8 BULKHEAD BRACKET INSTALLATION 8.1 Siting The bulkhead bracket should ideally be sited in plain view near an emergency exit. When choosing a suitable mounting position you should also consider: + Ease of access in an emergency. « Mount at least 1 meter (3') from any compass equipment. s If there is any likelihood of the EPICURE being replaced in its bracket after activation then ensure that the antenna has as clear a view of the sky as possible. 8.
8.2.1 Mounting instruction plate The EPICURE is supplied with a self-adhesive instruction plate, which has basic visual instructions showing how to operate the EPICURE in an emergency. Mount the instruction plate next to the EPICURE so that it is easily visible in an emergency. During vessel maintenance, ensure the plate does not get painted over or cleaned down with strong decreasing solvents.
9 ENCLOSURE INSTALLATION 9.1 Siting The enclosure should be mounted upright against a vertical bulkhead. Alternately, it may be mounted horizontally on a flat surface, such as a cabin roof. No other orientations are recommended. you have a float-free EPICURE it is critical that you choose a position where the released EPICURE will not get trapped by overhangs, rigging, antennas etc, should the vessel ever sink. An expanse of flat surface is required to allow the enclosure lid to eject.
OBSTRUCTION FREE AREA 0.8m x 08m (32" x 20%) 0mm 739 40mm E85) FED E&Y 9.3 Mounting instruction plate The EPICURE is supplied with a rigid plate giving visual instructions on how to operate the EPICURE in an emergency. Mount this next to your EPICURE as explained in section 8.2.1. 9.4 Marking Hydro static Release Unit (HRU) expiry If you are installing a float-free EPICURE you must now mark the HRU expiry date.
9.5 Marking vessel name In many countries it is usual to have your EPICURE programmed by your supplier (see registration section). Your supplier will then mark ali the EPICURE labels accordingly. However, if your EPICURE was purchased in the USA, Canada or UK then your EPICURE will have all the necessary markings except for vessel name. In these countries iris usually left to the customer to mark the vessel name during installation.
10 MAINTENANCE 10.1 Self Test & inspection As an Important item of safety equipment, your EPICURE should be checked regularly. The EPICURE has a built-in test capability that can be used as a confidence check. This self-test confirms that the battery is healthy, that the GPS receiver and both distress transmitters are functional and that the strobe light is operational. The self-test should be performed monthly, but not more frequently.
10.1.3 GPS operation test (Smart find Plus only) To comply with CO SPAS-SARSAT regulations, the Smart find Plus EPICURE is also capable of checking the correct operation of the GPS receiver. This test consumes significant reserve capacity of the EPICURE battery, consequently it can only be performed a fixed number of times. It is recommended that this test is performed only if the performance of the GPS receiver is suspect.
10.2 Mechanical inspection During these monthly checks you should take the opportunity to inspect the EPICURE and its mountings visually for deterioration or damage. Note that the EPICURE is designed to allow water to circulate around the outer edge of the dome (inside the outer clear plastic edge but outside the waterproof seal), consequently a volume of water in this area is of no consequence.
.3 HRU replacement If you have an EPICURE in an enclosure marked Category 1 then it contains a Hydro static Release Unit (RUHR. This has a 2 year replacement interval. WARNING: Failure to replace the HRU at 2-yearly intervals may result in it not actuating correctly and releasing the EPICURE in an emergency. The expiry date, which is marked on the HRU and on the enclosure side label should be checked regularly.
10.4 Battery replacement The EPICURE uses three 9V Lithium battery packs, Murdoch type 82-939. Typically these will have to be replaced every 5 years. The exact battery expiry date is marked on the rear of the EPICURE lens dome; if you have a full enclosure, it is also marked on the outside of the enclosure. The battery expiry date should be checked regularly.
10.7 MDSE inspections If your vessel is subject to MDSE regulations then you can expect to get regular visits from ship surveyors enforcing national legislation. They will check the expiry dates and activate the EPICURE to prove that it really works and they will read the identity message stored inside the EPICURE to check that you have registered it properly. Leisure vessels are not subject to these inspections. However, in some countries passenger and fishing vessels are covered by the legislation.
11 HOW DOES IT WORK? Your EPICURE contains two radio transmitters: one operating at 406 MHz which transmits an alert which can be received by satellites, and one operating at 121.5 MHz which transmits a signal which can be received by overflying aircraft and Search & Rescue (SAR) homing receivers. When you activate the EPICURE, both transmitters start broadcasting signals. Providing the Epicure's batteries are in good condition, the transmission will continue for a minimum of 48 hours.
12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 406 MHz Transmitter | Operating frequency 406.028 MHz + 1 kHz Power output 5 W typical Modulation Phase (16KOGID) 121.5 MHz Homer Operating frequency 121.5 MHz +3.5 kHz Power output 50 mW radiated typical Modulation Swept tone AM (3K20A3X) GPS Receiver (Smart find Plus Center frequency 1.57542 GHz only} Sensitivity -175 dBW minimum Satellites tracked 12 max Strobe light Type Two high intensity LED Light output 0.
13 APPENDIX SATELLITE SYSTEMS CO SPAS-SARSAT satellite system The CO SPAS-SARSAT system provides distress alert and location information to search and rescue authorities anywhere in the world for maritime, aviation and terrestrial users in distress. There are two satellite arrays carrying the CO SPAS-SARSAT system.
Global Positioning System (GPS) The GPS system is a satellite array which enables a receiver located anywhere on Earth to determine its position with high accuracy. The array uses 24 satellites (plus spares) orbiting the Earth in six orbital planes, four satellites per plane, as shown below. These are arranged so that at least five satellites are within range of any receiver (which can be anywhere) at all times.
UNITED STATES EPICURE REGISTRY SYSTEM Important information Beacon registration is now available on-line. This is the preferred method of registration; point your browser to and follow the instructions on-screen. Use the EPICURE form. Other Information At present, NOVA still accepts registration by mail or fax. The registration forms are per-printed with the correct mailing address and fax number. A registration form may be downloaded from the website given above.
Murdoch Limited Product Warranty Subject to the provisions set out below Murdoch Limited warrants that this product will be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 24 months from the date of purchase.
Murdoch Limited Silver Point Airport Service Road Portsmouth PO3 5PB United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)23 9262 3900 Fax: +44 (0)23 9262 3998 Email: Website: www.mcmurdo.co.