ACR Electronics ME406 ACE ELT INSTALLATION

ME406 Series

Emergency Locator Transmitter

Description, Operation, Installation and Maintenance Manual

This manual includes data for the equipment that follows:

Component	Part No.	Model No.
Emergency Locator Transmitter	453-6603	ME406
Emergency Locator Transmitter	453-6604	ME406HM

ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC.

5757 Ravenswood Rd, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 Cage Code: 18560

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	Page 1 of 84

570-1600 Rev. M

Initial Issue JUN 30/2005

ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

This document contains proprietary information and such information may not be disclosed to others for any purpose, nor used for manufacturing purposes without written permission from ACR Electronics..

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. ACR Electronics makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with regard to this manual, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. In addition, ACR Electronics makes no warranty with regard to the documentation or data contained herein. ACR Electronics is not liable in the event of incidentals, special, consequential, or any other damages in connection with or arising from furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.

Reproduction of this publication or any portion thereof by any means is prohibited. for further information contact Sales, ACR Electronics, 5757 Ravenswood Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Telephone [phone].

AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS

The Airworthiness limitations section is FAA approved and specifies inspections and other maintenance required under 14 CFR§ 43.16 and 91.403, unless an alternative program has been approved.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

ACR Electronics will be responsible for full distribution and revisions of ICA’s (Instructions for Continued Airworthiness) For inquiries regarding the content and currency of this manual, contact ACR Electronics, 5757 Ravenswood Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Telephone [phone].

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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

RECORD OF REVISIONS

REVISION	CHANGE	DATE	REVISION	CHANGE	DATE
-	RELEASE	Jun 30/2005
A	DCN 2670	Nov 17/2005
B	DCN 2777	May 01/2006
C	DCN 2847	Aug 21/2006
D	DCN 3007	May 21/2007
E	DCN 3076	Sep 27/2007
F	DCN 3182	Mar 03/2008
G	DCN 3227	May 19/2008
G	DCN 3413	Mar 30/2009
H	DCN 3571	Jan 12/2010
J	DCA W9414	Apr 06/2010
K	ECO 14756	Jul 26/2011
L	ECO 14850	Mar 09/2012
M	ECO 15380	May 3/2013

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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

SERVICE BULLETIN LIST

	SERVICE	ISSUE	SUBJECT	MANUAL	MANUAL
	BULLETIN NO	DATE		REV NO	REV DATE

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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES

SUBJECT	PAGE	DATE	SUBJECT	PAGE	DATE
Title Page	1	May 3/13 Description and Operation (cont.)		30	May 3/13
Notices	2	May 3/13	Test and Fault Isolation	31	May 3/13
Record of Revisions	3	May 3/13		32	May 3/13
Service Bulletin List	4	May 3/13		33	May 3/13
List of Effective Pages	5	May 3/13		34	May 3/13
	6	May 3/13		35	May 3/13
Table of Contents	7	May 3/13		36	May 3/13
	8	May 3/13		37	May 3/13
	9	May 3/13		38	May 3/13
	10	May 3/13		39	May 3/13
List of Figures	11	May 3/13		40	May 3/13
Introduction	12	May 3/13		41	May 3/13
	13	May 3/13		42	May 3/13
	14	May 3/13		43	May 3/13
	15	May 3/13		44	May 3/13
	16	May 3/13	Removal	45	May 3/13
	17	May 3/13		46	May 3/13
	18	May 3/13		47	May 3/13
	19	May 3/13	Installation	48	May 3/13
	20	May 3/13		49	May 3/13
	21	May 3/13		50	May 3/13
Description and Operation	22	May 3/13		51	May 3/13
	23	May 3/13		52	May 3/13
	24	May 3/13		53	May 3/13
	25	May 3/13		54	May 3/13
	26	May 3/13		55	May 3/13
	27	May 3/13		56	May 3/13
	28	May 3/13		57	May 3/13
	29	May 3/13		58	May 3/13
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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

SUBJECT	PAGE	DATE	SUBJECT	PAGE	DATE
Installation	59	May 3/13		72	May 3/13
(cont.)	60	May 3/13		73	May 3/13
	61	May 3/13		74	May 3/13
	62	May 3/13		75	May 3/13
	63	May 3/13	Appendix A	76	May 3/13
	64	May 3/13		77	May 3/13
	65	May 3/13	Illustrated Parts List	78	May 3/13
	66	May 3/13		79	May 3/13
	67	May 3/13		80	May 3/13
	68	May 3/13		81	May 3/13
	69	May 3/13		82	May 3/13
	70	May 3/13		83	May 3/13
	71	May 3/13		84	May 3/13

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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RECORD OF REVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

SERVICE BULLETIN LIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

LIST OF FIGURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

INTRODUCTION

1. Manual Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

A. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

B. Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2. Model Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

A. ME406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

B. ME406HM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3. Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

A. ME406 and ME406HM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

B. Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

C. RTCA DO-160D Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Table 1 Environmental Categories Breakdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4. Frequency Allocations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

A. Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

B. Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

5. List of Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

6. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

A. Regulatory Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

B. Other Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

1. Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

A. Functional Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

B. Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

2. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

A. Operational Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

B. Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

C. Manual Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

D. ELT Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

E. Functional Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

A. Environmental and Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Table 2 Environmental and Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

B. Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Table 3 Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
C. Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Table 4 Antenna Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30

TEST AND FAULT ISOLATION

1. Inspection and Test Regulatory Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 A. United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 B. Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 C. Other Countries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2. Inspection and Test Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 A. Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Table 5 ELT Inspection and Test Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 B. Preparation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

C. Coax Cable and Wiring Connections Inspection – Item 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 D. Mounting Tray and Hardware Inspection – Item 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 E. Battery Pack Inspection – Item 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 F. G-Switch Functional Check – Item 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 G. Performance Testing Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 H. 121.5 MHz Frequency Measurement – Item 5a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 I. Audio Modulation Check – Item 5b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 J. 121.5 MHz Power Output Measurement – Item 5c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 K. 406 MHz Frequency Measurement – Item 5d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 L. 406 MHz Power Output Measurement – Item 5e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 M. Current Draw Test – Item 5f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 N. Digital Message Verification – Item 5g. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 O. ELT Reset Check – Item 5h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 P. Installed Transmitter Test – Item 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Q. Antenna Test – Item 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 R. Inspection and Test Documentation – Item 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

3. Fault Isolation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 A. Self-Test Error Troubleshooting Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Table 6 ELT Self-Test Error Codes Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 B. ELT Troubleshooting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Table 7 ELT Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

REMOVAL

1. ELT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 A. ELT Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 2. Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 A. Battery Pack Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

3. Material or Equipment Return. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 A. Shipment Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 B. Return Material Authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

INSTALLATION

1. Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

A. TSO C126, Paragraph D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

B. FAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

C. Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

D. Other Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

E. RTCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

2. Mounting Tray. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

A. Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

B. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

3. Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

A. Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

B. Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

C. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

4. Remote Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

A. Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

B. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

5. Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

A. Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

B. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

6. Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

A. General Considerations and Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

B. Remote Switch Harness Fabrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

C. ELT D-Sub Plug Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

D. Cockpit Remote Switch 9-Pin Plug Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

E. Wiring Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

F. Antenna Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

G. Cockpit Remote Switch Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

H. Remote Switch Alternate Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

I. Airframe Ground Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

J. Buzzer Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

K. Remote Switch Final Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

7. ELT Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

A. Installation and Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

B. Harness ELT D-Sub Plug Sealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

C. Installation Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

8. Battery Pack Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

A. Battery Reinstallation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

B. New Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

9. Helicopter Installations - Special Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

A. Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

B. Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

C. Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

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APPENDIX A – ELT REGISTRATION

1. Background Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 A. Hex ID Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 B. Reason for Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 C. Registration Information Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

2. Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 A. Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 B. Required Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 C. Where to Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

A. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

B. IPL Usage Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

2. Manufacturer Name and Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

A. Ordering Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

3. Explanation of Detailed Parts List Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

A. Fig # & Item Column. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

B. Part # Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

C. Nomenclature Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

D. UPA (Units Per Assembly) Column. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

4. Detailed Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 ELT Orthogonal Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Figure 2 ME406 Series ELT and Mounting Tray Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Figure 3 Remote Switch Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Figure 4 Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Figure 5 Battery Pack Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Figure 6 Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Figure 7 ELT Operational Flow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Figure 8 Performance Testing Equipment Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Figure 9 Current Draw Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Figure 10 Short and Long 406 MHz Message Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Figure 11 ELT Removal Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Figure 12 Battery Pack Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Figure 13 ME406 Series ELT Outline and Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Figure 14 Typical Mounting Tray Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Figure 15 Rod Antenna 110-338 and Whip Antenna 110-773 Outlines and Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Figure 16 Remote Switch Outline and Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Figure 17 Buzzer Outline and Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Figure 18 Metal Airframe Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Figure 19 Composite Airframe Wiring Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Figure 20 Remote Switch Harness Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Figure 21 D-Sub Plug Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Figure 22 ELT Installation Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Figure 23 Velcro Strap Installation & Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Figure 24 Battery Pack Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Figure 25 ELT Orthogonal Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Illustrated Parts List

Figure 26 ME406 Series ELT Main Assembly and Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Figure 27 Electrical Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Figure 28 Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

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INTRODUCTION

TASK 25-62-30-990-801

1.Manual Usage

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-001

A.General

(1)This manual describes the operation, installation, and maintenance of the Model ME406 Series emergency locator transmitter (ELT). This information is provided to ensure initial and continued airworthiness. Information presented in this manual is accurate at time of printing, but is subject to change. Refer to the Artex products web site at www.acrartex.com for the latest information and any updates to this manual.

(2)Information on COSPAS-SARSAT emergency locator beacon registration requirements and procedures is provided in Appendix A – ELT Registration on page 76.

(3)Web links provided in this manual were accurate at time of printing, but may be subject to change.

(4)ACR Electronics reserves the right to add approved components to the ELT system; including, but not limited to antennas, remote switches, and coaxial cables.

(5)Regulatory references contained herein are generally confined to United States and Canadian requirements and, in any case, should not be considered all encompassing. Consult your national aviation authority for applicable requirements.

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-002

B.Application

(1)This manual constitutes supporting data/documentation for the ME406 Series ELT, including:

(a)Description and Operation

(b)Test and Fault Isolation (includes inspection criteria)

(c)Removal

(d)Installation

(e)Registration

(f)Illustrated Parts List

(2)In the United States, the ME406 Series ELT must be installed and maintained in accordance with the requirements herein and 14 CFR, FAR Parts 43, and 91; and other airworthiness requirements, as applicable.

(3)In Canada, the ME406 Series ELT must be installed and maintained in accordance with the requirements herein and Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR), Part V, Paragraph 551.104 and other CAR airworthiness requirements, as applicable.

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(4)ME406 Series ELT installation and maintenance in all other countries must comply with the requirements herein and applicable national airworthiness requirements.

(5)The accessories (i.e., remote switch and antennas) addressed in this manual are the accessories most commonly associated with the ME406 Series ELT. Other options, such as a different remote switch configuration or a navigation interface, should be installed and maintained in accordance with the written instructions specific to the accessory.

NOTE: Contact ACR Electronics, Inc., for optional accessories approved for use with a ME406 Series ELT.

(6)To ensure proper operation, only parts listed in the Illustrated Parts List of this manual or those recommended by ACR Electronics, Inc., may be used as replacement parts for the ME406 Series ELT.

TASK 25-62-30-990-802

2.Model Descriptions

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-001

A.ME406

(1)The ME406 is a type AF (Automatic Fixed) beacon, which transmits on 121.5 and 406 MHz.

(2)The ME406 ELT is enclosed in an impact resistant plastic casing and mounts on a tray made of similar material.

(3)When ordered as a system, an installation kit, cockpit remote switch, coax cables, audible buzzer, and fixed antenna are provided.

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-002

B.ME406HM

(1)The ME406HM ELT is designed for helicopter installations and features a 5-axis G-Switch module in addition to the primary G-switch, which is oriented to line-of-flight. This design allows the ELT to be activated in all six axes. See Figure 1 ELT Orthogonal Axes.

(2)The ME406HM is identical to the ME406 in all other aspects.

+Z

-X

-Y

+Y

+X

-Z

Figure 1 ELT Orthogonal Axes

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TASK 25-62-30-990-803

3.Approvals

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-001

A.ME406 and ME406HM

(1)FAA TSO C126, Type AF

(a)The conditions and tests required for TSO approval of this article are minimum performance standards. It is the responsibility of those installing this article either on or within a specific type or class of aircraft to determine that the aircraft installation conditions are within TSO standards. TSO articles must have separate approval for installation in an aircraft. The article may be installed only if performed under 14 CFR Part 43 or the applicable airworthiness requirements.

(2)Transport Canada - Approval Letter File Reference 5012-E3-4 (3708020)

(3)Industry Canada - Certification Number 1215B-ME406AF

(4)ETSO 2C126 - EASA.IM.210.416 (ME406) and EASA.IM.210.608 (ME406HM)

(5)COSPAS-SARSAT - Certificate No. 152, 188, and 197

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-002

B.Battery

CAUTION: LITHIUM BATTERY SAFETY CONCERNS INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE, VENTING VIOLENTLY, AND VENTING OF TOXIC GASES.

(1)The lithium battery pack used on the ME406 Series ELT is certified under TSO C126.

(a)The conditions and tests required for TSO approval of this battery are minimum performance standards. It is the responsibility of those desiring to install this battery in a specific type or class of aircraft to determine that the aircraft installation conditions are within the TSO standards. The battery may be installed only if further evaluation by applicant documents an acceptable installation and is approved by the Administrator.

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-003

C.RTCA DO-160D Compliance

(1)DO-160D Environmental Categories: D1XBC[204][204]XRXXFXXZAZA[204]H[XXXX]XXA

(2)The DO-160D environmental categories breakdown is detailed in Table 1 on page 14.

Table 1 Environmental Categories Breakdown

CATEGORY	SECTION	DESCRIPTION
D1	4.0	Temperature/Altitude

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CATEGORY	SECTION	DESCRIPTION
X	4.5.4	In-Flight Loss of Cooling
B	5.0	Temperature Variation
C	6.0	Humidity
204	7.0/8.0	Operational Shock and Crash Safety/Vibration
X	9.0	Explosion
R	10.0	Waterproofness
X	11.0	Fluids Susceptibility
X	12.0	Sand and Dust
F	13.0	Fungus
X	14.0	Salt Spray
X	15.0	Magnetic Effect
Z	16.0	Power Input
A	17.0	Voltage Spike
Z	18.0	Audio Frequency Susceptibility
A	19.0	Induced Signal Susceptibility
204	20.0	Radio Frequency Susceptibility
H	21.0	Emission of RF Energy
XXXX	22.0	Lightning
X	23.0	Lightning Direct Effects
X	24.0	Icing
A	25.0	ESD

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TASK 25-62-30-990-804

4.Frequency Allocations

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-001

A.Application

(1)This section addresses the 406.0-406.1 MHz transmitter window and the specific frequency band allocations residing above 406.025 MHz, beginning with 406.028 MHz, which are assigned or reserved within the 406.0-406.1 MHz distress frequency window.

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-002

B.Discussion

(1)The 406 MHz transmitter frequency of the ME406 Series ELT was originally 406.028 MHz. In order to comply with COSPAS-SARSAT frequency allocation requirements, changes to the 406 MHz frequency may occur since the original release of this product.

(2)While the original ME406 Series ELTs covered by this manual transmit on 406.028 MHz, current ME406 Series ELTs may not. The product identification label on each ELT specifies the transmitting frequencies of the individual ELT. The 406 MHz component may be 406.028, 406.037 MHz, etc. Allocation of frequencies, based on beacon population per specified frequency band, is controlled by COSPAS-SARSAT.

(3)The frequency references throughout this manual for the 406 MHz component should be considered the baseline and the specific frequency indicated on the ELT product label should be substituted if it differs from 406.028 MHz.

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5.List of Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-001
Term	Definition
AC	Advisory Circular – A Federal Aviation Administration (USA) bulletin
	with special information. For the purposes of this document, the acro-
	nym AC does not refer to electrical alternating current.
AWG	American Wire Gauge – An electrical wire diameter standard. Look for
	this acronym in front of or following a wire size number.
BNC CONNECTOR	A very common type of coax cable connector having a 50 W imped-
	ance and used for RF signal connections.
CAR	Canadian Aviation Regulations – The rules and regulations governing
	the manufacture, certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration
	of aircraft in Canada.
CFR	Code of Federal Regulations – The general and permanent rules pub-
	lished in the Federal Register by the executive departments and
	agencies of the Federal Government. Title 14, “Aeronautics and
	Space” contains the FARs.
CONTAINER	The term “Container”, within the context of this document, refers to a
	device designed to suppress RF signals, such that the broadcast of an
	ELT placed in the container cannot reach the SAR satellite system.
COSPAS-SARSAT	The international search and rescue consortium that governs the
	international satellite-based search and rescue distress alert detection
	and information distribution system. For a complete description go to
	the official web site for the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program.
D-SUB CONNECTOR	D-shaped, subminiature connectors – common type of connector for
	small signals and electrical currents.
DER	Designated Engineering Representative – An individual qualified and
	designated by the FAA to approve, or recommend approval, of tech-
	nical data to the FAA.
DRIP LOOP	Extra wire length used to form a U-shaped bend in a wire or cable.
	Water or other fluids will flow down to the bottom of the loop and
	drip off. Electrical connections are made at the top of the loop.
ELT	Emergency Locator Transmitter – ELTs are installed on aircraft and
	used to send emergency signals to the SAR satellite system. The
	word “Beacon” is associated with these devices.
EMI	Electromagnetic Interference – An undesirable disturbance that
	affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic conduction

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	or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source. Also
	called radio frequency interference or RFI.
EUROCAE	European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment – EUROCAE docu-
	ments are widely referenced as a means of compliance to European
	Technical Standard Orders (ETSOs) and other regulatory documents.
FAA	Federal Aviation Administration – The United States government
	agency for aircraft safety and regulation.
FAR	Federal Aviation Regulations – The rules and regulations governing
	the manufacture, certification, operation, maintenance, repair, and
	alteration of aircraft in the United States.
FORM 337	FAA Form 337 is required anytime a major repair and/or major altera-
	tion is performed on an aircraft. Refer to FAR, Part 43, Appendix A
	and the definitions of Major Repair/Alteration contained in FAR, Part 1
	for guidance.
FSDO	Flight Standards District Office – FAA district offices responsible for
	aircraft certification, operation, maintenance, and modification issues,
	approvals and enforcement.
G-SWITCH	A velocity switch that detects sudden de-acceleration and is used to
	automatically activate an ELT. May also be referred to as a “crash
	sensor”.
LED	Light Emitting Diode – Semiconductor device that emits light when
	current is passed through it. Usually used as a status or warning indi-
	cator.
MIL	The three-letter acronym that stands for “Military” and proceeds mili-
	tary specifications and standards numbers (e.g., MIL-W-XXXX would
	indicate a wire specification and MIL-STD-XXXX would indicate a
	standard).
P/N	Part Number – Refers to an ACR part number, unless otherwise
	noted. Part numbers are also indicated with parentheses (e.g., XXX-
	XXXX).
PLUG	The term “Plug”, within the context of this document, refers to the
	male half of an electrical connector.
RECEPTACLE	The term “Receptacle,” within the context of this document, refers to
	the female half of an electrical connector.
RF	Radio Frequency – The range of electromagnetic radiation that con-
	stitutes the radio spectrum and corresponds to the frequency of alter-
	nating current electrical signals used to produce and detect radio
	waves.

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RTCA	Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics – Organization that
	makes recommendations for airworthiness. Refer to
	www.rtca.org/aboutrtca.asp for more information.
RTV	A rubbery silicon-based adhesive typically used to prevent vibration
	problems and water intrusion.
SAR	Search and Rescue
SCREEN ROOM	The term “Screen Room”, within the context of this document, refers
	to a room designed to suppress RF signals, such that the broadcast of
	an ELT placed in the screen room cannot reach the SAR satellite sys-
	tem.
SERVICE LOOP	A length of wire or cable, at the connection point, of sufficient length
	to allow a component to be withdrawn from its mounting position and
	disconnected from its associated wiring.
TETHER	A tether is a cord or similar device that anchors something movable
	to a stationary point or anchors two items together, such that they
	cannot become separated beyond the length of the tether.
TSO	Technical Standard Order – A TSO is a minimum performance stan-
	dard issued by the FAA for specified materials, parts, processes, and
	appliances used on civil aircraft.
UTC	Coordinated Universal Time – A time standard based on International
	Atomic Time. UTC is the time system used in aviation and is often
	associated with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and/or “Zulu” time.
VHF	Very High Frequency – The 30 MHz to 300 MHz radio frequency band.
VSWR	Voltage Standing Wave Ratio – Electrical signals will “echo” back on a
	wire if load impedance is not matched to the impedance of the wire.
	VSWR is a measurement of the amount of voltage being “echoed,”
	compared to the original signal.

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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

TASK 25-62-30-990-806

6.References

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-001

A.Regulatory Documents

(1)The following regulatory documents are referred to herein. When referring to such documents, it is the manual user’s responsibility to ensure they are using the latest revision or release of such documents. To that end, the revision designator of specific document numbers has not been included, with the exception of the RTCA document listing, which reflects the revision level of the documents at the time of TSO testing and certification.

(2)Except in the case of a printed manual, reference documents available on-line or source locations are linked to applicable web sites.

(3)United States

(a)AC 43-9, “Maintenance Records”

(b)AC 43-210, “Standardized Procedures for Requesting Field Approval of Data, Major Alterations, and Repairs”

(c)AC 43.9-1, “Instructions for Completion of FAA Form 337”

(d)AC 43-13-1, “Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices – Aircraft Inspection and Repair”

(e)AC 43.13-2, “Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - Aircraft Alterations”

(f)FAR, Part 43, “Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration”

(g)FAR, Part 91, “General Operating and Flight Rules”

(4)Canada

(a)CAR, Part V, “Airworthiness”

(b)CAR, Part VI, “General Operating and Flight Rules”

(5)COSPAS-SARSAT

(a)C/S G.005, “Cospas-Sarsat Guidelines on 406 MHz Beacon Coding, Registration and Type Approval”

(b)C/S S.007, “Handbook of Beacon Regulations”

(6)RTCA – The following documents are available for purchase at RTCA’s Web Site www.rtca.org, or by mail:

(a)DO-160D, “Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment”

(b)DO-178B, “Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification”

(c)DO-182, “Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Equipment Installation and Performance”

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(d)DO-183, “Minimal Operational Performance Standards for Emergency Locator Transmitters - Automatic Fixed-ELT (AF), Automatic Portable-ELT (AP), Automatic Deployable-ELT (AD), Survival-ELT (S) Operating on 121.5 and 243.0 MHz”

(e)DO-204, “Minimal Operational Performance Standards for 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)”

SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-002

B.Other Documents

(1)The following documents are available on-line at the Artex products web site at www.acrartex.com, or from ACR Electronics upon request.

(a)570-1000, “ELT Test Set (ETS) Operation Manual”

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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

TASK 25-62-30-870-801

1.Description

SUBTASK 25-62-30-870-001

A.Functional Overview

(1)The ELT automatically activates during a crash and transmits the standard sweep tone on

121.5MHz. Approximately every 50 seconds, for up to 520 milliseconds (long message protocol), the 406 MHz transmitter turns on. During that time, an encoded digital message is sent to the COSPAS-SARSAT Search and Rescue (SAR) satellite system.

(2)The information contained in the message includes:

(a)Serial number assigned to the ELT by the beacon manufacturer or the national beacon registration authority, or

(b)Aircraft identification or registration number, and

(c)Country of registration and country code; plus

(d)Position coordinates, when coupled with a navigation interface device, which receives position data from the aircraft navigation system and transmits it to the ELT.

(3)The 406 MHz transmitter will operate for 24 hours and then shuts down automatically. The 121.5 MHz transmitter will continue to operate until the batteries are exhausted, which is at least 50 hours.

(4)The 406 MHz transmitter produces a much more accurate position, typically 3 kilometers as compared with 15 to 20 kilometers for 121.5 MHz transmitters. When coupled to the aircraft navigation system via a navigation interface, the accuracy improves to approximately 100 meters.

(5)The ELT transmits a digital message that allows search and rescue authorities to contact the owner/operator of the aircraft through information contained in a database. Information contained in the database includes:

(a)Type of aircraft and aircraft registration number,

(b)Owner address and telephone number, and

(c)Alternate emergency contact.

(6)After the ELT is activated and the 406 MHz signal is detected by the SAR satellite system and a position is calculated, the 121.5 MHz transmissions are used to home in on the crash site.

NOTE: Effective February 1, 2009, COSPAS-SARSAT has terminated satellite processing of distress signals from 121.5 MHz beacons.

(7)Aircraft communications transceivers are not capable of receiving 406 MHz transmissions; therefore, the only methods of monitoring the ELT are:

(a)The blinking cockpit remote switch LED,

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(b)The buzzer, or

(c)121.5 MHz transmissions, which can be monitored using the aircraft communications transceiver or an AM radio tuned to 121.5 MHz.

SUBTASK 25-62-30-870-002

B.Components

(1)The ME406 Series ELT main assembly is housed in a high impact, fire resistant, polycarbonate plastic case and mounted in a tray made of similar material. See Figure 2 ME406 Series ELT and Mounting Tray Assembly.

NOTE: The ELT main assembly and its mounting frame assembly are capable of withstanding extremely harsh environments and have been subjected to the rigorous environmental testing required by COSPAS-SARSAT for certification.

ANTENNA BNC

CONNECTOR

CONTROL STATUS

SWITCH LED

A	MOUNTING
	TRAY ASSY
REMOTE SWITCH	OPTIONS
D-SUB RECEPTACLE

ELT MAIN

ASSEMBLY

Figure 2 ME406 Series ELT and Mounting Tray Assembly

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ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

(2)The cockpit-mounted remote switch assembly is comprised of an ELT status LED and control switch, and allows an operator to manually turn the ELT on (i.e., activate) for testing and reset (i.e., deactivate) the ELT. See Figure 3 Remote Switch Front View.

NOTE: The ELT CANNOT be disarmed or disabled from the cockpit. Cockpit operation is limited to deactivating or manually activating the ELT.

EMERGENCY USE ONLY

ARTEX

ELT

LED

ON

SWITCH

ARM

Test/Reset

Press ON

Wait 1 Second

Press ARM

Figure 3 Remote Switch Front View

(3)The buzzer (i.e., horn) provides an audible alert when the ELT is active. See Figure 4 Buzzer.

Figure 4 Buzzer

(4)The battery pack for the ME406 Series ELT consists of two “D” size lithium manganese dioxide cells connected in series. To prevent the cells from being charged, diodes are connected across each cell and fuses are connected to the output. See Figure 5 Battery Pack Assembly.

Figure 5 Battery Pack Assembly

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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

(5)Two antennas are approved for use with the ME406 Series ELT. Selection of the proper antenna is dependent upon end use, aircraft configuration and speed, and other factors. See Figure 6 Antennas.

110-338

110-773

Figure 6 Antennas

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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC

DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)

TASK 25-62-30-870-802

2.Operation

SUBTASK 25-62-30-870-001

A.Operational Overview

(1)See Figure 7 ELT Operational Flow Diagram.

ELT
“INACTIVE”
		ELT “ACTIVE”
		BUZZER “ON”
		LED “ON”
		ELT OR
	NO	REMOTE SW	YES
		“RESET”
ELT
SWITCH	YES
“ON”
NO
REMOTE	YES
SWITCH
“ON”
NO
G-SWITCH	YES
“ON”
NO

Figure 7 ELT Operational Flow Diagram

(2)A primary feature of the ME406 Series ELT is its simplicity of operation. As long as the ELT is connected to the remote switch harness ELT connector, such that pins 5 and 12 are jumpered (G-switch loop), it will activate in the event of a crash.

NOTE: Neither the cockpit remote switch or the ELT local switch can be positioned in such a manner as to prevent automatic activation when the ELT is connected properly.

(3)ELT operation is designed to prevent human error and misuse in regards to automatic activation. The ELT cannot be activated by dropping, rough handling or during shipping.

(4)When the ELT is activated, the presence of the emergency sweep tone and the flashing cockpit remote switch panel LED indicates an active, normal functioning ELT. The cockpit panel LED must immediately begin to flash continuously upon ELT activation.

(5)The ELT is considered to be either “ACTIVE” or “INACTIVE”. When “INACTIVE”, the ELT is in a state of rest and performs no functions. Taking the ELT from the “INACTIVE” state to the “ACTIVE” state requires a positive switch transition from either the cockpit remote switch, ELT local switch, or G-switch.

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