PRODUCT
ELT-202™
SUPPORT
MANUAL
Y1-03-0090-2
Rev. D
Product No. 2761
Emergency Locator Transmitter
ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312
+1(954) 981-3333 · Fax +1 (954) 983-5087
www.acrelectronics.com
Email: Info@acrelectronics.com
A
Chelton Group
company
ACR / ELT-202
OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Record of Revisions (To be completed by customer, optional)
(Note: It is ACR's documentation policy to update the entire manual revision when a
change is incorporated)
Revision Letter Issue Date Date Inserted By Signature
A
B
C
D
SERVICE BULLETIN / INFORMATION LETTER LIST
Service Bulletin /
Incorporation Date By Signature
Info Letter No.
Y1-03-0090-2 Rev. D
1
Table of Contents
Section Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 Scope 3
1.2 Purpose 3
2.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 4
3.0 INSTALLATION 5
3.1 Raft Pack Installation 5
3.2 Mounting Bracket Installation 5
4.0 OPERATION 5
4.1 Deployment at sea 5
4.2 Deployment on land 5
5.0 TESTING 6
5.1 General 6
5.2 Operational Test - Self Test 6
5.2 Operational Test - Shop 7
6.0 MAINTENANCE 11
6.1 Cleaning 11
6.2 Visual Inspection 11
6.3 Factory Inspection and Test 11
6.4 Battery Replacement 11
7.0 REPAIR 12
8.0 ASSEMBLY AND STORAGE 12
8.1 Assembly 12
8.2 Storage 12
9.0 REPLACEMENT PARTS 12
Figure 1 Test Setup 9
Figure 2 Modulation Check 9
Figure 3 ACR Test Fixture #T2-01-0016 10
Figure 4 ACR / ELT-202 14
Figure 5 Storage Position for ELT-202 15
Figure 6 Test Point Polarities 16
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
This manual provides information for the installation, operation, and maintenance
of the ACR/ELT-202 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) hereafter referred to
as the ELT. The ELT-202 is approved for use as a survival (S) type ELT under
FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-91a and FCC Rules Part 87.
1.2 Purpose
The ELT (S) is intended to be carried aboard aircraft and used to locate survivors
in the event of a ditching. It can be used, however, in over-land emergencies.
When activated, it transmits a distinctive sound on the international distress
frequencies of 121.5 and 243 MHz. These signals can be used by Search and
Rescue personnel to assist them in locating survivors.
Unlike other types of ELT's, the ELT (S) is intended to be removed from the
aircraft and to travel with survivors. The ELT-202 may be installed within life
rafts or slide/rafts or mounted in the aircraft cabin on flightdeck.
The ELT-202 is activated by placing the unit in water. The unit is completely
waterproof and floats upright when deployed. A tether is provided for securing the
unit to a life raft or person.
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2.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Frequencies 121.5 and 243 MHz
Frequency Stability ± .005% (crystal controlled)
Emissions Type A3X
Modulation Downward swept tone between 1400 Hz and
400 Hz at 3 Hz rate
Peak Effective Radiated Power Minimum 50 mW (17 dBm)
(PERP)
Transmitter RF output
Operating Temperature 0°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature
Activation Water activated when deployed in water
Size Length 23" exclusive of 19" flex antenna
Diameter 2 ¾"
Weight 4.01 lbs. max
Environmental Categories Per FAA TSO-C91a for Survival ELTs
Accessories (optional) Bulkhead Mounting Bracket
ACR P/N A3-06-1698
Battery Type Magnesium / Silver Chloride, 9V
Water-activated Electrolyte
Battery Operational Life 48 hours minimum. 100 hours typical
Battery Service Life 5 years. Recertified by factory inspection
and tests.
Battery Storage Life Indefinite - requires factory recertification
every 5 years
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3.0 INSTALLATION
Inspect the repulpable tape (A2-05-0119) holding the antenna and tether to the
body of the unit to make sure they are held securely. Replace the tape if necessary.
NOTE: Before installing or re-installing an ELT, it should be tested and
inspected using the procedure described in section 5 and 6 of this manual.
3.1 Raft Pack Installation
To pack the ELT with a life raft, bend the flexible antenna downward so that it
lays flat against the body of the unit and secure it in place by using the water
soluble tape as shown in Figure 5. The unit is then ready to be packed.
3.2 Mounting Bracket Installation
The ELT-202 may be installed into existing ELT brackets or into an optional ACR
mounting bracket (ACR part no. A3-06-1698). To install the ELT into the
mounting bracket, bend the antenna downward so that it lays flat against the body
of the unit (see Figure 5). While holding the antenna in this position and the unit
upright, insert the unit into the mounting bracket clamps. Secure the ELT to the
mounting bracket by pressing down on the clamps latches.
4.0 OPERATION
4.1 Deployment at sea
To operate the ELT in water:
1) Remove the unit from raft pack or bracket.
2) Tie free end of lanyard to life raft or person.
3) Release unit into the water.
4) Red light at top of unit will flash, indicating proper operation. Within a few
minutes, the repulpable tape will loosen and allow the antenna extend fully
upright.
5) To cease operation of the ELT, remove water from the battery and dry off the
bottom cover with cloth or paper.
4.2 Deployment on land
To operate the ELT on land:
1) Remove the unit from raft pack or bracket and allow the antenna to extend
fully upright by removing tape.
2) Remove the repulpable tape surrounding the lanyard.
3) Grasp free end of lanyard and unravel to release plastic bag.
4) Place lower half of unit in plastic bag.
5) Fill plastic bag with water. *
6) Red light at top of unit will flash indicating proper operation.
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7) To cease operation of the ELT, remove the unit from the plastic bag and dry
off the bottom cover with cloth or paper.
* NOTE: Any waterbased liquid may be used to fill the bag, such as coffee or any
beverage, denatured alcohol, urine, etc. Oil based liquids such as hydraulic fluids
are generally not suitable since they do not conduct electricity.
a) To assure optimum performance of the ELT, the lower third of the unit should
be kept submerged. Using less water will reduce battery performance.
b) The ELT should be located in a clear area away from trees, boulders, or other
large objects. The ELT may be carried when operating, however the unit
should be held high enough so that the entire length of the flexible antenna is
above the carrier’s head and clear of any other obstructions.
5.0 TESTING
5.1 General
1) CAUTION: FCC regulations require that ELT testing be performed in an RF
shielded room. Testing outside of a shielded room may only be performed
during the first five minutes of each hour, and then only for a maximum
duration of three audio sweeps (equivalent to one flash of the red indicator
light).
2) The ELT possesses a self-test feature, which monitors the signal at the antenna
terminal. The red indicator light will flash only if the proper signal is detected.
3) An ELT should always be self-tested prior to the initial installation (see
section 5.2). Periodic testing is recommended to help assure that the ELT will
function optimally and reliably in an emergency.
4) An ELT should always be shop tested prior to reinstallation (see section 5.3).
5.2 Operational Test - Self Test
Test Equipment Required:
1) 12 volts power supply.
2) RF screen room or test within the first 5 minutes of each hour (see section 5.1,
note 1)
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Test Procedure
1) Place the ELT in a secure screen room to prevent radiation of signals on
emergency frequencies.
2) Apply 12 volts DC (from a power supply or external battery) to the test
terminals at the bottom of the unit. See figure 6 for polarity.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to test the ELT by immersing it in water.
Once activated, the internal battery will discharge and cannot be reused.
3) Check to see that red indicator is flashing approximately once per second.
4) The ELT is functional only if the red indicator light flashes without
interruption.
5) If the conditions specified in step 4) are not met, return the unit to ACR
5.3 Operational Test - Shop
Test Equipment Required:
1) Spectrum Analyzer, IFR A-7550 or equivalent.
2) Monopole antenna with BNC connector. Total length of 7.00 inches including
connector circular by 11/16 inch in diameter.
3) Aluminum Ground Plane 12 inches in diameter by 1/16 inch thick.
4) BNC female to BNC female UG-492 B/U feed through adapter to elevate top
of monopole antenna to 7 3/16 inches above ground plane.
5) 13 foot long 50-Ohm RG 58 A/U coaxial cable (0.9 dB loss at 121.5 MHz and
1.3 dB loss at 243 MHz) with BNC male connectors.
6) Test Fixture ACR #T2-01-0016 shown in Figure 3.
7) 12 volt power supply. Connect 12-volt power supply to the fixture banana
jacks.
8) RF screen room.
9) Spectrum Analyzer settings:
Horizontal Sensitivity 20 MHz / Div
Center Frequency 180 MHz
Vertical Sensitivity 10 dB / Div
Resolution Bandwidth 3 MHz
Reference Level 0 dBm
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Test Procedure
1) Place test fixture on non-metallic table or platform in secure screen room to
prevent radiation of signals on emergency frequencies. Place fixture in the
screen room with ELT installed so that no part of the ELT or test fixture is
within 1 foot of the ceiling or floor or within 3 feet of a wall.
2) Connect one end of the 13 foot coaxial cable to antenna feed through adapter
and connect the spectrum analyzer to the other end of the 13 foot coaxial
cable. Place the spectrum analyzer at least 6 feet from the test fixture. (see
Figure 1 & 3)
3) Place the ELT in the test fixture ensuring proper contact polarity (see Figure
6). Note peak readings in dBm of 121.5 MHz carrier and 243 MHz carrier.
(See Figure 2).
3.1) All spurious signals should be at least 21 dB below either carrier
frequency.
3.2) Peak power readings should be greater than the minimum acceptable
levels given in Table 1.
4) The ELT red LED will blink approximately once per second.
5) If any of the conditions specified are not met, return the unit to ACR for
further testing and repair.
6) Remove the ELT from the fixture or disconnect power supply to end the test.
ELT-202
121.5 MHz -26 dBm
243.0 MHz -22 dBm
TABLE 1
Minimum Acceptable Peak Power vs. Frequency
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SPECTRUM
ANALYZER
modulation present (good)
ELT
TEST FIXTURE
T2-01-0016
Figure 1
Test Setup
Figure 2
Modulation Check
POWER
SUPPLY
no modulation present (bad)
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ELT
7" Antenna
BNC Connector
Feedthru
Adapter
Aluminum Ground
Plane
Coaxial Cable
Banana
Jacks
Figure 3
ACR Test Fixture #T2-01-0016
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6.0 MAINTENANCE
6.1 Cleaning
Note: Commercial solvents or cleaning agents with ammonia should not be used
to clean the ELT as they may damage the various labels and markings.
Clean the ELT case and antenna with a lightly damp cloth. Allow the unit and
antenna to air dry before installation.
6.2 Visual Inspection
In addition to functional testing, the ELT should also be periodically inspected for
physical damage. Physical damage may compromise the reliability of the unit
even if it appears to be fully functional. When inspecting the unit for damage, pay
particular attention to the following:
1) Check the flexible antenna for creases, cracks or holes in the vinyl, and any
other damage.
2) Bend the antenna downward so that it lays flat against the body of the ELT.
Release the antenna. The antenna should return to its normal upright position
with no assistance.
3) Check the top cap for cracks, dents, or other damage. Ensure that the lower
rim of the top cap rests squarely on the body of the unit over its entire
circumference.
4) Check the body of the unit for cracks or other damage.
5) Check the bottom cap for cracks, dents or other damage. Ensure that it is
squarely in contact with the body of the unit over its entire circumference.
Check the bottom contacts for corrosion or other damage.
6) If any physical damage is observed, have the unit inspected at ACR.
6.3 Factory Inspection and Test
The ELT must be returned to ACR every 5 years for a complete factory inspection
and battery recertification. (The 5 year interval is controlled by the expiration date
of the battery). The factory inspection and test will include a full functional test, a
battery test, and a visual inspection of the case, antenna and lanyard. Upon
completion, the ELT factory label will be updated to indicate the next inspection/
expiration date.
6.4 Battery Replacement
The ELT battery assembly must also be replaced after the unit has been used in an
emergency or otherwise activated. Call +1 (800) 432-0227 for Service.
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Once water activation occurs, the battery chemistry changes and cannot be reused.
Return the unit to ACR for battery replacement and factory rebuild.
At the battery expiration date, the ELT with battery may be returned to ACR for
inspection and recertification. Units accepted under recertification will be labeled
with a new 5 year battery expiration date and may be returned to service. Any
unauthorized service will void the warranty.
7.0 REPAIR
A malfunctioning ELT transmitter is not repairable in the field. Such units must
be returned to ACR for repair. The only authorized field repair is the replacement
of the repulpable tape (ACR P/N A2-05-0119) used to secure the antenna and
lanyard to the ELT case.
8.0 ASSEMBLY AND STORAGE
8.1 Assembly
The ELT-202 is shipped fully assembled from the factory. No additional
assembly is required.
8.2 Storage
Whenever possible, store the ELT in its original vapor barrier bag and shipping
box to provide maximum protection. It is recommended that the unit be stored in
a controlled environment of 70° ± 15°F, and a humidity of 80% of less.
9.0 REPLACEMENT PARTS
Item ACR Part Number Description Qty per Unit
1 A2-05-0119 Tape, Repulpable 3 x 13" long
2 A3-06-1698 Mounting bracket, ELT Optional
3 A1-26-0225 Vapor Barrier bag Optional (for storage
before installation)
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ANTENNA
TOP CAP
(Transmitter Module)
BODY
(Battery Module)
BOTTOM CAP
Y1-03-0090-2 Rev. D
Figure 4
ACR / ELT - 202
13
Figure 5
Storage Position for ELT-202
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WATER DRAIN
+-
CONTACTS
Figure 6
Test Point Polarities
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