ELT Testers Blog
Galileo Innovates Search and Rescue
In 2020 the Galileo Navigation Satellite System will present Return Link Service.
With it, anyone who got into emergency situation and uses a Cospas-Sarsat receiver will be assured that his SOS signal is received and help is surely coming.
The development of international search and rescue service started with the launching of the Cospas-Sarsat global distress satellite network in 1981, continued in the 2000s when in the 406MHz search and rescue beacons the GPS receivers were installed and the location identification with the accuracy within 100 meters became possible.
Thus such devices as AIS SARTs, GPS EPIRBs and PLBs, AIS MOBs appeared. The progress moves on and now we are approaching to the new stage of search and rescue service development.
How to provide testing SWR of ELT’s antenna feeder with GADSS Tester GT-1
How to provide testing SWR of ELT’s antenna feeder with GADSS Tester GT-1. Step-by-step instruction.
Requirements: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration AC No: 91-44A of 2018, Canadian (CAR 571 Appendix G) and European (CAA/EuroCAE)
More over GT-1 Tester is capable to provide a scope of avionic tests:
- Measure 406 MHz ELT (ELT-DT) frequency and output power. Decodes and displays all location and user protocols;
- Measure VHF/UHF transmitter frequency, output power, AM and FM modulation and receiver sensitivity;
- Measure HF transmitter frequency, output power, modulation (AM) and SSB USB/LSB receiver sensitivity;
- Measure VHF/UHF antenna and feeder SWR in range;
- Measure 121.5/243 Hz emergency beacon transmitter frequency, output power and AM modulation. Audio output for headphones to monitor swept tone;
- Measure AIS transmitter frequency and output power; Decodes AIS message content;
- Frequency counter provides external frequency measurement in range from 0.5 to 512 MHz.
- Generation of ARINC 596 Selective Calling Tones (Mode: SELCAL)
- Simulation of Localizer and Glideslope (CAT I, II and III). Signals with variable DDM settings.
- Simulation of VOR beacon with variable bearing.
- Simulation of Marker Beacon, Selectable Outer, Middle and Inner Tones.
ELT Testers at Paris Air Show 2019
As you know, one of Aeromarine SRT directions is manufacturing equipment for ELT testing. We always do our best to keep up with the times and it helps us to make our devices progressive and reliable.
So to learn more about achievements and innovations in the field of avionic testing, our team got going to the International Paris Air Show 2019 that took place in Le Bourget in the beginning of the summer.
We got opportunity to study the features, found out novelties in the sphere of avionic technologies and of course communicated with other manufacturers for experience exchanging.
406MHz ELT Tester
406 MHz / 243 MHz / 121.5 MHz ELT TESTER (ELTT-124 Test set) is designed to check the avionics emergency locator transmitters (ELT) operating via COSPAS-SARSAT system. Complies with USA (FAA Part 91.207), Canada (CAR 571 Appendix G), Europe (CAA/EuroCAE) requirements.
ELT Tester Mini Wi-Fi
ELT Tester Mini Wi-Fi is third generation device designed to check the avionics emergency locator transmitters (ELT) operating via COSPAS-SARSAT system. Tester is operating with any mobile phone or desktop PC by means of Wi-Fi connection.
GADSS Tester GT-1
The GT-1 is a compact, lightweight unit for testing of 406 MHz COSPAS/SARSAT ELT (ELT-DT) Emergency Beacons, HF/VHF/UHF (AM/FM) Communications avionic Systems, 121.5/243 MHz Short Range Emergency Beacons and AIS transmitters.
Limit your 406 MHz Testing time
FAA regulations, Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Section 91.207(d)(4), requires that an aircraft emergency locator transmitter (ELT) be tested annually for “the presence of a sufficient signal radiated from its antenna.” The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) in Chapter 6, Section 6-2-5, discusses ELTs, their use, and how to test them. To paraphrase a statement from a movie about a failed trip to the Moon, “Folks, we have a problem.” The FAA requires an ELT radiated test, but if the test is not done properly, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) might take enforcement action against the person doing a 406 MHz ELT test.
Here is the problem. When the FAA test requirements were written, the basic ELT was an analog 121.5 MHz unit transmitting in the aeronautical frequency band. If the ELT being tested could not be isolated within an approved radio frequency shielded room or container, which keeps the signal from going beyond the room or container, a radiated test could be done within the first five minutes after the hour. The test requirements listed the number of recommended sweeps of the signal to minimize the risk of anyone thinking the test signal was an actual distress alert. The person doing the test would quickly activate the ELT, listen for its distinctive sound on a nearby aeronautical band aircraft radio or handheld transceiver and then turn off the ELT.
Distress Beacon Testing
Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz distress beacons should only be activated when a ship, aircraft or person is in distress that is in grave and imminent danger and requiring immediate assistance. In between the manufacturers’ recommended maintenance and battery replacement cycles, the beacon can be tested by the owner using the self-test capability to ensure the continued functionality of the beacon.
There is normally no need for the beacon to be tested in an operational mode by a beacon owner.
The information provided in the following sections provides guidance on beacon testing and the procedures required in the unlikely and unusual event that an operational test of a beacon is required. The Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) does not grant approval for beacon operational tests unless the procedures outlined below have been adhered to.
