Strange ELT behavior

Major Carrales · July 10, 2007, 09:03:10 PM

Earlier today I was setting a practice ELT...you know, a 121.775 MHz pointer avionics MODEL 6000 CADET.

IT has functioned normally for months...until today. It seemed to be broadcasting on every frequency in the Aircraft Band. I of course, shut it off immediately.

Any suggestions?

IceNine · July 10, 2007, 09:14:57 PM

Take it to your local Avionics shop and have them put it on the bench. I had this problem once as well, it was an easy fix as I remember. However I cannot remember what the issue was

SARPilotNY · July 10, 2007, 09:22:46 PM

Call Pointer in Az., they are usually very helpful.

Eclipse · July 10, 2007, 09:23:09 PM

Might just be the battery - does it still take the standard ELT type, or did someone convert it for you?

IceNine · July 10, 2007, 09:49:23 PM

even if its the battery it shouldn't blanket transmit?!?... to test that you can use 5 alkaline C-Cells is series

SARPilotNY · July 10, 2007, 09:54:04 PM

or 7.5 volts

Al Sayre · July 11, 2007, 12:18:04 PM

If you were testing it with a hand held scanner or radio from a couple of feet away, there is probably nothing wrong with it, you are just so close it is swamping your receiver. Try it again but be sure you are about 50 feet away before testing to see if you can hear it.

Major Carrales · July 11, 2007, 03:26:18 PM

Quote from: Al Sayre on July 11, 2007, 12:18:04 PM
If you were testing it with a hand held scanner or radio from a couple of feet away, there is probably nothing wrong with it, you are just so close it is swamping your receiver. Try it again but be sure you are about 50 feet away before testing to see if you can hear it.

Thanks, Al. This may be the cause. I have discussed it with several persons and this was agreed to be the cause.

Eclipse · July 11, 2007, 04:25:51 PM

Quote from: J.Hendricks on July 10, 2007, 09:49:23 PM
even if its the battery it shouldn't blanket transmit?!?... to test that you can use 5 alkaline C-Cells is series

Electronics do weird things when their input power isn't correct, especially analog circuits, and if the unit was run on low power long enough, it could have been damaged.

Major Lord · July 12, 2007, 02:39:16 AM

The prudent thing to do would be to look at the signal on a spectrum analyzer to make sure you are not transmitting all over place. When in doubt, don't transmit. ( Al Quaida might want your unit to make a nice little avionics jammer though.....)

Capt. Lord

p.s. I have a General Radotelephone License with RADAR endorsement and a spectrum analyzer if you you can't get it checked locally.

wingnut · July 13, 2007, 09:16:28 AM

AHA

see I had the same problem, a pointer had been modified for a 6volt lead Acid battery, a different Antenna and WOUSH you are now in violation of the FCC rule for these ELT portable Aviation radios.

NO ONE CAN CHANGE THE BATTERY VOLTAGE OR ANTENNA< IF YOU DO YOU CHANGE THE TRANSMITER AND VIOLATE FEDERAL COMMUNICATION LAWS. WARNING WILL ROBINSON ''''DANGER'''

PS: CHECK WITH pOINTER IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE ME.

Strange ELT behavior

wingnut