ACR Electronics ACR-SART-PF-3 Search and Rescue Radar Transponder User Manual NAT Product Manual

ACR Electronics, Inc. Search and Rescue Radar Transponder NAT Product Manual

Contents

NAT Product Manual

1 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL Y1-03-0172Rev. A TelluSART MK III Product No. S9425FCC ID. B66ACR-SART-PF-3Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) Northern Airborne Technology1925 Kirschner RoadKelowna, BC Canada V1Y 4N7Tel: (250) 763-2232 or 1-888-763-2232 Fax: (250) 762-3374Email: glcl@bellatlantic.net A Chelton Group company
2 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Forward Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the NAT TelluSART MK III Search and Rescue Transmitter. The combination of superior design, high quality raw materials and quality controlled manufacturing produce a product that will perform for years to come. The Test Facility at NAT can reproduce some of the harshest environmental conditions known to man. This assures that the products we produce can stand up to the rigors found in a marine environment. With proper care and maintenance, your SART will be in service for years to come. This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the TelluSART MK III SART, hereinafter referred to as the SART. This manual also describes the characteristics and details of the SART system. This SART has been tested and approved to IEC 1097-1 standards and meets the requirements of GMDSS according to chapter III of the 1974 SOLAS. Contents Warning notice..................................................................................................................................... 3 SART Overview................................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 5 Specification ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Vessel name ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Life raft stowage .................................................................................................................................. 8 Activation............................................................................................................................................. 9 Sequence of Operations ...................................................................................................................... 10 Pole mounted SART ........................................................................................................................... 11 Hanging SART.................................................................................................................................... 12 Vessel Mounting / Ship installation.................................................................................................... 13 Maintenance and Testing.................................................................................................................... 15 Servicing ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Battery Pack Replacement .................................................................................................................. 16 Transportation..................................................................................................................................... 17 Technical Specifications..................................................................................................................... 18 Warranty Information ......................................................................................................................... 20
3 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A
4 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A SART Overview The SART helps search and rescue services to quickly locate a life raft in the event of a rescue at sea. The SART can either be stowed in a life raft, or mounted next to emergency exits and then carried to the life raft in an emergency. During an emergency, simply switch the SART on. When a vessel with marine X-band Radar comes within 5 to 7 nautical miles of the life raft, the SART generates a distinctive “distress” pattern on its Radar screen (See figure 1). The radar signal guides the rescuers directly to the SART. Distress Pattern SART Location Radar Screen (Figure 1)
5 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Introduction 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 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 meter) above sea level and the rescue craft antenna must be 50 feet (15 meter) 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 SART’s. Figure 2 on page 6 shows the key features of your TelluSART MK III SART. The blue activation switch ring is located under the top white cap. Located in the middle of the switch ring is a red pull tab that must be removed to activate your SART. The pull tab locks the switch ring in place and stops the SART from accidentally being placed in the ON position. Turning the switch ring to the left allows you to test the SART. When held to the left, the SART will beep once and continue to flash every four seconds. When released the switch ring will return to the OFF position. TEST mode is identical to ON mode and will generate a “distress” pattern on any Radar within range. Use TEST mode carefully to avoid false alarms. To activate your SART in times of emergency, turn the blue activation switch ring to the left into the test position and remove the red pull tab by pulling down on the lanyard attached to the tab. Turn the blue activation switch ring to the right and into the ON position (see page 9 for complete activation instructions). When first turned ON, the SART will beep once and continue to flash every four seconds. The SART is now operational. When responding to Radar the red light comes on continuously and the SART will beep every two seconds. For best results a telescope pole is supplied on the bottom of your SART to position the SART to the proper height above sea level.
6 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Antenna Activation SwitchRing Pull Tab Control and Battery Housing Lanyard Telescopic Pole Rotate bottom cap to release lanyard and telescopic poleFigure 2
7 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Specification Tested & Approved to ..................................................................... IEC 1097-1 Meets IMO Resolutions...........................................................A.694(17), A.697(17) Operating frequency .................................................................. 9.2 GHz - 9.5 GHz Transmitter power............................................................................400mW min Operating life (standby).................................................................. 96 hours min Operating life (answering Radar) ....................................................8 hours min Battery storage life...............................................................................5 years Weight ..................................................................................................1.58 kg Length ................................................................................................. 31.5 cm Diameter.................................................................................................8 cm Lanyard length .......................................................................................10 m Compass safe distance ............................................................................2 m Operating temperature ..................................................................-20°C to +55°C Storage temperature ......................................................................-30°C to +65°C SUITABLE FOR USE IN THE G.M.D.S.S. WARNING: Contains Lithium Battery To avoid possible fire, explosion, leakage or burn hazard, do not open, recharge, disassemble, heat above +70°C (+158°F) or incinerate.
8 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Vessel name The SART label has a space where you should mark the vessel name (see Figure 3). This can be done as follows . . . Using an indelible pen With an indelible pen, you can write the vessel name directly onto the SART. Note however, that some indelible inks will fade when exposed to strong sunlight, so an ultra-violet resistant pen is recommended. If the full vessel name will not fit in the space provided this does not matter. Use a recognized abbreviation or the vessel's call sign instead. Life raft stowage The SART can either be stowed in a life raft or lifeboat or it can be installed next to an emergency exit for carriage to the life raft in an emergency. For life raft stowage the SART should be positioned for easy access in an emergency. If the SART is hidden from view then clear labels should be used to show its position. For inflatable life rafts the mounting bracket should be discarded to avoid the risk of damaging the life raft. Activation Remove the SART from the bracket. DO NOT… · Tie Lanyard to vessel · Cover or obscure SART · Apply paint to SART Vessel Name Here Figure 3 Name/Vessel Registration Nom/Enregistrement De Navire
9 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Activation of the SART is completed by using the three-position switch ring (TEST-OFF-ON), as shown in figure 4. 1. Turn the Blue activation switch ring to the left, placing the SART in test mode 2. Remove the red Pull Tab by pulling it down and completely out of the SART 3. Release the activation switch and guide it to the right until it is in the ON position a. The SART will beep once and Flash every four seconds b. The flashing red light indicates the SART is on Turn the bottom cap of the SART and deploy the telescopic Pole to its maximum length ( 1 meter) Remove lanyard and secure it to the life raft When activated the SART has three Modes of operation. These are: · Receive – waiting for a valid interrogation by a radar signal. · Reply – replying to a valid interrogation by a valid radar signal. · Test – self-test sequence that checks both indicator lights and the buzzer. Sequence of Operations The SART has a primary indicating system and secondary indicating system. WARNING The SART must only be used in situations of Grave and Imminent Danger. Figure 4
10 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A 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 red 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. 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 SART‘s position. Both SART lights flash rapidly and the buzzer emitting a pulsed sound at about one second interval indicate the Reply Mode. This sequence is repeated each time a radar signal interrogates or transmits a valid radar signal to the SART. When the radar signal interrogation stops the SART automatically returns to the Receive Mode. With a fully charged battery pack the SART will operate in Receive Mode for a minimum of 96 hours. After this time period it will still respond to normal interrogation radar signals for an additional eight hours. Pole Mounted SART 1. The TelluSART MK III is supplied with a telescopic pole to raise the SART one meter above sea level 2. To operate, simply turn the bottom cap of the SART to release the pole
11 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A 1 Meter Minimum 3. Pull the pole downward and extend it to its maximum length 4. To lock pole in position pull firmly across pole joints while twisting slightly 5. Tie Lanyard to life raft to ease retrieval should the SART fall into the water 6. Push SART through life raft observation port and place foot of pole in pocket at base of life raft 7. Use life raft ties to hold SART pole near vertical 8. Ensure SART is not obscured by metal objects or inflatable Radar reflectors 9. Periodically check to see if SART is still vertical Hanging SART 1. If no pole is provided, or if you prefer, you can suspend the SART from the canopy support using the provided lanyard. Figure 5
12 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A 1 Meter Minimum 2. Loop the lanyard over the canopy support and back through the holes located directly under the switch ring. Secure the lanyard with a knot to secure the SART in place. 3. The SART should be as high as possible and at least 1m above sea level. Ensure SART is not obscured by metal objects or inflatable Radar reflectors. Vessel Mounting To deploy SART on board a distressed vessel, rather than a life raft, hang SART near vertical as high as possible, with a clear view of the horizon. The SART must not be obscured by metal bulkheads etc. Figure 6
13 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Installation The SART should be mounted inside the vessel, next to an emergency exit. Some ships require 2 SARTs one by a port exit and one by a starboard exit. Mount each SART as follows . . . · Mount in plain view, at a convenient height, so that all staff can easily remover the SART. · Positions at least 2 meter from the ship’s compass. The SART mounting bracket should be bolted to a bulkhead using four (4) suitable M6 (1/4") bolts. The equipment does not include mounting hardware for the bracket, as it will depend on the bulkhead material and its thickness. Bracket mounting holes and SART mounting details are shown in figure 7. To install SART: Remove SART from its packaging and check for shipping damage. Perform the SART test (see Testing and Maintenance procedures on page 15). Select a position for SART Mounting allowing sufficient space for the assembly. ! NOTE: The SART contains magnetic material. Ensure that the position that you select is at least 7 feet (2 meters) away from compass installations. Drill holes to dimensions shown on figure 7. Place bracket in position and secure to bulkhead as follows: Remove the SART from the bracket. Position bracket at the right visible spot. Mark position of bracket fixing holes. Drill holes to suit mounting fixtures. Secure bracket to bulkhead. Mount SART on the bracket (see figure 7).
14 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Testing and Maintenance The SART' is a safety device, it must be regularly checked at least every 2 months as follows. . . Visually inspect the casing for cracks & punctures. Extend the pole and check that it operates correctly, and then return the pole to its housing. Check to ensure the tether lanyard is neatly bundled and firmly secured to the SART. Ensure the lanyard is NOT tied to any part of the vessel. Check the battery expiry label shows sufficient battery life to cover the next routine voyage (See figure 8). Ensure the safety lock is in place and the integrity seal is not broken. Confidence check Push the switch ring to the left and into the test position and hold it there for 10 seconds. Confirm the SART does either (a) or (b) below, then release the switch. a) Bleeps 4-12 times and the red light flashes continuously (no Radar within range). b) Bleeps every 2 seconds and the red light comes on continuously (Answering Radar). Multiple SART Interrogation Test If your vessel has two TelluSART MK III SARTs on board they may be used to test each other. This test requires that each SART is held independently 5 meters away from one another. Turn each SART clockwise to the TEST position. Confirm that each SART does the following: · Bleeps every two seconds · The red light comes on continuously The two SARTs will appear to be communicating with one another. Functional Test (At least once a year carry out a functional test) Get someone to watch the Radar screen, while you take the SART to the ships bow or at least 20m from the Radar antenna. Hold the switch in its TEST position for no more than 10 seconds. Confirm a "distress" pattern is generated on the Radar screen. At close range the pattern often appears as a series of concentric circles.
15 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Servicing If the SART fails any of its monthly checks, the SART must be returned to the supplier or an approved service agent for investigation and/or servicing. If the battery is beyond its expiry date, the SART must be returned for a battery change. The battery is NOT user serviceable; do NOT attempt to change it. If the SART has been used in an emergency or its integrity seal is broken, then the SART must be returned for a battery change. Contact your local supplier in the first instance; he can advise you on your local approved service agent. Otherwise, contact the Customer Service Manager at the address given in the front of this manual. When returning your SART, ensure you follow the transportation instructions on page 17. Battery Pack Replacement Regulations require that the battery pack be replaced every 5 years. A label on the lower section of the SART housing shows the expiry date of the battery pack (see figure 8). ! NOTE: The battery pack must be replaced if the SART has been used in an emergency or if the SART has been activated inadvertently (integrity seal broken). ! CAUTION: The battery pack CANNOT be recharged; attempts to recharge the battery pack could result in an explosion. Replacement of the SART battery pack must be performed by NAT or by an NAT authorized dealer; the cost of this replacement is the responsibility of the owner. Figure 8: Replacement Battery label
16 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Transportation Your SART contains a Lithium battery. International regulations on shipment of Lithium require special warning labels. When returning your SART, ensure you comply with the following instructions. . . . 1) Pack the SART in a strong cardboard box. 2) Write these words on the outside of the box . . . 3) Stick a "Miscellaneous 9" label on the box 4) Write your name and address on the box. 5) Check with your local transportation authority for additional or different requirements. Contact your supplier or the manufacturer's Customer Service Manager with any queries on shipment. Note on Serial Number The serial number on the SART is indicated on the base of the SART. LITHIUM BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT CLASS 9 UN 3091 Net Wt of Lithium 7.5 Grams PACKING INSTRUCTION 912, II
17 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Technical Specifications General Meets the requirements of: Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) according to IMO amendment to chap III 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 Antenna Polarization: Horizontal Azimuth beam width: Omni-directional within 2 dB Vertical beam width: ± 12.5° 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 Receiver Effective sensitivity: -50 dBm Battery Receive mode operation: 96 hours minimum
18 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Reply mode operation: 8 hours continuous while being interrogated by an X-band radar with a pulse repetition frequency of 1 kHz (at extreme temperatures). Battery life: 5 years 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) Physical Length 18 in (459 mm) excluding pole Diameter: 3.5 in (90 mm) mid body Weight 4.4 lbs (2 kg) including pole Electromagnetic Compatibility Meets the applicable requirements of BS EN 60945: 1997. Spare Parts for the SART PH0205-0003-AA1 Main Base Assembly (includes the Telescopic Pole and Lanyard Assembly) PH0205-0100-AA1 Battery Assembly PH0205-0211-AM0 Clamp Bracket Molding PH0200-0010-AM0 Strap Molding
19 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A Warranty The SART or Replacement Battery 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 purchaser 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 manufacturer shall not be liable for injuries or damages arising from the handling, possession or use of this product by the purchaser or others that obtain it through the purchaser. For full and complete warranty terms the owner is referred to the warranty card provided. To validate this warranty, the enclosed warranty card must be completed and mailed before putting the unit into service.

Navigation menu