
ARTEX AIRCRAFT SUPPLIES
Document # 570-2225
If the “Artex” software has been run, the Uninstall program will have missed a file
called “Artex.ini” and a shortcut called “bcn”. These files are in the destination
directory (folder) chosen during installation, likely to be C:\Program Files\Artex. It may
have missed a few BCNCodes files in the \Noaa subdirectory as well. Remove all of
these files manually.
You may need to reboot the computer to have the Start Menu reflect the fact that the
program has been removed.
4 Hardware Operation
The 500-0232 Level Shifter performs a simple but crucial function for communication with
an Artex 406MHz style ELT. It inverts and raises the data signal from the ELT to an RS-
232 signal level. This enables the ELT to talk to a personal computer for programming or
diagnostic purposes. It also enables programming of the C406-N series PA (Programming
Adapter) add addressed in a following section.
To use, the Level Shifter must simply be plugged into the front connector of an ELT (and/or
PA for C406-N series), plugged into the serial (COM) port of the host computer, and turned
on at its ON-OFF switch. It is important to note that the red LED on the Level Shifter’s
ON-OFF switch indicates on/off status and battery status.
When the battery level drops to
an unacceptable level (and is about to cause failures), the LED will not illuminate, and
the battery should be replaced.
Be sure to keep the Level Shifter off when it is not in use.
5 Software Operation
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3
5.1 Software Overview
The “Artex” software program is a custom package designed to simplify reading and
programming data to and from Artex ELT’s. The “Artex” program builds a custom
406MHz hex message for the user from simple data input provided by the user. This may
then be programmed into the ELT. The “Artex” program allows the user to print the 406
MHz hex message and its decoded breakdown for record keeping. If the user wishes, he or
she may also retrieve decoding information from an HTML decoding program provided by
Cospas-Sarsat, available at
www.cospas-sarsat.org
–beacons –beacon decode.