WARNING: Once an ELT is programmed from the default Serial

Number format, it can not be programmed back to Serial Number for-

mat except by the factory.

MODEL E-04 121.5/406 MHz ELT

PROGRAMING MANUAL

REVISION 1.3 December 7th 2017

 Table of Contents
Page Content
1 Minimum System Requirements / E-04.PK.1 contents

2 Programming Overview

3 Software & Printer Installation

4 Programming (using the dongle)

5 Programming (using the software)

6 Programming (using the various protocols.)

7 Programming (locating the IACO 24 Bit address.)

8 Appendix A (Country code listing)

9 Appendix B
Windows XP Driver installation
Windows 7, 8, 10 Driver installation (without internet)
 Minimum System Requirements
-2 GHz Processor
-512 MB Ram
-640x480 Display
-10 Megabytes Available Hard Drive Space
-USB Port

Supported Operating Systems

-Windows 10, 8, 7
-Windows XP Service pack 3 or higher

E-04.PK.1 Programming Package includes:

-Programming Operation / Installation Manual
-Programming Dongle (part # E-04.PRG Version 3.0)
-USB Extension Cable
-3/32” Hex Driver
-Software CD (version 3.0)

Additional Equipment (required to be purchased separately)

-Brother QL-700 Label Printer
-Brother Yellow Film Tape (Part # DK-2606)

Brother Printer and Labels

To be Purchased Separately
Required Equipment
P/N E-04.PK

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 Model E-04 Programming Overview
The ACK programming process itself is quite simple and may be accomplished
in a matter of minutes however programming the Model E-04 121.5/406 MHz ELT
requires a basic understanding of the COSPAS/SARSAT coding protocols and
the requirements of various countries throughout the world and their specific
requirements.

COSPAS/SARSAT provides for a number of programming protocols the Model

E-04 used standard location ELT protocols. The standard location protocol
provides the most accurate GPS location coordinates to the authorities
responsible for search and rescue.

There are three standard location protocols allocated for ELT’s. The Model E-04
has the capability to be programmed for each of these protocols.

Standard Location Serial Number Protocol

All Model E-04 ELT’s are factory programmed with this protocol and have USA
(country code 366) as the country code. This protocol uniquely identifies the ELT
by the manufacturers Type Acceptance Number assigned to the manufacturer by
COSPAS and its COSPAS serial number. These numbers are factory
programmed and may not be changed and will remain the same throughout the
life of the ELT. The only change allowed to the programming in this protocol is
the country code which indicates which country the ELT is registered. This is the
most simplified form of programming and we recommend using it whenever it is
allowed.

Standard Location 24-Bit Address Protocol

This protocol uses the aircraft 24-Bit IACO address to uniquely identify the ELT.
This code is commonly referred to as the Mode S Code. Most countries have a
civil aircraft registration data base which allows you to enter a aircraft tail
number and find the IACO or Mode S code. Most countries use the HEX format
for this code however some use Binary or other formats. The 24-Bit
programming instructions that follow will further elaborate on this.

Standard Location Operator Designator and Serial number Protocol

This protocol uses the aircraft fleet operators 2 or 3 character designator as

assigned by IATA or IACO along with the operators requested serial number to
uniquely identify the ELT. The operator should provide the designator code and
the serial number for each ELT to be programmed.

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 Install Brother QL-700 Printer
1.) Install the Brother QL-700 printer follow the manufacturers installation
instructions.
2.) Load the DK-2606 label tape in the printer.
3.) Open the “Start” menu, select control panel.
4.) Open “Printers and Faxes” in control panel.
5.) Right click on Brother QL-700, then click on “properties”.
6.) On properties screen click on
“Printing Preferences” 7.) Set Parameters as shown below.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Windows 7, 8, 10
The computer must be connected to the internet to install driver
1.) Do not plug in the programming dongle until all steps have been completed.
2.) Place E-04 software Ver 3.0 CD in CD drive
3.) Open “Start Menu” click on “My Computer” and open the CD drive.
4.) Click on the “ACK E-04 ELT Programmer (VAR)” application and follow the
on screen installation instructions.
5.) Anytime a warning appears on screen that the application is unverified and
asks if you want to continue answer yes and continue.
6.) After the software has loaded plug the dongle in and the computer will say
“Found New Hardware” the driver will begin to load and may take a couple of
minutes to complete when done the software and driver have been loaded and
the system is ready for programming.

Windows XP Driver install

Windows 7, 8 ,10 Driver install when not connected to the internet

See Appendix B 3
 Programming ELT’s
Once you have the software and driver installed you are ready to program ELT’s.
To program an ELT follow these steps:

1.) Disconnect Antenna, Remote Control, and GPS cables.

2.) Remove the ELT transmitter head from the battery pack by removing the four
screws attaching the transmitter head to the battery pack using the hex driver
supplied.

3.) Place ELT in “Off” position.

4.) For Windows 7, 8, 10 type VAR in the search box to locate the VAR program.
You can run it from there or make a shortcut to desk top.

For XP
1.) Open the “start” menu on Windows Desktop.

2.) Look for the Icon and click on it to open software.

3.) If it is not listed on the start menu open “All Programs”

4.) Place the cursor on the “ACK E-04 ELT Programmer (VAR) file a menu should
appear to the right.

5.) Click on the icon to open the programming software.

6.) Insert Programming dongle into USB port. Watch for the Green LED on
dongle to illuminate indicating proper connection.

7.) Connect programming dongle into jack J2 located on the PC board.

Make sure the dongle is connected exactly as shown below.

4
This is the opening screen make sure After the read is complete the screen
the dongle is plugged in and the indicates how the ELT is currently
green LED on the dongle is lit. Click programmed. After completing this
on the read button. step you may program the ELT.

On the screen click on the “Beacon Type” down icon and the three type of
programming appear. Select the type programming you wish to use by placing
the cursor over the type of programming and click to select.
You may chose:
Standard Location Serial Number Country Code Protocol
Standard Location with Operator, Designator & Serial Number
Standard Location 24-Bit Address
To determine what protocol to use for a particular country we have compiled a
list of countries that have provided the type of programming protocol they
require this list may be found in Annex A of this document. Many countries have
a number of country codes listed. This list also provides the proper country
code to use when programming the E-04 ELT. If the country requires you to
apply for a registration card before registering that is noted on the list.

For countries that are not listed or require you apply for a registration card you
should contact the regularity agency of that country to determine which protocol
you should use or apply for a registration card. A list of contacts for each
country can be accessed on the COSPAS/SARSAT web site www.cospas.org on
the web site go to “Contacts” and select “National Contacts for Beacon Matters
(Coding, Registration and Type Approval)” Some countries only list tail number
protocol you should contact these countries regulatory agency and inquire as to
which of the 3 standard location protocols they will accept and what other
requirements must be met.

5
 Programming Serial Number Protocol
In the serial number protocol you are only allowed to change the country code.
1.) When selecting this option use the dropdown menu to select the country you
wish to program it for.
2.) Click the “Program” button and monitor the progress bars.
3.) After completing programming the “Verify” button highlights yellow, select
“Verify” and monitor the progress bars.
4.) If the “Verify” button highlights green it was successfully programmed, and
review programmed data in the fields below to make sure it is correct.
5.) make sure to select the Brother QL-700 printer from the drop down list.
5.) Click on the “Print Hex Label” button a box will appear that will allow you to
enter up to six lines of text we recommend that you record what aircraft
identification number it is programmed for, the facility doing the
programming or any other information you would like to include.
6.) Click on the “Print Label” button to print the new Hex label.
7.) Trim the edges of the label to just outside of the black box, remove the old
Hex label, and replace it with the new label.

Standard Location with Operator, Designator & Serial Number

1.) When selecting this option use the dropdown menu to select the country you
wish to program it for.
2.) Enter the operator designator alpha-numeric code using the up and down
buttons.
3.) Enter the serial number of the ELT.
4.) Click the “Program” button and monitor the progress bars.
5.) After completing programming the “Verify” button highlights yellow, select
“Verify” and monitor the progress bars.
6.) If the “Verify” button highlights green it was successfully programmed, and
review programmed data in the fields below to make sure it is correct.
7.) make sure to select the Brother QL-700 printer from the drop down list.
8.) Click on the “Print HEX Label” button a box will appear that will allow you to
enter up to six lines of text we recommend that you record what aircraft
identification number it is programmed for, the facility doing the programming
or any other information you would like to include.
6.) Click on the “Print Label” button to print the new Hex label.
9.) Trim the edges of the label to just outside of the black box, remove the old
Hex label, and replace it with the new label.

Programming 24-Bit address Protocol

1.) When selecting this option use the dropdown menu to select the country you
wish to program it for.
2.) Click on the “Select Base Number Format” this option allows you to enter the
24 bit address as a decimal, Hex, Octal or Binary format.
3.) Enter the 24-Bit address in the proper format for the country it is being
programmed for.
4.) Click the “Program” button and monitor the progress bars.

6
5.) After completing programming the “Verify” button highlights yellow, select
“Verify” and monitor the progress bars.
6.) If the “Verify” button highlights green it was successfully programmed, and
review programmed data in the fields below to make sure it is correct.
7.) make sure to select the Brother QL-700 printer from the drop down list.
8.) Click on the “Print HEX Label” button a box will appear that will allow you to
enter up to six lines of text we recommend that you record what aircraft
identification number it is programmed for, the facility doing the
programming or any other information you would like to include.
6.) Click on the “Print Label” button to print the new Hex label.
9.) Trim the edges of the label to just outside of the black box, remove the old
Hex label, and replace it with the new label.
Locating the IACO 24-Bit address
To locate the 24 bit address for a particular aircraft most countries have a
registry which is accessible off of the internet that will show the IACO 24-Bit or
Mode S address for the aircraft registered in that country. You must determine
what format the code is in. The most common coding is the Octal format it is
used in the US and many European countries. Canada uses the Binary format to
list the codes.

A valuable resource to locate the code is www.airframes.org this free data base
allows you to locate by registration number registration information for most of
the worlds aircraft. If you use this service we recommend you make a voluntary
contribution to help support it.

The easiest way to copy the IACO 24-Bit address from www.airframes.org or
various countries registration web sites is to use windows copy and paste to
transfer the number. This reduces the chances of miss entering the code it is
especially important when registering using the binary number system. If
www.airframs.org does not list a IACO code it is most probably in the binary
format. Canada uses the binary format so www.airframes.org does not list the
IACO code. You must go to the Canadian registration web site and enter the
aircraft identification number to locate the IACO address go to:
wwwapps2.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/ccarcs/aspscripts/en/quicksearch.asp
or search for Canadian Aircraft Registration on the internet to reach the web
site.

New Hex Labels

7
 APPENDIX A

A list of contacts for each country can be accessed on the COSPAS/SARSAT web site www.cospas.org
on the web site go to “Contacts” and select “National Contacts for Beacon Matters (Coding,
Registration and Type Approval)”

8
 APPENDIX B

Windows XP
After software installation remove the CD and plugin the dongle. A dialog box
should appear saying “Found New Hardware”. It should ask if you have a
installation CD insert it now. Insert the CD and the system should load the
driver. If the driver fails to load or you have Service Pack 1 or 2 open file XP
Driver Installation file on the CD and follow the installation instructions.

Windows 7, 8 ,10 IF NOT CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET

After software installation select the PDF installation file for the version of
windows you are running and follow the instructions.

The CDM v2.12.28 WHQL Certified driver file is on the CD.