CONTENTS
Echomax Active-X antenna
24 Meters of 2 core cable
Control box
Operation manual
Optional extras are available see page 4.
MOUNTING BASE MOUNTED UNIT
The antenna has provisions in the base for 1 inch—14NF
female thread mast fitting or deck mount bracket. To ensure a
permanent fixing ‘LOCTITE’ or PTFE or
plumbers tape should be used and the RTE must be screwed
down tightly. CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT AS
THE ACTIVE– X IS TIGHTENED ON THE BASE THE
CABLE IS ALLOWED TO TURN FREELY
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR ACTIVE RTE.
MOUNTING SUSPENDED UNIT
Free suspension from the two back stays in most cases allows
compensation by the bottom attachment from heel, thus
retaining most of the 112m² stated performance level whilst
the vessel is at heel. The RTE must not be subjected to winch
pressure and cable secured to avoid chafing. Each RTE is
supplied with 24M of cable as standard. Careful
consideration should be given to evaluate if this
mounting option is suitable for your rig and use.
Please note that mast top mounting may result in
frequent activation due to large horizon.
Lower installation may be preferred.
ACTIVATION BY VESSELS OWN RADAR
It is to be expected that use of the vessels own radar will
illuminate the green LED. The Active-X RTE will treat this as a
third party radar and will continue to receive and respond to all
other radar.
For mast fitting the Active-X antenna should be fitted
vertically at masthead or as illustrated. The transmit
antennas are positioned 70mm from the base of the
Active-X and need a clear 360° azimuth. When fitted at
mast head keep as far away as possible from other fittings
to reduce shadowing using the Echomax mast bracket. The
antenna will not interfere electrically with other mast head
fittings. It should not be fitted on a back stay or where its
vision is obscured or is close to any metal object otherwise
performance could be significantly impaired.
Echomax Control Box for Surface fitting or flush
mount fitting with optional flush mount kit
The control box must be fitted internally as it is not waterproof.
The control box can be wired from the base or the back as
required. A 12v fused or circuit breaker supply of 3-5A is
required. The control box has a triple alarm facility.
The Active-X unit should not be painted as this may
seriously impair performance. The Active -X must not be fitted in
or close to the vessels radar transmitting beam width of 28 ° as
this may seriously damage the PCB. The Active-X can be fitted
below or preferably above the radar. It is possible to shorten or
extend the cable by a further 25 meters without affecting the
performance using extension cable rated at 3A at 300V
CONTROL BOX FUNCTION
Turn on the red power switch. Once this is turned on the unit is
in the quiescent mode and will consume up to 15mA. When
interrogated by a radar the green LED light will flash every 2.4
seconds. If the flash lengthens then this indicates that more
than one radar is painting the antenna. If painted by a high
speed radar which rotates every 1.5 seconds then the LED light
will flash quicker. Turning on the green switch will mobilize the
internal buzzer, which is set to actuate for approximately half a
second intervals. The control box also has facilities for a 8A
external volt free alarm. THIS IS NOT A POWER SOURCE and
must be initialised as shown in the wiring diagram.
The control box has an externally replaceable 0.5A fuse and is
surge and cross polarity protected.
NB– ISOLATE POWER SUPPLY during installation, alteration or
repair of wiring.
REMOVAL OF FUSE.
Gently push fuse in and turn anti-clockwise and then remove.
Failure to do this will damage the aluminium connections
IMPORTANT
The fitting of the Echomax Active-X Band RTE does not exclude
you from exercising safe navigational judgement for your vessel
under the International Regulations for the Prevention of
collisions at Sea and to keep a proper look out at all times.
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Many countries and administrations require a ships radio
license or modification of your existing ships radio licence
before Active-X can be used for maritime use. Contact your local
administration for details.
ECHOMAX ACTIVE-X COMPONENTS, CONSTRUCTION
USE AND INSTALLATION.
If you are not able to safely in-
stall the unit yourself you are advised to seek the services of
a competent person or company to install the Active-X
