ARTEX AIRCRAFT SUPPLIES ME406, Description, Operation, Installation And Maintenance Manual, Page: 34 / 68

ARTEX AIRCRAFT SUPPLIES, INC. 570-1600
Facsimile: (414) 421-5301
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2.8
Transmitter Test
Always perform the tests within the first 5 minutes of the hour. Notify any nearby control tower
of your intentions, in accordance with AC 43.13. If outside of the US, always follow all local or
national regulations for testing of ELTs.
Caution!
Do not allow test duration to exceed 5 seconds. A false alarm
may be generated.
Any time the ELT is activated, it is transmitting a 121.5 MHz distress
signal. After approximately 50 seconds, a “live” 406 MHz distress signal is
transmitted and is considered valid by the satellite system.
Whenever the ELT is switched from “ON” to “ARM” a 406 MHz signal is transmitted, however, it
is specially coded as a “Self-Test” signal that is ignored by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellites.
2.8.1
Self-Test
• Tune a receiver (usually the aircraft radio) to 121.5 MHz. Turn the ELT aircraft panel
switch “ON” for about 1 second, then back to the “ARM” position. The receiver
should voice about 3 audio sweeps.
• At turn-off (back to ‘ARM’ state) the panel LED should present 1 pulse (buzzer will
not sound for 1 pulse). If more are displayed, determine the problem from the list
below.
1 Flash – Indicates that the system is operational and that no error conditions were found.
3 Flashes – Bad load detected. Detects open or short condition on the antenna output or
cable. These problems can probably be fixed by the installer.
ƒ
Check that the RF cable is connected and in good condition. Perform
continuity check of center conductor and shield. Check for a shorted cable.
ƒ
Check for intermittent connection in the RF cable.
ƒ
If this error code persists there may be a problem with the antenna
installation. This can be checked with a VSWR meter. Check the antenna for
opens, shorts, resistive ground plane connection.
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