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VRB® The VRB, when mounted at a minimum of 2 meters from the

waterline, emits an X-Band Radar signal with a dome range of


The reason is, at larger distances or in bad conditions, only the
third sweep (the largest) will be visible. At closer distance, the

ACTIVE RADAR TARGET ENHANCER 1.5 nautical mile (min. 0.5 mile at sea level), including 1.5 NM
in altitude.
second sweep (blip), which is weaker but is more precise in
distance, will be visible, and at very close distance, the first
sweep with much smaller distance error will show up (along
OWNER MANUAL WARNING!!! If using the optional remote mounting control, the with the other two). And at distances of 1000’ or less,
VERSION 1.0 VRB must be in the OFF position when using the remote switch. concentric circles will appear on a radar screen indicating to
Also it extremely important that the batteries must be the radar operator, close proximity.
The VRB IS NOT made to function as or intended to be used removed. If the VRB is attached to the remote ON/OFF control
as an: ELT, PLB, EPIRB or any GMDSS equipment. THE VRB IS cord and the VRB is left in the ON position, you will not be able
NOT A LIFE SAVING DEVICE. The VRB is for Marine Use ONLY. to turn off the VRB from the remote switch. BOATING SAFETY AT SEA
Today’s sailboats, small vessels, PWC, kayaks, other paddle The signal emitted produces an intensified blip that is readable When you get aboard your vessel, you will want to show all
sports and even yachts or motor cruisers are simply put, poor on any standard commercial or recreational X-Band Radar. passengers the life jackets, VRBs and basic "boat underway"
reflectors of radar signals. Radar is the most efficient way to be etiquette, such as necessary movement only while boat is
identified by other vessels, having a long range and being underway, with only sure feet and hands on a railing or other
largely unaffected by fog and darkness, it is imperative that THE VRB (VESSEL RADAR BEACON) stable part of the boat. The basic procedure of acknowledging
every mariner do what is practical to improve his or her that you have a "safety minded" boat and are an essential part
probability of being visible to radar. The Vessel Radar Beacon - VRB - is a signaling device used to of safety. As with any situation, common sense is always
signal boats, aircraft or any vehicle/vessel equipped with necessary. For more information on boat safety, please visit
The prime purpose of the Altus VRB Radar Target Enhancer is standard X-Band radar. the US Coast Guard website at WWW.USCG.GOV
to increase the probability that you or your vessel will be
seen on the radar of recreational and commercial vessels The VRB is intended as a collision deterrent, and is only active
equipped with common X-Band radar. This is achievable by as long as the VRB is in the "ON" position. WEARING & USING A VRB
returning an improved radar signal.
Other than the requisite settings on X-Band radar, no initial The VRB should be worn at all time when on board a vessel.
The Altus VRB does not alleviate you from your responsibility set-up is required for the VRB signal to show up on X-Band The provided neck lanyard allows the wearer to easily
under the International Regulations for the Prevention of commercial, recreational marine or aviation radars. disconnect the unit for handheld use. The lanyard can also be
Collisions at Sea to both keep a good lookout and to take adjusted to secure the lanyard around your wrist to prevent
whatever action is required to avoid a collision. being separated from the VRB. If preferred, the VRB can be
WHAT MAKES THE VRB SO DIFFERENT? attached to clothing and removed to use as handheld unit.
The VRB:
As you have already probably noticed the VRB - Active RTE is CAUTION!!! When wearing the VRB, the VRB will emit a
• The Vessel Radar Beacon (VRB®) can be attached as a much smaller in size making it practical to use on most any location signal. Although, the user’s body can obstruct the
vessel-mounted unit or used with a lanyard worn for kayak / vessel or PWC. It is so compact a user can even wear it on a signal, if the user wants to show his position in a 360 degrees
PWC (Personal Water Craft) use. neck lanyard. radius, the user should raise the VRB above his or her head, or
• The VRB is manually activated for signaling. place the VRB in a position where the VRB signal will not be
• The VRB® transmits a clear directional signal to any X-Band In performance as well, the VRB is superior. Most Active RTEs obstructed.
Radar. send a single signal. The VRB however, gives out 3 sweeps
instead of one.
The VRB is an electronic radar reflector or Active RTE with an • The first is at 700ns (nanosecond), ACTIVATION & PROPER USE OF VRB
intended use: • a second at 2us (microsecond),
• As a Radar Reflector Beacon with exceptional reliability to • and a third at 8us. • By activating the manual ON/OFF button on the VRB, the unit
identify a vessel or person for navigational avoidance purposes. will produce an audible “buzzer” from the VRB unit.
• To immediately establish visual contact with Radar equipped • The VRB will emit an audible “buzzer” every 10 seconds
vessels. indicating the VRB is activated.

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• To deactivate the VRB, simply depress the ON/OFF switch, THE VRB AND PROPER RADAR OPERATION PROXIMITY TO VRB UNIT
the audible “buzzer” will stop, indicating the VRB is in the OFF
position. Most X-Band Radars are capable of receiving a VRB signal. • As the interrogating radar becomes nearer to the originating
• Unless using the optional Vessel Mounting Kit, the VRB is a Activated X-Band Radar, operating in the correct settings, will VRB signal, the location signal shown on the radar will begin to
handheld device and should be used as such to produce a clear transmit a pulse that will cause an activated VRB to return an appear as concentric circles.
and long-range signal. intensified “blip” to the radar that will indicate the presence • These concentric circles are an indication to the radar and
• The VRB should be removed from the neck lanyard or from of an activated VRB. vessel operator that the VRB is in close proximity (1000’ or
the belt clip and held at the bottom of VRB with the top less).
antenna portion facing upward. • The vessel speed should be reduced and the radar gain should
• The VRB is a line of sight device and must be held or floated RADAR SETTINGS TO RECEIVE A VRB SIGNAL then be switched to manual.
above the water surface to transmit a signal. The VRB is made • Gradually reduce gain until a location signal is re-established.
to float if required. To receive a VRB signal, a radar is best set at 3, 6, 12 or 24-mile • As the vessel continues to approach a VRB, the radar gain may
• The VRB will transmit a signal from 0.5 NM or more depending radar range scale, though a signal can be seen on most range require further manual detuning in order to maintain a location
on sea and environmental conditions. scales. The radar operator can toggle between each range scale signal.
• At 2 meters or more above water surface, the VRB can send a to determine what is the optimal screen to view signal under
signal of 1.5 NM or more. The higher the VRB is placed off the individual circumstance. CAUTION!!! The tuning should be returned to normal operation
water, the further the signal reaches. as soon as possible.
FOR BEST RESULTS

TRANSMITTING A LOCATION SIGNAL Anti-Clutter Sea Control: For optimum range VRB detection, TESTING UNIT
this control should be set to the minimum. Care should be
• The VRB is a transponder that when in the ON position will run exercised as targets in sea clutter may be obscured. Some • Standing 20 feet or more from any X-Band radar, turn the
in a “stand-by” mode until it has been interrogated by X-Band radar sets have automatic/manual anti-clutter sea control radar ON and set on 12-mile range radar screen.
radar. facilities in which case the operator should switch to manual. • Activate the VRB; the radar will produce concentric circles on
• Once the VRB is ON and in stand-by mode, when it receives an Anti-Clutter Rain Control: This should not be used when trying radar screen indicating VRB is properly activated and in close
interrogation from radar, the VRB will transmit a signal back to to detect a VRB as the VRB responses may be removed by this proximity of VRB unit.
the radar. The VRB user will be aware of this transmission by control. Some sets have automatic/manual anti-clutter rain
the longer and more constant audible “buzzer” transmitted by control facilities in which case the operator should switch to WARNING!!! The VRB signal will respond to more than one
the VRB. manual. radar at any one time. Radar operators recognize the transmis-
Gain: For maximum range VRB detection, the normal maximum sion produced by the VRB as a location and/or signaling
gain should be used. transmission; therefore testing the VRB should not exceed 10
WHAT IS RADAR? Detuning the Radar: To increase the visibility of the VRB in seconds.
clutter conditions, the radar gain may be detuned to reduce
The term RADAR is as an acronym for Radio Detection And the clutter without reducing the VRB response. Radar with BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Ranging. Radar is a system that uses electromagnetic waves to automatic frequency control may not permit manual detuning
identify the range, altitude, direction, or speed of both moving of the equipment. The VRB operates on three (3) standard CR123 batteries. The
and fixed objects such as aircraft, ships, motor vehicles, CR123 batteries have a shelf life of 5-years. The VRB is a
weather formations, and terrain. A transmitter emits radio WARNING!!! Care should be taken in operating the radar waterproof device and proper care should be taken when
waves, which are reflected by the target and detected by a detuned, as other wanted navigational and anti-collision changing batteries.
receiver, typically in the same location as the transmitter. information may be removed. The tuning should be returned
Although the radio signal returned is usually very weak, radio to normal operation as soon as possible. To replace the batteries, remove enclosure screws, gently
signals can easily be amplified. This enables a radar to detect separate the bottom and top portions of the VRB. Remove the
objects at ranges where other emissions would be too weak to batteries, insert new ones making sure that the new batteries
detect. are replaced in the proper position of Positive (+) and Negative
(-). Special care should be taken to not damage the waterproof
seal and that it is PROPERLY placed back on. After making sure

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the battery replacement and the waterproof seal have been HARDWIRE REMOTE MOUNTING OPTIONAL KIT INSTALLATION occur if it is in the direct path of your own transmissions
properly replaced, DO NOT over-torque the screws as this will because it will inevitably be close to your own radar. Make sure
damage the plastic VRB enclosure. WARNING!!! IF YOU ARE UNSURE THAT YOU CAN SAFELY that the mounting is not in the path of your radar transmis-
CARRY OUT ANY PART OF THE INSTALLATION, YOU ARE sions. While no effects on compasses have been observed, it is
IMPORTANT!!! Prior the re-assembling the VRB, special care ADVISED TO SEEK THE SERVICES OF A SUITABLE MARINE advisable to maintain a safe distance of 1m from any compass.
should be made to inspect the O-ring to look for any type of ELECTRONICS INSTALLATION PROFESSIONAL.
wear. If any wear is located on the O-ring, contact Edelweiss STEP 2. For optimum performance, align the unit so that the
for a replacement prior to re-assembly and use. This is user’s If you have purchased the optional mounting kit for your VRB, VRB mark is facing in the forward direction. This will minimize
responsibility. you have TWO OPTIONS. the effects of vessel heel on the performance of the system. A
thread sealing compound such as 3M 5200 may be used to
It is important not to allow any moisture to enter the VRB when FIRST OPTION: Mount the mounting bracket without using the ensure that the VRB mounting bracket can be screwed down
changing batteries and that the waterproof seal is not compro- remote switch, such as on the dash of a steering console or tightly. Although the VRB unit is sealed, it is good practice to
mised, any moisture allowed inside VRB could cause permanent wherever you feel it to be convenient. Without the remote leave a small loop of cable below the mount so that water drips
damage to the VRB. Opening or removal of the electronic board switch, the VRB will operate from its self-contained batteries from the bottom of this loop does not rest at the cable entry to
inside the VRB or ingesting water inside the VRB will invalidate and the user will be require to turn the VRB ON or OFF from the the VRB unit.
the manufacturers warranty. If unsure of this procedure, seek a manual switch located on the front of the VRB.
professional marine electronics service center. STEP 3. Route the cable to the location of your desired
SECOND OPTION: Mount the VRB using the remote on/off operating location as you see fit. It is acceptable to cut the
switch. In this case, the VRB unit should be mounted, vertically, cable so that through-deck plugs can be used, although it is
WHAT IS INCLUDED? as high as is practical on the vessel. The mounting bracket better practice to use a through-deck gland. It is also
should be attached clear of any obstacles, the batteries should acceptable to shorten the cable. If it is necessary to lengthen it
The Altus VRB comprises of one self-contained unit, with an be removed from the VRB. Attach the remote cord to the VRB, by more than 5m, the advice of Altus marine should be sought.
optional remote switch for the vessel-mounted units if and then run cord with the ON/OFF switch to a convenient Any additional cable used should be of the same or a similar
purchased. The VRB unit contains all of the electronics and the operating location, such as the helm dash. type to that provided with the unit. Non-comparable cable can
antenna. Used as a personal unit, the VRB requires (3) CR123 cause an unacceptable voltage drop. The cable provides both
batteries. When the VRB is used in conjunction with the CAUTION!!! If using the optional remote mounting control, water and strain protection, nonetheless you should not apply
optional remote switch the VRB operate directly from the the VRB MUST be in the OFF position when using the remote strain directly to the cable.
vessels 12-volt power supply. The VRB is housed in UV Protected switch and the batteries must be removed. If the VRB is
PVC housing which not only provides structure and environmen- attached to the remote ON/OFF control cord and the VRB is left STEP 4. Mounting the ON/OFF switch in the required position.
tal protection but also adapts for use to the mounting bracket in the ON position, you will not be able to turn off the VRB from Please note when using the remote control cord, the ON/OFF
(included in the optional remote kit) for mounting the unit on the remote switch. Before mounting brackets, make sure you switch is not a sealed unit and so it should be located where it
the vessel. The Altus VRB should be mounted, as high as have mounted the VRB close enough for the remote switch to will not be exposed to the elements. After mounting the
practical and it should not be obscured by other parts of the reach your desired operating location. ON/OFF switch, and after the VRB cable has been run, you must
vessel. Naturally the higher it is, the greater the range at which then remove the seal covering the remote control cord plug
its output can be detected and the more likely it is to be clear STEP 1. Fix the VRB mount at the desired position. There is located on the VRB unit. Once this seal has been removed, you
of sea clutter. It has been shown that even if it is mounted at a generally some competition for space at the top of the mast must completely plug the remote control cable into the VRB.
height of only 2m above sea level, the VRB can be detected by and a standoff mount. The presence of a VHF antenna and wind You must now connect the battery leads coming from the
25kw radar at a range of at least 1.5 mile. The Altus VRB instruments should not affect the correct working of the VRB. ON/OFF switch to a 12 Volt battery source.
provides an ON/OFF switch, indicator LED and audible buzzer, Do not fix the VRB to a crosstree or spreader, as the mast will
which indicate active power; the VRB ON/OFF switch and then partially obscure the unit. If the VRB is being fitted WARNING!!! Never cross the Positive (+) or Negative (-) leads to
indicator LED are located on the front of the VRB unit. elsewhere, say on a radar arch, ensure that it is above the a power source. Power source must ONLY be a 12 Volt DC
superstructure of the vessel and that it is not within the source. 12 Volt source should always be used in conjunction
vertical beam width of any radar, which may also be fitted. with an in-line fuse or preferably power source should be
connected via a fuse block (use 5 amp fuse). Failure to comply
Although the VRB contains limiting circuitry to protect it with these instructions can result in severe or permanent
against very strong radar signals, it is possible that damage may damage to the VRB.

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STEP 5. Switch on the unit. Once you have properly installed TECHNICAL FEATURES DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
the optional remote control cord, you could activate the VRB
via the mounted remote ON/OFF switch. Or if you have opted BATTERY: (3) CR123 - Lithium (5-year replacement life) Altus VRB® Radar Target Enhancer
to use the VRB without the remote control, you can activate The Transmit RF power: 20 dBm; 100 mW
the VRB from the ON/OFF switch located on the front of the WATERPROOFING: IP68 rated. Up to 3 meters (9.84 ft) up to 30 We, Edelweiss, LLC, of San Clemente, California, USA 92673
VRB. With the power on the LED on the switch, the VRB should minutes declare that the product identified below complies with the
monetarily glow white. You will also hear a momentary audible PRATICAL TESTING: Place VRB in the activated mode and check essential requirements of Council Directive 99/05/EC according
buzzer from the VRB unit. for VRB response on a nearby radar screen to the conformity assessment procedure laid down in Annex II
SIZE: 6.0 x 3.2 x 2.0 in (15.24 x 8.13 x 5.08 cm) 0.36 lbs (5.8 of the Directive.
Note: It is normal for the white LED to illuminate briefly when oz) (164 g)
the unit is switched on. When the VRB is not in range of COLOR: Safety Yellow Product:
activated X-Band radar, there will be no audible buzzer, ACTIVATION: Manual ON/OFF switch
although the white LED will briefly illuminate periodically to SIGNAL DISTANCE: 1.5+ mile (mounted at a minimum of 2 Altus VRB® 9GHz Radar Target Enhancer.
show you that the VRB is active. When the VRB is in range of meters above sea level) This product is labeled with the CE conformity marking. The
active X-Band radar, the VRB unit will show a constant white CERTICATION: RoHs Compliant, VRB is a Registered Trademark Technical Construction File required by this Directive is
and the audible buzzer will be constant, these indicators show of Edelweiss, Patent Pending, CE maintained at the corporate headquarters of Edelweiss, LLC,
that the VRB is transmitting to the active radars. WARANNTY: 1 year limited PO Box 75394, San Clemente, California 92673.
MODEL NUMBER: VRB4465 The authorized representative located within the Community
You will probably switch the VRB ON for the first time in WARRANTY is:
harbor. It is possible that radars will be working close by and
that radar signals will be reflected by surrounding buildings The Altus VRB Radar Target Enhancer is warranted for a period
etc. It is therefore possible that the LED and audible buzzer of 12 months from the date of retail purchase.
may be on at all times or that the VRB may activate in an
irregular manner. None of this means that there is a problem Subject to the terms listed below the warrantee provides for ________________________
but simply that you are in an area where there are a lot of the replacement of the complete product or appropriate Pierre-Marie Bainvel
radar signals and that the VRB is transmitting to all these defective component at the discretion of the manufacturer VP, Operation - EU
radars. that is found to be defective or below standard.
April 4th, 2008
The conditions of the warranty are:
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
1. The warranty applies to defects that occur within twelve Edelweiss LLC - Altus
The Altus VRB® - Vessel Radar Beacon (12) months following retail purchase. PO Box 75394
Radar Location Beacon 2. The warranty does not apply to any faults or defects caused San Clemente, CA 92673
by accidents, misuse, neglect, tampering or any attempt at
Description repair. info@altusmarine.com
The VRB comes as a vessel-mounted or neck lanyard worn unit 3. The warranty is applicable if the equipment has been
that produces an intense radar return blip that shows location installed in accordance with the installation instructions Copyright © 2008 Edelweiss, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
and bearing directly to the VRB. included within the Owner's Manual. NO PORTION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE REPRODUCED IN
4. The warranty is void if the unit is opened during the warranty ANY MEDIA OR MANNER WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
The unit transmits through the 9.2-9.5 GHz marine X-Band period. EDELWEISS, LLC
radar when manually activated. Its operating life is in excess of
8 hours in operational mode when using self-contained This warranty does not affect your rights under the laws of your
batteries. residence.

The VRB acts essentially as a radar transponder for location All Conformity Documents can also be found on our website at
signaling. www.altusmarine.com

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