OWNER_____________________________________

VESSEL_____________________________________

RADIO CALL SIGN ____________________________

SERIAL NUMBER _____________________________

Product Support Manual

PathFinder

™

3

Search and Rescue Transponder

(SART)

Product No. 2714

FCC ID. B66ACR-SART-PF-3

Y1-03-0170

Rev. C

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Tel : +1 (954) 981-3333

Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087 www.acrelectronics.com

Email: [email protected]

* * * WARNING * * *

THIS TRANSMITTER IS AUTHORIZED FOR USE

ONLY DURING SITUATIONS OF GRAVE

AND IMMINENT DANGER

DELIBERATE MISUSE MAY INCUR A SEVERE PENALTY

Magnet Safe Distance

1 m (3.3 ft)

Keep this beacon a safe distance away from all magnetic sources

Stereo Speaker Safe Distance

1 m (3.3 ft)

Keep this beacon a safe distance away from all stereo speakers

IF YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE

WITH YOUR PRODUCT,

DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE STORE!

CALL ACR ELECTRONICS AT

1 (954) 981-3333. WE WILL HELP YOU

RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS YOU MAY BE

EXPERIENCING. MANY QUESTIONS CAN

BE ANSWERED OVER THE PHONE.

LIMITED WARRANTY

This product is warranted against factory defect in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will repair or, at its option, replace at no cost to you for labor, materials or return transportation, provided you obtain a Return Authorization from ACR Electronics, Inc., 5757 Ravenswood Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

33312-6645. To obtain a Return Authorization, call our Customer Service Department at (800) 432-

0227. This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse, or as a result of service or modification other than by the factory. Except as otherwise expressly stated, the

COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS

TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER MATTER WITH

RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. The Company shall not be liable for consequential or special damages.

In order to place the warranty in effect, the accompanying registration card must be returned to us within ten days of purchase.

2 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

Foreword

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the ACR PathFinder

TM

3

Search and Rescue Transponder

(SART). The combination of computer-aided design, high quality raw materials and quality-controlled manufacturing produce a superior product. The Test Facility at ACR can reproduce some of the harshest environmental conditions known to man. This assures that the products we produce can stand up to the rigors found in a marine environment. With proper care and maintenance, your SART will be in service for years to come.

ACR is proud to be certified to the ISO 9001:2000, the International Standard for Quality.

This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the PathFinder

TM

3

SART, hereinafter referred to as the SART. This manual also describes the characteristics and details of the

SART system. This SART has been tested and approved to IEC 1097-1 standards and meets IMO RES

A.802(19). This device complies with the GMDSS provisions of Part 80 of the FCC rules and meets EC

Council Directive 96/98/EC for ship wheel approval.

Table of Contents

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 4

SECTION 2 – INSTALLATION ....................................................................................... 5

VESSEL NAME ........................................................................................................................................ 5

VESSEL MOUNTING ............................................................................................................................... 5

SECTION 3 – LIFE RAFT STOWAGE AND MOUNTING .............................................. 7

POLE MOUNTED SART .......................................................................................................................... 7

HANGING SART ...................................................................................................................................... 7

SECTION 4 – ACTIVATION ........................................................................................... 8

SECTION 5 – TESTING .................................................................................................. 8

SECTION 6 – SERVICING.............................................................................................. 9

SECTION 7 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS............................................................ 10

SECTION 8 – DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ...................................................... 11

Approved for GMDSS use

WARNING: Contains Lithium Battery

To avoid possible fire, explosion, leakage or burn hazard, do not open, recharge, disassemble or heat SART above +70°C (+158°F) or incinerate.

This product contains lithium in the form of a battery. Shipping of hazardous materials requires special handling and documentation. MSDS sheets along with shipping information can be found on our website at http://www.acrelectronics.com/hazmat/default.htm

.

3 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

SECTION 1 – 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 radar signals from the search craft and sends a series of response pulses. Twelve equally spaced arcs indicate the direction to the SART.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all vessels of more than 300 gross registered tonnage (GRT) to carry at least one SART and vessels 500 GRT and over must carry at least two SARTs, while Roll-On, Roll-Off Ferries are required to carry one SART for every four survival crafts.

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.

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 sharply pulling down on the lanyard attached to the tab. Turn the blue activation switch ring to the right and into the ON position. (See figure 6 on page 8)

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.

Radar Distress Pattern

SART Location

Radar Screen

Figure 1

4 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

SECTION 2 – INSTALLATION

Vessel Name

With an indelible pen, write the vessel name directly onto the SART. Note that some indelible inks will fade when exposed to strong sunlight, so an 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

Vessel Mounting

Figure 2

To deploy SART onboard a distressed vessel, rather than a life raft, hang the SART vertically as high as possible, with a clear view of the horizon. The SART must not be obscured by objects such as bulkheads.

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 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 3.

1. Remove SART from its packaging and check for shipping damage.

2. Perform the SART test (see Testing procedures on page 9).

3. 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.

4. Place bracket in position and secure to bulkhead as follows: a. Remove the SART from the bracket. b. Position bracket at the correct position for maximum visibility c. Mark position of bracket fixing holes. d. Drill holes to suit mounting fixtures. e. Secure bracket to bulkhead. f. Mount SART on the bracket (see figure 6). g. Secure SART with Velcro strap.

5 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

NOT TO SCALE

Figure 3

6 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

SECTION 3 – LIFE RAFT STOWAGE AND MOUNTING

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.

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

• DO NOT Cover or obscure SART on vessel

•

DO NOT Apply paint to SART

Pole Mounted SART

PathFinder

TM

3

is supplied with a telescopic pole to raise the SART one meter above sea level

(see figure 4).

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.

Hanging SART

Figure 4

1 Meter

Minimum

Figure 5

1 Meter

Minimum

1. If no pole is available, or if you prefer, you can suspend the SART from a canopy support (if available) using the additional lanyard loop provided (See figure 5).

2. Loop the lanyard through the support strap in the life raft and secure firmly.

3. The SART should be as high as possible and at least 1 m above sea level. Ensure SART is not obscured by metal objects or inflatable Radar reflectors.

7 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

SECTION 4 – ACTIVATION

1. Remove the SART from the bracket.

2. Turn the Blue activation switch ring to the left, placing the

SART in test mode

3. Remove the red Pull Tab by pulling it down and completely out of the SART. (See figure 6)

4. Release the activation switch and guide it to the right until it is in the ON position. The SART will beep once and flash every four seconds. The flashing red light indicates the SART is ON

5. Turn the bottom cap of the SART and deploy the telescopic pole to its maximum length 3 ft. (1 meter).

6. Remove lanyard and secure it to the life raft.

When activated the SART has three modes of operation, as follows:

• 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 6

When the switch is set to ON, the SART immediately enters the Test Mode. Both the red light and the buzzer are tested. In noisy environments it may be difficult to hear the buzzer. After approximately one second the SART goes into 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 approximately 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.

SECTION 5

–

TESTING

The SART is a life-saving device; it must be regularly checked at least every 2 months by the following procedure:

1. Visually inspect the casing for cracks & punctures.

2. Extend the pole and check that it operates correctly, and then return the pole to its housing.

3. 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.

4. Check that the battery expiration label shows sufficient battery life to cover the next routine voyage.

(See figure 7 on page 10)

5. Ensure the safety lock is in place and the integrity seal is not broken.

8 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

Confidence check

1. Ensure that the switch ring is unobstructed and moves easily.

2. Turn the blue activation 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. Beeps once and the red light flashes continuously every 4 seconds (no Radar within range). b. Beeps and the red light flashes every 1 second (Answering Radar).

Multiple SART Interrogation Test

If your vessel has two PathFinder

TM

3

SARTs on board they may be used to test each other. This test requires that each SART is held independently 5 m (16.4 ft) 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 second SART into the test mode. Confirm that the first SART beeps once every time the second

SART is turned into the test mode.

Repeat this sequence to test the second SART.

Functional Test (Carry out a functional test at LEAST once a year)

Get someone to watch the Radar screen, while you take the SART to the ship’s bow or at least 75 m (246

ft) 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 small hash marks.

SECTION 6

–

SERVICING

NOTE: This product contains lithium in the form of a battery. Shipping of hazardous materials requires special handling and documentation. MSDS sheets along with shipping information can be found on our website at

http://www.acrelectronics.com/hazmat/default.htm

.

If the SART fails any of its monthly checks, the SART must be returned to ACR or an approved service agent for investigation and/or servicing. See our website at http://www.acrelectronics.com

to find an authorized service center near you.

Regulations require that the battery pack be replaced every 5 years. A label on the lower section of the

SART housing shows the expiration date of the battery pack. (See figure 7)

Figure 7

If the battery is beyond its expiration date, the SART must be returned to ACR or a certified Battery

Replacement Center for a battery change. The battery is NOT user serviceable; DO NOT attempt to

change it. See our website at http://www.acrelectronics.com/brcloc for a battery replacement center near you.

NOTE: 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.

CAUTION: The battery pack CANNOT be recharged; attempts to recharge the battery pack could result in an explosion or fire.

9 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

SECTION 7

–

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL

Meets the requirements of:

0735/XX (where XX indicates year of manufacture)

Designed to meet: RTCM Paper 111-92/SC113-

36 (Ninth Draft SART Standard)

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

Frequency: 9.2 GHz to 9.5 GHz

ENVIRONMENTAL

Operating temperature: -4°F to +131°F (-20°C to

+55°C)

Storage temperature: -22°F to +149°F (-30°C to

+65°C)

ANTENNA

BATTERY

Polarization: Horizontal Receive mode operation: 96 hours minimum

Azimuth beam width: Omni-directional within 2 dB 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).

Vertical beam width: ± 12.5° Battery life: 5 years

RECEIVER

Effective sensitivity: -50 dBm

PHYSICAL

Length18 in (459 mm) excluding pole

Diameter: 3.5 in (90 mm) mid body

Weight: 1.5lbs (684 g) including pole

Lanyard Length: 10 m

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

Meets the applicable requirements of (BS) EN

60945: 1997.

TRANSMITTER

Response delay: 0.5 µs

Forward sweep time: 7.5 µs ± 1.0 µs

Return sweep time: 0.4 µs ± 0.1 µs

Power output: 400 mW EIRP

10 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

SECTION 8

–

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We hereby declare that the following product is in conformity with EU Directive 96/98EC Marine

Equipment Directive 29 th

Dec. 1996, modified by EU Commission Directive 98/85/EC dated 11 th

Nov. 1998

Product: Search and Rescue Transponder

PathFinder

TM

3

Notified Body: BSH (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency)

Type Examination: IEC 1097-1, IEC 60945, ITU-R M628-3

Standards IMO RES A802(19) FCC Part 80

Manufacturer:

ACR Electronics, Inc.

EU Representative: ACR Electronics Inc. (European Office)

Signed on behalf of ACR Electronics Inc.

Signed: _______________________________________

Name: John Flood Title: VP Engineering

Date: 7/09/04

11 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

ACR ELECTRONICS INC.

PRODUCT INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

NOTE TO USERS OF PATHFINDER

TM

3

SART

Table 1

Toxic or Hazardous Substances or Elements

Lead

(Pb)

Mercury

(Hg)

Cadmium

(Cd)

Hexavalent

Chromium

(Cr6+)

Polybrominated

Biphenyls (PBB)

Polybrominated

Diphenyl Ethers

(PBDE)

Component Name

Printed circuit assembly

Battery pack assembly

X O O O

X O O O

O

O

O

O

Antenna Assembly X O O O O O

O: Indicates that the toxic or hazardous substance contained in all of the homogeneous materials for this component is below the limit requirement in SJ/T11363–2006

X: Indicates that the toxic or hazardous substance contained in at least one of the homogeneous materials used for this component is above the limit requirement in SJ/T11363–2006

Assemblies include population of components, solder and interconnects.

Product Marking Explanations

In accordance with the requirements specified in SJ/T11364–2006, all ACR EIPs sold in the People’s

Republic of China are marked with a pollution control marking. The following marking applies to ACR products.

This marking indicates that some homogeneous substance within the EIP contains toxic or hazardous substances or elements above the requirements listed in SJ/T11363–2006. These substances are identified in Table 1.

Environmentally Friendly Use Period

The number in the marking, shown as 20 in the illustration above, refers to the EIP’s Environmentally

Friendly Use Period (EFUP). The EFUP is the number of years from the date of manufacture that toxic or hazardous substances or elements contained in EIPs will not leak or mutate under the normal operating conditions described in the EIP user documentation, resulting in any environmental pollution, bodily injury, or damage to assets.

Note Except as expressly stated herein and as required under mandatory provisions of regulations of the People’s Republic of China, ACR Electronics Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to the EFUP and expressly disclaims any representations or warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to the EFUP.

12 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C

ACR ELECTRONICS INC.

中华人民共和国产品信息

PATHFINDER

TM

3

, SART

用户须知

表

1

部件名称

印刷电路板组件

电池组件

天线组件

有毒有害物质或元素

铅

(Pb)

汞

(Hg)

镉

(Cd)

六价铬

(Cr6+)

X O O O

多溴联苯

(PBB)

O

多溴二苯醚

(PBDE)

O

X O O O O O

X O O O O O

O:

表示该有毒有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含量均在

SJ/T11363-2006

标准规定的限量要求以下。

X:

表示该有毒有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的含量超出

SJ/T11363-2006

标准规定的限量要求。

组件包含 元 器件,焊接材料和连接件

产品标识说明

根据SJ/T11364-2006 的要求，中华人民共和国境内销售的所有ACR 电子信息产品均注明污染控制标识。

ACR

产品使用以下标识。

该标识表示该电子信息产品某一均质材料中有毒、有害物质或元素的含量超出SJ/T11363-2006

规定的限量。 相关物质见表1。

可能由于产品体积或功能等因素而未直接在产品上注明。 但产品仍符合

SJ/T11364-2006

的要求，且其标识信息已在本文说明。

环保使用期限

标识中的数字（即上述图例中的“20”）指电子信息产品环保使用期限 (EFUP) 。 电子信息产

品环保使用期限是指在正常使用的条件下，电子信息产品中含有的有毒、有害物质或元素不会

发生外泄或突变并导致对环境造成严重污染或对人身、财产造成严重损害的期限。

注

除根据中华人民共和国法规的强制性规定在此作出明示声明的以外， ACR Electronics Inc.

对电子信息产品环保使用期限不作任何形式的陈述或保证（无论是明示或默示），并且不对电子信息产品

环保使用期限的任何陈述或保证（无论是明示或默示）承担任何责任。

13 Y1-03-0170 Rev. C