453-1000 ELT
Test Set Operation
Document No.: 570-1000, Rev. C
ACR ELECTRONICS, Inc.
Artex Products
Proprietary Information
This document discloses subject matter in which ACR Electronics, Inc. has proprietary rights. Neither
receipt nor possession thereof confers or transfers any right to reproduce or disclose the document, any
part thereof, any information therein, or any physical article or device, or practice any method or process
except by written permission from or written agreement with ACR Electronics, Inc..
Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Phone 954-981-3333, Fax 954-983-5087
www.acrartex.com
Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
REVISION
CHANGE
DATE
-
RELEASE
10-20-04
A
DCN 2803
07-10-06
B
ECO 14847
10-24-11
C
ECO 15051
4-30-12
Revision History:
Copyright Notice
ACEECA™, Meazura™, Meazura Compatible™, MEZ1000™ and MZIO™ are all
trademarks of ACEECA Ltd.
Avionic Tools is a trademark of Avionic Tools LLC, 88 South Edgewood Rd.,
Bedminster, NJ 07921.
Palm, Palm OS, HotSync, Palm Powered logo, and PalmPrint are registered
trademarks of PalmSource, Inc. or its affiliates and Palm Powered is a trademark
of Palm Trademark Holding Company, LLC. Other brands may be trademarks of
their respective owners.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .......................................................................... 1
Application .................................................................................................. 1
Features...................................................................................................... 3
ETS w/ Antenna........................................................................................... 4
Hardware Operation .............................................................. 5
Meazura Operation ................................................................ 6
Controls ...................................................................................................... 6
Palm™ Desktop Software ............................................................................. 7
Sarcalc Desktop ........................................................................................... 7
Hot Sync ..................................................................................................... 7
Maintaining your Battery Pack .............................................. 9
Battery Usage .............................................................................................. 9
Battery Warnings...................................................................................... 9
Battery Storage ........................................................................................ 9
Battery Charging .................................................................................... 10
Recycle and Disposal Methods ................................................................. 11
Using the ELT Reader .......................................................... 12
ETS Main Screen View ............................................................................ 13
Software Screen View ............................................................................. 13
Waiting for Data” Screen View ................................................................ 14
Example of Standard Location Data View ................................................. 14
Example of 24-Bit Address Data View ...................................................... 15
Reader Database ....................................................................................... 16
Deleting Database Screen Views ............................................................. 16
ELT Reader Preferences ............................................................................. 17
Preferences Screen View......................................................................... 17
Printing Messages ...................................................................................... 18
ELT Test Set Unit ................................................................. 19
Meazura MEZ1000 Specifications: ............................................................... 20
ETS Module Specifications: ......................................................................... 20
Calibration ................................................................................................. 20
System Component Part Numbers ...................................... 21
Optional Equipment ............................................................. 21
Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................ 22
Technical Assistance............................................................ 23
Warranty Information ......................................................... 23
Index ................................................................................... 24
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Introduction
The Artex ELT Test Set (ETS) beacon reader module, installed in an Aceeca
Meazura MEZ1000 unit using Palm OS®, is designed to decode and display the
encoded 406 MHz message. The reader can be connected directly to the ELT or
monitored “over the air” using the supplied whip antenna (as allowed by local or
national regulations). The reader will decode any 406 MHz aviation protocol for
ELTs. All instructions contained herein refer to Artex ELTs only. Familiarity with
Palm devices and/or the Palm OS® software is highly recommended. “Meazura”
will be used throughout this document to describe the base Palm unit.
Note: The Artex ETS does not decode PLBs or EPIRBs.
Application
The ETS is a replacement for the Artex Sarsat Beacon Test Set P/N 453-0131
which is no longer available. For all references to the 453-0131 Test Set
(or Sarsat Beacon Test Set) in any existing and/or previous Artex
documentation, the Artex ETS P/N 453-1000 may be used as a direct
substitute. Follow the general directions for testing the 406 MHz signal as
directed in the applicable Artex ELT Manual except follow the operational
instructions for the ETS as outlined in this Manual. Screen views depicted for the
previous test are significantly different from the 453-0131; refer to the views
shown in this Manual and on the test set when using Artex documentation that
refers to the 453-0131.
Note: This Manual does not describe the other functions of the Meazura™ /
Palm™ platform or other Palm™ based applications that may be used. Contact
Aceeca at www.aceeca.com for details and user guides. This Manual is applicable
only to the Artex ELT Test Set (ETS), P/N 453-1000 Revision A or higher.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
The primary differences between the Sartech test set (ARG 5410 or Artex P/N
453-0131) and the ETS are as follows:
Ease of use
Rapid signal acquisition and processing
Display of all ELT 406 MHz message information on one screen
Position data (when present) displayed in degree’s, minutes, seconds
Use of in-line attenuation not required
Rechargeable long life battery
Does not require periodic calibration
NOTE: The Artex ETS does not interface with the previous Artex Programming
Software (510-0406) or Level Shifter (500-0232).
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Features
All 406 MHz aircraft protocols decoded
Reception of 406.025 MHz, 406.028 or 406.037 MHz frequencies
Waterproof to IP67 standards
Ruggedized case
Internal database of received messages and programming
Optional printing of current or stored messages via IR or Serial links
Desktop application for database storage and review
Long life rechargeable battery
Built-in RF attenuator
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
ETS w/ Antenna
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Hardware Operation
Prior to use, install battery pack into test set. To close, place the battery pack
with the top end in first. Now push down on the bottom end of the battery pack
ensuring that it is firmly in place. Now push the clip firmly towards the bottom of
the test set until it clicks into place. Charge the ETS battery using the supplied
USB cable connection and wall charger, connect as shown below. Charge for 2 to
3 hours. Upon power-up, follow on screen directions for initialization and setting
the time. The initialization routine is very important to ensure proper function of
the stylus on the test set screen.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Meazura Operation
The heart of the ETS is the Meazura MEZ1000 manufactured by Aceeca Ltd of
Christchurch, NZ. The Meazura unit uses the PalmOS® operation system. Artex
has customized the operation of the Meazura by utilizing the MZIO™ interface
inside of the Meazura unit. Please note that as delivered by Artex, the MZIO™
interface is not accessible by the user without voiding the Artex warranty on the
ETS. The combination of the “off the shelf” Meazura MEZ1000 with a custom
module that contains the Artex programming hardware interface results in the
Artex ETS.
Note: Aceeca also refers to the MEZ1000 as an “RDA” for “Rugged Digital
Assistant”’ this terminology is encountered on the Aceeca web site and in their
literature.
Controls
The Meazura is controlled with the buttons shown below:
The Power Button is used to turn the unit off and on and when used with the
Backlight Button is used for reset functions described later in this manual.
Operation of the PalmOS® functions of the Meazura unit are described in great
detail in the Aceeca “Meazura MEZ1000 User Guide” available free for download
at www.aceeca.com
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Palm™ Desktop Software
Prior to use, the Palm™ Desktop Software as supplied on the CD-ROM disc (Artex
P/N 510-1200) supplied must be installed on your Windows
95/NT/98/2000/Me/XP PC that will be used to interface with the ETS. Follow the
on-screen instructions for installation.
Note: The Palm desktop software works most amiably if a single Meazura (Palm)
device is associated with a single computer. It is possible to use more than one
Meazura (or Palm) device with the same computer but attention must be given to
the selection of appropriate user names when transferring data to and from
different units. The Palm software identifies the User Name when the Palm
Desktop application is installed on a PC. Only one User Name can be used with
the Artex applications.
Sarcalc Desktop
The Sarcalc Desktop application SarCalc Desktop V1.2 (or higher) may also be
installed on a PC (available free for download at www.acrartex.com). Once
installed, the entire Sarcalc or Artex database can be reviewed. Note: The
Meazura unit must be HotSync'd with the Palm Desktop software to load the
database from the Meazura unit to the PC. Once sync'd, the database can be
opened on the PC by starting the SarCalcDesk.exe application and opening the
database from the file menu. The Palm HotSync will usually store the database
file in C:\ProgramFiles\Palm\Artex\Backup\ (where Artex is the Meazura user
name. Be sure to use the “Artex” user name whenever performing a “HotSync”.
All Artex provided software is loaded to the Meazura using this user name.) The
database will be named SarcalcDB.PDB. If the Meazura was set-up on the PC
with a different User Name than “Artex”, check the folder for that User Name to
locate the Backup file to find the Sarcalc and Artex database information.
Hot Sync
Once installed and configured, the Palm™ Desktop Software will allow installation
of additional software applications as well as performing the hot sync function to
transfer data to and from the ETS (Meazura unit). Artex provides a USB cable
(452-0103) to connect to a PC. The hot sync function is accessed by tapping the
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Hot Sync Icon
Hot Sync icon on the main Meazura screen as shown below:
The hot sync operation is described in greater detail in the Aceeca “Hot Sync
Guide” available free for download at www.aceeca.com.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Maintaining your Battery Pack
Battery Usage
The Meazura™ MEZ1000 RDA comes with a custom rechargeable Lithium Ion
battery pack that can only be purchased from Aceeca or Artex. The battery pack
allows about 60 hours of continual use.
Battery Warnings
not use or store the battery close to fire or inside a car in which the
temperature may be over 60°C.
such as necklaces, hairpins, coins, or screws. Do not store the battery with
such objects.
-) terminals with a metal object such as a
needle, necklace or hairpin.
to
undergo other such strong shock.
Battery Storage
Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries or NiMH (Nickel-metal Hydride)
batteries, lithium-ion batteries should be charged early and often. Never use
battery maintenance software to maintain your battery as this can reduce the life
of your battery. Li-ion batteries should be kept cool. They should not be
subjected to freezing temperatures. Aging will occur much faster at high
temperatures (such as a hot car) and will reduce the life of your battery.
Purchase a Li-Ion battery pack only when you need a replacement, ensuring you
receive a fresh battery pack.
or is in an abnormal condition.
immediately.
Wash them well with clean water and consult a doctor immediately.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
handling thoroughly.
For information on installing and removing the battery from equipment,
thoroughly read the user's manual for the specific equipment.
equipment becomes much shorter than usual, the battery life is at an end.
Replace the battery with a new one.
-conducting by applying vinyl
tape to the (+) and (-) terminals. The battery must either be discarded as
specified by local regulations or put it in the recycling box of a store that is
cooperating in the recycling of rechargeable batteries.
equipment and store it in a place with a low humidity and low temperature.
Battery Charging
Do not charge the battery for more than 2 to 3 hours, overcharging can
actually drain the battery.
500 charge/discharge cycles. The lithium-ion battery is certainly different from
most other rechargeable batteries as charging from a partially charged battery
keeps the battery in great condition whereas other batteries prefer to be fully
discharged each time before recharging again. Fully discharging the lithium-ion
battery should be avoided wherever possible. For most users, charging the
battery at the end of each day would be the ideal choice. The lithium-ion battery
pack typically lasts about 2-3 years, but potentially longer if cared for in the right
way.
conditions.
temperature may exceed 60°C.
the specified
time.
this manual before charging the battery.
ity is generated, or
let the battery touch something that is statically charged.
The lithium-ion battery can provide between 300-
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Recycle and Disposal Methods
Lithium ion batteries, like all rechargeable batteries are recyclable and should be
recycled.
CAUTION
If your battery is damaged, or if it no longer holds a charge, dispose of it
promptly and properly. Do not dispose of it along with general waste. Call your
local waste disposal agency or environmental agency for advice on disposing of
the battery.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
IMPORTANT NOTE:
PERFORM ALL ELT TESTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL OR
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. IF REQUIRED, TERMINATE ELT INTO
A 50-OHM LOAD OR PERFORM TESTING IN AN RF SHIELDED
ENVIRONMENT.
ELTS WITH 121.5/243 MHZ TRANSMITTERS MUST BE TESTED
WITHIN 5 MINUTES AFTER THE HOUR (US/CANADA). LIVE
TRANSMISSIONS OF THE 406 MHZ SIGNAL MUST BE LIMITED
TO ELTS WHICH TRANSMIT A “SELF TEST” USING TEST FRAME
SYNCHRONIZATION. EXTENDED TESTING OF THE 406 MHZ
ELT SIGNAL MUST BE PERFORMED DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO
THE READER WITH PROPER SIGNAL ATTENUATION AND/OR RF
SHIELDING. SEE “OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT”.
Using the ELT Reader
The supplied Sarcalc program version 2.33 or higher (sarcalc.prc) is pre-installed
on the Meazura unit in ROM memory.
Select the Sarcalc program by tapping the “Sarcalc” icon shown on next page.
(Note: The exact location of your Sarcalc icon may vary depending on what
other programs or applications are loaded on your Test Set). Select “Measure”
from the initial screen. Connect the reader to the ELT directly with a coax cable
(no attenuator required for test set) or connect the whip antenna.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Sarcalc Icon
NOTE: The ELT read function does not detect or verify the presence of
121.5 MHz; this is a 406 MHz reader ONLY.
ETS Main Screen View
The reader is now ready to receive and decode the message. Select “measure”
from “Avionic Tools” screen as shown below. The screen will display “Waiting for
Data” as shown on next page until a valid ELT transmission is received. Perform
a “Self Test” of the ELT by turning the ELT local or remote switch from
“OFF/ARMED” to “ON” for no more than 3 sweeps of the 121.5/243 MHz signal
and then switch back to “OFF/ARMED”. If the received data is invalid, then
“Message Error!” will be displayed. This may indicate excessive distance from
the ELT antenna if testing externally. 0-30 feet distance from the ELT antenna is
recommended, although distances up to 50 feet are possible (as allowed). The
ELT internal 406 MHz oscillator may also need to warm-up. Repeat the ELT test if
necessary.
Software Screen View
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Waiting for Data” Screen View
Once a valid message is received, all encoded data is displayed on the screen as
shown below. The first line contains the 15 digit Hex ELT ID. This ID is used to
register the ELT with the national authorities (NOAA in USA). The second line
indicates the message type: Test or Normal, and Short or Long. The third line
displays the country of registry code and the country. The fourth line will contain
the ELT identifying data. The ELT identifying data will consist of one of the
following: serial number, aircraft 24 bit ICAO address, aircraft registration
number. ELT type will be displayed (ELT) and also any auxiliary locating device
(121.5 MHz ELT). If the ELT includes a navigation function, the position will be
displayed in latitude/longitude. Note: The received 406 MHz frequency is not
displayed. The message will be time stamped.
Example of Standard Location Data View
Note: A displayed message will remain on-screen until the “Clear” button is
selected. Select “Done” to save message and proceed. A new message will not
over-write the old message.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
If the ELT is encoded with the 24 bit ICAO address and country of registry is
USA, then the ICAO address will also be decoded to an 'N' number registration as
shown below.
The message will be automatically saved to a database for later review. Press
“clear” or right arrow key to clear screen for next message.
Example of 24-Bit Address Data View
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Reader Database
All recorded messages are automatically saved to a database (up to 1000
records). Select “Review” from the initial Sarcalc screen. The latest message
will be displayed with the date and time the message was recorded. Navigate
between older and newer saved messages by selecting “Prev” or “Next”. Any
displayed message can also be printed (if optional printer software is installed).
The number of records kept can be changed by selecting “Prefs” from the initial
Sarcalc screen (see “Preferences”). The database can be erased by deleting the
database “SarcalcDB” from the main Meazura screen as shown below. Tap the
upper left-hand corner of the main screen to show the “App” pull-down screen,
select “Delete” and then select “SarcalcDB” to delete. Individual records cannot
be erased.
Deleting Database Screen Views
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
ELT Reader Preferences
If “Prefs” is selected from the initial Sarcalc screen (see below), the following
items may be selected:
Readings to keep – 10, 20, 100, 1000
Maximum number of readings to store in the database
ICAO Format – Octal, Hex, Decimal
Format of ICAO Address display
Display Full Address – checked, unchecked
Check for display of full ELT message, bits 9 –144 (30
Hex digits) or leave unchecked to display only bits 26-85
(15 Hex digits)
Preferences Screen View
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Printing Messages
The message may be printed (via IR or serial connection) by selecting “Print”
from the Measure or Review screens. The report will print all the displayed data.
NOTE: Artex does not provide or support the optional printer software,
contact the recommended source below.
The print function relies on the Stevens Creek Software application PalmPrint or
SCSPrint. Either PalmPrint.prc or SCSPrint.prc must be installed on the base
Meazura unit for printing to function. PalmPrint or SCSPrint are available from:
Stevens Creek Software, LLC
P.O. Box 2126
Cupertino, CA 95015
Fax: 1-603-698-4777
www.stevenscreek.com
Printing preferences are selected from the main Meazura screen by selecting
PalmPrint or SCSPrint and then choosing Infrared or serial connections, and
choosing an appropriate printer type. Poorly formatted or illegible text may be
caused by incorrect serial port speed or printer type selection. For more
information contact the printer software vendor.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
ELT Test Set Unit
The base unit is an Aceeca Meazura MEZ1000 manufactured by Aceeca Ltd of
Christchurch, NZ. The Meazura unit is ruggedized and waterproof to IP67
standards, is based on the Palm OS version 4.1.2, and features a long life
battery. The ELT Test Set module plugs into the internal Aceeca MZIO slot and
is secured with 2 screws – DO NOT REMOVE – DOING SO WILL VOID THE
ARTEX WARRANTY.
Additional operating information can be found in the Aceeca documents
MEZ1000 Quick Reference User Guide and MEZ1000 HotSync Configuration
Guide located on the CD-ROM disc provided as Artex P/N 510-1200.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Meazura MEZ1000 Specifications:
Operating System: Palm OS 4.1.2
Memory: 16MB SDRAM, 4MB Flash
Display: 160x160 pixel grayscale, backlit
Communications: USB (cable provided)
Serial (1.2-115Kbs)
IrDA Infrared (1.2-115.2Kbs)
Battery 3.6V Li-Ion 1900mAh
Sealing IP67 – submersible to 1 meter (30 min)
Current Consumption 21 mA (backlight off) unit ON (excluding
module)
2 mA Sleep mode
Contact Aceeca at www.aceeca.com for more information on the base Aceeca
Meazura unit or for additional accessories.
ETS Module Specifications:
406 receiver range: -60dBm to +36dBm (5W)
Power source: Meazura internal battery
Decoding: per COSPAS/SARSAT C/S T.001
Issue 3 Rev. 5
Current Consumption 10mA unit ON
<100nA Sleep mode
Calibration
The ETS is factory calibrated and does not require periodic re-calibration.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
System Component Part Numbers
The Artex ELT Test Set is being offered as a complete kit (455-9100) with the
following parts:
1 ea. 453-1000 ELT Test Set (ETS) Main Assembly
1 ea. 110-418 Antenna, ¼ Wave Flexible Whip 418 MHz
1 ea. 452-0100 Holster, Padded ELT Test Set
1 ea. 452-0101 Stylus, ELT Test Set
1 ea. 452-0102 Battery, ELT Test Set
1 ea. 452-0103 USB Cable, ELT Test Set
1 ea. 452-0104 Charger, ELT Test Set
1 ea. 510-1200 Desktop Software for ELT Test Set (CD-ROM)
1 ea. 570-1000 Manual, ELT Test Set Operation
Any of the above part numbers may be ordered as a replacement or as a
separate line item. Contact the Artex Sales department at 1-800-432-0227 for
details.
Optional Equipment
If national or local regulations require that the ELT be attenuated and/or directly
connected to the ETS, the following parts may be used:
500-3000 Attenuator, 30 dB
500-3200 Attenuator, 20 dB
611-9010 Cable, Coax 6 ft.TPS to BNC (For Dual Output ELT)
611-6013 Cable, Coax BNC to BNC (For Single Ouput ELT)
Commercial equivalents of any of these parts may also be used.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
SYMPTOM
LIKELY CAUSE
ACTION
Meazura is “locked” up,
programs will not
respond.
Various
Perform “soft reset” by holding down
both the power and backlight keys
simultaneously will perform a soft
reset; the Meazura stops what it was
doing and restarts. All applications
and data stored in the handheld are
retained.
Meazura will not
respond to “soft reset”
Various
Perform” hard reset” by doing a soft
reset but keeping the power key
held down until the Palm Powered®
logo appears. A confirmation
message is displayed asking the user
to confirm the hard reset, whereby
pressing the up arrow key will
proceed with the process. A hard
reset does everything a soft reset
does but also erases all programs,
data, patches and user information.
Meazura will not power
on
Dead battery
Charge battery for at least 2 hours
Meazura will not reset
(either “soft” or “hard”)
Defective Meazura unit
Return unit to Artex
Meazura will not power
on with known good
battery
Defective Meazura unit
Return unit to Artex
Troubleshooting Guide
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Technical Assistance
Please be sure to thoroughly read this manual. If assistance is required,
contact Artex Aircraft Supplies in the United States at 954-981-3333.
Warranty Information
The ETS is covered by the Artex Limited Avionics Warranty for 24 months. See
“Artex Warranty Statement” (document # 560-0102) on the Artex web
site at www.acrartex.com for more details.
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Artex Products / ACR Electronics, Inc. 570-1000 Rev C
Index
—A—
Aceeca, 6, 20
Application, 1
—B—
Battery life, 20
Battery Pack, 9
—C—
Calibration, 20
Controls, 6
—D—
Database, Reader, 16
—F—
Features, 3
—O—
Optional Equipment, 21
—P—
Palm Desktop, 7
Part Numbers, 21
Preferences, Reader, 17
Printing Messages, 18
—R—
Reset, hard, 22
Reset, soft, 22
—S—
Sarcalc Desktop, 7
Sarcalc software, 12
Specifications, 20
—H—
Hardware, 5
Hot Sync, 7
—I—
Introduction, 1
—M—
Meazura, 1, 6
—T—
Table of Contents, ii
Technical Assistance, 23
Troubleshooting, 22
—U—
User name, 7
Using Reader, 12
—W—
Warranty, 23
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