BEACON TESTER 406 02

Technical description and operation manual

 
 

BEACON TESTER 406 02

(BT 406 02)
Technical description and
operation manual

V3.07 2015
 BEACON TESTER 406 02
Technical description and operation manual

 
 

Contents

Description Page

Contents 2

General description 3-4

Main specifications 5-6

Complete set 7

Preparation for operation and operating procedures 8-20

EPIRB test procedure 21-24

Tester calibration 25

General instructions 26

Safety precautions 27

Storage rules 28

Application 1. Unit conversion (dBm to W). 29

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1. General description

1.1 BEACON TESTER 406 02 (further TESTER) is designed to check the maritime
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) operating via COSPAS-SARSAT
system. Tests can be carried out in volume of annual test requirements or in volume of
maintenance requirements or for fast check after EPIRB’s encoding or installation.
Tester can receive the messages from any 406MHz COSPAS-SARSAT beacon
transmitting either in test mode or in real alert emergency mode. The signal can be
received through the broadcast by means of antenna or the tester can be connected
directly by means of cable through a suitable attenuator. Radiated tests in real alert
emergency mode should be carried out using screened room (or enclosure) only.

Tester’s front view is shown on the fig. 1-1.

Fig.1-1. Tester’s front view

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1.2 This tester can be used for testing of personal locator beacons (PLB).

1.3 The tester allows to perform:

- Receive, demodulation and decoding of the emergency information transmitted on

channel 406MHz;
- frequency measurement of 406MHz signal;
- frequency measurement of 121.5MHz signal;
- audio-control of the sweep of 121.5MHz signal presence;
- level measurement on 406MHz channel;
- level measurement on 121.5MHz channel;
- estimation of the positive/negative phase deviation of modulated signal;
- measurement of total transmission time of 406MHz signal;
- measurement of unmodulated carrier duration of 406MHz signal;
- estimation of the equivalent radiated power of 406MHz signal through broadcast.

1.4 The tester is designed to operate at the temperature range from 0 оС to + 45 оС and
relative air humidity should be no more than 95%, which is determined by used LCD.

1.5 The tester power supply is performed by 4 AA batteries 1.5V, as well as by external DC
source with voltage 4.5…7V and load current no less than 300мА. The tester can
power supplied by USB cable when connected to computer or USB power adapter.

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2. Main specifications

2.1 Tester provides carrier measurement on a frequency of 406MHz with accuracy to

500Hz.

ATTENTION!!!
The operation range of the tester is extended to 406020…406040kHz and divided
on 7 sub ranges (see item 5.4.1.1). The default range is 406028kHz when the
tester is turned on. The chosen channel should correspond to operation
frequency of tested beacon.

2.2 The tester provides 121.5MHz frequency carrier measurement with accuracy to
800Hz.

2.3 The tester provides audio-control of the sweep signal presence on a frequency of
12150010kHz.

2.4 The tester provides demodulation and decoding of the emergency information and
displays the НЕХ-code (15 Hex ID and the message 1-112 bit) as well as all decoded
information in text view with all measured parameters. Besides, the BCH code is
calculated and compared with received one, and the result is displayed.

2.5 The tester provides measurement of positive/negative phase deviation value with
accuracy to  2,8 о.

2.6 The tester provides measurement of total transmission time of the message with
accuracy to  0,2% and time of preamble duration with accuracy to  0,2%.

2.7 The tester provides measurement of received signal level on a frequency of 406MHz
within the range 9 – 43 dBm or 0.08W - 20W by means of attenuator and -45…-7dBm
by means of antenna with accuracy to
● 3.0dB by means of antenna;
● 0.5dB by means of attenuator.

2.8 The tester provides measurement of received signal level on a frequencies of

121.5MHz within the range 13 – 23dBm или 20-200mW by means of attenuator and -
41…-10dBm by means of antenna with accuracy to
● 3.0dB by means of antenna;
● 0.5dB by means of attenuator.

2.9 The tester allows to perform the measurement of beacon parameters by means of
standard external antenna (from 3 to 15 meters), as well as via high-frequency cable
and attenuator connection. Calibration test of the power meter is performed for 5 meter
distance.

2.10 Tester RF-input impedance is about 50  1.5Ohm.

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ATTENTION!!!
Peak signal level which is supplied to the tester RF-input should be not more
then 1.0V (root mean square value) or 20mW.
Direct connection of the beacon to the tester’s input without attenuator leads to
the irreparable DAMAGES of the tester!

2.11 Tester allows to save up to 10 measuring results in non-volatile memory (overall

measurements in MEASURE/TEST CH406 MHz mode).

2.12 Single measurement cycle time is not more than 2min.

2.13 The tester can be power supplied by 4 AA batteries 1.5V, as well as by external direct
current source with approximate voltage 4.8…7V and load current no less than 300mA
connected to USB input of the tester by means of standard USB connector (of PC USB
connector or USB power adaptor).

2.14 Tester’s current consumption:

- in standby mode with no LCD highlighting - no more than 130mА;
- in standby mode with LCD highlighting - no more than 200mА;
- in measure mode with LCD highlighting - no more than 300mА.

2.15 Approximate continuous operation time of the tester from the internal power supply
elements is about 6 hours.

2.16 Tester will be switched off automatically in 15min. after the latest keystroke.

2.17 Tester indicates the voltage of the internal power supply elements with accuracy 5%.

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3. COMPLETE SET

3.1. Complete set of the tester corresponds to the following tab. 3-1.

Table 3-1
# Item q-ty Notice.
1 BEACON Tester 406 03 1
2 Antenna 1
3 PC cable (USB A – USB A 1.5m) 1
4 Technical description and 1
operation manual (English)
5 RF - attenuator 1 optional
RF cable TNC/TNC 0.5m RG58 1
RF cable BNC/TNC 1m RG58 1
6 Device packing 1
7 Software and software user’s 1 optional*
manual
8 USB Power adapter 1 optional

*The software can be easily downloaded at our website under following links:

The drivers can be downloaded here:

http://gmdsstesters.com/downloads/drivers_FTDI.zip
or here:
http://gmdsstesters.com/downloads/CDM20802_Setup.exe

as well as software can be downloaded here:

http://gmdsstesters.com/downloads/BTS_BE_v3.6_RC1.zip

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4. PREPARATION FOR OPERATION AND OPERATING PROCEDURES

4.1 Control and connection tools.

4.1.1 On the front panel of the tester there are a graphic LCD indicator and keypad (Fig. 5-1).

4.1.2 Top right key ON is intended for turning on-off the tester. (Fig. 5-1).

4.1.3 MENU key is intended to open the main menu from any sub menu.

4.1.4 Up, Down, Left, Right keys (arrowed up, down, left, right) are intended for navigation in
menu items.

4.1.5 ESC, ENT lower keys are intended for access, exit and perform menu functions.

4.1.6 F1, F2 keys are intended for performing some particular functions in some menu items.
See the tips on the LCD.

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Fig. 5-1

4.1.7 On the front side of the tester there is RF-connector for antenna connection. On the
bottom panel there is USB-input for PC or USB-adapter connection. (fig. 5-1).

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4.2 Switching on\off the tester

Press ON button and hold it down until the logo of the manufacturer and the device
identity is appeared on the LCD to turn on the tester.

Switching of the tester is followed by the audio signal. Release ON button after hearing
the alarming signal.

Whereas at startup of the device the voltage of the internal power supply elements is
lower than required one, battery low icon will appear in the top right corner of the
display. If source voltage is lower than 4.1V "REPLACE BATTERY!" note will appear
on the display and the tester will be turned off automatically within 3 seconds.

4.2.1 The tester will be turned off by following operations:

- hold the ON button until the tester is turned off;

- source voltage is lower than 4.1V ("REPLACE BATTERY!" will appear on the display
and the tester will switch off automatically within 3 seconds);

4.3 Switching on\off the LCD highlighting

Switching on\off the LCD highlighting can be performed by F1 and F2 buttons, when in
MAIN MENU or startup logo is displayed.

4.4 MAIN MENU

After turning on the tester the logo of the manufacturer and the device identity is
appeared on the LCD.

To enter the main menu one should press the ENTER

button or MENU button. Vertical navigation up and
down the main menu one can perform by using Up
and Down buttons.

ENT button is used to enter the particular submenu,

ESC button is used to quit the submenu. Use MENU
button to return to the main menu.

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Main menu has the following items:

MEASURE - beacon parameters measurement;

===MAIN MENU=== VIEW MESSAGES - displaying measuring results saved
MEASURE in memory;
VIEW MESSAGES SETTINGS - tester parameters settings;
SETTINGS MANUFACT SETTINGS - tester service menu.
MANUFACT SETTINGS
Each item has subdivision. One can move through them
in the same way as through the main menu.
Soft rev: v - 3.04 Press ESC button to return to the previous menu item.
Press MENU button to return to main menu.

4.4.1 MEASURE menu item - MEASUREMENTS

After entering the MEASURE menu item the following source submenu will be displayed:

ANTENNA – the measurements will be carried out by

-----Measure by ----- means of ANTENNA through the broadcast.
Antenna
Attenuator ATTENUATOR – the measurements will be carried out
by means of attenuator through cables, i.e. the tested
beacon should be connected to attenuator input and
Demo mode attenuator should be connected to tester RF-input by
means of RF-cables.
DEMO MODE - the demo mode allows to carry out the
virtual measurements (without any real beacon) and
shows the main possibilities of the device.

Attenuator included in standard delivery set is symmetrical input device, so any input can
be used as input or output.

MEASURE menu contains following items:

TEST CH 406MHz - automatic mode for main beacon

----- MEASURE------ parameters measurement on 406MHz channel;
TEST CH 406MHz TEST CH 121MHz – 121.5MHz channel audio
TEST CH 121MHz monitoring and signal level measurement.
Frequency 406MHz Frequency 406MHz - 406MHz channel frequency
measurement; Intended to determine the 406MHz
beacon operation frequency before testing.

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4.4.1.1 TEST CH 406MHz menu item – automatic measuring mode on 406MHz channel

In TEST CH 406MHz mode tester measure the following beacon parameters:

- demodulation and decoding of the received emergency signal;

- frequency measurement;
- signal level measurement;
- total time transmission measurement;
- time of preamble measurement;
- signal phase deviation measurement.

After pressing ENT button while using TEST CH

-Choose channel - 406 MHz menu item the list of all the 406MHz
CH: 406.022 channel range is appeared on the screen. The last
CH: 406.025 used channel or channel proper value measured
CH: 406.028 with MEASURE / Frequency 406MHz mode will
CH: 406.031 be highlighted. It is required to choose the
CH: 406.034 channel that corresponds to the beacon!
CH: 406.037
CH: 406.040 By pressing ENT button the tester will be turned to
the beacon parameters measuring mode. The
following title will appear on the screen:

“Waiting for signal”

The measurement is attended by the audio alarm of the detected signal of the sweep
tone.
After receiving the message all parameters of the beacon will appear on the screen:

07:30 15/08/2011 Time and date of measurements;

Mes#1 Test Ok Ok Mes#X : memory cell number, where
ID: 2DC8008002FFBFF test results will be saved by pressing F2 button
(where X – value from 1 to 10);
SERIAL LOCATION
Test or Dist : message type (Test (testing
CC:366
mode), Dist (emergency mode)). Test message
S/N: 00001 differs from the emergency one by the frame
39°15’ N 74°30’W synchronization pattern inverted; such message is
 F1-Mes# Save-F2 not processed by the satellite;
Ok or BAD : BHC code comparison result (Ok
– received code end corresponds to the calculated
one, BAD – the BCH code does not correspond to the calculated one. This check
allows to estimate the code accuracy calculation and the message errors absence. OK
OK is intended for long messaged in case of BCH1 and BCH2 will be calculated.
ID : 15 byte hexadecimal beacon identifying code (15 Hex ID) ;
SERIAL LOCATION : (as example) – protocol type;

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CC: 366 (example): Country code;

S/N: 00001 – EPIRB Serial Number
39°15’ N 74°30’W – Coordinates coded in the 406MHz message

F1-Mes# Save-F2
The data measured in different channels – 406MHz, 121.5MHz can be saved
independently in any memory cell.

There are 2 ways of saving in memory of measured data:

1) – the measured data can be saved with erasing of all data saved before in
this memory cell. (For example, you measured the 406Mhz channel and save the
data to memory cell #X, all data, for example 121MHz saved there previously will
be erased). F1 - key`.
2) – the measured data can be saved without erasing other channels saved
data by addition method. Addition saving method means you add the exact
channel data to memory cell with keeping other channels data if present (for
example, after 406MHz measured the data will be added to 121MHz channel data
saved previously). F2.

Save - F2. Just press F2 button to save measured results (by adding)
F2 button is used for saving results in the non-volatile memory. The message is saved
under number Mes# X – where X the meaning in range 1...10. The number is
increased automatically by cycle, and after Mes10 – the Mes1 will be used, new data
will erase the old one automatically, so no any special function to free the memory is
required.

F1 – Mes#. Press F1 to open the memory cell number selection menu and other
saving options.

Press Left, Right ( ) buttons to select the

-Clear Mess Cell – memory cell where the measured data will be saved.
Press F2 button to save measured results (by
adding). In this case the measured data will be added
Mess#3 to other measured channels data (if measured and
saved in this cell)
Clear All – F1
Clear Cell – F2 Press F1 button to save the measured data and
Change Mes# -   erase any data saved in this memory cell previously.
(for example, we saving the 406MHz data to memory
cell 3, all other data saved in memory cell #3 will be
erased).

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By pressing Down key the additional data of the beacon’s message will be displayed
on the screen:

- Down button is used for extended view of measured results.

- P406: 406MHz signal power;

P406:36.5dBm - F406: 406MHz channel frequency;
F406:406028.15kHz - Complete message in hexadecimal view;
FF FE D0 96 E4 00 - Phase: - positive and negative phase deviation
40 01 27 69 52 56 value;
66 B4 04 01 0D 93 - Tpre - duration of non-modulated preambula;
Phase : +63° -63°
Tpre: 160.1 ms
 F1-Mes# Save-F2
By pressing Down key the additional data of the
beacon’s message will be displayed on the screen
(up to 3 screens more):

- TTT - total transmission time etc.

Time and date of the measuring session are shown in the top line of the indicator;

Tool tips with the possible further options are shown in the bottom line:

Press UP button to return to the previous menu to view previous beacon’s message
parameters.

Press ESC or MENU button to go to main menu.

Also you can see the all saved data in VIEW MESSAGES item of the MAIN MENU.

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4.4.1.2 TEST CH 121MHz menu item

Test CH 121MHz is intended to measure the carrier frequency meaning, the impulse
signal level in the channel of 121.5MHz and an auditory monitoring of the sweep tone
presence in a channel of 121.5MHz.

The following tool tip will appear on the screen:

- TEST CH 121MHz -
“Waiting for signal”
Frq121: 121500,0kHz
P121: 16.7dBm Once the tester receive the measure the 121.5MHz
signal the measured data will be displayed.
Stop measure - Enter
The measurements will be carried continuously
until the 121.5Mhz signal is present and can be
detected.
The measurements can be stopped by ENTER
button pressing. The note Stop measure – Enter
confirms this. Note that if you want to stop the measurements press the Enter
button and keep it pressed for a while and then release. (about 1 second).

After the measurements are completed the following note confirms this: «Measure
complete», and saving menu tips will be displayed allowing to save measured data.

- TEST CH 121MHz - ● Change Mes# - F1

● Save –F2 Mes#X
Frq121: 121500,0kHz
P121: 16.7dBm Press F2 button to save data with the signal level
Measure complete and frequency meaning. The memory cell number
to which data is saved is shown in Mes#X line. X
Change Mes# - F1 is the memory cell number which was saved in
Save –F2 Mes#X MEASURE / TEST CH 406MHz mode by latest
measurements. This way one can add 121.5MHz
channel power level value to the X memory cell
with 406MHz channel parameters. If it is required to change the X cell number, press
F1 and then press LEFT, RIGHT key to select the required cell number.

Press F1 to open the memory cell number selection menu and other saving options. It is
allowed to add the measured data to cell saved data or erase the previously saved data in
this cell and then save measure data.

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4.4.1.3 Frequency 406MHz menu item

Frequency 406MHz is intended for the frequency measurement of impulse signal on

the channel of 406MHz. Also the frequency measurement in this mode is not depended
on of the frequency range chosen in TEST CH 406MHz mode. Besides, the measured
value allows select frequency range automatically for TEST CH 406MHz mode.

Entering the menu the title «Start - ENT» will

- Frequency 406MHz - appear on the screen. To start up measurements
press the ENTER button. After this the tester is
ready to receive the signal and measure the
406028,407kHz 406MHz channel frequency, the note “Waiting for
signal” will appear. Now turn on the beacon and
measurement results will be displayed on LCD.

Each keystroke of the ENTER activates new

measurement session and its result will appear on
the screen.

If the frequency channel of the tested beacon is unidentified the MEASURE / TEST CH
406MHz is strongly recommended before make measurement of the beacon
parameters in TEST CH 406MHz mode.

4.4.2 VIEW MESSAGES MENU – Saved data review

This menu allows to browse all saved data in tester’s memory.

The memory cells can contain two types of data – 406MHz channel data and 121.5MHz data or
can be free of data.

If the memory doesn’t contain any saved data the note NO DATA and memory cell number will
be displayed only.

If the memory cell contains the 406MHz data, but doesn’t contain 121.5MHz the corresponding
fields P121, F121 will be set to NO DATA meaning.

If the memory cell doesn’t contain the 406MHz channel data, but it contains the 121.5MHz data,
the corresponding data will be displayed in P121, F121 fields.

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The information presented in the following way:

Time and date of measurements;

07:30 15/01/2011 Mes#X : memory cell number, where
Mes#2 Test Ok Ok test results will be saved by pressing F2 button
ID: 2DC62468ACFFBFF (where X – value from 1 to 10);
SERIAL LOCATION Test or Dist : message type (Test (testing
CC:366 mode), Dist (emergency mode)). Test message
S/N:00001 differs from the emergency one by the frame
39°15’ N 74°30’W synchronization pattern inverted; such message is
 not processed by the satellite;
Ok or BAD : BHC code comparison result
(Ok – received code end corresponds to the
calculated one, BAD – the BCH code does not
correspond to the calculated one. This check
P406:36.5 dBm
allows to estimate the code accuracy calculation
F406:406028.15kHz and the message errors absence.
P121:No data ID: 15 byte hexadecimal beacon identifying code
F121:No data (15 Hex ID) ;
FF FE D0 96 E4 00 SERIAL LOCATION : message type;
 CC:366 : Country code;
S/N:00001 : EPIRB Serial number;
39°15’ N 74°30’W : Coordinates;
P406 : Power level in 406MHz channel;
F406 : 406MHz channel frequency;
P121 : Power level in 406MHz channel;
F121 : 121.5MHz channel frequency;
40 01 27 69 52 56
66 B4 04 01 0D 93 All message in hexadecimal view;
Phase : +63° -63° Phase: positive and negative phase deviation
Tpre: 160.1ms value;
TTT: 520.2ms Tpre: duration of non-modulated preambula;
  TTT: total transmission time.
  
By pressing  the additional message data will be
displayed.

Press UP button to return to the previous menu to view previous beacon’s message
parameters.

Use the Left/Right buttons to display other memory cells. Press RIGHT button to
display Mes#X+1 memory cell. Press LEFT to display Mes#X-1 memory cells. The
memory cells will be display in circle order from 1 to 10 or in back order.

Press  (Down) button to display the screen with additional message

parameters.

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Press  ( Up)- to return to previous screen.

Tool tips with the possible further options are shown in the bottom line:
 - view the next stored message with id Mes#X+1
 - view the previous stored message with id Mes#X-1.
The viewing is carried out by circle starts at 1 to 10 or otherwise.

4.4.3 SETTINGS menu item

After entering this menu one can see the following

- - - - SETTINGS - - - - menu items:
Battery voltage
LCD contrast Battery voltage - tester’s power supply level
Setup date/time indication;
Sound on/off LCD contrast - LCD contrast settings;
Clear msg cell Setup date/time - time and date settings;
Sound on/off - audio alarms on-off.
Clear msg cell – clear the memory cell contents. It
is possible to clear all cells or any separate cell
selected by cell number.

All the set values are saved in the non-volatile memory after the turning off the tester.

4.4.3.1 Battery voltage menu item - tester power supply indication.

After entering this menu the meaning of voltage of

- Battery voltage- the current power supply is shown on the screen:
- internal battery elements (if there’s no
connection to the USB);
5.05V - USB connection voltage, if there is USB
power adapter connection or PC connection.

The tester will be switched to the USB power

Press ENT to start supply channel automatically after being connected
to USB power source!

Each keystroke on the ENTER button initiates one-shot measurement.

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4.4.3.2 LCD contrast menu item - LCD contrast settings

After entering this menu the current value of the

- - LCD contrast -- LCD contrast is shown by ENTER button pressing
on the screen within the range from 10 to 32 and
Right key: +1 users tool tips as well:
Left key: -1
F1: default Right + - increase contrast;
Left - - decrease contrast;
F1 - default - default settings (20).
20

4.4.3.3 Set date/time menu item - time and date settings:

After entering this menu the current time and date,

- SETUP DATE/TIME- format flag are shown on the screen.

Use Left, Right buttons for cursor movement. Use

16/07/2010 Up, Down buttons for time and date setting.
DD/MM/YYYY EUR. Press F1 for setting to zero.
10:29:54 Press ENTER for define value saving.
F2 - Change format Press F2 to change the date format between EUR
F1 - clear DD/MM/YYYY and US MM/DD/YYYY. Press
ENTER to save the meaning.

After pressing ESC button to exit the menu current values will be saved.

4.4.3.4 Sound on/off menu - audio alarm on-off

- Sound on/off- After entering this menu one can see tool tips:

“F1 – Enable ” - F1 – sound on;

F1 - Enable “F2 – Disable ” - F2 - sound off.
F2 - Disable

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4.4.3.5 Clear msg cell – clear memory cells. It is possible to clear all cells or any separate cell
selected by cell number.

Change Mes# -   - Select the memory cell number

-Clear Mess Cell –
to be cleared by pressing LEFT/RIGHT buttons;

F1 – Clear all messages;

Mess#3 F2 – Clear the selected memory cell only. The memory
cell with number displayed after note Mes# will be
Clear All – F1 cleared.
Clear Cell – F2
Change Mes# -  

4.4.4 Manufact. Settings Menu:

Manufact. Settings Menu is intended for manufacturer usage and device service
maintenance. This menu items is used for tester service settings and calibration. Use
Manufact. Settings Menu only in case of necessity.

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5. EPIRB test procedure

5.1 General comment according to the beacon test procedure

ATTENTION!!!
On checking and technical maintenance of the emergency beacon pay the strong
attention to avoid transmission of the false emergency signal!

The test procedure via antenna in real operating mode of the beacon (with
distress signal) should be carried out in shielded room, which provides radio
frequency signal attenuation not less than 80dB (under recommendation of
COSPAS-SARSAT Committee).

The present tester has advanced receive path sensitivity comparing to the previous
model. That’s why the required distance should be no less than 3 meters in order to
avoid receiver damages when measurements are carried by means of antenna! The
power meter is calibrated within 5 meter distance.

5.2 Test procedure in EPIRB test mode (Self test)

5.2.1 Prepare the beacon and the tester for the test procedure under this manual instructions
and instruction of beacon operations manual for self test mode.

5.2.2 If the beacon is connected to the tester via the RF-cable - use the manufacturer-
supplied RF-attenuator (on the individual order).

Direct output connection of the beacon to the tester’s input without attenuator
leads to the irreparable damages of the testing device!

5.2.3 The measurement of the channel frequency of 406MHz in MEASURE / Frequency

406MHz mode is recommended before test procedure in case when operating
frequency of the tested beacon is unknown. If the beacon operation frequency is
identified the test procedure may be carried out in MEASURE / TEST CH 406MHz
mode.

5.2.4 The common test procedure is as follows:

● select MEASURE menu item, then choose the source – Antenna or attenuator, then
Frequency 406MHz menu item, then press ENTER;

● the following title will appear on the screen:

Press ENT to Start

Press ENTER - after that the tester goes to waiting mode of the beacon signal and the
following title will appear on the screen:

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Waiting for signal

● turn on the tested beacon to the Self Test mode according to the instructions on its case or
use the operation manual. The distance between the tester and the beacon should be no less
than 3 meters (5 meters is recommended).

● the frequency value will appear on the screen at the end of the measuring session;

● Press ESC to quit this mode and go to the TEST CH 406MHz mode by pressing ENTER
button. The list of the operation channels with dedicated one (with frequency proper value
received in Frequency 406Mhz mode) will appear on the screen.

● press ENTER to see the title:

Waiting for signal

and then one can hear audio signal of sweep modulation presence in the channel of 121.5MHz;

● turn on the beacon again to the Self Test mode and wait for test message. After the
message is received all beacon and message parameters will be displayed. See 4.4.1.1.

● in case if all the parameters are correct one can save the measurement results in the non-
volatile memory by pressing F2 button. If the parameters are not correct, try to change relative
position of the beacon and the tester and the distance between them.

5.2.5 TEST procedure of the home 121.5MHz transmitter

121.5MHz home transmitter can be tested in two ways:

● MEASURE / TEST CH 406MHz - 121.5MHz channel audio monitoring of

signal presence is working all time, because for the different beacon types this channel can be
turned on only for short time before and after 406MHz message sent;

● Test CH 121MHz mode - in this mode the tester measures the level of a
121.5MHz signal and 121.5MHz frequency carrier meaning as well as preforms the channel
audio monitoring. The measurement results can be stored in the same memory cell with X
number where the other parameters received in MEASURE/TEST CH 406MHz mode were
saved or in any memory cell.

Pay your attention that, for the signal level measurement in the channel 121.5MHz the most
types of the beacons should operate in real operation mode what can cause false distress
signal emission on the frequency of 406MHz as well as on 121.5MHz. That’s why this test
procedure must be carried out in sheltered room or by means of attenuator and cables.

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5.3 Data transfer to the PC or laptop

The tester can be easily connected to any personal computer or laptop by means
of USB cable.

PC tester connection is performed via USB – channel by means of integral circuit USB –
UART (USB Serial Converter) manufactured by FTDI - FT232R.

It is necessary to install FTDI drivers for normal operation of the tester.

The drivers can be downloaded here:

http://gmdsstesters.com/downloads/drivers_FTDI.zip
or here:
http://gmdsstesters.com/downloads/CDM20802_Setup.exe

as well as software can be downloaded here:

http://gmdsstesters.com/downloads/BTS_BE_v3.6_RC1.zip

The following software installation procedure is recommended:

1. unpack zip-file to the any specified folder on your hard disk;
2. start up BT Tester software v3.6 (no installation required).
3. Use USB – cable (supplied) to connect device to the PC and turn the tester on.
4. You will see the message about the new USB-device detected by the PC. Then
choose CDM 2.00.xx folder as the drivers setup resource from the software package.
5. turn the device off and disconnect it from PC;
6. connect the device to the PC, turn it on and enter the main menu. Further data
transfer process is held by the terminal program.

ATTENTION! Memory saved data transfer is performed directly from the MAIN MENU
and PC software – one shouldn’t enter any tester menu item! PC software allows to
request data of the certain single measurement determined by the cell number or all of
the ten possible memory units.

5.4 Antenna measurement process special feature

5.4.1 Measurement of transmited power (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power EIRP).

EIRP is a multiplication result for antenna power supply and antenna gain. It means
that transmitted power is sufficiently depends on measurement carrying conditions and
field density measurement set point. As in most cases it is hard to avoid RF-signal
interference (the operators or bottoming surface for instance) one has to know that
EIRP estimated value has ratable nature. Besides allowance for EIRP according to the
COSPAS-SARSAT C/S T.001 certification type approval taking into account allowance
for transmitter power 2dB and antenna power gain = (+4/-3) dB is about:

EIRP min = 37 - 2 - 3 = 32dBm or 1.6W

EIRP max = 37+ 2+ 4 = 43dBm or 20W

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for 90% of space determined by 5 и and 60 degrees of elevation. For the rest part
calculated EIRP could be far less.

5.4.2 Measurement procedure in strong interference condition.

Quite often the beacon testing is carried out in space-limited environment ship
condition, when the strong interference of the radio signal takes a place. Interference of
the signal is possible even on the open area if there’s no particular landing area for the
beacon – water-line close-bodied box with radius no less than 1.25m. In this case the
tester antenna receives two waves – direct and the surface interference. Under such
conditions there’s appeared a complicated fringe pattern with deep amplitude level
which lead to the errors in message transmitting and decoding on the frequency of
406MHz and wrong frequency and frequency deviation indication.
That’s why 3-5 different points measuring sessions taking one's bearings for cause of
received signal level with more signal level position are recommended.

5.4.3 Electric angle and frequency on the channel 406MHz meter feature.

Strict requirement for 406MHz frequency short-term stability impose the necessity to
use oven-controlled crystal oscillator in all the beacons with constituent response time.
It provides the transformation of the oscillator frequency to the nominal value. As the
frequency is an electric angle rate of change then frequency change at the time of
process stabilization directly affects the electric angle – it gets added phase incursion,
which is lost when frequency is stabilized.

In test mode time period between switching on the beacon 406MHz message is about
a few seconds that’s why the measuring result for phase and frequency or coded
information may fall outside the tolerable limits. In this case one may need to repeat the
measurements with changing relative position and distance between the tester and the
beacon.

Coded information integrity check, and 406MHz frequency channel check, according to
the MSC/Circ.1039 requirements one should held in sheltered room with switching the
beacon to the work mode (after 15 min warming up)!

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6. Tester calibration

This tester – is a complex special-use electronic device. Thus it is should be calibrated

only by manufacturer or approved representative by means of corresponding
equipment.

Tester calibration should be done once in two years.

Chapter 6.
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7. General instructions

It is necessary to keep the device in package not less than for two hours at normal
conditions when it was at high temperature deviation.

Keep it the package in at normal condition within 12 hours after storage of the tester in
conditions of high humidity.

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8. Safety precautions

One can operate the tester only after detailed manual and technical description
examination and also after particular safety inductions.

Chapter 8.
page 27

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9. Storage rules

This hardware product in manufacturer package is to storage in warehouse and should

be protected from residue, acid fumes, alkalis and other corrodent additions influence.

In a warehouse there should be appropriate temperature – from 278К (5оС) to 313К

(40оС) and relative air humidity no more than 80%.

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Application 1
Unit conversion (dBm to W)
dBm 0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9
10 0,010 0,010 0,010 0,011 0,011 0,011 0,011 0,012 0,012 0,012
11 0,013 0,013 0,013 0,013 0,014 0,014 0,014 0,015 0,015 0,015
12 0,016 0,016 0,017 0,017 0,017 0,018 0,018 0,019 0,019 0,019
13 0,020 0,020 0,021 0,021 0,022 0,022 0,023 0,023 0,024 0,025
14 0,025 0,026 0,026 0,027 0,028 0,028 0,029 0,030 0,030 0,031
15 0,032 0,032 0,033 0,034 0,035 0,035 0,036 0,037 0,038 0,039
16 0,040 0,041 0,042 0,043 0,044 0,045 0,046 0,047 0,048 0,049
17 0,050 0,051 0,052 0,054 0,055 0,056 0,058 0,059 0,060 0,062
18 0,063 0,065 0,066 0,068 0,069 0,071 0,072 0,074 0,076 0,078
19 0,079 0,081 0,083 0,085 0,087 0,089 0,091 0,093 0,095 0,098

20 0,100 0,102 0,105 0,107 0,110 0,112 0,115 0,117 0,120 0,123
21 0,126 0,129 0,132 0,135 0,138 0,141 0,145 0,148 0,151 0,155
22 0,158 0,162 0,166 0,170 0,174 0,178 0,182 0,186 0,191 0,195
23 0,200 0,204 0,209 0,214 0,219 0,224 0,229 0,234 0,240 0,245
24 0,251 0,257 0,263 0,269 0,275 0,282 0,288 0,295 0,302 0,309
25 0,316 0,324 0,331 0,339 0,347 0,355 0,363 0,372 0,380 0,389
26 0,398 0,407 0,417 0,427 0,437 0,447 0,457 0,468 0,479 0,490
27 0,501 0,513 0,525 0,537 0,550 0,562 0,575 0,589 0,603 0,617
28 0,631 0,646 0,661 0,676 0,692 0,708 0,724 0,741 0,759 0,776
29 0,794 0,813 0,832 0,851 0,871 0,891 0,912 0,933 0,955 0,977

30 1,00 1,02 1,05 1,07 1,10 1,12 1,15 1,17 1,20 1,23
31 1,26 1,29 1,32 1,35 1,38 1,41 1,45 1,48 1,51 1,55
32 1,58 1,62 1,66 1,70 1,74 1,78 1,82 1,86 1,91 1,95
33 2,00 2,04 2,09 2,14 2,19 2,24 2,29 2,34 2,40 2,45
34 2,51 2,57 2,63 2,69 2,75 2,82 2,88 2,95 3,02 3,09
35 3,16 3,24 3,31 3,39 3,47 3,55 3,63 3,72 3,80 3,89
36 3,98 4,07 4,17 4,27 4,37 4,47 4,57 4,68 4,79 4,90
37 5,01 5,13 5,25 5,37 5,50 5,62 5,75 5,89 6,03 6,17
38 6,31 6,46 6,61 6,76 6,92 7,08 7,24 7,41 7,59 7,76
39 7,94 8,13 8,32 8,51 8,71 8,91 9,12 9,33 9,55 9,77

40 10,00 10,23 10,47 10,72 10,96 11,22 11,48 11,75 12,02 12,30
41 12,59 12,88 13,18 13,49 13,80 14,13 14,45 14,79 15,14 15,49
42 15,85 16,22 16,60 16,98 17,38 17,78 18,20 18,62 19,05 19,50
43 19,95 20,42 20,89 21,38 21,88 22,39 22,91 23,44 23,99 24,55
44 25,12 25,70 26,30 26,92 27,54 28,18 28,84 29,51 30,20 30,90
45 31,62 32,36 33,11 33,88 34,67 35,48 36,31 37,15 38,02 38,90
46 39,81 40,74 41,69 42,66 43,65 44,67 45,71 46,77 47,86 48,98
47 50,12 51,29 52,48 53,70 54,95 56,23 57,54 58,88 60,26 61,66
48 63,10 64,57 66,07 67,61 69,18 70,79 72,44 74,13 75,86 77,62
49 79,43 81,28 83,18 85,11 87,10 89,13 91,20 93,33 95,50 97,72

Example: The power level 37.4dBm is equal to 5.5W.

The recalculation is carried out by equation:
.
The back calculation is carried our under:
.

Application 1. page 29
dBm to W conversion table
24.12.2015