Acrartex ThunderBird SSAS User Manual download pdf (Page 13)

Y1-03-0180 Rev. D

4.2.2 Remote activation switches: These are momentary switches installed on the ship that are used to activate

the beacon when the beacon is placed in READY mode. To activate, lift the spring-loaded guard and

press the button.

Note: Once the beacon has been activated, it must be manually deactivated.

4.3 Indicators

4.3.1 LED’s: There are two LED indicators located on the top right part of the beacon:

1) TEST LED: Green

2) XMIT (transmitting) LED: Red

4.3.2 Buzzer: There is an internal buzzer in the ThunderBird SSAS. The buzzer beeps only during the self-test.

4.3.3 There are no indicators of the beacon’s mode of operation at the remote activation points.

4.3.4 There is no audible indication while in the transmission (operating) mode.

4.4 Modes of operation

4.4.1 OFF Mode: The ThunderBird SSAS can not be activated when in OFF mode. The beacon is in OFF

mode whenever the thumb switch is in the “Off” position (down to the front) as indicated by the “O” symbol

displayed on the thumb switch.

4.4.2 READY Mode: The ThunderBird SSAS is capable of being activated when in READY mode. The beacon

is in READY mode whenever the thumb switch is in the “Ready” position (down to the back) as indicated

by the “I” symbol displayed on the thumb switch.

4.4.3 ON Mode: The ThunderBird SSAS is activated and is transmitting bursts of data when in ON mode. The

beacon is in ON mode when one of the remote switches is depressed while the beacon is in READY

mode. ON mode is indicated by a flashing red XMIT LED.

4.4.4 SELF-TEST Mode: The ThunderBird SSAS is in Self-Test mode while it is performing the self-test. The

beacon goes into self-test mode when the thumb switch is held in the self-test position (vertical) for at least

1 second. Self-Test mode is indicated by a series of flashing green test LED and red XMIT LED’s and

beeps as detailed in section 4.7.

4.5 Activation

An ACR 406 MHz SSAS can be activated by two different methods.

1. With the beacon switch in the ready position and depressing one of the buttons of the remote

activation points, or

2. With the beacon switch in the ready position and shorting the two wire leads from the beacon.

4.5.1 The ThunderBird SSAS can be manually activated by first placing the beacon in READY mode. This is

done by lifting the thumb switch to a vertical position, sliding it to the left and pushing it down to the back

side of the SSAS READY mode is indicated by the " I " symbol displayed on the thumb switch.

4.5.2 Once in READY mode, the ThunderBird SSAS is activated by depressing one of the remote activation

switches. At the remote activation locations, there is no indication that the beacon is activated. This is

intentional to ensure covert operation. The flashing red XMIT LED on the beacon indicates activation.

4.5.3 The ThunderBird SSAS should only be activated when the ships security has been threatened or

compromised. However, applicable personnel must be familiar with its operation so the beacon can be

activated when needed.

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Acrartex ThunderBird SSAS User Manual Page 13