forms by clicking on the relevant options.
EPROG4 always pre-selects the Labels and Warranty Form and Registration
Forms options, as these are always required when an EPIRB is programmed.
The Dealer Pre-Registration Form and Programming Certificate may also be
selected if required. A description of each form is given later in this manual.
Click on the Print button again to print the EPIRB labels, Owners
Warranty Form and Owners Registration Documents on the printer.
EPROG4 displays the current print progress while the documents are being
printed.
The top half of this form is the EPIRB warranty form, which must be completed
by the owner of the EPIRB and returned to the address shown on the form.
The lower half of the form contains the EPIRB label. It also contains the EPIRB
enclosure label if the automatic float free option was selected on the main data
input form. Since the labels are always required when an EPIRB is
programmed, this form should always be printed. The warranty form should be
cut where indicated and placed in the EPIRB packaging as soon as the EPIRB
has been programmed, and the label(s) must be fixed to the EPIRB as indicated
in the relevant section of this manual.
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Warranty form and EPIRB labels
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Fit EPIRB Rear Label.
Cut this label from the warranty form, cutting so that the
black border remains visible.
EPIRB rear label cut from warranty form
Fitting to current model EPIRBs
If necessary, remove the old label from the rear of the EPIRB – do NOT remove
the manufacturer's coloured label. To ensure good adhesion it will be necessary
to remove any grease from the area of the rear label where the sealing label will
be fitted, using isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
FIT DECAL HERE
Place the new label in the space shown (shown shaded ) and line it up
with the edges of the outline.
Fit the self-adhesive sealing label (shown as a dashed line) over the entire label
and seal the edges.
Fitting to earlier models
Earlier models have the identity label fitted underneath the main manufacturer's
label. This label need not be removed.
Remove the sealing label and clean the area with IPA. Place the new label on
top of the manufacturer's coloured label so as to obscure the previous label or
label window area, then fit the clear sealing label over the new label and seal
the edges.
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Fit Enclosure Label
This label must be fitted when the EPIRB is supplied with an enclosure. If
necessary, remove the old label from the enclosure. To ensure good adhesion it
will be necessary to remove any grease from the area of the rear label where
the sealing label will be fitted, using isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
Cut the label from the warranty form, cutting carefully around the outside of the
black border, so that the black border remains visible on the label.
Locate the large self-adhesive sealing label. Peel off the protective backing and
stick the paper label in the centre, leaving an 8mm border around each side.
Fit the label to the left side of the enclosure, just above the rim, as shown in the
diagram.
8 mm
8 mm
The HRU expiry box on the enclosure label is normally left blank at this stage,
but see the instructions on the following page.
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Mark HRU expiry date
The HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) fitted to the float free enclosure must be
replaced every two years. It must therefore be marked when it is installed, with
the replacement date which will be 2 years from the installation date.
The replacement date (month & year) is marked on the HRU by carefully cutting
and peeling off the appropriate areas of the label, as shown.
Mark enclosure label
This date must also be marked on the label attached to the exterior of the float
free housing. Use the alphanumeric sheet supplied with the EPIRB. Apply the
appropriate characters (the format is JAN 2000) to the outside of the label in the
'Replace HRU' box, then cover with a small piece of clear film.
This method ensures that the date can be changed easily when the HRU is
replaced in 2 years time.
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Pack registration forms
The owners registration form is used to register the EPIRB with the registration
authorities. The EPIRB owner must register the EPIRB, as the information
provided in the form enables the rescue services to identify the vessel in
distress. This form should always be printed as soon as the EPIRB has been
programmed. All three copies must be handed to the EPIRB owner. (Two copies
are spares for use if the EPIRB is transferred or sold).
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Printing other forms and labels
Although the EPROG4 program automatically selects the Labels and Warranty
Form and Registration Forms options from the print options form, there are a
further two forms that may also be printed if required
Dealers pre-registration form
This form can be printed if required by selecting the relevant option on the print
selection form. This form should be completed by the dealer and forwarded to
the relevant EPIRB registration authority.
NOTE – This form is currently only required in Australia.
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EPIRB programming certificate
This form provides a permanent record of the EPIRB programming. The form
must be certified by the dealer. The form is a requirement in Russia where it
must be provided to the Captain of the vessel to hold. In other countries, the
certificate is not currently a requirement, however it can be used to provide the
dealer with a permanent record of EPIRB programming.
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IMPORTANT NOTE
The dealer must ensure that all relevant printed forms are supplied to the EPIRB
owner, correctly stamped with the dealer’s stamp.
Where the registration authority contact address is not printed on a form, the
dealer must also supply the correct address.
EPIRB with completed forms
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Options
It is possible to change several default settings of EPROG4, as described
below.
EPROG4 defaults to serial port COM2 for the programming pen and the default
Windows system printer for printing labels and registration forms. These
settings, however, may be changed from the setup and options page to suit the
PC hardware in use.
To access the options page, click on the Options button on the program’s main
form.
There are five sections in the Options screen:
Startup option
The Startup option allows the welcome screen to be turned on and off.
Location protocol option
The Location Protocol option produces another selection on the main data
input form when the selected EPIRB has GPS capability. This allows agents to
select specific location protocols if required by the registration authority.
It is recommended that this option is disabled unless there are compelling
reasons for its use. Using non-standard protocols leads to degraded position
accuracy.
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Changing the printer
To select the printer, click the Select Printer button.
Select the required printer from the drop down printer list.
Select the paper size and source from the drop down boxes.
Select the paper orientation by clicking on the relevant option button.
Other properties for the printer can be changed by clicking on the Properties
button to open the properties dialog.
In a network or corporate environment, the user may not have permission to
alter the PC printer settings. If this is the case, click the Use Windows Default
Printer option in the setup and options form.
The new printer selection will be stored so that it will be used as the default
printer next time the EPROG4 program is started.
IMPORTANT
The EPROG4 program scales any printed output to the paper size set by the
printer driver settings. This can cause the forms and the EPIRB labels to be
wrongly dimensioned when printed, especially if a very small or very large paper
size is selected.
The form layouts are optimised in the EPROG4 program to be printed at 100%
full size on A4 paper. Accordingly, A4 (or Letter) size paper should be used if
possible, otherwise the printed labels will not fit the EPIRB correctly. This may
cause the labels to be unreadable and in extreme cases may possibly invalidate
the EPIRB registration.
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Changing the default programming pen port
The EPROG4 program can use any available serial port from COM1 to COM4.
NOTE: Certain combinations of serial port selections may cause the system
mouse pointer to stop functioning. This problem is caused by interaction
between the serial port hardware and the Windows operating system.
If this is a problem, select an alternative serial port for the EPROG4 program.
The Show Extended Programming Data option provides a full display of all
programming information for diagnostic purposes.
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Adding new MID numbers
EPROG4 recognises all published registration Flag State MID numbers currently
in use. As countries are assigned new MID numbers, EPROG4 will require
updating.
EPROG4 allows the operator to add new MID numbers as they are required.
To add a new MID number:
Click on the Add New MID Number button on the main form. The
EPROG4 program displays the New MID form.
Select the Flag State from the drop down list.
Enter the new MID code for the Flag State in the box.
Click on the OK button to save the new MID number. The MID number
is saved for use when the EPROG4 program is started.
New MID numbers, once added, are stored for use each time EPROG4 is run. If
an updated MID list obtained from McMurdo Ltd contains an identical MID
number to one added by the operator, the entry from the updated McMurdo MID
list will be used.
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Print preview
EPROG4 is intended to print labels and warranty and registration forms directly,
but it is also possible to preview the forms before printing.
Once all relevant data has been entered into the main data input form, click on
the Print Preview button on the print options form to display the print preview
window. While the preview window is displayed, the main data input form is
hidden from view.
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The control buttons at the top of the window control the viewing and printing.
Full Page (F1) This view displays the entire page.
Zoom In (F2) Increase magnification of an area of the page.
Zoom out (F3) Decrease magnification.
Print Page Print the page being displayed.
Print All Print all pages previously selected.
Close (Esc) Return to the main data input page.
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Support
Support is only available for registered copies of EPROG4.
If a problem arises with the operation of EPROG4 that cannot be resolved using
the manual or on-line help, product support is available directly from the
manufacturers.
The preferred method of contact is by Email, giving a description of the problem
and a brief summary of the PC hardware/software being used, to:
Sailor@sailor.dk
Alternatively, telephone your usual sales contact or contact the company in
writing:
S P Radio A/S
Porsvej 2
P O Box 7071
DK-9200 AALBORG SV
Denmark
Telephone +45 96 34 61 00
Facsimile +45 96 34 61 01
REQUEST TO DEALERS
We employ a process of continual product improvement. To help us provide the
best possible product, please send us your comments and suggestions
regarding the operation of this software.
We welcome your comments - any incorrect details, such as registration
authority addresses, contact details etc. can be reported to the software support
department at the e-mail or postal address given above.
Copyright © 2000 McMurdo Limited
All Rights Reserved
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S P Radio A/S
Porsvej 2
P O Box 7071
DK-9200 AALBORG SV
Denmark
Telephone +45 96 34 61 00
Facsimile +45 96 34 61 01
82-553-007M Issue 1
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