Wedgetail WTA-SPB Instructions

The Wedgetail WTA-SPB is a specialized personal beacon device designed for emergency signaling and location transmission. It features GPS integration, multiple activation modes (manual/automatic), waterproof construction, long battery life, LED status indicators, and international distress frequency compliance. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Activation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Operating Modes 7. Emergency Procedures 8. Maintenance & Testing 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: GPS antenna, activation button, status LED, battery compartment, mounting bracket, waterproof seal.

Feature	Description
GPS Integration	Accurate location transmission via satellite network
Activation Button	Manual emergency activation (protected cover)
Status LED	Multi-color indicators for power, GPS lock, transmission
Battery Compartment	Housing for replaceable lithium battery pack
Waterproof Seal	IPX7 rated for submersion up to 1 meter
Mounting Bracket	For secure attachment to vessels/vehicles
Test Mode	Self-diagnostic function without transmitting distress
Automatic Activation	Water-sensing or impact-triggered emergency mode
Strobe Light	High-intensity visual locating aid
Registration Port	For user data programming and updates

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose optimal mounting location.

Select mounting location: Elevated, unobstructed view of sky, away from metal interference.
Attach mounting bracket: Use provided hardware for secure fastening.
Install battery: Open compartment, insert battery observing polarity, seal properly.
Secure device: Click WTA-SPB into bracket until locking mechanism engages.

WARNING! Device must be mounted with clear sky view for GPS functionality. Ensure waterproof seal is intact before use near water.

First-Time Activation

Power on device; observe initialization sequence.

Initial power-up: Device will perform self-test (LED flashes green).
GPS acquisition: Allow 2-5 minutes for first GPS lock (LED solid green).
Registration: Program user/vehicle data via registration port if required.
Test function: Perform test mode to verify operation without transmitting distress.

CAUTION! Only activate test mode as instructed. Actual emergency activation transmits distress signal to authorities.

Specifications

Dimensions: 120mm x 80mm x 40mm.
Weight: 300g (with battery).
Waterproof Rating: IPX7 (1 meter, 30 minutes).
Battery Life: 5 years standby, 48 hours continuous transmission.
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +55°C.
Transmission Frequencies: 406 MHz (satellite), 121.5 MHz (homing).
GPS: 32-channel receiver with Galileo/GLONASS compatibility.
Strobe Light: 1 flash per second, visible up to 10km.
Certifications: COSPAS-SARSAT, FCC, CE, RCM.

Controls and Indicators

Primary control: Activation button (under protective cover). Status LED: Green (normal operation), Red (emergency transmission), Amber (GPS acquiring), Blue (test mode).

LED Patterns: Slow blink (standby), Fast blink (GPS active), Solid (transmission active), Alternating (test mode).

Battery compartment: Tool-less access with waterproof seal. Registration port: Micro-USB for data programming (use authorized software only).

Operating Modes

Standby: Normal operation, GPS tracking active. Emergency: Manual or automatic activation. Test: System verification without distress transmission.

Standby mode: Device monitors GPS position periodically.
Manual activation: Lift protective cover, press and hold activation button for 3 seconds.
Automatic activation: Triggered by water immersion or severe impact.
Test mode: Press and hold test button (inside compartment) for 5 seconds.

Tip: Familiarize all users with activation procedure before emergency situation arises.

Emergency Procedures

For life-threatening situations only.

Assess situation: Only activate if in grave and imminent danger.
Manual activation: Remove protective cover, press and hold red button until LED turns solid red.
Confirmation: Device will beep twice and LED will remain solid red.
Deployment: If possible, move to open area with clear sky view.
Wait for rescue: Device transmits location every 5 minutes. Strobe activates automatically.
Cancellation: To cancel accidental activation, press button sequence (see manual) within first 30 seconds.

WARNING! False alerts endanger rescue personnel and may result in penalties. Only activate in genuine emergencies.

Maintenance & Testing

Monthly: Visual inspection, LED test. Annually: Full functional test, battery check.

Monthly check: Verify LED responds to test mode, inspect for physical damage.
Battery replacement: Replace every 5 years or when low battery indicator appears.
Waterproof seal: Inspect and clean annually, replace if damaged.
Registration update: Update user/contact information annually or when changes occur.

CAUTION! Use only authorized replacement batteries. Improper batteries may cause malfunction.

Regulatory Information

FCC ID: XXXX-XXXX-XX. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. COSPAS-SARSAT approved: Meets C/S T.007 specifications. Copyright © 2025 Wedgetail Systems. For support, visit www.wedgetailsystems.com or contact +1-800-555-EMRG (3674). Registration required with national authority (USA: NOAA, Canada: CSA, Australia: AMSA).

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No LED indicators	Dead battery	Replace with authorized battery pack.
GPS not acquiring	Obstructed view	Move to open area, allow 5+ minutes for acquisition.
Test mode fails	Low battery	Replace battery and retest.
Water in compartment	Seal damage	Replace seal immediately, dry components thoroughly.
Accidental activation	Button pressed	Cancel within 30 seconds using cancellation sequence.

Reset: Remove battery for 60 seconds to perform hard reset.

Service: +1-800-555-EMRG (3674); www.wedgetailsystems.com/support