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4.4 

GNSS Test

!

 

This test should only be performed where the EPIRB2 Pro has a clear and unobstructed 

view of the sky. This is required to allow the GNSS receiver to acquire a signal from 

sufficient satellites to allow it to determine a position. Ensure the area marked “GNSS 

Antenna” is not obstructed.

It is recommended that a GNSS test is carried out at least once every six months to ensure correct 

operation of the EPIRB2 Pro.
Press and hold the TEST 

 key for 5 seconds. The LED will illuminate red 

 to indicate the key has 

been pressed, then start flashing. Shortly after, the LED will cease flashing and become a steady red  

 light. Release the TEST 

 key when the LED is steady red.

During the GNSS test the LED will repeat a long red 

 flash followed by a short green 

 flash until 

either a position fix is obtained or the GNSS test fails.
A successful test will be indicated by a number of green 

 LED flashes and an unsuccessful test 

will be indicated by a number of red 

 LED flashes. The number of flashes indicates the number of 

GNSS tests remaining (e.g. 7 flashes = 7 tests remaining).
The test result flashes will be repeated after 2 seconds.
If there are 10 or more tests remaining then the LED will flash 10 times only (repeated).
The EPIRB2 Pro has the capacity to carry out 60 GNSS tests within the lifetime of the battery.
If there are no tests remaining immediately after the current test, the LED will flash green 

 or red  

 rapidly for three seconds (not repeated) depending on whether the GNSS test was successful or 

not, respectively.
When there are no tests remaining, the LED will flash red 

 rapidly for three seconds on key release 

(not repeated).
The test can be ended at any time by holding the TEST 

 key for 1 to 2 seconds.

For further information regarding Self Test and Self Test history use the Ocean Signal App to connect 

to your EPIRB2 Pro using Near Field Communication (NFC). 

 

5. APPROVALS

In addition to Cospas Sarsat Type Acceptance, the EPIRB2 Pro complies with the following National 

Approvals:

5.1 

European Union

Hereby, Ocean Signal Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type EPIRB2 Pro is in compliance with 

Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The DoC can be found on following website link: 

https://oceansignal.com/approvals-documents/ 

5.2 UK

Complies with UK Radio Equipment Regulation (UK RER):2017

5.3 USA

Complies with FCC 47 CFR Part 80 and US Coast Guard requirements

5.4 Canada

Complies with ISED RSS GEN and RSS287

5.5 

Australia/New Zealand

Complies with AS/NZS 4280.1

 

 

See “www.oceansignal.com/approvals-documents” for documentation.

2.5 

LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol

LED

When

Transmit

GNSS

(x1) 

Every 5 s

Searching

(x3) 

Once each cycle

Fix acquired

(x5) 

At transmit

406MHz

No Fix

(x5) 

At transmit

406MHz

Fix acquired

(x1) 

Every 2.5 s*

121MHz

(x1) 

Every 2.5 s

The 121MHz Homer will not transmit until after the second 406MHz transmission.

3. 

HRU REPLACEMENT

The EPIRB2 Pro is mounted in an Auto Release Housing, this contains a HR1E Hydrostatic Release 

Unit (HRU). The HRU unit must be replaced two years after installation - the expiry date is marked on 

the HRU and on the front of the housing.
If this date has been reached then the HRU must be replaced with an Ocean Signal HR1E, failure to do 

so may result in the HRU not operating correctly during an emergency situation.
See the User Manual for further information regarding the HRU replacement procedure.

NOTE: 

The expiry date should be two years from the date of installation on to your vessel, 

but no more than three years from the date of manufacture provided.

Note the HRU Expiry Date here:

4. 

INSPECTION

During the monthly EPIRB self test it is advised that the following inspection is performed.

• 

Inspect the EPIRB for obvious signs of damage including the state of the antenna. Any 

creases in the antenna may cause the operation of the EPIRB to be impaired.

• 

Confirm that the EPIRB is securely mounted on the Manual Bracket.

• 

Inspect the lanyard and ensure it is not attached to any structures.

• 

Confirm the battery is within the specified expiry date.

• 

Clean the EPIRB and mounting. It is recommended that the EPIRB is cleaned only using a 

damp cloth.

There are no user serviceable parts inside the EPIRB2 Pro.

!

 

DO NOT OPEN THE EPIRB2 Pro, DOING SO WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY AND MAY 

CAUSE FALSE ALERTS.

NOTE:

Non-RLS Protocol is usually 

country specific and is not a 

user changeable function.

4. TESTING

Routine testing of your beacon once a month is highly recommended to ensure it is in good working 

order. Follow the guidance notes in the User Manual for the frequency that tests should be carried 

out.  Each test reduces operation time of your beacon in an emergency.

4.1 

Functional test

To test your beacon is functioning correctly, press and hold the TEST 

 key for 1 to 2 seconds.  The 

LED will illuminate red  

 to indicate the key has been pressed, then start flashing.  Release the 

TEST Key when flashing.  After a short pause the strobe 

 will flash and the indicator LED will 

produce a flash sequence.
A passed test flash sequence indicates the total number of hours that the battery has already been in 

use, up to the time that the test was initiated.

4.2 

LED Indications with RLS Enabled

No. of Flashes

Functional Test Pass

Fail

1

0 to 1hr 59min 

 

121.5MHz homer 

2

2hrs to 3hrs 59min 

406MHz power 

3

4hrs to 5hrs 59min 

4

6hrs to 7hrs 59min 

5

8hrs to 9hrs 59min 

Battery failure 

6

10hrs + 

No GNSS 

4.3 

LED Indications for units configured with non-RLS Protocol

No. of Flashes

Functional Test Pass

Fail

1

0 to 1hr 59min 

 

121.5MHz homer 

2

2hrs to 3hrs 59min 

406MHz power 

3

4hrs to 5hrs 59min 

4

6hrs to 7hrs 59min 

5

8hrs to 9hrs 59min 

Battery failure 

6

10hrs + 

No GNSS 

!

 

Because this test transmits a short burst on the aircraft distress frequency of 121.5MHz, 

please only carry out this test in the first 5 minutes of each hour.

!

 

The battery must be replaced either prior to the expiry date shown on the rear label or 

after the EPIRB2 has been activated.

!

 

If, during a self test, the LED flashes magenta 

 or amber 

 the EPIRB2 Pro may not 

have sufficient energy to operate for the specified 48-hour period. Battery replacement 

is recommended.

 

NOTE: 

More information regarding test results is available using the Mobile App.

2. 

OPERATION

!

 

WARNING:    Use only in situations of grave and imminent danger. 

   

Deliberate misuse may result in a severe penalty.

Ensure that your beacon is always fitted with an unused battery that is within the marked expiry date.  

Failure to do so may result in reduced operating time when used in a real emergency.  Please observe 

the recommendations on testing in section 9 of the User Manual.

!

 

Category 1 beacons are designed to be automatically deployed from the Automatic 

Release Housing and will automatically be activated on contact with the water. Category 

1 beacons MUST be removed from the housing before they can be manually activated.

!

 

To prevent loss, secure the beacon to your person or life raft using the attached lanyard.

!

 

Never secure the lanyard to the vessel, this will cause the EPIRB to sink with the vessel.

!

 

When active the beacon is designed to operate while floating in the water. For best 

operation do not take the beacon into a life raft or obstruct the upper case.

2.1 

Optical Indications on activation

• 

The LED will illuminate green 

 (blue 

 if RLS is enabled) for 1 second.

• 

The strobe light 

 will start flashing.  

• 

Within 1 minute of activation, the indicator LED will flash a quick burst of 5 indicating  

406MHz transmission*.  

2.2 

Deactivation

To deactivate your beacon after use or if it is accidentally activated, press and hold the ON/OFF 

 

Key until the LED flashes red twice, then release.

2.3 

Automatic Activation (Ensure the Antenna is released)

The beacon requires removal from the Auto Release Housing to allow automatic activation. As the 

beacon is released from the bracket the water contacts are enabled. Place the EPIRB2 Pro in the 

water to activate. Only manual activation is possible while the EPIRB remains in the Auto Release 

Housing.

!

 

For full installation details see the User Manual: 

* The first 406MHz transmission is made between 48 and 52 seconds following activation. 

2.4 

LED Indications with RLS Enabled

LED

When

Transmit

GNSS

RLS

(x1) 

Every 5 s

Searching

(x3) 

Once each cycle

Fix acquired

(x5) 

At transmit

406MHz

No Fix

RLS Request sent

(x5) 

At transmit

406MHz

Fix acquired

RLS Request sent

(x1) 

Every 2.5 s*

121MHz

RLS Reply not received

(x1) 

Every 2.5 s*

121MHz

RLS Reply received

(x1) 

Every 2.5 s

www.oceansignal.com/products/epirb2-pro

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