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THE<strong>Beacon</strong> <strong>The</strong> JOTRON GROUP Newsletter <strong>Iss</strong>ue 1 Summer 2002<br />
In this issue<br />
A <strong>Jotron</strong> EPIRB<br />
saved the lives of the<br />
crew of this vessel.<br />
All in a day's work<br />
for <strong>Jotron</strong> staff.<br />
JOTRON have announced<br />
the launch of their latest<br />
19 channel VHF personal<br />
portable radio for marine<br />
emergency and onboard<br />
communication.<br />
Complete with full GMDSS capabilities, the<br />
TRON TR20 now accompanies the existing<br />
11 channel TRON VHF set, although full parts<br />
and service facilities are also available for this<br />
model. Designed and built in Norway to<br />
exacting but rugged standards, the<br />
TRON TR20 is fully waterproofed to<br />
IP67 with an illuminated tangibly<br />
tactile keyboard and backlit graphical<br />
display to facilitate ease of use. Slightly<br />
smaller than the TRON VHF, at 155mm<br />
wide by 69mm high and 83mm deep,<br />
the unit weighs approximately<br />
350 grams, including the extended life<br />
8 hour duration Lithium battery and<br />
comes complete with a bulkhead<br />
and table mountable dual slot fast<br />
charger, also able to operate on trickle<br />
mode, from a 12-24 volts DC or<br />
115/230 volts AC with external mains<br />
adaptor power source.<br />
Encased in high impact moulded<br />
polycarbonate, the bright orange set is<br />
<strong>The</strong> new TR710<br />
transceiver.<br />
Meet the...<br />
Service Department.<br />
designed for one hand operation, even with<br />
gloves, with just nine control buttons,<br />
including the emergency Channel 16 facility,<br />
accessing the full control functions which<br />
include dual/triple watch function.<br />
A professional version of the TRON TR20,<br />
the TRON TR20 PLUS, has also been<br />
launched featuring 54 international channels<br />
and supplied with 7 hour duration NiMH<br />
batteries, although these are interchangeable<br />
on both models with the TR20’s lithium<br />
batteries. While both versions of the<br />
TR20 have provision for use of<br />
remote antenna, the TR20 PLUS<br />
version also includes an accessory<br />
socket for an external headset and<br />
microphone.<br />
Arne Berdal, Product Manager<br />
of Maritime Communication,<br />
commented: “This new design<br />
incorporates all the very latest<br />
technology in a smaller and lighter<br />
package with the additional benefit<br />
of an illuminated keyboard. Both<br />
the GMDSS and professional<br />
versions have undergone the most<br />
rigourous testing and field trials<br />
before launch and are eagerly<br />
awaited by both the commercial<br />
and the leisure markets.”<br />
http://www.jotron.com<br />
Focus on...<br />
Radio Holland.<br />
NEW VHF RADIO LAUNCH<br />
WELCOME to the first issue of<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Beacon</strong>, the <strong>Jotron</strong> Group’s<br />
newsletter for past, present and potential<br />
customers. Inside, you’ll find articles<br />
on our latest products, our service<br />
department and one of our major<br />
distributors, together with other items<br />
which I hope you’ll find of interest.<br />
At <strong>Jotron</strong> we like to think we know quite<br />
a bit about marine and ground-to-air<br />
communications and distress signalling<br />
equipment – after all, we’ve been<br />
designing and<br />
manufacturing this<br />
equipment since 1967,<br />
during which time our<br />
engineers have not only<br />
kept abreast of the very<br />
latest technology and<br />
materials, but also<br />
anticipated future<br />
statutorary requirements in both the<br />
marine and aviation sector. <strong>The</strong> result is<br />
one of the most comprehensive product<br />
ranges currently available that satisfies<br />
the most stringent quality requirements<br />
for communications and distress<br />
signalling equipment.<br />
Whilst design and manufacturing is our<br />
main business, the support of our<br />
worldwide service and distribution<br />
network is also of vital importance to the<br />
Group. Our aim is that we can support<br />
any customer with the same service<br />
back-up, spare parts and technical<br />
expertise, irrelevant of his/her location.<br />
I do hope you enjoy this first issue of<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Beacon</strong> and look forward to<br />
welcoming you to future issues.<br />
Arne Berdal,<br />
Product Manager,<br />
Marine Communications<br />
1
EPIRB ENDORSEMENT<br />
BY CRIMMOND REPORT<br />
THE Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s source, disabled the electrical supply causing not<br />
(MAIB) report on the investigation into the loss only the bilge pumps to fail, but also the fixed<br />
of the fishing vessel Crimmond II, whilst being radios, rendering them useless for distress calls. As<br />
unable to directly attribute the flooding and the vessel capsized and foundered, pulling the<br />
subsequent sinking to any one cause, has stated liferaft down with it, the crew found themselves in<br />
categorically that the crew owe their lives to the sea water of temperature 8ºC to 9ºC, clinging on<br />
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio to various buoyant items.<br />
<strong>Beacon</strong>) which alerted the coast guard rescue<br />
With neither man wearing survival suits, or<br />
operation and pinpointed their position.<br />
indeed lifejackets, their survival time in calm<br />
<strong>The</strong> fishing vessel, which operated out of water of this temperature would have been about<br />
Scarborough, capsized and foundered at about 1 hour (Wissler Model, modified by Hayes, 1987).<br />
06.30 hrs on 24 April 2001 as a result of flooding Fortunately, however, the EPIRB, a <strong>Jotron</strong> TRON<br />
which the crew of two had discovered some two 30S MkII, was fitted with a HRU (Hydrostatic<br />
hours earlier. <strong>The</strong> floodwater, from an unidentified Release Unit) which activated when the vessel<br />
sank and began automatically<br />
transmitting positional data at<br />
06.38 hrs. A rescue helicopter<br />
from RAF Leconfield was<br />
dispatched and as it approached,<br />
was able to home-in on the<br />
EPIRB signal, picking the crew<br />
up at 07.48 hrs. <strong>The</strong> report states<br />
that in another ten minutes, one<br />
of the men may well have not<br />
survived and without the EPIRB,<br />
the crew would almost certainly<br />
have perished. Neil Atkinson,<br />
Sales Manager for <strong>Jotron</strong> (UK)<br />
Ltd, commented: “<strong>The</strong> EPIRB<br />
Photograph courtesy of Fishing News<br />
2<br />
<strong>Jotron</strong> at ATC Maastricht February 4th-8th 2002<br />
ATC Maastricht is Europe’s premier ATC (Air Traffic Control)<br />
business event. It was launched 12 years ago, and <strong>Jotron</strong><br />
participated right from the start. It provides a European focus on<br />
the ATC industry, and has become one of the most important<br />
worldwide ATC events. Over 2000 industry professionals attended<br />
the three-day event with 130 exhibitors representing over 20<br />
countries worldwide.<br />
This year <strong>Jotron</strong> Electronics used this opportunity to present a brand<br />
new stand in the new corporate colours. We received great attention and<br />
were frequently complemented for the delicate and professional design.<br />
Even the snack, being ecologically grown baby carrots, matched the<br />
colours of the new logo.<br />
For <strong>Jotron</strong>, the ATC Maastricht was undoubtedly successful. It gave us<br />
an opportunity to establish new contacts, as well as the pleasure of<br />
meeting with known customers and colleagues in the business. As a<br />
tangible result we have received several requests for quotation.<br />
was purchased in 1995 and returned to us after<br />
recovery by the MAIB for testing and worked<br />
perfectly. <strong>The</strong>re are important lessons to be learnt<br />
from this accident which could so very easily have<br />
proved tragically fatal for the crew had they not had<br />
their EPIRB in working order. <strong>The</strong> EPIRB was<br />
maintained as per our recommendations, which<br />
included a new battery and HRU, by Northern<br />
Marine Electronics – the <strong>Jotron</strong> authorised dealer in<br />
Scarborough – which underlines the importance of<br />
following the manufacturer’s recommendations for<br />
maintenance.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> Crimmond II came under the general<br />
regulations of the 1975 Fishing Vessels<br />
(Safety Provisions) Rules, soon to be<br />
superceeded by the MCA’s Code of Safe<br />
Working Practice for the Construction and<br />
Use of 15 metre (OAL) to 24 metre (RL)<br />
Fishing Vessels, requiring it to carry a floatfree<br />
satellite EPIRB. However, as Neil<br />
Atkinson continued, many other vessels,<br />
particularly in the leisure sector, should also<br />
really be carrying similar equipment:<br />
“Marine accidents inevitably tend to be<br />
serious as help is often so far away but with<br />
a relatively small investment in an EPIRB,<br />
however, rescue can be facilitated and<br />
unnecessary loss of life avoided. <strong>The</strong>re’s a<br />
wide variety of models available, from<br />
voluntary fit 406 MHz EPIRB’s at under<br />
£500.00 to fully automatic units with the<br />
very latest GPS technology at around<br />
£1,000.00, so there is a specification and<br />
price level to suit all vessels. <strong>The</strong> lesson is<br />
there for everyone.”<br />
http://www
SO IF YOU THINK<br />
YOU’VE HAD A<br />
HARD DAY...<br />
...then spare a thought for Paul Lowther, one of our UK<br />
warehouse staff who gallantly agreed to ‘model’ some of<br />
our marine distress signalling equipment. <strong>The</strong> resulting<br />
photographs, however, are so stunning that they are<br />
frequently featured in the trade press. As to how and<br />
where they were done, that remains our secret...<br />
MINOAN LINES of Greece have become<br />
one of Phontech’s latest customers with a<br />
NOK 6 million order for a Public Address<br />
and Talkback system and a Batteryless<br />
Telephone and Marine Antenna System. <strong>The</strong><br />
equipment has been fitted to the MV's<br />
Prometheus and Oceanus, fast ferries built<br />
at the Samsung Shipyard in Korea and<br />
currently operating between Greece and<br />
Italy.<br />
With worldwide customers for their range of<br />
communications systems, many of which are<br />
tailor made to individual specifications,<br />
.jotron.com<br />
FOCUS ON:<br />
TR-710 Multipurpose<br />
Airband Transceiver<br />
THE TR-710 is a versatile high<br />
quality10W Transceiver for<br />
Ground-to-Air communication.<br />
It is supplied in three different<br />
packages. This powerful<br />
transceiver is fully compliant<br />
with ETSI specifications and<br />
ICAO recommendations. TR-<br />
710M is a complete package for<br />
vehicle installation; TR-710MP is a portable<br />
ManPack version complete with carrying<br />
bag and antenna; while TR-710MD is a<br />
Desktop version.<br />
<strong>The</strong> TR-710 has been sold to a wide range<br />
of users around the world, such as Border<br />
Patrols, Airport Fire & Rescue, Ground<br />
especially for the offshore oil and gas industry,<br />
it’s already proving to be a busy year for<br />
Phontech.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ir Digital Integrated Communication<br />
System DICS 6100 is particularly successful by<br />
being able to combine all intercom<br />
requirements onboard a ship, ie, telephone,<br />
intercom, talkback and public address, into one<br />
single system. <strong>The</strong> system also interfaces to all<br />
modern telecom, such as cellular phones,<br />
satcom and paging systems, providing an all<br />
purpose, high quality and high capacity<br />
communication platform.<br />
Services, Air Force, etc. One of<br />
the main contracts was signed<br />
with Turkish DHMI, totalling<br />
125 transceivers.<br />
<strong>The</strong> TR-710 is a state of<br />
the art transceiver, with a<br />
modern design. <strong>The</strong> user has<br />
access to all parameters via the<br />
front panel. In addition, it is<br />
possible to upload and download all radio<br />
settings, including frequencies and channel<br />
names, via a PC. Either by connecting the radio<br />
direct to a PC, or via a “dongle” which is<br />
loaded from the PC, and then sent out to the<br />
radio site. <strong>The</strong> PC programme makes multi site<br />
radio management much easier.<br />
Minoan Lines Choose Phontech<br />
JOTRON has offered service on<br />
our products for many years, and<br />
to strengthen and to focus more on<br />
customer support, service became a<br />
separate department in 1997.<br />
Since the official start, the<br />
JOTRON Project & Service Dept. has<br />
grown significantly, and today<br />
8 people are working full time with<br />
project and service tasks.<br />
<strong>The</strong> department offers in-house<br />
project management and training<br />
courses for Ground to Air projects and<br />
service on all <strong>Jotron</strong> products. We<br />
seek to have a quick turn-around time<br />
on service since we know that this<br />
will be important for the customers.<br />
Telephone support is also available –<br />
sometimes a problem can be solved<br />
by speaking to a <strong>Jotron</strong> Engineer<br />
without having to send equipment<br />
back for service.<br />
In addition the Project & Service<br />
department can offer several types of<br />
on-site activities in connection with<br />
Ground-to-Air projects. We offer<br />
help during the installation of our<br />
Ground to Air equipment including<br />
professional training courses. <strong>The</strong><br />
department does upgrading of<br />
<strong>The</strong> SERVICE DEPARTMENT<br />
existing products to the latest<br />
hardware and software status. We will<br />
also be able to assist in connection<br />
with site acceptance testing.<br />
Our goal is to assist the customer<br />
until he is fully satisfied!<br />
Back row, left to right:<br />
Tone Sørum, Eirik Storjordet,<br />
John R. Molvik, Jan Erik Sæter,<br />
Geir Yngve Ellingsen<br />
Front row, left to right:<br />
Roger Kleppan, Øystein Helgesen,<br />
Ståle Melvold<br />
3
Radio Holland and<br />
<strong>Jotron</strong> Electronics AS<br />
4<br />
DISTRIBUTOR FOCUS:<br />
One of our largest distributors is the Rotterdambased<br />
Radio Holland Group, originally<br />
founded in 1916 by a group of Dutch ship owners<br />
who saw the significance of radio communications<br />
to the safety and efficiency of shipping. Since those<br />
pioneering days, the company expanded<br />
considerably to enjoy a world-wide reputation as an<br />
all-round maritime electronics specialist.<br />
Up to this year, the company was known as Radio<br />
Holland Marine and owned by EMG EuroMarine<br />
Electronics GmbH of Hamburg.<br />
On March 6th 2002, however, the Radio Holland<br />
Group became an independent company through a<br />
Management Buy Out (MBO) led by its CEO,<br />
David Slager, and now consists of a truly global<br />
group of companies, strategically located along all<br />
major shipping routes and specialising in the<br />
For many years <strong>Jotron</strong> have supplied products to both SAIT and Radio<br />
Holland’s branches. And during the hectic years for GMDSS<br />
implementation the relations got even closer so that we now enjoy a business<br />
relationship with most of the companies within the Radio Holland Group.<br />
We now supply our three main GMDSS emergency products, EPIRB, SART<br />
and portable VHF, to Radio Holland supplied with their own label.<br />
And finally...<br />
I hope you have enjoyed this first<br />
issue of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Beacon</strong>. It’s been<br />
designed and written with you, our<br />
customers and distributors, in mind<br />
but we’d like to hear your<br />
comments on it. We’d also like to<br />
receive any letters or articles for<br />
the next issue that you think would<br />
be of interest and ask you to e-mail<br />
me at anita.stokkan@jotron.com<br />
with details.<br />
Anita Stokkan, Editor<br />
supply, installation and service of maritime<br />
electronics.<br />
World-wide, the group employs some 700 people in<br />
42 branches from Shanghai to South Africa and<br />
achieves an annual turnover of approximately 135<br />
million Euros.<br />
David Slager commented, “I’m delighted that the<br />
new Radio Holland Group is now an independent<br />
international sales and service company. Our aim is<br />
to offer customers an even better and more<br />
extensive service through our world-wide network<br />
and to supply the very best maritime products from<br />
the best international manufacturers. Our goal is<br />
simple – to be the number one in providing all<br />
global ship operators with solutions for their<br />
electronic requirements to operate their vessels in<br />
the most efficient and effective way.”<br />
<strong>Jotron</strong> Electronics a.s. P.O. Box 54, N-3280 Tjodalyng, Norway<br />
Tel: +47 33 13 97 00 Fax: +47 33 12 67 80 E-mail: mail@jotron.com<br />
PHONTECH a.s. P.O. Box 274 N-3192 Horten, Norway<br />
E-mail: info@phontech.no www.phontech.no<br />
<strong>Jotron</strong> (UK) Ltd., Crosland Park, off Crowhall Road, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1LA, UK<br />
Tel: +44 (0) 1670 712000 Fax: +44 (0) 1670 590265 E-mail: sales@jotron.co.uk<br />
http://www.jotron.com<br />
RADIO HOLLAND<br />
David Slager, CEO of the Radio Holland Group<br />
Events<br />
You’ll find <strong>Jotron</strong> or our distributors<br />
exhibiting our products at the<br />
following international<br />
exhibitions throughout<br />
Calendar<br />
the year.<br />
2002<br />
DATE VENUE LOCATION<br />
April SASMEX Amsterdam<br />
May Ribex Southampton<br />
May - June AIREX 2002 Istanbul<br />
June Seawork Southampton<br />
June Posedonia Piraeus<br />
July Fish Eire Killybegs<br />
July Farnborough Air Show Farnborough<br />
August Norfishing Trondheim<br />
September Equiport Le Harve Le Harve<br />
September Southampton Boat Show Southampton<br />
September SMM Hamburg<br />
October Marine Trade Show Windsor<br />
October Airport Operator Association Brighton<br />
November METS Amsterdam