Can you use a ELT unit from a plane for training purposes? I had one given to me with the rubber ducky .
Thanks
No. It transmits on 121.5 which is the actual emergency frequency and would set off the satellites (until Feb 09), and generate contacts from overflying aircraft after Feb.
The practice frequency is 121.775.
If it is from a plane then it will be transmitting on 121.5, so no the training beacons transmit on 121.775.
I believe for the purposes of testing only, an ELT on 121.5 may be activated for no more than 5 minutes at a time at the top of the hour.
Also please note...that the difference between a training ELT and a real ELT is not just a different set of crystals.
Most ELTS are very noisy as far as frequency response goes. A 121.775 crystal in a real ELT will put out harmonics on all sorts of freqencies...including 121.5.
Your best bet is to just buy a training ELT from pointer...they are not all that expensive.
Quote from: Eclipse on October 24, 2008, 08:47:13 PM
I believe for the purposes of testing only, an ELT on 121.5 may be activated for no more than 5 minutes at a time at the top of the hour.
I thought it was just 3 sweeps(2 seconds or so) within the top 5 minutes of the hour?
Quote from: http://www.iflyamerica.org/elt.asp
The following are excerpts from AIM section 6-2-5, Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), dealing with testing, false alarms, and reporting.
Testing
1. ELTs should be tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This should be done, preferably, in a shielded or screened room or specially designed test container to prevent the broadcast of signals, which could trigger a false alert.
2. When this cannot be done, aircraft operational testing is authorized as follows:
(a) Analog 121.5/243 MHz ELTs should only be tested during the first five minutes after any hour. If operational tests must be made outside of this period, they should be coordinated with the nearest FAA Control Tower or Flight Ser-vice Station. Tests should be no longer than three audible weeps. If the antenna is removable, a dummy load should be substituted during test procedures.
(b) (b) Digital 406 MHz ELTs should only be tested in accordance with the unit's manufacturer's instructions.
(c) (c) Airborne tests are not authorized.
QuoteAlso please note...that the difference between a training ELT and a real ELT is not just a different set of crystals.
Most ELTS are very noisy as far as frequency response goes. A 121.775 crystal in a real ELT will put out harmonics on all sorts of freqencies...including 121.5.
Your best bet is to just buy a training ELT from pointer...they are not all that expensive.
That's why we call them training
beacons. Correct terminology avoids confusion.
To answer the original Q, I would say maybe, but would discourage it. It's not a realistic situation that most people will encounter. Putting one in a motor vehicle would work, but in either case, who's gonna pay for the gas to cruise around for an hour or two waiting for someone to do DF stuff?
BTW, 121.5 would not be a harmonic of 121.775, it would be bleed-over. The 2nd harmonic of 121.775 is 243.550.
Quote from: SarDragon on October 25, 2008, 01:28:39 AM
That's why we call them training beacons. Correct terminology avoids confusion.
So, what would you call one you use for EPIRB training? ;D
^A Practice Beacon-Beacon?
(Man I miss Little Caesars)
Quote from: MIKE on October 25, 2008, 01:56:52 AM
Quote from: SarDragon on October 25, 2008, 01:28:39 AM
That's why we call them training beacons. Correct terminology avoids confusion.
So, what would you call one you use for EPIRB training? ;D
As far as I know, there are no training EPIRB's. There are dummy/display units.
I guess I will remove the battery and just use it for dispaly at training activites. I could take it in the woods and use it if I get lost ;D
Quote from: CAPLAW on October 25, 2008, 03:10:31 AM
I guess I will remove the battery and just use it for dispaly at training activites. I could take it in the woods and use it if I get lost ;D
I think the SPOT transmitter would work much better.
The Spot is very nice, and look like its working well. It is a subscription sevice though, so for those of you who are liecensed hams, you might want to check out: http://byonics.com/microtrak/mtaio.php
Legal disclaimer: I manufacture these
Major Lord
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