[Link].

com

EC Declaration of Conformity, available at [Link]

Abbreviations and definitions

EMC
Electromagnetic Compatibility

LED
Light Emitting Diode

SART
Search and Rescue Transponder

VHF
Very High Frequency

2 84145_UM_SART20_J
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Amendment Records
AMEND- INCORP. DATE PAGE(S) VERSION REASON
MENT NO. BY FOR CHANGE

1 ES 14.09.07 Total: 24 A New product

2 ES 02.04.08 10, 15 B Added text

3 ES 29.07.08 1 C Background
Lifeboat bracket
4 ES 04.08.08 15,16 D updated

5 ES 14.08.08 9,13,21 E Battery label

6 TH 12.02.09 10, 13-19, new tot. 28 F Brackets and layout

7 ES 16.12.09 24 G Added text

8 FIT 05.11.10 24-25 H Added information

New pics on figure
9 TH 01.02.11 15 I 4.1.2b and 4.1.3

10 TH 14.04.2011 Total 28 J Updated information

84145_UM_SART20_J 3
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The information in this book has been carefully checked and is believed to
be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies.

CAUTION!

This equipment contains CMOS integrated circuits. Observe handling pre-

cautions to avoid static discharges which may damage these devices. Jo-
tron AS reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any
products or modules described herein to improve reliability, function or de-
sign. Jotron AS does not assume any liability arising out of the application
or use of the described product.

WARNING / IMPORTANT
Jotron AS is a prime manufacturer of safety equipment designed for rescue
of human lives and their property. For safety equipment to be effective in
line with the design parameters it is important that they are handled, stowed
and maintained in compliance with the manufacturers instructions. Jotron
AS cannot be held responsible for any damage caused due to incorrect use
of the equipment or breach of laid down procedures or for failure of any
specific component or other parts of the equipment.

The chapter covering battery replacement (6.2.1) is added for information

only. Jotron AS does not take any responsibility for improper disassembling/
assembling of the beacon. We strongly recommend all service to be done
by authorized Jotron agents. In addition to normal service, Jotron agents
have the necessary equipment and knowledge to test the operational func-
tions of the beacon. Non-original maintenance and/or service parts may
destroy the equipment function and performance.

4 84145_UM_SART20_J
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Table of contents
1 GMDSS Requirements 7
1.1 General description 8
1.2 Tron SART20 features 9

2 Technical specifications 10
2.1 Electrical specifications 10
2.2 Mechanical specification 10

3 Functional description 11
3.1 General 11
3.1.1 Tron SART20 electronic assembly 11
3.1.2 Battery module 12
3.1.3 Bottom lid 12

4 Installation 13
4.1 Brackets 13
4.1.1 Wall bracket 13
4.1.2 Lifeboat bracket (optional) 14
4.1.3 Using the telescopic pole 16

5 Operation 17
5.1 Activating Tron SART20 17
5.1.1 Deactivating Tron SART20 17
5.2 Usage in lifeboat/life raft 17
5.2.1. SART pocket 18
5.2.2. Life raft mounting strap 18
5.2.3. SART pole mounting 18
5.2.4. 10 m rope slide 19
5.3 Test of Tron SART20 21

6 Maintenance and troubleshooting 23

6.1 Maintenance 23
6.2 Service 23
6.2.1 Replacing the battery module 24
6.2.2 Battery disposal 26
6.2.3 Incineration 26
6.2.4 Land filling 26
6.2.5 Recycling 26

7 Spare parts/Accessories 26

8 Service agents 27

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Battery safety data sheet

(Form: EEC directive 91/155)

(2) SAFETY ADVICE

S2 Keep out of reach of children.
S8 Keep container dry.
S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water
and seek medical advice.
S43 In case of fire, use D type extinguishers. Never use water.
S45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immedi
ately (show the label where possible).

(3) FIRST AID MEASURES

In case of contact of cell contents with eyes, flush immediately with water for
15 min. With skin, wash with plenty of water and take off contaminated clothes.
If inhaled, remove from exposure, give oxygen, and seek medical advice.

(4) FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Extinguishing media
Suitable: Type D fire extinguishers
Not to be used: Water - CO2 - Halon, dry chemical or foam extinguishers

Special exposure hazards

Generation of chlorine, sulphur dioxide, disulphur dichloride during
thermal decomposition.

Special protective equipment

Use protective working boots, rubber apron and safety glasses with side shie-
lds.

6 84145_UM_SART20_J
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1 GMDSS REQUIREMENTS

Jotron GMDSS products are manufactured and approved to be compliant with relevant IMO/ SOLAS (Safety of
Life at Sea ) Regulations and requirements. The SOLAS GMDSS regulations are structured such that all GMDSS
ships are required to carry a minimum set of equipment, with (basically) more equipment being required the
further the ship travels from land. GMDSS requirement for SART (Search and Rescue Locating Device) according
to SOLAS :

Chapter III, Regulation 6

2.2 Search and rescue locating devices
At least one search and rescue locating device shall be carried on each side of every passenger ship and of every
cargo ship of 500 gross tonnage and upwards. At least one search and rescue locating device shall be carried on
every cargo ship of 300 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage. Such search and rescue
locating devices shall conform to the applicable performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the
Organization*. The search and rescue locating devices** shall be stowed in such location that they can be rapidly
placed in any survival craft other than the liferaft or liferafts required by regulation 31.1.4. Alternatively one search
and rescue locating device shall be stowed in each survival craft other than those required by regulation 31.1.4.
On ships carrying at least two search and rescue locating devices and equipped with free-fall lifeboats one of the
search and rescue locating devices shall be stowed in a free-fall lifeboat and the other located in the immediate
vicinity of the navigation bridge so that it can be utilized on board and ready for transfer to any of the other
survival craft.
__________
* Refer to the Recommendation on performance standards for survival craft radar transponders for use in se-
arch and rescue operations, adopted by the Organization by resolution MSC.247(83) (A.802(19)), as amended)
and the Recommendation on performance standards for survival craft AIS Search and Rescue transmitter (AIS
SART), adopted by the Organization by resolution MSC.246(83).
** One of these search and rescue locating devices may be the search and rescue locating device required by
regulation IV/7.1.3.

Regulation 26 - Additional requirements for ro-ro passenger ships

2 Liferafts
2.5 Liferafts carried on ro-ro passenger ships shall be fitted with a search and rescue locating device in the ratio
of one search and rescue locating device for every four liferafts. The search and rescue locating device shall be
mounted inside the liferaft so its antenna is more than one metre above the sea level when the liferaft is deployed,
except that for canopied reversible liferafts the search and rescue locating device shall be so arranged as to be
readily accessed and erected by survivors. Each search and rescue locating device shall be arranged to be ma-
nually erected when the liferaft is deployed. Containers of liferafts fitted with search and rescue locating devices
shall be clearly marked.”

Chapter IV, Regulation 7- Radio Equipment- General

1 Every ship shall be provided with:
.3 A search and rescue locating device capable of operating either in the 9 GHz band or on
frequencies dedicated for AIS, which:
.3.1 shall be so stowed that it can be easily utilized; and
.3.2 may be one of those required by reg. III/6.2.2 for a survival craft

Tron SART20 is also compliant with relevant sections in these regulations/requirements:

• SOLAS 74 as amended, Regulation III/6.2.2, IV/7.1.3, IMO Res. MSC.97 (73) [Link], MSC.247(83), IMO Res.
A.530 (13), IMO Res. A.802 (19), IMO Res. A.694 (17), ITU-R M.628-3 (11/93), IEC 61097-1:1992, IEC 61097-
1(2007), IEC 60945:1996 and IEC 60945 ed.4:2002
• IMO Resolutions MSC.256(84)
• COMSAR/Circ.32
• European Directive 2009/26/EC
• Other national certifications/requirements

84145_UM_SART20_J 7
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1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Tron SART20 is emergency equipment consisting of:

1. Tron SART20 radar transponder.
2. Mounting rope for life rafts / life boats.

The 9 GHz radar transponder type Tron SART20 is developed by Jotron AS to

meet the rules and regulations for use on vessels and life rafts in the maritime
service. Tron SART20 meets the specifications for 9 GHz radar transponders
for use in search and rescue operations at sea.

The operating range of the Tron SART20 is up to 30 nautical miles, depending

on the height of the electronic unit and the radar height of the search and res-
cue unit (sea or airborne). With a radar height of 20m and the Tron SART20
placed at 1m above sea level, the range will be up to 10 nautical miles. Tron
SART20 is buoyant, however to obtain maximum performance the transponder
should be placed in a vertical position and as high up as possible in order to
achieve maximum [Link] mounting brackets and mounting aids are
available to ensure correct mounting and use of the radar transponder.

The purpose of the Tron SART20 is to perform a secondary alarm when se-
arch and rescue units are searching for a life raft / lifeboat in distress. The Tron
SART20 will help the units to pinpoint exactly where the distressed boat is lo-
cated in a larger area. This is done with the help of the radar on the searching
ship or helicopter.

When the Tron SART20 is interrogated (hit) by a radar signal, it will immediately
start to transmit a number of sweeps covering the complete maritime 3 cm
radar band. These sweeps are detected on the radar screen and are used to
navigate directly towards the distressed life raft, for details on radar display see
chapter 5.3. Maximum distance to a ship will normally be about 10 nm and ap-
proximately 30nm to a helicopter, dependent on the helicopters altitude. The
transponder will not give any alarms further away than this.

The primary alarm will usually be an Emergency Position Indicating Radio

Beacon (EPIRB) or distress call on VHF / HF - manual or via digital selcall.

The Tron SART20 should be activated immediately after activation of the EPIRB
or by instruction from the rescue control centre.

8 84145_UM_SART20_J
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The batteries of the Tron SART20 will last at least 96 hours in standby after
activation and then minimum 8 hours of continuous operation.

Although the transponder does not send any alarm via satellite, VHF or other
radio communication, the use should be limited to short tests and emergency
situations. This is to save battery capacity in case of a situation where the tran-
sponder is needed.

1.2 Tron SART20 features

Watertight:
Tron SART20 is watertight to a depth of minimum 1 meter.
Buoyant:
Tron SART20 is buoyant in case the transponder is accidentally dropped into
the water. To increase coverage the SART20 should always be held or mounted
as high as possible.
Rugged design:
The Tron SART20 will withstand a drop from 20 meters into the water. It is re-
sistant to seawater, oil and sunlight.
Handling:
Tron SART20 is designed for easy operation, with a brief operating instruction
printed on the unit. It comes standard with a 10 meter rope and a shackle hook
to be used for hanging the SART20 on the inside of a life raft.
Indicators:
Tron SART20 is equipped with an LED and a built in buzzer to indicate operation.
The LED will normally give a flash each 4 seconds to show that the Tron SART20
is activated.

When a search and rescue unit is approaching the buzzer will sound each time
the SART20 is hit by the radar. A continuous sound from the buzzer means that
the ship or helicopter is close to the Tron SART20 and the radar is hitting the
Tron SART20 continuously.

Battery unit.
The battery module is to be replaced every
[Link]. A battery expiry label on the Tron
SART20 housing displays the expiry date. A
new battery comes complete with cable and
connector.
Figure 1.1, Battery expiry label

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2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency: X-band (3 cm) (9.2 - 9.5 GHz)
Temperature range: Operating: -20 to +55°C
Storage: -30 to +65°C
Radiated power: > 400 mW e.i.r.p (+26 dBm)
Sweep type: 12 sweep sawtooth type
Forward 7.5 us ±1 ms
Return 0.4 us ±0.1 ms
Starts with return sweep.
Receive sensitivity: Better than -50 dBm e.r.s.
Response delay: Max 0.5 ms
Antenna pattern: Horizontal polarization.
Omni directional radiation in the horizontal plane.
Greater than ±12.5 degrees elevation angle in the
vertical plane.
Battery: Lithium metal 7,2V/3600 mAh, 5 years service life.
Battery capacity: 96 hours standby +8 hours continuous operation
when activated by a radar with 1 kHz prf at -20°C.
5 years storage.

2.2 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATION

Materials used:
- Transponder housing: Glass reinforced polycarbonate
- Bracket: Anodized aluminum.
Transponder dimensions:
Max diameter: 89 mm
Length: 250 mm
Weight: 482 g
Transponder with standard storage bracket:
Max diameter: 90 mm
Length: 250 mm

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3 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.1 GENERAL
Tron SART20 consists of a housing sealed at the lower end with a bottom lid
and may be split into the following main parts:
1. Bottom lid.
2. Housing with Tron SART20 electronic assembly and battery module.
The housing is made of glass reinforced polycarbonate.
1 2

Figure 3.1, Tron SART20 disassembled

3.1.1 TRON SART20 ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY

Tron SART20 electronic assembly is inserted into the Tron SART20 housing.
It consists of the transceiver module and antenna.
1. Transceiver Board in metal box
2. Antenna (9GHz).

1 2

Figure 3.1.1 Tron SART20 electronic assembly

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3.1.2 BATTERY MODULE

The battery module is inserted into the Tron SART20 housing.
A battery expiry label on the Tron SART20 housing displays the battery expiry
date.

A new battery module comes complete with cable and connector and can be
changed by opening the bottom lid of the Tron SART20, see description in
chapter 6

Figure 3.1.2 TRON SART20 BATTERY

- module without cable and connector Battery expiry
label

3.1.3 BOTTOM LID

The Bottom lid includes four items:

1. The winder hook

2. The screw ring
3. The light tower
4. The O-ring

1 3

Figure 3.1.3 Bottom lid

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4 INSTALLATION

Tron SART20 can be mounted several ways; Near the vessels emergency exit,
normally in the wheelhouse at the starboard or port exit (or both, depending
of requirements) and inside liferaft or lifeboat. (See ”GMDSS requirements in
chapter 1.

4.1 BRACKETS
There are 3 different mounting brackets available.
1. Wall bracket
2. Lifeboat bracket (optional)
3. Pole (optional)

4.1.1 WALL BRACKET

A wall bracket is delivered with the Tron SART20 and should be used for sto-
rage of the transponder. The bracket should preferably be mounted in a vertical
position and in a place where the Tron SART20 is easily available in case of an
emergency.

Figure 4.1.1a, wall bracket. Figure 4.1.1b, Tron SART20

mounted in wall bracket.

The bracket should be mounted with four screws (Ø 4 mm).

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Tron SART20 main unit

Clip
The state when inserted
into the wall bracket
Insert the clip of the
SART20 main unit into the
wall bracket from a top

Wall

Wall bracket:
- For mounting, use 4 mm
screws or wood screws,
depending on the wall type

Figure 4.1.1c, Installation diagram of the SART20 main unit and the wall bracket

4.1.2 LIFEBOAT BRACKET (optional)

The outdoor lifeboat bracket should be mounted vertically on the roof of the
lifeboat (as high as possible). Tron SART20 shall not be perminantly stored in
this bracket if mounted outside a freefall lifeboat, but moved to this bracket
after lifeboat is deployed in water.

Activate the transponder and put it into the bracket. Secure the transponder
to the bracket. The bracket will fit a pipe with a maximum diameter of 50mm.

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Figure 4.1.2a, Lifeboat bracket

Figure 4.1.2b, Tron SART20 to

put into lifeboat bracket

Figure 4.1.2c, Examples of pipe mounting

6,3

5,3

Figure 4.1.2e Example of Mounting

the Bracket on Interior and Exte-
Figure 4.1.2d, Tron SART20 lifeboat bracket rior Walls of a Lifeboat

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4.1.3 USING THE TELESCOPIC POLE

Figure 4.1.3 Tron SART20 with telescopic pole attached.

A telescopic pole can be used to extend the height of the Tron SART20, inside
or outside the life raft/boat. Simply extend the attached pole to the full length
(app. 1,2m from the top of the Tron SART20). Make sure that the rod is locked
by pulling hard when it is fully extended. The rod can now be fastened or held
by a person. Ensure the rod is held as vertical as possible when activating the
Tron SART20.

May be used for mounting inside a liferaft (optional).

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5 OPERATION

Tron SART20 should be installed according to chapter 1 and 4, and in a distress

situation, the Tron SART20 should be carried from it´s storage position to the
liferaft/lifeboat

5.1 ACTIVATING TRON SART20

1. Break seal at switch.
2. Pull locking pin and make sure that the switch enters the “ON” position. An
audible “BEEP” will be heard and the indicator led will start to flash every 4 sec
3. Place (or hold) the transponder in a vertical position as high as possible.
When the Tron SART20 is within range of an active 3 cm radar x-band, the
internal loudspeaker will be activated. A handheld VHF radio should
now be used to establish contact with the approaching boat or helicopter.

After activating the Tron SART20, it shall be mounted in lifeboat/liferaft as de-

scribed in ch. 5.3.

5.1.1 DEACTIVATING TRON SART20

1. Move the switch to the “OFF” position.
2. Replace the locking pin.

5.2 EXAMPLES OF USAGE IN LIFEBOAT/LIFERAFT

Figure 5.2.1, How to mount Tron SART20 to a life raft

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From figure 5.2.1 above, left to right:

1. Using ”life raft mounting strap” (or optionally the 10m lanyard)
2. SART pocket
3. Pole

5.2.1 SART POCKET

There are different ways of mounting a Tron SART20 in an inflatable Life Raft:

It is often a SART pocket where the Tron SART20 may be lifted to the canopy
after deploying the raft (See figure 5.2.1, middle)
• Put the SART20 into the SART pocket.
• Lift the pocket by it´s rope to the canopy

5.2.2 LIFE RAFT MOUNTING STRAP

We can supply a ”SART Life-raft mounting strap” (partno. 85120) as seen on
the attached pictures to be mounted to the inflatable canopy.

• Attach the strap as seen on picture above

• Fasten the other end to the canopy as seen on figure 5.2.1

5.2.3 SART POLE MOUNTING

You may use the 1m Pole arrangement (partno. 82900) (See figure 5.2.1,
right)
• Attach the pole to SART20
• Extend the pole to it´s full length and make sure it is ”locked”
• Lift it up through the tent airtube (if available) and secure using the liferafts
mounting for SART pole (strap, rope etc.)

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5.2.4 10 M REEL WITH LANYARD

The last solution is to use the 10m lanyard (see figure 5.2.1, left) and picture
below.

• Remove the lanyard reel as seen on picture above

• Roll out the lanyard from the reel
• Thread it through the fastening ring of the top of the SART20
• Lift SART20 to the canopy and fasten as seen on figure 5.2.1, left

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5.3 TEST OF TRON SART20

Test of the Tron SART20 is done using the ships own 3 cm X-band radar. The
radar display will show different patterns depending on the range to the trans-
ponder. See Figure 5.3a, b and c for details of the radar display. Note that the
examples shown are typical and will vary with the radar performance (height,
power output and sensitivity).

With the transponder located close to the radar the signals will appear as rings
on the radar display. The rings may be broken in some sectors, depending on
ship construction and other obstacles, and does not indicate an error in the
transponder. Placing it further away will reduce the signals to 12 dots on the
radar display, showing the direction to the transponder.

Modern radars often have special function that will optimize reception of radar
SART, either in TEST or ON. If the Radar has such function, the Radar is detuned
out of best tuning condition, and erases or weakens all normal radar echoes,
but SART echoes are not erased because SART frequencies scans over all the
X-band from 9.2 to 9.5 GHz. When this function is selected on the radar, a text
”SART” is shown at the bottom of the display.
Note! Make sure that the SART feature is turned off when SART detection is no
longer necessary

1. Hold the switch on the Tron SART20 in the “TEST” position.

2. Simultaneously a person should observe the radar display to check for

correct pattern. The radar should be set for a 10 nm range.

3. The test should preferably be done in open sea to avoid interference on the
radar display from land echoes.

4. Alternatively, a radar of a nearby ship can be used to test the transponder.

A ship to ship VHF channel should then be used to confirm operation.

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Figure 5.3a
Typical display when Tron SART20 is loca-
ted near (<0.2 nm) the radar. Radar range
is 10 nm. Rings are off.

Figure 5.3.b Typical display when Tron

SART20 is located close (1nm) to the ra-
dar. Radar range is 10 nm. Rings are at 2
nm.

Figure 5.3c Typical display when Tron

SART20 is located away (>2 nm) from the
radar. Radar range is 10 nm. Rings are at 2
nm.

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CAUTION!
While the Tron SART20 is activated it will respond to any 3 cm radars within
range. Tests must be made as short as possible (5 min) to avoid interference
and to avoid wasting battery capacity.

6 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

6.1 MAINTENANCE
Tron SART20 requires the following maintenance:

At least every 6. month.

The transponder should be taken out of its bracket and tested against a radar,
using the procedure in chapter 5.3. Either the ships own radar could be used or
the radar of a nearby ship. Note that the self test use the internal battery and
will reduce the operational lifetime of the equipment - therefore the test should
be limited to not more than once every month.

Every 5. year.
The battery unit must be replaced every 5 year. Storage of batteries over a long
period of time will reduce their capacity. To ensure long and reliable operation
the battery unit must be replaced every 5 year. The battery replacement can be
performed on board using the procedure in chapter 6.2.1.

6.2 SERVICE
Warranty Service
All goods sold by the Company are warranted to be free from defect in work-
manship and material for the period of five (5) years from the date of purchase
from Jotron. For further information, see pos.6 “Guarantee” in our Terms and
Conditions of Sale.

Provided that the unit(s) returned for repair is under warranty, man-hour cost
and material cost will be covered by Jotron. This is not valid if the customer
has tried to repair, modify or rebuild the unit, or if the unit has been exposed to
environmental conditions outside the specifications for the unit. If the unit is in
need of repair, please return it carriage paid to the agent that you purchased it
from. Additional costs not related to repair/replacement of the unit will not be
covered.

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6.2.2 BATTERY DISPOSAL

Dispose in accordance with applicable regulations, which vary from country
to country.(In most countries, the disposal of used batteries is regulated and
end-users are invited to dispose of them correctly, through non-profit orga-
nizations, mandated by local governments or organized on a voluntary basis
by professionals).Lithium batteries should have their terminals insulated prior
to disposal.

6.2.3 INCINERATION
Incineration should never be performed by battery users but by trained profes-
sionals in authorized facilities with proper gas and fumes treatment.

6.2.4 LAND FILLING

Leachability regulations (mg/l)

Component Leachability EC limit EPA Other*

Iron 100 5
Nickel 100 500 2 0,5

* Applicable to France

6.2.5 RECYCLING
Send to authorized recycling facilities, through a licensed waste carrier.

7 SPARE PARTS/ACCESSORIES

83010 Tron SART20 Main unit

84065 Lifeboat bracket
82900 Pole bracket
82120 Life raft mounting strap
82615 Battery, Tron SART20, 5 years maintenance kit
82746 Bulkhead bracket

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