Gps position acquisition test, Choosing the best location – Kannad Marine SOLO PLB User Manual

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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

+44 (0)1326 317575

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.

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.

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

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