SILENT BEACON MANUAL
Version 2.0.0
Model: SB2.0
Table of Contents
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Silent Beacon’s SB2.0. Our second-generation Bluetooth® enabled, personal safety device was created to give you and your loved ones added peace of mind by allowing you to make phone calls and send alerts in emergency situations when you can’t reach your phone. We hope you will continue to enjoy the Silent Beacon’s ease of use and wide range of features.
Important Warnings & Safety Information
WARNING! If you place the Silent Beacon close to your ear, sudden loud noises could pose a potential hearing risk.
WARNING! Submerging the Silent Beacon in water will cause damage to theBeacon. This may cause the unit to be unresponsive and not able to send alerts or place calls correctly. Avoid direct exposure to rain.
WARNING! If the Silent Beacon battery drops below 10%, performance may be compromised. It is recommended that you keep the Beacon charged above 20%.
WARNING! This Silent Beacon is not intended for children under eighteen (18) years old. Anyone under the age of eighteen (18) requires permission from parents or guardians before using the Beacon or App.
IMPORTANT! Please read the additional warning and safety information under “Additional Warnings & Safety Information.”.
IMPORTANT! The Silent Beacon is intended to be used with a compatible iOS or Android smartphone that has the latest operating version and is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0™.
Definitions
The Silent Beacon device (herein referred to as Beacon)
The Silent Beacon’s application (herein referred to as App)
The main Silent Beacon user (herein referred to as you, your, or yourself)
A second user of the App and Beacon (herein referred to as Secondary User)
A person you choose to receive alerts inside the app is called an Emergency Contact
A User’s mobile phone, Tablet, Laptop or Bluetooth Computer (herein referred to as Smartphone)
The lighting system on the Device (herein referred to as LEDs)
Care & Maintenance
Protect your Silent Beacon and accessories as you would any other type of sensitive electronic equipment. If your Beacon requires cleaning, consider the following:
The Beacon can be cleaned with a dry cloth if needed. The cords can be dry dusted as required. Avoid getting moisture or liquids into any buttons, parts, or other open areas, including the Micro-USB port and speaker/microphone holes.
Main Alert Button
The larger button with a raised center is the main alert button. This button will place the emergency phone call as well as send your custom alert messages to your other emergency contacts via text message, push notification, and email.
Emergency Alert Mode
Pressing the Main Alert Button for around 2 seconds (the LED will turn red and the Beacon will vibrate) will send the Emergency Alert by placing a phone call and sending your GPS location to your Emergency Contacts.
Silent Mode
While in the Emergency Alert Mode you can press the secondary button (smoot button) for 1 second to activate Silent Mode. This will disable the sounds and lights to discreetly send for help without anyone knowing.
To deactivate Silent Mode, hold the secondary button down again for 1 second and the LED and speaker will turn back on. This process can be repeated as needed.
Important: Inside the main menu of the app you will see an activate/deactivate emergency alert. When in emergency alert mode this must be pressed to turn off the Emergency Alert Mode. After pressing this you will be prompted enter in a customizable pin to deactivate emergency alert mode. For safety reasons you cannot turn off an Alert by the Beacon itself.
Important: To place an Emergency Alert directly from the App, hold the Activate Emergency Alert Button in the main menu for 3 seconds (you will see a countdown timer) to place an Emergency Alert manually.
Secondary Button
The smaller button, which is smooth, is located on the lower right of the Beacon enables additional functionality to help in various situations. The 4 functions are outlined below.
Power On
Hold down the secondary button for 2 seconds.
Check-in
(previously called nudge)
Tap the button 3 times rapidly within 2 seconds.
This feature sends a customized message along with your GPS location letting your Emergency Contacts know you are OK.
Footsteps
Hold down the button for 3 seconds.
This feature that allows you to see loved-ones in real time when they are entering situations in which they wish to be monitored. Turning “Footsteps” on allows the you to be tracked by the Contacts you have pre-selected within the App. Turning off Footsteps discontinues the tracking so your location is private again.
Beacon Status
One tap of the button.
This action will show you either a blue, red or no light. Blue means you are connected to the App; red means you are not connected; no light means the unit is off.
Pressing Both Buttons
Pressing both buttons at the same time allows you to turn the device on and off as well as restarts the Beacon.
Power Off
Hold both buttons for 5 seconds. You will see
the LED light up purple, hear an audio sequence, as well as feeling the Beacon vibrate, letting you know this was successful.
Reset
Hold both buttons for 20 seconds. The LEDs will cycle
colors, the restart chime will begin and the Beacon will vibrate to let you know the reset
has been completed.
If there is an issue with your beacon and you feel you need to reset it.
Warning: The Silent Beacon and App will lose its connection if Beacon resets. All information on the Beacon will be erased making you have to go through the pairing process again inside the Silent Beacon App.
Wristband
The Silent Beacon comes with a wristband allowing you to easily engage the Beacon from your wrist.
The indentations on the top and bottom of the Beacon’s backside is where you are able to connect the universal 18mm wristband. The connection ports accommodate universal wristbands which allows for various styles.
Pairing Mode / Start UpFlashing Blue for 2 seconds Flashing Red for 2 Seconds Status CheckBlue for 1 second Red for 1 second |
Multicolored LED
Our brightly lit LED light allows for heightened visibility you to show you the status of your Silent Beacon.
Alert Modes
Blinking Red
You have placed the device in an Alert Mode and it is transmitting your emergency.
Solid Green
The unit is fully charged
Pulsing Green
The Beacon is being charged
White Pulsing
A check-in message is being sent
Blinking Blue for 1 minute
Beacon Finder has been activated
Yellow light every 5 minutes
Battery needs to be recharged
Blinking Yellow then Red
Microphone
Our omni directional microphone ensures all audio is transmitted when you are talking to your Emergency Contact. You can talk directly into the Beacon to converse with the Emergency Contact.
USB Port
The waterproof USB Port accepts the reversable USB-C Connector that is standard on all tech products.
Keychain Hole
The Keychain hole allows for keychain, hook, and/or lanyard.
Speaker
The waterproof speaker is housed directly in the middle of the Silent Beacon. Audio levels can be adjusted within your Smartphones Bluetooth audio settings.
Accessory Clip
Utilize the accessory clip to be able to carry this product on various items including clothes and backpacks.
USB-C Cord
Included in the package is a 3-foot USB-C Cord which is the latest standard for tech products. Please ensure proper connection to a stable power source.
Charging Your Beacon
To charge the Silent Beacon, connect the included USB-C cable into the USB port located on the bottom of the Beacon. Insert the other end into a power source, as illustrated below.
The Silent Beacon LED lights will blink green while charging. The Beacon will glow a solid green when fully charged. If you are using the Beacon while it is charging, the LED will display the lights from your current alert mode.
The Silent Beacon takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery. The Silent Beacon battery will last for 42 days on standby mode before it needs to be charged again. The Beacon will last much longer if it is periodically turned off. You can setup the App to send you alerts if your Beacon battery falls below 10%.
Note: Charge time from either a PC or car 12-Volt socket is much longer than with an AC power outlet.
The Silent Beacon Buessiness Safety Application
The Silent Beacon pairs to your compatible smartphone, tablet or Bluetooth™ device via our Silent Beacon Application.
Search the App store for your smartphone, tablet or other compatible Bluetooth device for our official “Silent Beacon for businesses” Application and download the app. If your smartphone, tablet or other compatible Bluetooth device does not download the Silent Beacon Application, consult that device’s respective manuals. After downloading the Application, you must launch the Application and register your version. (Follow instructions within the App.)
STEPS:
- Search the App Store on your smartphone or tablet to download the official Silent Beacon Business Safety Application.
- Once downloaded, open and register/login by following the prompt.
- When prompted make sure you accept turning on your GPS and Background Location Services where the App is running.
Connecting the Beacon to App
Our Silent Beacon App will give you step-by-step instructions to help pair your Silent Beacon and set up the functionality. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on within your phone and you have allowed the App to use Location Services when the App is open.
- Turn on the Silent Beacon by pressing the small smooth button for 3 seconds..
- Open the Silent Beacon Application and navigate to the Beacon section.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to connect.
Note: This process can take up to 30 seconds. If it does not connect, check to make sure the Beacon is turned on and not paired to another device. If it is, hold both buttons for 20 seconds to reset and go back to step 1.
- Once connected it will ask to Pair “Silent Beacon 2.0” to your phone, at which time you must select Pair.
- Once Paired fully it will check to make sure you have the most up-to-date firmware which may take an additional 3 minutes.
App Setup Guide
App User Guide
Adding a Personal Contact
Within the Silent Beacon ESS Application, if your business as elected, you may add emergency contacts that you wish to alert. Go to the “Dispatcher” page. On the bottom area of this page, you will see an “Add Personal Contact” icon. Pressing this allows you to manually enter a specific person or automatically import from your smartphone’s address book.
Placing an Emergency Phone Call
Pressing the large button on the side of the Silent Beacon will place the Emergency Call to your Dispatcher.
Note: When you are in Silent Alert Mode, no lights or audio will be heard through the speaker; however, all alerts will still be sent to your Emergency Contacts, and once your Primary Contact picks up, they will be able to hear you. To hang up, simply go to your smartphone and manually “End Call.” This setting will not work for tablets or other products that do not connect to a phone line.
Check Pairing Status
You may check the status of your Silent Beacon’s pairing at any time by viewing the large Beacon image inside of the App. It will be gray if your device is not paired, Black if paired.You may also tap either button on the Silent Beacon to see the pairing status, blue LED means the Beacon is connected to the App, red means it is not.
Powering On/Off
Pressing both Buttons for 5 seconds will initially turn on the Silent Beacon. You will see the LED light up and change color, hear an audio sequence, as well as feeling the Beacon vibrate, letting you know this was successful. When you are not in an emergency, you can turn off your Beacon by holding both buttons for 5 seconds.
Find Your Beacon
Within the Beacon section of the App, there is a feature called “Find your Beacon” that will illuminate when the Silent Beacon is connected. If you lose your Silent Beacon you may select the “Find” icon when within Bluetooth range to help you find it. The Silent Beacon will also blink blue and vibrate to help you locate it. The range finder icon lets you know if you are getting closer or further from the Beacon.
Battery Status
You can check the status of your battery of your Silent Beacon within the Beacon section of the App. If your battery gets to 5%, it will vibrate, and orange LEDs will flash to let you know it needs to be recharged. When connected to a power source, the LEDs will glow green to let you know it is charging. Once the battery is fully charged the light will stay lit until removed from the USB Cable.
Factory Resetting Your Beacon
To reset the Silent Beacon, hold both buttons down for 30 seconds. The LEDs will cycle colors, the restart chime will begin and the Beacon will vibrate to let you know the reset has been completed.
Warning: The Silent Beacon and App will lose its connection if this the device is reset. All information on the Beacon will be erased making you have to go through the pairing process again inside the Silent Beacon App.
Firmware Updates
Firmware is software that runs inside many types of electronic devices, including your Silent Beacon. The Silent Beacon allows over-the-air firmware updates. Firmware updates may be released to improve important security encryption, performance and better functionality.
Wearing Your Beacon
The Silent Beacon is intended for use either on the wristband, multipurpose clip, keychain or as a pendant. We have included a universal 18m wristband, multipurpose clip, and the Silent Beacon was created to seamlessly integrate with a keyring.
IMPORTANT! Regardless of how you choose to wear the device, make sure the speaker/microphone side of the Silent Beacon is positioned as close to your mouth as possible. This will maximize the microphone clarity, allowing your voice to come through loud and clear.
Device Bluetooth Connectivity
The longest range (under perfect conditions) when sending an Alert from the Silent Beacon to your smartphone is approximately 800 feet.
Note: In reality, you will probably find the range to be somewhat shorter due to physical obstructions and electromagnetic interference.
The sound from the Silent Beacon will slowly deteriorate as you move it further away from your compatible smartphone, tablet or Bluetooth device. To restore sound quality, move back into range. All sound and functionality will stop if you move completely out of range. After moving out of range, your Silent Beacon will try to reconnect to the lost smartphone periodically. The App will alert you, indicating that it can no longer find the Silent Beacon. It is strongly advised that you test your Device’s range, connectivity, and audio levels before you need the Silent Beacon in an emergency. When you are within range, you can use the “Find your Beacon” feature within the main menu to help locate your Silent Beacon if lost.
IMPORTANT! For best performance of your Silent Beacon, wear or keep the Silent Beacon close (and in sight) to your compatible smartphone, tablet or Bluetooth device. The smaller the number of objects between the Silent Beacon and the App, the better the quality should be.
Troubleshooting
For troubleshooting the Beacon or Application, please follow the instructions within the appropriate sections of this manual or contact Silent Beacon online at https://business.silentbeacon.com/support/, or call 888-652-1172.
Additional Warnings & Safety Information
Permanent hearing loss may result from long-term exposure to sound at high volumes. Use as low a volume as possible. Speakers are capable of delivering loud and high-pitched sounds at high volumes. Under certain circumstances, exposure to such sounds can result in permanent hearing loss damage. The volume level may vary, based on conditions such as the smartphone, tablet or you are using and volume settings. Avoid prolonged use of the speaker at excessive sound levels.
Reduce the risk of hearing damage by following these safety guidelines during use of the Silent Beacon Device:Turn the volume control to its lowest level when connecting the speaker, and then slowly adjust the volume control to a comfortable level. Keep the volume at the lowest level possible. If increased volume is necessary, adjust the volume control slowly. If you experience discomfort or ringing in your ears, immediately discontinue using the speaker.
With continued use at a high volume, your ears may become accustomed to the sound level, which may result in permanent damage to your hearing without any noticeable discomfort. Use of a speaker will impair your ability to hear other sounds. Use caution while using your speaker when you are engaging in any activity that requires your full attention.
IMPORTANT: Always drive safely, avoid distractions, and follow local laws!
Use of the speaker while operating a motor vehicle may be regulated by local laws. Check with your local authorities. Use caution while using your speaker when you are engaging in any activity that requires your full attention.
This package contains small parts that may be hazardous to children and should be kept out of reach of children at all times. The Silent Beacon is not a toy – never allow children to play with the Device. The part bags themselves or the many small parts they contain may cause choking if ingested.
IMPORTANT! If you have a pacemaker or other electrical medical devices, consult your physician before using the Silent Beacon.
Never try to dismantle the Silent Beacon yourself or push objects of any kind into the Device, as this may cause short circuits, which could result in a fire or electric shock. None of the components can be replaced or repaired by yourself. Avoid exposing the Device to rain, moisture, or other liquids to protect against damage to the Silent Beacon or injury to you. If the Silent Beacon overheats, has been dropped or damaged, has a damaged cord or plug, or has been dropped in a liquid, discontinue use immediately. Do not use in areas where there are explosive hazards. Observe all signs and instructions that require an electrical devices or RF radio devices to be switched off in designated areas such as hospitals or aircrafts.
The Silent Beacon is powered by a rechargeable battery. Unplug the charger from the electrical plug and the Silent Beacon when not in use. Do not leave a fully charged battery connected to a charger, since overcharging may shorten battery life. If left unused, a fully charged battery will lose its charge over time. Leaving the Silent Beacon in hot or cold places, such as in a closed car in the summer or in winter conditions, will reduce the capacity and lifetime of the battery. Always try to keep the battery between 0°C and 45°C (32°F and 113°F). A Silent Beacon with a hot or cold battery may not work temporarily, even when the battery is fully charged. Battery performance is particularly limited in temperatures well below freezing.
IMPORTANT! The battery used in the Silent Beacon may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if mistreated. The battery in your Device cannot be removed or replaced by yourself. Any attempt to do so is risky and may result in damage of the Silent Beacon. Only recharge your battery with the USB-C cord included with the Silent Beacon package
Technical Specifications
Model Number:
SB2.0
Dimensions:
44mm x 35mm x15mm
Weight:
<18 g
Operating Environment:
-10 ̊C to +60 ̊C (when charging: 0 ̊C to +45 ̊C); Up to 95% RH non-condensing
Call Control:
Multiple alert buttons support sending alert, placing phone calls and lowering / raising volume.
Volume Control:
Device Button Up/Down Control
Microphone Mute:
Using Silent Mode
Visual Indicators:
Multicolor LED indicate alert status, battery level, pairing status, and other events.
Audio Indicators:
Tones to indicate alert status, battery level, pairing status, and other events.
Bluetooth Profiles:
Headset (HSP 1.1), hands-free (HFP 1.5), Device identification (DIP 1.3)
Bluetooth Version:
BT 2.1 & 5.0
Bluetooth Range:
Up to 60m when paired with a Bluetooth wireless technology Class 1 Device; up to 25m when paired with a Bluetooth wireless technology Class 2 Device
Microphone:
Omni Directional Microphone
Sound Quality:
DSP noise reduction; echo cancellation; tone control; narrowband and wideband audio (selectable per phone type)
Firmware Update:
Connect to App for over the air updates.
Device Charging:
While connected to a wall socket; PC (via USB) or car socket
Power & Data Port:
Micro USB
Battery Type:
Lithium Ion
Battery capacity:
180 mAh, nominal
Battery Talk Time: Up to 6 h at -10 ̊C to +60 ̊C
Battery Charge Time:
Charging from AC power adapter; from 0 to 80% of full capacity in 25 minutes.
Charging from car charger; from 0 to 80% of full capacity in 25 minutes, provided the charger has USB fast charge termination.
Charging from a PC’s USB port; from 0 to 80% of full capacity in 60 mins. In this case, the charge current is limited to 100mA
Battery Life:
Minimum 500 charge cycles (over 6 years when used for 4 hours a day)
Battery Standby Time:
At least 100h at -10 ̊C to +60 ̊C
Shelf Life:
Holds a charge for at least 6 months in the “off” state before recharge is required
Material:
Silent Beacon is made from non-hazardous plastics
Connectivity:
AC power socket, using supplied USB-C cord (wall plug not included)
PC USB port, using supplied USB-C to USB cable, Car cigarette-lighter socket, using car charge adapter (not included)
Certifications & Safety Approvals
FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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.
CAUTIONS
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate this equipment. This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
You are not permitted to make changes or modify the device in any way. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Silent Beacon LLC will void your authority to operate the equipment.
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, you are 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 receiver.
Connect the equipment into 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.
FCC ID: 2AIND03021958SBL
IC Canada
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.
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.
Glossary
Bluetooth
An open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile Devices, such as mobile phones and headsets. It is primarily designed for low power consumption, with a short range (power-class-dependent: 1 meter, 10 meters, and 100 meters) based on low-cost transceiver microchips in each Device. Bluetooth wireless technology makes it possible for these Devices to communicate with each other when they are in range. Because the Devices use a radio (broadcast) communications system, they do not have to be in line of sight of each other.
Emergency Contacts
The custom contact information stored inside the Silent Beacon Application. There are various settings that allow you different methods of alerting each contact.
Firmware
The software that is embedded in the Silent Beacon. This can be updated via the Applications Firmware Update which delivers this over the air to the Silent Beacon.
LED
Short for Light-Emitting Diode. These are the lights that flash on the Silent Beacon.
Pairing / Unpaired
Creates a unique and encrypted link between two Bluetooth Devices and enables them to communicate with each other. Bluetooth Devices will not communicate if they have not been paired. “Unpaired” stops the communication between the Device and Bluetooth Host.
Support & Contact Information
© 2024 Silent Beacon, LLC. All rights reserved. Silent Beacon, the Silent Beacon logo, and other Silent Beacon marks are owned by Top Guard Technologies and may be registered. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Silent Beacon is under license. Apple, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android Google Play is a trademark of Google LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Silent Beacon assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Silent Beacon LLC
9200 Corporate Blvd. Suite 250
Rockville MD 20850
888-652-1172