ACR Electronics ACR-SART-3 Search and Rescue Transponder User Manual Y1 03 0154
ACR Electronics, Inc. Search and Rescue Transponder Y1 03 0154
Product Manual
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg1.png)
1Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
PRODUCTPRODUCT
SUPPORTSUPPORT
MANUALMANUAL
Y1-03-0154
Rev. A
Pathfinder 2
Search and Rescue Transponder
Product No. 2708
ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312
+1(954) 981-3333 • Fax +1 (954) 983-5087
http://www.acrelectronics.com
Email: Info@acrelectronics.com
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg2.png)
2Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg3.png)
3Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg4.png)
4Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
IMPORTANT NOTICE
THE SART IS A KEY ELEMENT IN YOUR SHIP’S SURVIVAL
SYSTEM; ITS PROPER OPERATION IN AN EMERGENCY DE-
PENDS ON THE CORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE UNIT,
REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND A KNOWLEDGE OF THE
METHODS OF OPERATION OF THE SART.
This manual contains important information about
− restrictions in the use of SARTs,
− the correct installation of the unit,
− the necessary maintenance and care, and
− methods of operation of the SART in an emergency.
It is important that this manual be read and its contend understood before
attempting to install or operate the SART.
Keep this manual as a reference for the proper maintenance and opera-
tion of the SART.
If additional information is required or if problems are experienced,
please contact an authorized dealer or:
ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33312
Tel. (954) 981-3333
Fax. (954) 983-5087
NOTICE TO PURCHASERS, OWNERS AND USERS:
Purchasers, owners and other users of the SART use the device at their
own risk. In no case shall ACR Electronics, Inc. be liable for any
consequential or incidental damages, for breach of warranty, express or
implied, or for any other reason.
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg5.png)
5Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
Table of Contents
1Introduction ...............................................................3
2Using the SART ........................................................4
2.1 General ...........................................................4
2.2 Activation, Operation, Test.............................5
2.3 Sequence of Operations ..................................5
3Installation.................................................................7
4Operating Instructions ............................................... 8
5Battery Pack Replacement.........................................9
6Self-test...................................................................... 9
7Routine Maintenance...............................................10
8Note on Serial Number............................................ 11
9Technical Specification ...........................................12
9.1 General .........................................................13
9.2 Antenna.........................................................13
9.3 Transmitter....................................................14
9.4 Receiver........................................................15
9.5 Battery ..........................................................16
9.6 Environmental............................................... 17
9.7 Physical.........................................................18
10 Warranty..................................................................19
Figure 1: Typical SART Response Signal...................... 3
Figure 2: SART - Outline Drawing................................4
Figure 3: Installing the SART ........................................6
Figure 4: ON-OFF-TEST Switch...................................8
Figure 5: Mounting the SART in a life raft....................9
Figure 6: Serial Number Grid.......................................12
1.0 INTRODUCTION
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg6.png)
6Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
The SART is a Search and Rescue Transponder that provides location
information to search radars operating in the X-band (9.2 - 9.5 GHz).
Once activated the SART detects the radar signal of the search craft and
sends a series of response pulses to the search radar of the search craft
that causes a series of 12 equally spaced arcs to appear on the radar
display (See Figure 1). The arcs indicate the direction to the SART
location. The rescue craft follows the direction shown and proceeds to
the SART.
To achieve the maximum useful range the SART must be mounted at
least 3.3 feet (1 M) above sea level and the rescue craft antenna must be
50 feet (15 m) above sea level. Increasing the height of the SART
antenna will increase the range. For example, lashing the SART to the
top of a pole or an oar in the survival craft will increase the height and
thus the range.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all vessels of
more than 300 GRT to carry at least one SART and vessels 500 GRT and
over must carry at least two SARTs.
Figure 1: Typical
SART Re- sponse Signal
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg7.png)
7Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
2. USING THE SART
2.1 General
Installation and use of the SART does not require special training.
Normally, the SART will be mounted on a bulkhead using the bracket
and clips provided. In an abandon ship situation, remove the SART from
the bracket and take it to the survival craft. The next step is to activate
the SART and install it in the survival craft.
Figure 2: SART -
Outline Drawing
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg8.png)
8Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
2.2 Activation, Operation, Test
Activation of the SART is by a three-position switch (ON/OFF/Test),
which is operated by pushing and rotating the spool on which the lanyard
is wound.
Switching the SART to ON breaks a seal, showing that the unit has been
operated. The TEST position allows the SART to be functionally tested
without breaking the seal. Note that TEST on the switch is spring loaded
to OFF. This ensures the switch is not left in the TEST position as this
would drain the battery pack.
When activated the SART has three Modes of operation. These are:
Receive - waiting for a valid interrogation.
Reply - replying to a valid interrogation
Test - self-test sequence that checks both indicator lights
and the buzzer.
2.3 Sequence of Operations
The SART has a primary indicating system and secondary indicating
system. The primary system is the indicator lights and the secondary
system is the buzzer.
When the switch is set to ON, the SART immediately enters the Test
Mode. Here both yellow and green lights and the buzzer are tested. Note
that in noisy environments it may be difficult to hear the buzzer. After
about one second the SART goes to Receive Mode. This is shown by the
yellow light flashing slowly.
The SART remains in the Receive Mode until it detects a radar pulse. It
then switches to the Reply Mode and transmits a series of pulses. These
pulses will appear on the interrogating radar display as a series of arcs
leading away from the SARTs position. The Reply Mode is indicated by
both SART lights flashing rapidly and the buzzer emitting a rapid pulsed
sound at about one second intervals. This sequence is repeated each time
a radar interrogates the SART. When the interrogation stops the SART
automatically returns to the Receive Mode.
With a fully charged battery pack the SART will operate in Receive
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg9.png)
9Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
Mode for a minimum of 96 hours. After this time period it will still
respond to normal interrogation for an additional eight hours.
Figure 3: Installing the SART
3. INSTALLATION
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bga.png)
10 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
In addition to the SART and 3.3 feet (1 m) pole, a mounting bracket for
the body and two rubber clips for the pole are supplied. The equipment
does not include mounting hardware for the bracket and the clips, as
these will depend on the bulkhead material and its thickness. Bracket
and clip mounting holes and SART mounting details are shown in Figure
3.
To install SART:
1. Remove SART from its packaging and check for shipping damage.
2. Perform the SART test (see Self-test Procedure on page xx).
3. Remove the two halves of pole and attaching parts from packaging
and assemble to SART as follows:
a. Screw upper pole to lower pole. Tighten using suitable
wrenches.
b. Push the upper pole into the pole holder on the SART and
secure using the plain washer and 6 mm lockrut supplied..
4. Select a position for SART Mounting allowing sufficient space for
the assembled pole.
Note: The SART contains magnetic material. Ensure that the
position that you select is at least 7 feet (2m) away from compass
installations.
5. Drill holes A and B to dimensions shown on Figure 3. Hole B
should be at least 3 feet above deck.
6. Place clips in position and secure them to bulkhead.
7. Mount SART on bulkhead as follows (see figure 3):
a. Insert SART pole into clips fitted in step 6.
b. Position bracket above stepped part of SART casing.
c. Mark position of four bracket fixing holes C.
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bgb.png)
11 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
d. Remove bracket and SART
e. Drill four holes C to suit attaching parts.
f. Secure bracket to bulkhead
g. Place SART mast in clips and retaining strap to bracket.
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
To operate the SART:
1. Remove the SART (with installed pole) from the bracket.
2. Activate the SART as follows:
a. Push the lanyard spool in and turn it counter-clockwise until
the seal breaks and the switch clicks into the ON position.
Figure 4 shows switch in OFF position.
Figure 4: ON-OFF- TEST Switch
b. Both lights will flash twice
and the buzzer will beep twice. After this the yellow light
will flash slowly showing that the SART is in the Receive
Mode.
Figure 5: Mounting the SART in a Life Raft
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bgc.png)
12 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
3. Mount the SART in the survival raft. A typical installation in, for
example, a life raft, would be as follows (see figure 5):
a. Push the SART through the circular observation port and place
base of pole in the pocket beneath the observation port.
b. Using the lanyard, secure the SART pole to suitable points on
the life raft canopy.
4. Observe the SART lights and listen for the buzzer sounding. When
the SART replies to an interrogation, both lights flash and the buzzer
sounds.
5. BATTERY PACK REPLACEMENT
Although the cells used in the battery pack of the SART have a shelf life
in excess of 10 years, regulations require that the battery pack be
replaced every 5 years. A label on the lower section of the SART
housing shows the expiration date of the battery pack.
Note: the battery pack must be replaced if the SART has been used
in an emergency or if the SART has been activated inadvertently.
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bgd.png)
13 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
Caution: The battery pack CANNOT be recharged; attempts to
recharge the battery pack could result in an explosion.
Replacement at the SART battery pack must be performed by XXXXXX
or by a authorized dealer; the cost of this replacement is the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
6. SELF TEST
Please note the TEST position on the SART is spring loaded to OFF and
cannot be left in the TEST position.
To carry out a self-test:
Warning: Keep Test time to a minimum as the SART is in Receive
Mode and will respond to any X-bad radar transmission in the
vicinity. In addition, the longer the test the greater the drain on the
battery pack.
Note: The SART must be tested on a monthly basis.
1. Push switch in and turn against the spring to the TEST position.
2. Check that both lights flash rapidly and buzzer emits a rapid pulsed
sound at about one second intervals.
3. After this the yellow light flashes slowly showing that the SART is
in the Receive Mode.
Note: It is possible, when testing the SART, that it will be activated
by an operating radar. If this is the case both lights will flash
rapidly and the buzzer will emit a rapid pulsed sound showing that
SART is in the Reply Mode. If this does happen then release the
switch.
4. On completion of test, release the switch and check that it returns to
OFF.
Note: If the lights do not come on the battery pack voltage may be
low or the SART may be defective. Contact ACR Electronics, Inc.
or an authorized dealer.
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bge.png)
14 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
7. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Every month, carry out a self-test on the SART and check that battery
date has not expired.
8. NOTE ON SERIAL NUMBER
The serial number on the SART is indicated by erased numbers on a grid.
Read the grid from left to right. See figure 6. The serial number shown
in Figure 6 is 435719.
0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9
Figure 6: Serial Number Grid
9. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
9.1 General
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bgf.png)
15 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
Meets the requirements of: Global Maritime Distress and Safety
Systems. (GMDSS) according to
IMO amendment to chap 111 of the
1974 SOLAS Convention, as well as
part 80 of the FCC Rules.
International type approval in
accordance with: IEC 1097-1 1992, I-ETS 300 151
Designed to meet: RTCM Paper
111-92/SC113-36
(Ninth Draft SART Standard)
Frequency: 9.2 GHz to 9.5 GHz
9.2 Antenna
Polarization: Horizontal
Azimuth beam width: Omni-directional within 2 dB
Vertical beam width: ± 12.5°
9.3 Transmitter
Response delay: 0.5 µs
Forward sweep time: 7.5 µs ± 1.0 µs
Return sweep time: 0.4 µs ± 0.1 µs
Power output 400 mW EIRP
9.4 Receiver
Effective sensitivity: -50 dBm
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg10.png)
16 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
9.5 Battery
Receive mode operation: 96 hours minimum
Reply mode operation: 8 hours continuous while being
interrogated by an X-band radar with a
pulse repetition frequency of 1 kHz (at
extreme temperature).
Battery Life: 5 years
9.6 Environmental
Operating temperature: -4 F to + 131 F (-20 C to +55 C)
Storage temperature: -22 F to +140 F (-30 C to +65 C)
9.7 Physical
Length: 18 in (459 mm) excluding pole
Diameter: 3.5 in (90 mm) mid body
Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg) including pole
10. WARRANTY
The SART is guaranteed by the manufacturer to be free of defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of the
original purchase. This warranty is extended only to the original pur-
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg11.png)
17 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
chaser of the unit.
During the warranty period the manufacturer will repair or, at the
manufacturer’s option, replace a defective unit at no cost to the owner of
the SART for materials and labor. Transportation charges are the
responsibility of the owner of the SART. The unit must be packaged
correctly and shipped prepaid to the manufacturer or an authorized
service center; it will be returned via collect shipping.
The warranty is void if the unit has been damaged through accident,
misuse, improper installation, or during transportation. The warranty is
also void if the security seal on the SART has been broken.
The liability of the manufacturer shall be limited to the repair or
replacement of a defective unit during the warranty period. The manu-
facturer shall not be liable for injuries or damages arising from the
handling, possession or use of this product by the purchaser or others
who obtain it through the purchaser.
For full and complete warranty language the owner is referred to the
warranty card provided with the SART. To validate this warranty, the
enclosed warranty card must be completed and mailed before putting the
unit into service.
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg12.png)
18 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
NOTES
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg13.png)
19 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
NOTES
![](/img.php?id=111423&img=bg14.png)
20 Y1-03-0154 Rev. A