Manual ELT 500 27
Manual ELT 500 27
Kingsland, Leominster
Herefordshire HR6 9QA, England
Telephone: +44(0)1568 708 744
E-mail: street@hr-smith.com
Fax: +44(0)1568 708 713
www.hr-smith.com
Techtest Emergency
Location
and Rescue
Limited Equipment
OPERATING MANUAL
MULTI FUNCTION
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON (PLB)
Issue 23 - 20.10.14
C/N TT6493
HRS1006-12-01
Preface
This manual is a controlled document, and as such is subject to amendment. It is in the interest of the
user to register this manual with Techtest Limited to ensure receipt of any amendments.
Amendments subsequent to the Initial Issue will bear the number of the amendment with which it was
issued. Changes of technical import within each new or revised leaf will be identified by a marginal
indicator. Such indicators will be omitted when the leaf is next
re-issued. When the whole of the chapter is so changed or reorientated that the inclusion of amendment
indicators would be impracticable, the words “(Completely Revised)” will appear at the head of the
relevant chapter.
Product Support
Techtest Limited
Street Court
Kingsland
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 9QA
U.K.
Page
Preface 1
Amendments Page 2
Contents 3
Figure 1 4
1. General Introduction 5
2. Assembly 5
3. Built in Test 6
4. General Operation 6
5. Detailed Operation 7
6. Installation 10
7. Maintenance 11
9. Technical Data 12
10. Compliance 13
11. Approvals 14
APPENDIX A
PULL
6
3
TEST
MI C HI
4
PRESS
TO V
TALK O
L
OFF U
M
E
R
LO
UD
E
K LO
S P EA
ACTIVE
2
EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (TYPE S)
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON: TYPE 500-27
WARNING! FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY
6
1
MOD RECORD
WITH GPS & SPEECH ON UHF AND VHF JTSO-2C91a & JTSO-2C126
8
3
PULL LANYARD/SLIDE
10
ACTIVATE BEACON.
CONT. ON: P.L.B.
OPERATIONAL.
SLIDE SWITCH UPWARDS
TO ACTIVATE BUILT IN TEST
(B.I.T.) UNTIL STATUS IS SHOWN. FAST FLASH: BATTERY
FAILURE.
9
TECHTEST SER. No. 0000 EXPIRY 00/0000
LIMITED N.S.N.
P.L.B. BATTERY PACK: PART No. A0696
CAUTION:
LITHIUM MANGANESE DIOXIDE (LiMnO2) CELLS.
DO NOT SHORT CIRCUIT, RECHARGE, MUTILATE, OR
EXPOSE TO TEMPERATURES GREATER THAN +70°C
1 - ON/OFF/TEST SWITCH
2 - BEACON ACTIVE INDICATOR
3 - PRESS TO TALK SWITCH
4 - VOLUME SWITCH 7
5 - ANTENNA
6 - GPS ANTENNA (500-27 SERIES)
7 - REMOVABLE BATTERY PACK 8
8 - LANYARD
9 - BATTERY REPLACEMENT & ANTENNA
TORQUE TOOL
10 - GPS INDICATOR(500-27 SERIES)
FIGURE 1
This manual covers all variants of the 500-12, 500-16 and 500-27 Series of beacons. For details
of individual beacons please refer to the relevant Installation Drawing.
The need to alert rescuers, and provide a means by which rescuers can locate the incident is now
available to both civil and military operators. The Cospas/Sarsat satellite system continuously
monitors for distress transmissions on 406 MHz and is able to position the transmitting source to
within a few kilometres using the polar orbiting satellites.
The geostationary satellites used by Cospas/Sarsat cannot determine the position of the distress
signal but rely on the 406 distress beacon transmitting its location as part of the long message
data burst.
The beacon’s long message is able to carry the beacon’s location in the format provided by Global
Positioning Systems (GPS). The 500-27 series of beacons offers the facility to determine a GPS
position and transmit it, by determining the position from a self contained GPS receiver.
The rescue services, once alerted, are provided with a general search area but require continuous
operation of a PLB in order to effect a speedy location and rescue. The 500 Series of Personal
Locator Beacons (PLBs) offers a choice of beacon transmissions, with or without speech facilities,
to provide a communications link between survivor and rescue service. The beacon can be
automatically deployed should the installation be so arranged and transmissions will continue for
at least 48 hours should it be necessary.
The 500 Series PLB provides the best possible alert of a distress situation and continues to
transmit for a minimum of 48 hours.
On activation the beacon transmits on 406 MHz (except 500-16) to the satellite and 121.5 / 243.0
MHz to mark its position for rescue by a rescue service equipped with a homing system that can
“home in” to the beacon. (For training frequencies refer to relevant Installation Drawing).
The satellite cover extends to all parts of the world but the time between passes over any point
on the globe differs. The 500 Series PLB continues to transmit 406 MHz to the satellite for 24
hours before powering down. The 406 MHz signal can be switched back on by switching the
beacon to OFF and then back to ON to reset the 24 hour clock. The 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz
transmission which is used for location is switched ON at beacon activation and continues through
until the battery is discharged (at least 48 hours).
A dual frequency (121.5 and 243.0 MHz) transceiver facility is provided and transmissions by the
survivor can be initiated by pressing the PRESS TO TALK switch (Figure 1 – No. 3).
2. ASSEMBLY
The beacons are reliable and ready for use when required, but since most beacons will not be
operationally deployed in their life time they have been manufactured to give a service life of 20
years with negligible maintenance.
The PLB is despatched in a protective container with the battery removed from the beacon. It is
recommended that the PLB be stored as packed until made ready for service.
Prior to use the battery has to be installed into the cavity at the base of the beacon and pressed
in until the base of the battery is flush with the bottom edge of the beacon housing. The locking
mechanism can be seen on the rear face of the PLB and should be checked to ensure that the
locking lugs on the battery box are locked in place above the tongue.
After inserting the battery the PLB should be tested using the Built in Test (BIT) which is activated
by the slide switch (Figure 1 – No 1). In the unlikely event of BIT failure the PLB should be taken
out of service for further investigation. With the exception of battery and antenna replacement,
the PLB is NOT repairable.
3. BUILT IN TEST
IMPORTANT: Check the integrity of the antenna connection before operating the
BIT function.
The Built in Test is initiated by switching the slide switch to TEST.
The switch is spring loaded to OFF and must be held at test until the test is completed.
At the test position a short delay (3-5 secs) is followed by two audible swept tones and a flickering
Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D) which is in sympathy with the audio tone.
Maintain the switch position until a beep is heard and the L.E.D remains permanently at ON.
The two short swept tones declare the 121.5 and 243.0 MHz beacon serviceable and the beep
shows the 406 MHz beacon to be serviceable. A slow flash of the LED with pauses, indicates an
internal circuit fault and a fast flashing lamp indicates low battery volts.
To repeat the test, relax the switch to OFF before selecting TEST again.
Note 1: The antenna must be deployed for the BIT and re-stowed on completion of the test.
Note 2: If a safety clip is fitted to prevent inadvertent activation, remove before initiating Self Test.
See Appendix A for details.
Note 3: To avoid interference and false distress signals the BIT frequencies are offset to 121.65
and 243.3 MHz and the 406 MHz frame is reversed. Excessive testing will reduce battery life. After
long periods of inactivity the high capacity battery will develop a passivation layer and therefore
not provide full power for a few seconds. It may be necessary to repeat the built in test several
times to develop full battery power and a successful test (All high capacity batteries develop a
passivation layer which reduce self discharge and increases shelf life).
4. GENERAL OPERATION
To ensure the best propagation of the distress signal it is necessary to deploy the antenna
10-274-3 (if supplied) by turning it through 180 degrees into an upright position and then extending
the 2 telescopic sections (Figure 1 – No. 5).
The PLB is switched to ON by pulling the lanyard (Figure 1 – No 8) or slide switch (Figure 1 – No
1) down until the switch clicks into the on position.
The beacon will transmit on the distress frequencies until the unit is switched off.
The Beacon Active indicator (Figure 1 – No 2) flashes rapidly and a part of the swept tone is
audible at the loudspeaker on every transmission of the distress frequencies.
The Beacon Active indicator flashes on for 500 ms together with one beep which is audible at the
loudspeaker. This occurs at approximately 50 second intervals as the 406 MHz transmission is
broadcast.
Transceiver
The transceiver mode (if fitted) is available immediately the PLB is switched to ON, but it is
recommended that the transmit facility is only used to respond to incoming messages, or when
a rescue craft is seen or heard. Excessive use of the transmit facility reduces the life of the
battery and the ability of the beacon to transmit beyond 24 hours.
Any strong signal received by the PLB is demodulated and will be heard at the loudspeaker.
Responding to a received signal, or initiating a transmission, is actioned by pressing the PRESS
TO TALK key (Figure 1 – No. 3) and speaking into the microphone. At the end of a transmission
the receiver sensitivity remains high for 20 seconds before reverting back to standard setting.
The loudspeaker has a Hi / Lo volume switch (Figure 1 – No. 4) which must be selected to either
Hi or Lo, it is not a variable volume control switch.
5. DETAILED OPERATION
The detailed operation describes the operation of the 500-12 beacon. Other beacons differ only in
the frequency of operation, for training purposes, or the particularly facilities which are, or are not
available. For details of individual beacons please refer to the relevant Installation Drawing.
5.1 Antenna Deployment
The stowed telescopic antenna 10-274-3 (if supplied) is compressed and folded to lay
alongside the beacon. To deploy the antenna it must be rotated through 180 degrees
to stand vertically above the beacon and then the top pulled to extend the 2 telescopic
sections. (Figure 1 – No 5).
5.2 Switch ON
The beacon can be switched to ON by sliding the ON-OFF-TEST switch (Figure 1 – No 1)
to the ON position. The same action can be achieved by gently pulling the lanyard (with
toggle) which exits the bottom left of the beacon housing (Figure 1 – No 8). A positive snap
action holds the switch to the ON position.
If it is necessary to switch the beacon to OFF the switch must be pushed through OFF to
TEST and allowed to fall back to OFF under spring loading. This action ensures that the
beacon has to be consciously switched to OFF and should prevent accidental operation.
5.3 Transmission
At switch on the beacon transmits the two distinctive swept tone distress frequencies
of 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz (or training frequencies - refer to relevant Installation
Drawing).
The operator has both audible and visual confirmation that the beacon is transmitting the
distress frequencies.
The loud speaker emits a warble as per the swept tone and the beacon active LED
illuminates in sympathy on each swept tone, which is approximately every 2 seconds.
The 406 MHz Cospas/Sarsat signal is transmitted once every 50 seconds (approx and
variable) and the operator made aware by a longer audible beep and steady lamp for
500ms.
If so equipped, the beacon is readied for two way communication at switch ON.
Transmissions are initiated by using the Press to Talk switch (Figure 1 – No 3) at any time
other than when the 406 MHz burst is being transmitted. Any ongoing transmission or
reception is interrupted for the duration of the 406 MHz data transmission. This ensures
continuous data transfer to the satellite and compliance with the regulations.
The squelch level in the receive mode is set to a high level such that only strong signals from
the rescue services or other survivors within 300 metres (-80dBm), subject to conditions,
can establish two way communications. In this way battery capacity is not wasted by the
survivor attempting to establish unworkable links.
The squelch level is reduced for a few seconds after the release of the Press To Talk to
ensure a link, once established, is maintained. The Hi / Lo loudspeaker volume switch has
no intermediate positions.
The 406 MHz data burst to the Cospas/Sarsat satellite contains information about the
beacon and operator that ensures positive action. Without the correct data for the situation
the satellite ignores the message and does not alert the rescue services. The message is
important and is usually factory programmed to customer requirement.
All 406 MHz equipped beacons can have the data modified using a special adapter that
fits into the battery compartment. The adapter enables a standard P.C. to be connected to
the beacon and allows most of the data to be changed to suit the current situation.
Beacon type 500-12C / 500-12YC can be reprogrammed via a programming module built
into its mounting bracket, Part Number A0861-AP. Programming is via the base of the
battery, without the need to remove the battery or PLB from its special bracket.
Reprogramming any beacon has to be done with care to ensure the beacon transmits data
in a form acceptable to the satellite. Manuals on reprogramming are available on request
from Techtest Limited.
A part of the 406 MHz long message can contain the Lat / Long position of the beacon but
it is necessary to load the data from equipment that can determine the Lat / Long position.
The 500-27 models of the series have an in-built Global Positioning System (GPS) which
is able to determine the beacons position and relay the data onto the long message data
burst.
Beacons equipped with the in-built GPS have different indications to those described
above, particularly on initial switch ON.
At initial switch ON the GPS receiver is activated in order that it can determine its position.
All, but the first 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz transmissions are suppressed during the first
minute in order to allow uninterrupted signal reception from the GPS. There is no audio
and no visual indications during the first minute and the operator must be aware of this and
not suspect a fault condition.
After 1 minute the first 406 MHz data burst is transmitted and the single beep and steady
lamp are indicated as for all beacons.
If the GPS has determined the position of the beacon the data is added to the long message
and a visual indication of lock is provided. The visual indicator is a small lamp (without
caption) (Figure 1 - No. 10) just below the Hi/ Lo volume switch in line with the active
beacon lamp. When the GPS has a locked position the lamp flashes every one quarter
second and continues flashing until switched off or locked position is lost.
Failure of the GPS to determine its position results in the positional section of the long
message being programmed with data indicating no positional data available.
If an immediate lock on position is not apparent the beacon attempts to lock on at 5 minute
intervals for 4 attempts, then reverts to 20 minute spaced attempts.
Similarly if the beacon locks onto a position it is updated every 20 minutes such that the
operator can be tracked if moving. The operator has no visual or aural indications that
verify the position is being updated but the 4Hz rate flashing indicator advises continued
GPS lock. A slower flash rate indicates that GPS lock has been lost (or not updated to new
position if moving) but that the last position is being transmitted.
If beacon is deployed within a short distance of one or more other beacons then only one
of the beacons will transmit the 121.5 / 243.0 MHz distress signals.
The transceiver, described at Section 5.4, is designed to receive signals at 121.5 / 243.0
MHz transmitted by other beacons within 300 metres (-80dBm), subject to conditions. If
such a signal is received then transmission of 121.5 / 243.0 MHz is suppressed as the
beacon will be receiving the swept tone from the transmitting beacon. The swept tone
from the transmitting beacon will be heard on the beacons speaker but it should not be
confused with the tone and flashing indicator lamp associated with the beacon transmitting
the 121.5 and 243.0 MHz.
The 406 MHz data transmission from any deployed beacon is of paramount importance
and each individual beacon will transmit its data at 50 seconds (approx) intervals. The
deliberate jitter in the 50 seconds is to meet the satellite requirements but it may cause the
closely located beacons to alternate in “master / slave” operation. As each beacon exits
the 406 MHz transmission the transceiver receive mode is established and, dependant
upon the point within the cycle of other beacon(s), will determine whether it transmits the
121.5 / 243.0 MHz or enters/maintains its receive state.
Such indications advise the operator that other beacons are deployed, are relatively close,
and that two way communications could be established.
The above feature helps to prevent multiple beacon location problems which are a trouble
to rescue services and help to preserve battery power. The beacon operators should
remain aware that extensive use of the transceiver facility will reduce battery life.
The 500 Series PLB can be installed in a survival vest, a flight suit, stowed inside a personal
survival pack or installed in a special to type stowage bracket. In every installation the PLB should
be readily available when required, but held firmly in place when not required.
Many survival and flying suits have pockets into which the PLB can be stowed and personal
survival packs can be arranged to accommodate a PLB unit. The PLB can also be made self
activating as the survival pack is deployed by using the lanyard/switch assembly to switch the
PLB to ON, automatically, when connected to a shackle, or similar device which can form part of
an ejection seat mechanism.
It may be necessary to arrange for a feeder cable to be installed between the PLB and a remote
antenna to effect a satisfactory installation. Because each installation has to be modified to suit a
particular requirement, it is not possible to detail all installation procedures. Help and advice on a
particular installation is available from Techtest Limited.
Mounting Brackets Nº A0861 and A0861-EB are stowage containers specifically designed
to house the 500 Series and 500-27-EB PLBs, for civil aircraft applications.
Mounting bracket No. A0861-AP is specifically designed for use with 500-12C / 500-12YC
for automatic programming purposes.
6.1.1. Installation
The aircraft modification for installing the Mounting Bracket must meet FAR 25.789
requirements.
The holes in the rear of the bracket may be used as a template to mark the fixing positions
(4-off) on the aircraft.
Secure the PLB Container and Back Plate to the aircraft, as shown on Installation Drawing
Nº A0861.
Place PLB into PLB Container, as shown on Installation Drawing Nº A0861 / A0861-EB,
ensuring that the lanyard/toggle assembly is safely stowed in the area provided, at the
rear of the PLB Container on the opposite side to the PLB Antenna.
Wrap the restraining strap over the PLB and secure onto the securing peg located on the
side of the PLB Container
Thread the Seal/Release Pull through the hole in the securing peg, ensuring that the
restraining strap is sandwiched between the PLB Container and the Seal/Release Pull and
that the Pull Handle is forward.
Place a finger around Pull Handle and PULL to break the SEAL, and pull the seal free from
the securing peg.
Slide the Restraining Strap off the securing peg and lift away from the PLB.
Grip the sides of the PLB, through the cutaways provided in the PLB Container and lift the
PLB free of the PLB/ELT Mounting Bracket.
7. MAINTENANCE
The 500 Series PLB requires no maintenance other than a visual inspection and a self test,
using the Built in Test, on a time basis to be determined by the operator. A battery removal tool
combined with an antenna spanner (Figure 1 – No. 9) is supplied with each PLB. The use of the
tools is detailed in the maintenance manual.
The 406 MHz burst to the satellite contains a long or short message which is entered into the
beacon before despatch from the factory. It is however possible for the operator’s maintenance/
engineering personnel to change the message using a simple windows based programme. The
technique to be adopted to change the message is detailed in the Reprogramming Manual.
It is recommended that the PLB be inspected for damage on a regular basis and as often
as possible. For example, if stowed in a life vest or flying suit, this could be as part of
daily pre-flight checking. If the beacon is stowed in a survival pack, tamper proof rack or
life raft then inspection could be synchronized with other scheduled maintenance.
8.2 Antenna
Part of the inspection should include antenna security. If the antenna connection is found
to be loose it can can be retightened using the tool supplied (Figure 1 – No. 9).
IMPORTANT: Check the integrity of the antenna connection before operating the
BIT function.
The beacon incorporates a Built In Test (BIT) facility which should be operated
periodically to ensure the integrity of the unit (See Section 3). It is recommended to
operate the BIT at least every 6 months however, it should not be operated more than
once per month. Each use of the BIT will deplete the battery and if used more than once
per month then the battery will not last for the specified 24/48 hours at the end of its 5 year
life.
It should be noted that the battery may not provide full power at switch-on if it has not
been used for a time. This is due to passivation, and it may be necessary to allow the PLB
to cycle through self test until a pass or fail can be accurately assessed.
An unused battery will remain at full capacity to meet the 24 hr / 48 hr beacon life for 5
years.
It is recommended that the battery be replaced every 5 years or if it has been used either
in Emergency Beacon or Transceiver mode. Note that BIT mode may be used up to once
per month without replacing the battery.
Battery replacement does not require hand tools other than the tool provided (Figure 1 –
No.9). NOTE: For battery part numbers and extraction tool part number refer to the Spare
Parts List on page 13.
9. TECHNICAL DATA
Transmitter Signal
Frequency
The PLB transmits modulated homing signals on both 121.5 MHz (Civil) and 243.0 MHz (Military)
distress frequencies, with characteristics in accordance with COSPAS/SARSAT.
Channel Spacing
Transmissions and reception on both frequencies are compatible with 25 kHz channel spacing.
Activation
Manual
The PLB can be manually turned on and off, as required by the operator.
Automatic
The PLB is capable of being reliably activated automatically on ejection from a suitably equipped
aircraft or other vehicle.
Battery Life
For standard 500 series PLBs
a) 48 Hours at an ambient temperature between -20°C and +55°C
For 500-27-EB
a) 48 Hours at an ambient temperature between -40°C and +55°C
Dimensions
Standard 500 series PLBs
150 mm x 87.5 mm x 37.5 mm
500-27-EB
220 mm x 87.5 mm x 37.5 mm
Weight
Standard 500 series PLBs
600 gm Nominal
500-27EB
910 gm Nominal
Colour
Survival
10. COMPLIANCE
Civil
BS 3G 100 Series for general requirements for use in aircraft.
EUROCAE Document ED62
EUROCAE Document ED14C
RTCA DO183
RTCA DO204
Military
NATO – STANAG 3281 Edition 5.
Personal Locator Beacon.
11. APPROVALS
JTSO - 2C91a
2C126
EASA.210.1160
COSPAS/ SARSAT Certificate No. 111
CAA WR 01029
JTSO No. CAA.O.0008
A0696 Series Battery box assembly for 500-12, 500-16 & 500-27 Series PLB
(supplied with Battery extraction tool / Antenna spanner and ‘O’
Ring)
A0914 Series Battery box assembly for 500-12C/12YC PLB only (supplied with
Battery extraction tool / Antenna spanner and ‘O’ Ring)
A01112 Series Battery box assembly for 500-27-EB Series PLB only (supplied
with Battery extraction tool / Antenna spanner and ‘O’ Ring)
OR-00-036 ‘O’ Ring for A0696 Series, A0914 Series and A01112 Series
Batteries
The assembly of the 01348 switch stop to the 500-12 series or 500-27 series beacon is to ensure that the
beacon cannot be accidentally activated via the lanyard or the TEST-OFF-ON switch.
1. Before commencing assembly ensure the TEST-OFF-ON switch is in the OFF position.
2. The 01348 switch stop is clipped to the side of the beacon as shown in the photograph below.
Note; Minimal force is required to fit the switch stop.
3. On completion of the assembly check the unit cannot be activated with the either the
TEST-OFF-ON switch or the lanyard.
TEST-OFF-ON
switch shown in
OFF position.
Switch stop
correctly fitted.
Lanyard.
H.R.Smith (Techtest Ltd) cannot accept responsibility for damage caused by not following the procedure
set down in this modification leaflet.