PRODUCT
SUPPORT
MANUAL
Y1-03-0170
Rev. B
™3
PathFinder
Product No. 2714
FCC ID. B66ACR-SART-PF-3
Search and Rescue Transponder
(SART)
ACR Electronics, Inc.
5757 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33312
+1(954) 981-3333 • Fax +1 (954) 983-5087
Email: [email protected]
A Chelton Group Company
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1.0 SART Overview
The SART helps search and rescue services to quickly locate a life raft in the event of a
rescue at sea. The SART can either be stowed in a life raft, or mounted next to
emergency exits and then carried to the life raft in an emergency.
During an emergency, simply switch the SART on. When a vessel or aircraft with
marine X-band Radar comes within 5 to 7 nautical miles of the life raft, the SART
generates a distinctive “distress” pattern on the Radar screen (See figure 1). The radar
signal guides the rescuers directly to the SART.
Radar Distress Pattern
SART Location
Radar Screen
Figure 1
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2.0 Introduction
The SART is a Search and Rescue Transponder that provides location information to search
radars operating in the X-band (9.2 – 9.5 GHz). Once activated the SART detects the radar
signal of the search craft and sends a series of response pulses to the radar of the search
craft that causes a series of 12 equally spaced arcs to appear on the radar display (see figure
1). The arcs indicate the direction to the SART location. The rescue craft follows the
direction shown and proceeds to the SART.
To achieve the maximum useful range the SART must be mounted at least 3.3 feet (1
meter) above sea level. Increasing the height of the SART antenna will increase the range.
For example, lashing the SART to the top of a pole or an oar in the survival craft will
increase the height and thus the range.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all vessels of more than 300 GRT
to carry at least one SART and vessels 500 GRT and over must carry at least two SART’s,
while RoRo Ferries are required to carry 1 SART for every 4 survival crafts.
Figure 2 on page 6 shows the key features of your PathFinderTM3 SART. The blue
activation switch ring is located under the white top cap. Located in the middle of the
switch ring is a red pull tab that must be removed to activate your SART. The pull tab
locks the switch ring in place and stops the SART from accidentally being placed in the
ON position.
Turning the switch ring to the left allows you to test the SART. When held to the left,
the SART will beep once and continue to flash every four seconds. When released the
switch ring will return to the OFF position. TEST mode is identical to ON mode and will
generate a “distress” pattern on any Radar within range. Use TEST mode carefully to
avoid false alarms.
To activate your SART in times of emergency, turn the blue activation switch ring to the
left into the test position and remove the red pull tab by pulling down on the lanyard
attached to the tab. Turn the blue activation switch ring to the right and into the ON
position (see page 9 for complete activation instructions).
When first turned ON, the SART will beep once and continue to flash every four
seconds. The SART is now operational. When responding to Radar the red light flashes
every 1 second and the SART will beep every second. For best results a telescopic pole
is supplied in the base of your SART allowing mounting 1m (3.3 ft) above sea level.
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Antenna
Pull Tab Lock
Activation Switch
Ring
Pull Tab
Control and
Battery Housing
Hanging Lanyard
Lanyard Spool
Telescopic
Pole
Rotate bottom cap to
release lanyard and
telescopic pole
Figure 2
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Approved for GMDSS use
WARNING:
Contains Lithium Battery
To avoid possible fire, explosion, leakage or burn hazard, do not open,
recharge, disassemble, heat above +70°C (+158°F) or incinerate.
3.0 Vessel name
The SART label has a space where you should mark the vessel name (see Figure 3). This
can be done as follows . . .
Using an indelible pen
With an indelible pen, you can write the vessel name directly onto the SART. Note
however, that some indelible inks will fade when exposed to strong sunlight, so a ultra-
violet resistant pen is recommended.
If the full vessel name will not fit in the space provided, use a recognized abbreviation or
the vessel's call sign instead.
Name/Vessel Registration
Nom/Enregistrement De Navire
Vessel Name Here
Figure 3
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4.0 Life raft stowage
The SART can either be stowed in a life raft or lifeboat or it can be installed next to an
emergency exit for carriage to the life raft in an emergency.
For life raft stowage the SART should be positioned for easy access in an emergency. If
the SART is hidden from view then labels should be used to show its position. For
inflatable life rafts the mounting bracket should be discarded to avoid the risk of
damaging the life raft.
DO NOT…
• Tie Lanyard to vessel
• Cover or obscure SART
• Apply paint to SART
5.0 Activation
Remove the SART from the bracket.
Activation of the SART is completed by using the three-position switch ring (TEST-OFF-
ON), as shown in figure 4.
1. Turn the Blue activation switch ring to the left, placing the SART in test mode
2. Remove the red Pull Tab by pulling it down and completely out of the SART
3. Release the activation switch and guide it to the right until it is in the ON position
a. The SART will beep once and flash every four seconds
b. The flashing red light indicates the SART is ON
4. Turn the bottom cap of the SART and deploy the telescopic Pole to its maximum
length 3 ft. (1 meter).
5. Remove lanyard and secure it to the life raft.
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When activated the SART has three Modes of operation.
These are:
• Receive - waiting for a valid interrogation by a radar
signal.
• Reply - replying to a valid interrogation by a valid
radar signal.
• Test -
self-test sequence that checks both indicator
lights and the buzzer.
Figure 4
WARNING
The SART must only be used in situations of Grave
and Imminent Danger.
6.0 Sequence of Operations
The SART has primary and secondary indicating systems.
The primary system is the indicator lights and the secondary system is the buzzer. When
the switch is set to ON, the SART immediately enters the Test Mode. Here both the red
light and the buzzer are tested. Note that in noisy environments it may be difficult to hear
the buzzer. After about one second the SART goes to Receive Mode.
The SART remains in the Receive Mode until it detects a radar pulse. It then switches to
the Reply Mode and transmits a series of pulses. These pulses will appear on the
interrogating radar display as a series of arcs leading away from the SART‘s position. Both
SART lights flash rapidly and the buzzer emits a pulsed sound (beep) at about one second
interval indicating the Reply Mode. This sequence is repeated each time a radar signal
interrogates or transmits a valid radar signal to the SART. When the radar signal
interrogation stops the SART automatically returns to the Receive Mode.
With a fully charged battery the SART will operate in Receive Mode for a minimum of 96
hours. After this time period it will still respond to normal interrogation radar signals for an
additional eight hours.
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7.0 Pole Mounted SART
1. The PathFinderTM3 is supplied with a telescopic pole to raise the SART one meter above
sea level (see figure 5).
2. To operate, simply turn the bottom cap of the SART to release the pole.
3. Pull the pole downward and extend it to its maximum length.
4. To lock pole in position pull firmly across pole joints while twisting slightly.
5. Tie Lanyard to life raft to allow retrieval should the SART fall into the water.
6. Push SART through life raft observation port and place foot of pole in pocket at base of
life raft.
7. Use life raft ties to hold SART pole near vertical.
8. Ensure SART is not obscured by metal objects or inflatable Radar reflectors.
9. Periodically check to see if SART is still vertical.
1 Meter
Minimum
Figure 5
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8.0 Hanging SART
1.
If no pole is available, or if you prefer, you can suspend the SART from the
canopy support using the additional lanyard loop provided (See figure 6).
2.
3.
Loop the lanyard through the support strap in the life raft and secure firmly.
The SART should be as high as possible and at least 1m above sea level. Ensure
SART is not obscured by metal objects or inflatable Radar reflectors.
1 Meter
Minimum
Figure 6
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9.0 Vessel Mounting
To deploy SART on board a distressed vessel, rather than a life raft, hang SART near
vertical as high as possible, with a clear view of the horizon. The SART must not be
obscured by metal bulkheads etc.
Installation
The SART should be mounted inside the vessel, next to an emergency exit. Some ships
require 2 SARTs one by a port exit and one by a starboard exit. Mount each SART as
follows . . .
•
•
Mount in plain view, at a convenient height, so that all crew can easily remove the
SART.
Position at least 1 meter from the ship’s compass.
The SART mounting bracket should be bolted to a bulkhead using four (4) suitable M6
(1/4") bolts. The equipment does not include mounting hardware for the bracket, as it will
depend on the bulkhead material and its thickness. Bracket mounting holes and SART
mounting details are shown in figure 7.
To install SART:
Remove SART from its packaging and check for shipping damage.
Perform the SART test (see Testing and Maintenance procedures on page 15).
Select a position for SART Mounting allowing sufficient space for the assembly.
NOTE: The SART contains magnetic material.
Ensure that the position that you select is at least 3 feet
(1 meter) away from compass installations.
!
Drill holes to dimensions shown on figure 7.
Place bracket in position and secure to bulkhead as follows:
Remove the SART from the bracket.
Position bracket at the correct position for maximum visibility
Mark position of bracket fixing holes.
Drill holes to suit mounting fixtures.
Secure bracket to bulkhead.
Mount SART on the bracket (see figure 7).
Secure SART with Velcro strap.
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Figure 7: Installing the SART
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10.0 Testing and Maintenance
The SART is a safety device; it must be regularly checked at least every 2 months as
follows. . .
Visually inspect the casing for cracks & punctures.
Extend the pole and check that it operates correctly, and then return the pole to its
housing.
Check to ensure the tether lanyard is neatly bundled and firmly secured to the SART.
Ensure the lanyard is NOT tied to any part of the vessel.
Check that the battery expiry label shows sufficient battery life to cover the next routine
voyage (See figure 8).
Ensure the safety lock is in place and the integrity seal is not broken.
Confidence check
Push the switch ring to the left and into the test position and hold it there for 10 seconds.
Confirm the SART does either (a) or (b) below, then release the switch.
a)
b)
Beeps once and the red light flashes continuously every 4 seconds (no Radar
within range).
Beeps and the red light flashes every 1 second (Answering Radar).
Multiple SART Interrogation Test
If your vessel has two PathFinderTM SARTs on board they may be used to test each
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other. This test requires that each SART is held independently 5 meters away from one
another. Turn and hold one SART into the TEST position. It will beep once and the red
light flashes continuously every 4 seconds. Next place the 2nd SART into the test mode.
Confirm that the 1st SART beeps once every time the 2nd SART is turned into the test
mode.
Repeat this sequence to test the 2nd SART.
Functional Test
(At least once a year carry out a functional test)
Get someone to watch the Radar screen, while you take the SART to the ship’s bow or at
least 20m from the Radar antenna. Hold the switch in its TEST position for no more
than 10 seconds. Confirm a "distress" pattern is generated on the Radar screen. At close
range the pattern often appears as a series of concentric circles.
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11.0 Servicing
If the SART fails any of its monthly checks, the SART must be returned to the supplier
or an approved service agent for investigation and/or servicing.
If the battery is beyond its expiry date, the SART must be returned to a Battery
Replacement Center for a battery change. The battery is NOT user serviceable; DO NOT
attempt to change it.
If the SART has been used in an emergency or its integrity seal is broken, then the SART
must be returned for a battery change.
Contact your local supplier; he can advise you on your local approved service agent.
Otherwise, call ACR at 1-800-432-0227 or send mail correspondence to the Customer
Service Manager at the address given in the front of this manual.
When returning your SART, ensure you follow the transportation instructions on
page 16.
12.0 Battery Pack Replacement
Regulations require that the battery pack (P/N 2714.4) be replaced every 5 years. A label
on the lower section of the SART housing shows the expiry date of the battery pack (see
figure 8).
Replacement Battery label
Figure 8
NOTE: The battery pack must be replaced if the SART has been
used in an emergency or if the SART has been activated
inadvertently (integrity seal broken).
!
CAUTION: The battery pack CANNOT be recharged; attempts to
recharge the battery pack could result in an explosion or fire.
!
Replacement of the SART battery pack must be performed by ACR or by an ACR Battery
Repair Center. The cost of this replacement is the responsibility of the owner.
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13.0 Transportation
Your SART contains a Lithium battery. International regulations on shipment of Lithium
require special warning labels. When returning your SART, bring to an approved
Hazmat shipper who will be familiar with the following instructions (for advice only).
MSDS shipping sheets are available for downloading on our website
1)
2)
Pack the SART in a strong cardboard box.
Write these words on the outside of the box . . .
LITHIUM BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT
CLASS 9
UN 3091
Net Wt of Lithium 4.6 Grams
912, II
PACKING INSTRUCTION
Figure 9
3)
Stick a "Miscellaneous 9" label on the box
(see figure 9).
4)
5)
Write your name and address on the box.
Check with your local transportation authority for additional or different
requirements.
Contact your supplier or the manufacturer's Customer Service Manager with
any queries on shipment.
Note SART Serial Number
The serial number on the SART is indicated on the base of the SART.
14.0 Technical Specifications
General
Meets the requirements of:
IMO Res. A.802(19), EC Council Directive 96/98/EC,
Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS)
according to IMO amendment to Chapter III of the 1974
SOLAS Convention, as well as part 80 of the FCC Rules
0735/04
Designed to meet:
RTCM Paper 111-92/SC113-36
(Ninth Draft SART Standard)
Frequency:
9.2 GHz to 9.5 GHz
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Antenna
Polarization:
Horizontal
Azimuth beam width:
Vertical beam width:
Omni-directional within 2 dB
± 12.5°
Transmitter
Response delay:
0.5 µs
Forward sweep time:
Return sweep time:
Power output:
7.5 µs ± 1.0 µs
0.4 µs ± 0.1 µs
400 mW EIRP
Receiver
Effective sensitivity:
-50 dBm
Battery
Receive mode operation:
96 hours minimum
Reply mode operation:
8 hours continuous while being interrogated by an
X-band radar with a pulse repetition frequency of 1
kHz (at extreme temperatures).
Battery life:
5 years
Environmental
Operating temperature
Storage temperature
-4°F to +131°F (-20°C to +55°C)
-22°F to +149°F (-30°C to +65°C)
Physical
Length
18 in (459 mm) excluding pole
3.5 in (90 mm) mid body
1.5lbs (684 g) including pole
10 m
Diameter:
Weight
Lanyard Length:
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Meets the applicable requirements of (BS) EN 60945: 1997.
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15.0 Warranty
The SART or Replacement Battery is guaranteed by the manufacturer to be free of
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of the
original purchase. This warranty is extended only to the original purchaser of the unit.
During the warranty period the manufacturer will repair or, at the manufacturer's option,
replace a defective unit at no cost to the owner of the SART for materials and labor.
Transportation charges are the responsibility of the owner of the SART. The unit must
be packaged correctly and shipped prepaid to the manufacturer or an authorized service
center. It will be returned via collect shipping.
The warranty is void if the unit has been damaged through accident, misuse, improper
installation, or during transportation. The warranty is also void if the security seal on the
SART has been broken.
The liability of the manufacturer shall be limited to the repair or replacement of a
defective unit during the warranty period. The manufacturer shall not be liable for
injuries or damages arising from the handling, possession or use of this product by the
purchaser or others that obtain it through the purchaser.
For full and complete warranty terms the owner is referred to the warranty card provided.
To validate this warranty, the enclosed warranty card must be completed and mailed
before putting the unit into service.
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16.0 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We hereby declare that the following product is in conformity with EU Directive
96/98EC Marine Equipment Directive 29th Dec. 1996, modified by EU Commission
Directive 98/85/EC dated 11th Nov. 1998
Product
: Search and Rescue Transponder
ACR PathFinderTM
3
Notified Body
: BSH (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency)
Type Examination : IEC 1097-1, IEC 60945, ITU-R M628-3
Standard’s
IMO RES A802(19) FCC Part 80
Manufacturer
: ACR Electronics, Inc.
EU Representative : ACR Electronics Inc. (European Office)
Lymington, Hampshire, UK.
Signed on behalf of ACR Electronics Inc.
Signed: _______________________________________
Name: John Flood
Date:
Title: VP Engineering
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