Frequently Asked Questions
 

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Mobilarm V100

 Where is the best place to wear a Mobilarm V100?
In order for the Mobilarm V100 to transmit the VHF distress alerts successfully, the flexible antenna must be out of the water. This means that the unit is best positioned high on the front of a person's body, ideally at chest height. The water sensors on the base of the unit must be submerged for at least 5 seconds to automatically activate the device, otherwise the device must be manually activated.

A Remote Water-Sensing Extension Kit (part number MOA-00202) is also available to extend the water sensing capability of the device. This allows a Mobilarm V100 to be worn or mounted higher from sea level to achieve a wider alerting range but still be water activated in an emergency.

The Mobilarm V100 is also available to purchase already embedded into a life jacket (see www.mobilarm.com for further details) which ensures that it is in the most effective position for water activation and emergency message transmission, while also assisting the casualty to remain afloat and face up in the water.

 

 Is the Mobilarm V100 compatible with other safety or man overboard devices such as a life jacket or Jon buoy?

Yes. The Mobilarm V100 clip allows it to be attached to any strap or harness that can be threaded through the loops. The Mobilarm V100 is also available to purchase already embedded into a life jacket (see www.mobilarm.com for further details).

 

 Can anyone replace the battery in a Mobilarm V100?
 

No. Battery servicing and/or replacement must only be carried out by an authorised Mobilarm service agent. Failure to do so may compromise the integrity of the product and will void the product warranty.

 
 

 Can a Mobilarm V100 be re-used once it has been activated?

Perform a full test to check the state of the battery and how much battery life is remaining in the device. If the battery test phase fails or the battery life is below the minimum accepted for safe use, immediately take the device out of service and contact your authorised Mobilarm service agent for a replacement.If the device passes the full test, then the device may remain in service. Remember to perform a full system test every 3 months to check that all functions are in proper working order and that the remaining battery life has not dropped below the minimum accepted for safe use.

 

 Are there different antennae available to attach to the Mobilarm V100?

Yes. A Long Range Dipole Antenna (part number MOA-00203) can be used instead of the existing antenna when using the Mobilarm V100 with a life jacket or survival suit.

 

 What is the procedure if I change to a different vessel and want to continue using my Mobilarm V100?
Check whether the area of operation of the new vessel is governed by different maritime regulations to your current area of operation because your Mobilarm V100 may need to be reprogrammed with a different operational profile in order to comply with those regulations.

If your Mobilarm V100 is programmed with the MMSI number of your current vessel then this must be reprogrammed to the MMSI number of the new vessel.

Contact your authorised Mobilarm service agent for assistance with reprogramming your device.

 

 Is there any set-up required before the Mobilarm V100 will transmit GPS coordinates?
 No. The Mobilarm V100 has an in-built 20-channel GPS receiver that will automatically acquire a GPS lock and transmit position coordinates in the DSC and voice distress alert.

Performing a full system test every 3 months will reassure you that the GPS Antenna is operating properly and can acquire GPS coordinates.

 

 How do I configure my chart plotter so that an incoming Mobilarm V100 DSC distress alert logs a waypoint when a man overboard event occurs?
Some DSC radios can output DSC and DSE messages via a NMEA connection. When the VHF DSC radio receives the distress alert it may be able to output a NMEA0183 sentence direct to a connected GPS or chart plotter and log a waypoint of the coordinates received in the distress alert. This will plot the casualty's first known position and track them in the water with every subsequent updated position received.

Refer to your radio owner's manual to determine whether your DSC radio is capable of sending NMEA0183-compatible data to your GPS or chart plotter and if so, ensure that your GPS or chart plotter is correctly configured to accept this data protocol.

 

 How do I know that my Mobilarm V100 is transmitting emergency messages?
When the Mobilarm V100 has been activated, the Strobe starts to flash, the Status LED illuminates to indicate that the device is active and audio alerts (beeps and automated messages) warn the user that the device has been activated.

The device indicates it is transmitting a message with a long beep prior to each VHF voice or VHF DSC transmission.

The Strobe flashes twice per second during transmission and two short beeps after the message confirm the transmission has been sent.