ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester User Manual Issue 2
Contents
1. The ARG 5410 MkII is designed to provide independent reassurance that a beacon designed to operate via the COSPAS SARSAT system is functional and correctly encoded The unit responds to the signals radiated by most beacons during their self test mode Alternatively the beacon may be operated in a full functional mode but in this case a radio screened enclosure must be used or a direct connection made between the antenna terminals of beacon and tester to ensure that no signal is radiated which may be mistaken for a genuine alert The tester is capable of checking that the frequency of the transmitted 406MHz signal is within tolerance and of giving an independent check of the beacon coding It cannot perform an exhaustive parametric check however to guarantee satellite compatibility and is therefore no substitute for the proper type approval and quality control procedures required A short test can also not give a full assurance as to whether the beacon would activate correctly in an emergency and for how long it would continue to operate RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc O A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 1 2 Main Features The ARG 5410 MkII is compliant with the appropriate sections of the IMO requirements for test equipment and can provide the following features Receives and decodes all types of COSPAS and SARSAT beacon signals Audible indication of 121 5 MHz operation Radiated si2. ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester User Manual Issue 2 ELECTRODESIGN D i K AR ELECTROBESIAN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester Contents 1 Introduction This chapter identifies the main functions of the unit provides a summary of its main features and a physical overview 2 Operating the unit This chapter provides a clear illustrated description of all the menus and their individual functions 3 Updating the unit This chapter briefly describes how to update the units software for current country code listings and general software updates 4 Safety EMC and Approval This chapter provides information on relevant safety requirements when using the ARG 5410MkKkI 5 Servicing Warranty and Contact nformation This chapter provides information on in and out of warranty repairs technical assistance and contact information l RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc O A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester CHANGE HISTORY DCN ECN 01 04704 19 07 04 Information on updating the unit i K S ARG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 1 Introduction 1 1 Overview COSPAS SARSAT beacons are battery powered devices capable of initiating an alert by transmitting a distress message via satellite on the fr
3. CTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc O A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 5 3 ARG Contact I nformation For servicing or warranty returns please contact Service Department A R G ElectroDesign Ltd Querns Business Centre Whitworth Road Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 1RT United Kingdom Telephone 44 0 1285 658501 Fax 44 0 1285 885376 Email customersupportO arg co uk For all other enquires please contact info arg co uk sales arg co uk webmaster arg co uk 20 Wj K RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004
4. Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester MESG Printer port settings Where 1 is the oldest message This can go up to 30 Deleting a message renumbers all later messages DELETE removes the current message ENTER prints the current message Baud 2400 8 Bit No Parity X on X off RECEIVED AT shows time date of message FRAMI NG NORMAL or S TEST followed by OK or BAD according to whether the BCH error check code is valid ID shows 15 hex ID BEACON TYPE EPIRB ELT PLB or TEST Followed by MANUAL AUTOMATIC Ext GPS or Int GPS FREQUENCY shows 406MHz frequency followed by PASS or FAIL Limits 406 020 406 030 MHZ 14 K ARG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 406 Power shows a number indicating received signal strength COUNTRY 3 digit code followed by up to 7 characters if found in database CALLSIGN Options depend on beacon type and protocol use Maritime EPIRBs could show trailing six digits of MMSI followed by beacon number e g Callsign 233000 2 i e Beacon No 2 or could show Callsign 1E2532 example of Irish callsign or could show Ser 25640 3 1064 example of UK serialised coded EPIRB serial number 25640 interpreted as model no 3 sequence no 1064 Aircraft beacons ELTS might show AIRCRAFT 2D5E66 example of 24 bit aircraft address or Ser 254609 or
5. Registr No FR56289 example of aircraft tail number Or Operator EZY No 3456 example of aircraft operator serial number PLBs generally use a serial number e g Ser 23456 30 HEX ID shows number representing the full message before decoding bits 26 144 26 112 for short message Homing 121 5 MHz 9GHz SART or None 121 5 Power if detected again a number representing received signal strength Other info Some beacons have the COSPAS SARSAT type approval number in the message This would be shown as C S 103 USA serialised beacons have additional information e g Model 1 ProdRun 2 Long Mesg If not self test the 2nd BCH error check will be tested shown as Long Mesg OK or Long Mesg BAD POS Transmitted position data shown in the format DD MM SS N or S DD MM SS E or W Invalid or default position shown as N B Default position is normally transmitted during SELF TEST K ARG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc 15 A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 2 5 Setup Menu This menu allows you to set the time date year adjust the contrast of the display and upload new versions of software when available 2 6 Quit Pressing the F4 key causes the opening menu to be shown again before reverting to the Select menu To switch the unit off use the slide switch on the top panel just above the serial data conn
6. ector 16 I K RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc O A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 3 Updating the unit 3 1 Updating software versions Within the set up menu you can update the software version of your unit The update menu can be found on the 2 page of Setup If you enter this menu you will find a screen similar to the one below Software Version Press u to upload ERASES STORED DAT Al Press the u button to upload new software but please be aware that this function will erased all previously stored data 17 Wj K RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc O A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 4 Safety and EMC Approval 4 1 IMO Approval ARG5410 meets and exceeds the following IMO requirements for test equipment for annual testing and shore based maintenance of EPIRBs SOLAS Chapter IV paragraph 15 9 MSC Circular 1039 MSC Circular 1040 4 2 Safety and EMC Specifications Safety The unit are designed to comply with the requirements of EN60950 1998 Amendments 1 to 5 UL1950 Third Edition 1995 CSA 22 2 950 95 EMC The units are CE marked and have been tested against the following specifications EN55022 1994 Class A EN 50082 1992 89 336 EEC Europe 47CFR CH 1 FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A 18 K ARG 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 5 Warranty Se
7. equencies 406 025MHz and or 121 5MHz 121 5MHz beacons employ a swept tone amplitude modulation whereas 406MHz beacons transmit a short burst of phase modulated power repeated at approximately 50 second intervals Most 406MHz beacons also include a low power 121 5MHz swept tone transmitter intended to act as a homing signal for rescue forces The following terms are also used to describe these distress transmitters EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon generally used for beacons intended for marine use ELT Emergency Locator Transmitter usually refers to a beacon carried by aircraft and may be activated by a crash detection switch PLB Personal Locator Beacon used by COSPAS SARSAT to denote a beacon intended for land mobile use This term is also used for beacons carried by aircrew The COSPAS SARSAT system can provide the rescue forces with the location of the beacon based on the apparent frequency shift of the signal as received by the moving satellite the Doppler effect In addition each 406MHz transmission contains a coded message which can uniquely identify the beacon and may provide additional information such as method of activation nature of distress etc A number of different protocols are used depending on the type of user and the national regulations guiding the use of the beacon K RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester
8. ger European legislation EC Directive 91 689 EEC classifies Ni MH batteries as hazardous waste due to the nickel content Collect spent batteries separately for disposal do not mix with other waste streams Contact your local battery supplier for up to date information on the collection disposal or recycling procedures for your country K RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 2 2 Menu Structure ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester Opening Screen Software v1 01 Recy Entering this menu allows the user to receive test results Select Menu T l i i m Use thi a tti d Quit Entering this menu allows Ise this menu to set time an 7 e fie ero ew ond print date settings contrast of the Use iem on to switch message results display and update software the unit Time Use the arrow keys to set the time Date Use the arrow keys to set the date Year Use the arrow keys to set the year Display Use this button to adjust the contrast Update Use this menu to upload any software updates ARG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 2 3 Recv Menu Recv switches on the 121 5 406MHz receiver demodulator and brings up the following screen ARGS410 Receiving Waiting for signal The receiver demodulator will immediate
9. gnal or 50ohms direct input option via 30dB pad Serial data output to printer or PC Independent check of serial number and call sign Measures 406 MHz carrier frequency Easily updatable software database of country codes Long message and location protocols included 121 and 406 MHz Power measurement Large backlit LCD screen Re chargable battery Integral serial output Mains Charger Splash proof carrying case K ARG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc O A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 1 3 Physical Overview K e ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 2 Operating the unit The unit is switched on or off by using the slide switch on the top panel just above the data connector On initial switch on an opening screen will be shown that includes the software version loaded After two seconds this will be replaced by the Select Menu as illustrated below 2 1 Charging the battery The ARG540 MkII has an internal battery which will need to be recharged before using the tester for the first time A wall mounted power supply unit is supplied with the tester to allow this to be done from a suitable mains outlet This power supply is connected directly to the tester See fig 1 Contact your supplier if the power supply is not compatible with your mains outlet The 2 pole jack plug on the mains power supply shou
10. ld be firmly plugged into the socket at the base of the tester ensuring that it is all the way in Fast charge circuitry in the tester will allow it to be used after less than 30 minutes connection to the charger but for a full charge the unit should be left connected overnight For maximum battery life the unit should not be left on charge for longer than 24 hours at a time The unit should not be used when the charger is plugged in Fig 1 Beacon Tester Power Supply RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc O A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester N B The mains power supply has a two piece output connector which is factory fitted to give the correct polarity for the ARG 5410 MkII Removal of this connector is not advised as damage may occur to the connector and or the ARG 5410 MkI Disposal of Batteries Nickel Metal Hydride A Nickel Metal Hydride Ni MH battery pack is used in this unit Do not attempt to open disassemble or mutilate the battery pack and do not short circuit the battery pack terminals If the battery pack has leaked or vented it must be replaced immediately Replace only with an identical battery from the same manufacturer or with a type recommended by ARG ElectroDesign Ltd Please ensure the power lead is removed before removing the battery pack The battery pack contains a smart charge management system and must only be charged using the supplied char
11. ly switch on If a homing signal is detected 121 5MHz the swept tone modulation will be heard Note that most beacons do not transmit a homing signal during self test Those that do only transmit for a short time less than one second To avoid any possibility of this signal causing an alert testing of beacons found to radiate on 121 5MHz during self test should limited to the first five minutes of any hour unless a shielded enclosure is used The 406MHz signal is normally transmitted as a short duration about half a second burst In self test mode most new beacon designs transmit a normal length burst but with a special framing code which prevents satellite detection Older designs in particular may do any of the following during Self Test a Transmit an unmodulated burst b Transmit a burst with a non standard garbled message c Not transmit at all In these cases it will be necessary to test the beacon in a shielded enclosure in operational mode K G ELECTRODESIGN 11 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester Shows Carrier detected if a 406MHz burst is present followed by 406 0250 MHz PASS and 406 power reading Shows 121 5MHz detected if a a homing signal is present followed by 121 5 power reading At the end of the 406MHz burst Unmodulated signal will be shown if no data is detected Bad Frame will be shown if the receiver is unable to detect valid no
12. rmal or self test framing codes Otherwise the framing type NORMAL or S TEST will be shown followed by OK or BAD according to whether any errors were found in the message and the 15 hex ID code will be shown This display is shown for 5 seconds For unmodulated signal or bad frame the unit will return to waiting for signal Otherwise it will go back to the select menu For a valid error free message NORMAL OK or S TEST OK the message will be saved in memory for recall using the VIEW option 12 K ARG 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign Ltd 2004 ARG 5410 MKII SARSAT Beacon Tester 2 4 View Menu The view menu allows you to view successfully decoded messages from previous readings The data that is shown here varies enormously but per message there are normally 4 screens of information These can be viewed by using the arrow key to navigate through the screens Up to 30 messages can be stored however if you exceed this number the oldest message will be deleted and will result in messages being re numbered You can scroll through these screens by using the right arrow F3 key To see the same screen on an earlier message press the up arrow F1 key To see the same screen on a later message press the down arrow F2 key To jump to the first message MESG 1 press the F key To jump to the last message stored up to MESG 30 press the L key 13 1 K RG ELECTRODESIGN 5410 EQ001 HB1 doc A R G ElectroDesign
13. rvicing and Contact I nformation 5 1 Warranty The ARG 5410 MkII is warranted against failure due to poor workmanship or defective materials for a period of two years from date of delivery Extended warranties are available Any evidence of unauthorised access to the internal parts will be regarded as invalidating this warranty All external features and in particular the unit should be kept free from damage or undue ingress of water dirt grease solvents or other contaminates at all times Claims against this warranty will be treated on an individual basis and will not be upheld if there are signs of accidental damage intentional damage mistreatment or if the unit has been stored or operated outside its intended temperature range 5 2 Repairs and Calibration A R G have an agreement with DHL to offer a turnkey solution to overseas users of our equipment Any equipment that needs to be returned to A R G for periodic re calibration or repair can now be returned using our Import Express Account Customers can arrange pickup locally using our account The equipment will be returned to A R G and re exported after completion This process described above improves turn around times and reduces the risk of problems with Customs such as added costs or delays due to improper paperwork If units are returned by an alternative method this may result in your equipment being returned by your carrier without reaching A R G 19 Wj K RG ELE
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