ACR Electronics Pathfinder 2 Installation instructions
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: [email protected]
2Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
3Y1-03-0154 Rev. A
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Table of contents
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