ACR Electronics 2714 manual Introduction

2.0Introduction

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.

5 Y1-03-0170 Rev. B