ACR Electronics ME406 HM INSTALLATION
ME406 Series
Emergency Locator Transmitter
Description, Operation, Installation and Maintenance Manual
This manual includes data for the equipment that follows:
Component
Emergency Locator Transmitter 453-6603 ME406
Emergency Locator Transmitter 453-6604 ME406HM
Part No. Model No.
ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC.
5757 Ravenswood Rd, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
25-62-30
Cage Code: 18560
Page 1 of 84
Jun 25/13
570-1600 Rev. N
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 (954) 981-3333.
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 (954) 981-3333.
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Jun 25/13
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
N ECO 15420 Jun 25/2013
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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
BULLETIN NO
ISSUE
DATE
SUBJECT
MANUAL
REV NO
MANUAL
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 Jun 25/13
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 Jun 25/13 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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Jun 25/13
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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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
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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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
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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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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
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.
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
INTRODUCTION
for the
(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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+Z
-Z
+X
-X
-Y
+Y
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(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
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
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.
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
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
(4) ETSO 2C126 - EASA.IM.21O.416 (ME406) and EASA.IM.21O.608 (ME406HM)
(5) COSPAS-SARSAT - Certificate No. 152, 188, 197 and 242
SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-002
B. Battery
CAUTION
(1) The lithium battery pack used on the ME406 Series ELT is certified under TSO C126.
SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-003
C. RTCA DO-160D Compliance
(1) DO-160D Environmental Categories:
(2) The DO-160D environmental categories breakdown is detailed in Table 1 on page 14.
: LITHIUM BATTERY SAFETY CONCERNS INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE, VENTING
VIOLENTLY, AND VENTING OF TOXIC GASES.
(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.
D1XBC[204][204]XRXXFXXZAZA[204]H[XXXX]XXA
Table 1 Environmental Categories Breakdown
CATEGORY SECTION DESCRIPTION
D1 4.0 Temperature/Altitude
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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
CATEGORY SECTION DESCRIPTION
X 4.5.4 In-Flight Loss of Cooling
B 5.0 Temperature Variation
C6.0 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.
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
(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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ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
TASK 25-62-30-990-805
5. List of Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions
SUBTASK 25-62-30-990-001
Term
AC Advisory Circular – A Federal Aviation Administration (USA) bulletin
AWG American Wire Gauge – An electrical wire diameter standard. Look for
BNC CONNECTOR A very common type of coax cable connector having a 50 W imped-
CAR Canadian Aviation Regulations – The rules and regulations governing
CFR Code of Federal Regulations – The general and permanent rules pub-
CONTAINER The term “Container”, within the context of this document, refers to a
Definition
with special information. For the purposes of this document, the acronym AC does not refer to electrical alternating current.
this acronym in front of or following a wire size number.
ance and used for RF signal connections.
the manufacture, certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration
of aircraft in Canada.
lished in the Federal Register by the executive departments and
agencies of the Federal Government. Title 14, “Aeronautics and
Space” contains the FARs.
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 technical 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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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
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 alter-
ation 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 indicator.
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., XXXXXXX).
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 alternating current electrical signals used to produce and detect radio
waves.
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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
RTCA Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics – Organization that
makes recommendations for airworthiness. Refer to
www.rtca.org/aboutrtca.asp
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 system.
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.
for more information.
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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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”
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
(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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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(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
(a) 570-1000, “ELT Test Set (ETS) Operation Manual”
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
, or from ACR Electronics upon request.
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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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
121.5 MHz. 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
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
(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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DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(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.
CONTROL
SWITCH
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
ANTENNA BNC
STATUS
CONNECTOR
LED
A
REMOTE SWITCH
D-SUB RECEPTACLE
ELT MAIN
ASSEMBLY
MOUNTING
TRAY ASSY
OPTIONS
Figure 2 ME406 Series ELT and Mounting Tray Assembly
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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC
ARTEX
ON
ARM
Press ON
Wait 1 Second
Press ARM
EMERGENCY USE ONLY
Test/Reset
ELT
LED
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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.
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.
(5) Two antennas are approved for use with the ME406 Series ELT. Selection of the proper
Figure 5 Battery Pack Assembly
antenna is dependent upon end use, aircraft configuration and speed, and other factors. See
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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC
110-773
110-338
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
Figure 6 Antennas.
Figure 6 Antennas
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ARTEX PRODUCTS / ACR ELECTRONICS, INC
ELT
“INACTIVE”
ELT “ACTIVE”
BUZZER “ON”
LED “ON”
ELT
SWITCH
“ON”
REMOTE
SWITCH
“ON”
G-SWITCH
“ON”
ELT OR
REMOTE SW
“RESET”
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
NO
YES
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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.
ME406 (453-6603), ME406HM (453-6604)
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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