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OWNER'S MANUAL

Fitting the Ocean Signal rescueME MOB1 AIS/DSC man-overboard beacon to a lifejacket bladder (including the Deckvest ribbon method), arming, MMSI programming, activation, monthly self-test codes and specifications.

DocumentSpinlock AIS MOB1 User Manual
FormatPDF · 20 pages · 2.5 MB
LanguageEnglish
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Owner's ManualPDF · 20 p.Ribbon fitting instructions (Deckvest)PDF · 3 p.
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SpecificationsFittingMMSIOperationTestingCare & TransportProducts
Spinlock AIS MOB1 — User Manual

MOB1 at a Glance

  • AIS man-overboard transmitter with integral GPS and DSC; activates automatically when the lifejacket inflates.
  • Supplied with activation tape, mounting bracket, antenna rewind tool, programming adaptor, protective cover and a tether cord.
  • Self-ID pre-programmed: the MMSI shown on a DSC receiver always starts with 972, whatever the country of purchase.
  • Lithium metal batteries: replace before the expiry date, or after any use (even a short activation), at an Ocean Signal authorised battery replacement centre.
  • Not user serviceable: opening the case invalidates the warranty.
Item Specification
AIS transmit power (EIRP) 1 W
AIS frequency 161.975 / 162.025 MHz ±500 Hz
AIS messages Message 1 (position), Message 14 (MOB status); 8 messages/minute; Message 14 sent twice every 4 minutes
DSC transmit power (EIRP) 0.5 W
DSC frequency 156.525 MHz
DSC messages Individual Distress Relay; All Ships Distress Alert (single call on press of the activation button, where allowed); repeated once every 5 minutes (relay only)
Operating lifetime >12 hours @ -20°C (>24 hours typical)
Battery storage life 7 years
Temperature Operational -20°C to +55°C; storage -30°C to +70°C
Drop Hard surface 1 m : 6 sides; designed to meet drop (water) 20 m : 3 sides
Water immersion 2 bar : >60 minutes
Damp heat / thermal shock 40°C at 93% humidity; 45° into 100 mm of water : >1 hour
Weight 92 g
Dimensions 134 × 38 × 27 mm; 59 mm over bracket

DSC functionality depends on the regulations of the country. In the USA, MSLD devices need no licence or registration under 47 C.F.R Part 95 and are not authorised for use on land.

Lifejacket Installation

Standard Tape Fitting

  • The diagrams assume the inflation tube is on the left (as viewed); if it is on the right, fit the tape on the opposite side.
  • Slide the red arming tab down and move the grey slide only far enough to expose the slot (too far releases the antenna).
  • Pass the strap loop through the slot in the activation clip and the tape back through the loop; centre the slide and move the red tab back to lock it.
  • Thread the tape through the bracket slots without twisting, pass it round the bladder and clip the bracket to the MOB1 so it sits outside the inflation tube.
  • Mount it as near the base of the oral tube as possible, with the tape over a near-parallel section of bladder.
  • Pull the tape tight so the bladder stays folded but free to inflate; do not over-tighten. You should be able to slide a finger between tape and bladder.
  • Arm it by sliding the red tab down. An unarmed MOB1 will not auto-activate and will stop the lifejacket inflating correctly.
  • If it switched on during fitting, hold TEST/OFF until the LED flashes red twice.
  • Clip the protective cover over the grey slide (red slide armed), both sides clipped in.
  • Tie the cord from the top of the MOB1 to a fixed point on the lifejacket that will not inhibit inflation, then repack the bladder without trapping it.

Deckvest Ribbon Fitting (sheet Rev 2)

  • Thread the ribbon end through the oral tube bracket, back up through the second hole towards the outer edge, then back through the inside hole.
  • Leave 60 mm of tail from the end of the plastic.
  • Slide the toggle onto the ribbon and pass the ribbon through the inside hole of the grey activation slider; wrap round and through the inside hole again, then through the outer hole.
  • Leave roughly 60 mm of tail. Ribbon length should be roughly the bladder length weld to weld.
  • Slide the tail through the toggle, attach the slider to the MOB1, seat the toggle in the gap on the slider and fit the plastic cap.
  • Double-check the ribbon is no longer than the weld-to-weld length of the bladder.

Programming the Vessel MMSI (DSC units)

  • Strongly recommended if the boat has a DSC VHF: the MOB1 then calls your own radio and sounds the alarm.
  • Install the Ocean Signal PC programming application (or use the web version); enter the nine-digit vessel MMSI and select Update Device. In the USA a group MMSI box follows (group MMSIs start with a zero).
  • Set the screen to full brightness. Slide the arming slide down and hold TEST/OFF for at least fifteen seconds until the LED flashes green, then release.
  • Fit the black rubber programming adaptor over the test key so its aperture is over the clear window; place the MOB1 with the strobe window over the white box and follow the on-screen steps.
  • When done, the LED flashes green: switch off with TEST/OFF (one second, LED blinks red twice). If programming fails, the LED flashes red: switch off and retry.
  • Return the arming tab to the locked position before fitting.

Activation & Deactivation

Activation

  • Use only in grave and imminent danger; misuse may result in a fine.
  • Automatic: activates when the lifejacket inflates. If the jacket does not fully inflate, pull the activation tape to fully release the slide.
  • Manual: slide the red arming slide down, then the grey activation slide left or right. Keep the MOB1 well away from your eyes: the antenna springs out.
  • The strobe flashes and transmission starts after 15 seconds. If nothing happens, press ON until the green LED flashes.
  • LED: eight short flashes per AIS burst, one long flash per DSC transmission; red while acquiring position, green with GPS position.
  • Tether it to your body or lifejacket and hold the antenna vertical; keep the "Do not obstruct when armed" area clear for GPS.
  • DSC All Ships Distress Alert (where allowed): hold ON for over 5 seconds, release when the green LED is steady. Sent only with a GPS position.

After Use

  • Off: hold TEST/OFF until the LED flashes red twice. Turn it off as soon as you are rescued.
  • Rewind the antenna with the grey rewind tool: cap into the space, tool through the round hole over the spring, rotate anti-clockwise until fully wound, refit the activation slide, remove the tool. Clockwise rotation can damage the antenna.
  • False alert: switch off at once and tell the nearest Coast Guard / Rescue Coordination Centre; if appropriate, announce it on VHF.
  • On AIS plotters the MOB1 shows as a ship or SART target with its self-ID; on DSC radios as a distress relay call.
  • Carry it with the arming slider in the up position and the clear cover fitted.

Self-Tests

  • Monthly test recommended; each test uses some battery capacity.
  • Functional test: hold TEST/OFF until the red LED flashes (about one second), release. The flash sequence shows the battery hours used, then the unit powers off.
  • DSC test: hold TEST/OFF; red LED flashes then goes steady after five seconds; release. Needs a programmed MMSI. Maximum two times a year.
  • AIS/GPS test: hold TEST/OFF past the steady red (a further five seconds) until it flashes slowly; release. Needs clear sky; "MOB1 TEST" appears on the AIS display. Maximum three times a year.
Flashes Green / amber: hours used Red: type of failure
1 flash 0 to 1 hr (green) / 1 to 2 hrs (amber) –
2 flashes 2 to 4 hrs (amber) Frequency generation
3 flashes 4 to 6 hrs (amber) Transmit power
4 flashes 6 to 8 hrs (amber) Battery failed
5 flashes 8 to 10 hrs (amber) No GPS fix
6 flashes Over 10 hrs (amber) –

Amber means the battery has run for over one hour or the allowed number of tests is exceeded. The MOB1 still works in distress, but replace the battery immediately.

Care, Transport, Disposal

  • Clean the case with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly; no solvents. Make sure the antenna is free to unwind.
  • Ship in a stout cardboard carton (keep the original packaging). Surface transport: special provision 188. Air: UN3091, IATA packing instruction 970 section II; ask the airline before hand-carrying it.
  • Disposal: remove the battery (case screws are under the top label) and dispose of it under local regulations.

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