Introduction
The Life Fob is a small, wireless wearable device designed for boat drivers and passengers, enabling automatic Man Over Board (MOB) detection. It connects to the Linkbox+ Geo, which can stop the engines if the driver falls overboard* and triggers both audible and visual alarms in the event of a fall by either driver or passenger. Additionally, the Linkbox+ Geo can send automatic distress messages to rescue services.**
The Life Fob is an integral component of Fell Marine’s Abra ecosystem, designed to enhance connectivity and safety in demanding marine environments. With a rugged construction, the hub is built to withstand the elements, featuring high-impact resistance and an IP67 rating for water and dust ingress protection.
*Requires supported hardware and integration with the existing kill switch system in the boat.
**Requires a compatible mobile application and an active subscription.
Product overview
Functional elements
- Tether loop - for attaching the wearable to key chains, life jackets, etc.
- Button for pairing and connecting/disconnecting to Linkbox+
- Light indicator with multiple colors
- Battery cover for exchange of coin cell battery
- Tether loop / lanyard connection point
- CR2430 coin cell battery
- Battery compartment for coin cell battery
Light indicators - detailed
Physical interfaces
Buttons |
Button on the front side of the device |
Light |
1 LED for status on paring, connection state, battery and Man Over Board events. |
Sound |
N/A |
Connections
The Life Fob does not have any external connections.
Accessories
Lanyard
The lanyard is an accessory designed to carry the Life Fob around the neck, enhancing convenience and accessibility. The lanyard is attached to the Life Fob by removing the tether loop attached to the Life Fob and attach the lanyard.
Functionality
Man Over Board (MOB) Alarm
If a driver or passenger wearing a connected Life Fob falls overboard, the wireless connection to the Linkbox+ Geo is broken, triggering a loud audible alarm and visual signal to alert everyone onboard the boat. This immediate notification is essential for prompt action to stop the boat and potentially saving lives by speeding up rescue efforts.
Operating system
The Life Fob is powered by AbraOS, a proprietary Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) engineered for instantaneous operation. AbraOS is designed for security-critical applications, with an architecture that is resistant to viruses and cyberattacks, ensuring high system integrity and safe operation.
Communication
The Life Fob supports the following communication protocols and methods.
WiMEA | 915 MHz FCC (US/CAN), 868 MHz RED (EU) |
Bluetooth |
2.4 GHz |
WiMEA
WiMEA, a proprietary wireless protocol developed by Fell Technology, is tailored for safety-critical communications. It securely connects with devices such as the WaterSensor+ and the Life Fob, ensuring reliable data transfer for crucial safety applications.
Bluetooth
The Life Fob features Bluetooth connectivity, which can be used for initial system setup and as a backup communication method through connected mobile phones.
Dimensions
PRODUCT | HxWxD (mm) | Weight(g) |
Life Fob | 52 x 37 x 13 | 18 |
Colors
The Life Fob comes standard in a matte black color with grey rubber elements desiged to blend with typical outdoor equipment and devices used in boats and recreational vehicles.
Power supply
The Life Fob uses standard a 3V CR2430 coin cell battery.
Safety instructions
Disclaimers and warnings
Limitation of Liability for Man Overboard (MOB) System
Please be aware that Fell Marine explicitly disclaims any liability for malfunctions of the MOB system, including but not limited to failures in detecting a man overboard event or transmitting distress messages. Such malfunctions may arise due to unforeseen circumstances, technical issues, or environmental factors beyond our control.
Additionally, Fell Marine holds no responsibility for any costs, damages, or liabilities incurred as a result of false alarms or erroneous transmissions generated by the system. This includes, but is not limited to, expenses or consequences stemming from the activation of rescue operations based on such alerts.
It is crucial for users to understand these limitations and to take appropriate precautions, including regular system testing and maintenance, to ensure optimal functionality of the MOB system. Users are also advised to have alternative safety measures and emergency response plans in place.
Wireless Range and System Operation
Be advised that when a Life Fob is within the wireless range of the Linkbox+ Geo, the system will not automatically shut down the boat's engine in the event of a Man Overboard (MOB). In such scenarios, the engine can be manually shut down by pressing the button on the Life Fob or the Linkbox+ Geo. It is important to verify the wireless range of your system before use to understand its limitations for safe operation.
Wireless Range Responsibility
Users are responsible for checking that the wireless range from the Linkbox+ Geo to any connected Life Fobs is sufficient for their specific needs. If you find the wireless range inadequate, consider installing an external WiMEA Antenna in an upright position, away from factors that could reduce the range, such as metal enclosures or walls.
Installation
The Life Fob is a wearable device that does not require installation but can be attached to objects like life jackets, key rings, and lanyards for convenience. The product comes with a tether loop and an optional accessory lanyard for attachment. Below are instructions on how to attach the tether loop or lanyard to the Life Fob.
Use of the product
Configuring the product
The configuration of the Life Fob is conducted through compatible mobile applications. Typical settings that can be modified include:
- Managing connected devices
- Activating or deactivating the Man Over Board distress message function
Pairing Life Fob with Linkbox+ Geo
-
Activate Life Fob paring mode on Linkbox+ Geo
Press and hold the center button on the Linkbox+ Geo for more than 3 seconds until an audible beep is heard and the Power indicator is fading blue in and out.
-
Initiate paring mode on Life Fob
On the Life Fob, press and hold the button for more than 3 seconds. This will start the automatic connection process. The LED on the Fob will blink green every 1 second, indicating that it is attempting to pair with the Hub.
-
Confirm successful pairing
Life Fob LED blinking green rapidly 5 times indicates successful pairing.
-
Repeat for additional devices
Repeat steps 1 to 3 for all new Fobs that shall be connected to the Linkbox+ Geo.
Function testing
Function testing is crucial for verifying the reliability and safety of systems like the Life Fob and Linkbox+ Geo. It ensures that all components perform correctly, maintaining operational integrity and safety in both regular and emergency situations.
Connecting and disconnecting Fobs from Linkbox+ Geo
To connect the driver Fob to the Linkbox+ Geo, press the button on the Fob once (1x). The ALARM light on the hub will shift from green to blue, signaling that the hub has entered the correct wireless mode. A single beep from the hub confirms a successful connection.
To connect additional passenger Fobs, press the button on each Fob. The Linkbox+ Geo supports up to eight Fobs simultaneously connected: one driver (1) and up to seven (7) passengers.
To disconnect all Fobs, press the driver Fob once; this action will disconnect all linked Fobs.
The connection status of each Fob is visible on the device: the driver Fob's LED indicator blinks blue every 2.5 seconds, while connected passenger Fobs blink green at the same interval.
Note:
- The first Fob to connect to the Linkbox+ for each session will become the driver Fob.
- Passenger Fobs cannot be disconnected to avoid unintentional disconnections, such as those that might be inadvertently performed by children, which could compromise safety. Disconnecting the driver Fob will disconnect all passenger Fobs.
-
Connected Fobs automatically disconnect after 24 hours to prevent battery drainage if left in a connected state. Ten minutes before disconnection, the hub emits an audible warning to alert the driver of the impending automatic disconnection. To reset the timer; disconnect and reconnect the Fobs.
Testing Man Overboard (MOB) Alarm, eStop and Distress Messaging
To verify the functionality of the MOB alarm and distress messaging, follow these steps:
- Connect a Fob to the Linkbox+ Geo.
- Start the engines.
- Move the Fob away from the Linkbox+ Geo or shield the Fob using a metal object (or combination thereof) until the Fob loses its wireless connection to the hub.
Observe the following:
- The audible and visual alarm activation from the Linkbox+ and buzzers.
- Check if the eStop is asserted and all engines are stopped.
- If using a compatible mobile application with distress messaging activated, ensure that a push notification appears in the app and that a distress message is sent to emergency services (after any possible countdown).*
*Activation and deactivation of distress messages sent to emergency services and emergency contacts are managed through compatible mobile applications.
Engine Emergency Immobilization
With the eStop feature configured, the driver can immobilize the engine during an emergency by pressing the driver Fob button to disconnect. Upon disconnection from the Linkbox+, the eStop signal is activated for 6 seconds to halt the engine. The engine can be restarted once the eStop signal is deactivated.
Note: Do not test the emergency immobilization at speed. Keep the boat stationary and engine running, then connect and disconnect driver Fob to verify functionality.
Installing the battery
- Open the battery cover by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out.
- Remove any existing batteries.
- Insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing outward.
- Reinsert the cover, ensuring the markings on the battery cover align with those on the device.
- Turn the cover clockwise to secure it.
Notifications, indications and signals
The list below indicates the key statuses indicated by the Life Fob and their meaning.
Paring
- GREEN - Blinking - Paring to Linkbox+ (during initial setup)
- GREEN - Blinking (5x) rapidly - Paring to Linkbox+ successful (during initial setup)
- RED - Blinking (4x) - Pairing to Linkbox+ failed (during initial setup)
Connecting / disconnecting to Linkbox+ Geo
- ORANGE - Blinking (5x) - Connecting to Linkbox+ Geo
- GREEN - Fading in followed by one (1x) blink - Successfully connected to Linkbox+ Geo
- ORANGE / RED - Fade in orange, followed by three (3x) orange flashes, then fade in orange followed by three (3x) red flashes - Connection to Linkbox+ Geo failed
- ORANGE - Blinking (2x) followed by fading out - Disconnected from Linkbox+ Geo
Connected states
- BLUE - Blinking - Life Fob connected to Linkbox+ Geo as driver Fob. Man Over Board (MOB) function activated.
- GREEN - Blinking - Life Fob connected to Linkbox+ Geo as passenger Fob. Man Over Board (MOB) function activated.
Alarms and notifications
- RED - Blinking (3x) rapidly in intervals - Low battery on Life Fob. Change battery.
- RED - Blinking - Man Over Board (MOB) detected on driver or passenger Fob(s)
Sounds (from Linkbox+ Geo)
- Fob connected (internal speaker inside Linbox+ Geo)
- Fob disconnected (internal speaker inside Linbox+ Geo)
- Man Over Board alarm (external speaker on wire harness) and water alarm (internal speaker inside Linbox+ Geo)
States and modes
The Life Fob has the following states and modes:
- Not connected to Linkbox+ Geo
- Connected to Linkbox+ Geo
- Paired to Linkbox+ Geo
- Not paired to Linkbox+ Geo
- Man Over Board (MOB) alarm active
- Man Over Board (MOB) alarm not active
Specifications
General
IP degree | IP67 |
Resistance to shocks | IK06 |
Fire safety | IEC 60950 1&22, CE-UL94 |
Power supply | 3v coin cell battery |
Operating temperature |
-10 °C to 70°C |
Relative humidity |
0% - 100% (non-condensing) |
Material approvals required |
RoHS (2002/95/EC) |
Approvals |
CE/RED, FCC Part 15, Zigbee |
Color |
Black and grey |
For your safety
The Life Fob is designed with safety in mind and uses a 3V power supply. Despite the low voltage, we ask that you pay attention to the dangers of electrical products and follow the instructions below.
- The system must only be used in good condition and in accordance with. Installation and use instructions in this manual.
- Fell Marine accepts no liability for damage caused by non-compliance with the instructions.
- Genuine components, accessories and spare parts must be used for proper and safe operation of the system. Improper use or non-genuine components may result in reduction or termination of the product's warranty provisions.
Maintenance, cleaning and transportation
Maintenance
The product does not require ongoing maintenance, with the exception of cleaning. See the section below.
Cleaning
To clean your Life Fob, wipe it with a soft cloth moistened with mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents that contain oil or alcohol, as this can discolor the plastic. Use another soft, dry cloth to wipe it dry.
Transport
The Life Fob should always be transported in its original packaging. If the packaging should fall or be affected in any other way, a visual inspection should be performed to confirm possible damage to the product.
Storage
To preserve the packaging and its contents, we recommend storage in a tempered, dry and well-ventilated area. Relative humidity should not exceed 80% and no corrosive gas should be present. Storage or transportation environment must never exceed the limits provided in the technical specifications of the Life Fob.
Disposal
This electronic equipment must not be disposed of in household waste. For the return of old devices, free collection and acceptance points may be available in your vicinity. Observe local regulations for correct and environmentally friendly disposal. If the old electronic equipment contains personal data, you are responsible for deleting it yourself before returning it.
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol indicates that the item should be disposed of separately from household waste. The item should be handed in for recycling following local environmental regulations for waste disposal. By separating a marked item from household waste, you will help reduce the volume of waste sent to incinerators or land-fill and minimize any potential negative impact on human health and the environment. For more information, please contact Fell Technology.
Electronic equipment such as Life Fob should not be disposed of in household waste, as indicated by the waste bin on the back of the product. Broken units can be disposed of for recycling at waste stations in your area. Follow local rules for proper and environmentally friendly disposal.
If the old electronic equipment contains personal data, you are responsible for deleting it yourself before returning it. The item shall be delivered for recycling in accordance with local environmental regulations for waste disposal. By separating a branded item from household waste, you will help reduce the volume of waste sent to incinerators or landfills and minimize any potentially negative impacts on human health and the environment.
Certifications
Life Fob compliance statement for CE marking and sales within the EU/EEA
Model Number: TBD
Product Name: Life Fob
Life Fob has been developed by Fell Technology AS, which has declared under its sole responsibility that the above product complies with the essential requirements of the following directives from the European Union:
- Radio Equipment Directive (RED) – 2014/53/EU
- Low Voltage Directive – 2014/35/EU
- RoHS Directive – 2011/65/EU, EU 2015/863
Harmonised standards and normative documents
The following harmonised standards and normative documents are those to which the conformity of the product has been declared, and by specific reference to the essential requirements of the referred directives:
Health & Safety (Article 3.1(a) of RED):
- EN 60950-1:2006 + A11:2009 + A1:2010 + A12:2011 + A2:2013
- IN 62368-1: 2014/A11:2017
- IN 62311: 2008
EMC (Article 3.1(b) of RED):
- EN 301 489-1 v2.2.0
- EN 301 489-17 v3.2.0
- EN 55032:2015 + AC:2016
- IN 55024:2010
- IN 61000-3-2:2014
- IN 61000-3-3:2013
Spectrum (Article 3.2 of RED):
- EN 300 328 v2.1.1
- EN 301 893 v2.1.1
RoHS Directive, 2011/65/EU:
- IN 50581:2012
Linkbox+ Geo compliance statement for CE marking and sales in the United States and Canada
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules/Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada's license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
WARNING
Any changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected. - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
RF Exposure Information
This device complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Radiation Exposure Declaration (FR)
This equipment complies with the IC radiation exposure limits established for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and used with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiation source and your body.
This apparatus complies with Industry Canada's RSS for licence-exempt radio apparatus. Operation is permitted under the following two conditions: (1) the device must not produce interference, and (2) the user of the device must accept any radio interference experienced, even if the interference is likely to compromise its operation.
Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations (FR)
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20 cm de distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Warranty and service
The Life Fob and its accessories are free from material defects and are designed in accordance with the consumer protection laws and regulations of the country in which the product is purchased. All properly installed Linkbox+ Geo hardware is covered by our 5-year limited warranty*.
If your Life Fob needs repair within the warranty period, please contact Fell Marine Customer Support. Further information can be found on the web page Fell Marine | Wireless man overboard system
*Some countries and/or registered products may have extended warranties.
Legal information
Brands
Fell Marine is a registered trademark with Fell Technology AS.
Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
License Rights and Restrictions
NO RIGHTS OR LICENSES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE GRANTED TO USE THIRD-PARTY DEVICES IN COMBINATION WITH THESE PRODUCTS IN A WIRED OR WIRELESS NETWORK, OR TO USE THIRD-PARTY SERVICES TO ACCESS, MONITOR, OR CONTROL THESE PRODUCTS ON A WIRED OR WIRELESS NETWORK OVER THE INTERNET OR OTHER NETWORK.
Trademarks
Abra® and Abralife® are the sole registered trademarks of Fell Technology AS.
Manufacturer
Fell Technology AS
Bragernes Torg 2
NO-3017 Drammen
Norway
Copyrights
Copyright ©2024 Fell Technology AS. All Rights Reserved.
Fell Technology AS and Fell Marine AS are companies in Fell Group AS.
Development of products is carried out by Fell Technology AS, with licensing granted to Fell Marine AS for use.
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