The Becker Avionics BD406 and PBD406 are COSPAS/SARSAT Beacon Decoders designed for search and rescue (SAR) authorities to receive vital information during rescue missions. These devices detect and decode distress messages transmitted on 406 MHz (ELTs for aviation, EPIRBs for maritime, and PLBs for personal use), showing the beacon's relative position and enabling continuous tracking. This significantly reduces the time needed to locate a distress signal, improving survival probability.
Function Description:
The devices receive, decode, and process COSPAS/SARSAT distress signals within a range of 406.020 to 406.081 MHz. In mission mode, the user has access to beacon and NavPoint views, displaying raw 15HexID and processed data such as protocol type, beacon type (EPIRB, PLB, etc.), serial number, TAC (Type Approval Certificate Number), and beacon position (if GPS functionality is available). Up to 49 received beacons and 49 NavPoints can be stored in internal nonvolatile memory. Beacon data can be removed from memory on demand. Navigational data from a beacon can be used to create a NavPoint, which is a set of navigational data (latitude, longitude, name, additional info) for navigation to a selected target.
The BD406 and PBD406 feature two audio outputs: headphone and speaker. The devices also include a voice notification system that informs the user about incoming COSPAS/SARSAT messages, homing (distance and bearing to the selected target), and device failures. Homing messages are triggered on demand by the rotary knob or related discrete input.
An integrated u-blox LEA-6S GPS receiver module provides GPS data in ASCII format (NMEA 0183 compliant) via an RS232 interface. The device performs a Power-On Built-In Test (PBIT) after power-on and a Continuous Built-In Test (CBIT) during normal operation to verify functionality. Error notifications are displayed in case of malfunctions.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Frequency Range: 406.020 to 406.081 MHz.
- Temperature Compensated VCO Long Term Stability: ≤ ± 5 ppm after 10 years.
- Display: Graphic 128x64 dots LCD with white or NVG compatible backlight.
- Storage Temperature: BD406: -55 to +85 °C; PBD406: -15 to +50 °C.
- Operating Temperature (RTCA DO-160E): BD406 with control head: -15 to +55 °C (short-time -40 to +70 °C); BD406 without control head: -15 to +55 °C (short-time +70 °C); PBD406: -15 to +50 °C.
- Operating Altitude (RTCA DO-160E): BD406: 15,000 ft; PBD406: n/a.
- Vibration (RTCA DO-160E): BD406: Fixed wing Category S (Curve M), Rotary wing Category U (Curve G); PBD406: n/a.
- Receiver Sensitivity: -104 to 0 dBm @ 50 Ω.
- Dynamic Range: -104 to 0 dBm.
- Nominal Impedance of Antenna Input: 50 Ω.
- Absolute Max. Input Power at Antenna Input: +30 dBm.
- GPS Antenna: Active type, minimum gain 15 dB, maximum gain 50 dB, maximum noise 1.5 dB, nominal supply voltage 2.75-3.4 VDC, maximal supply current 50 mA.
- Headphone Rated Output Power: ≥ 300 mW into 150 Ω, ≥ 100 mW into 600 Ω.
- Speaker Rated Output Power: ≥ 4 W into 4 Ω.
- Audio Frequency Response: Relative to 1000 Hz @ 4 Ω load for speaker operation: +1 dB/-3 dB in the frequency range of 350-4000 Hz; Relative to 1000 Hz for headphone operation: +1 dB/-3 dB in the frequency range of 350-4000 Hz.
- Serial Interfaces: RS422 (service purposes, auxiliary port), RS232 (GPS external/internal data transmission NMEA 0183 compliant, Targets Status Protocol), ARINC 429 output label 162 (ADF bearing).
- Dimensions & Weight (BD406 with Control Head): Front panel HxW 61 x 61 mm (2.4 x 2.4 in), device depth complete 230 mm (9 in), mounting depth 208.5 mm (7.5 in), weight ≤ 700 g.
- Dimensions & Weight (BD406 without Control Head): Device depth complete 190 mm (7.5 in), mounting depth 236 mm (9.29 in) with mounting kit MK4401, weight ≤ 600 g (+ ≤ 130 g with mounting kit MK4401).
- Dimensions & Weight (PBD406): Front panel HxW 83 x 174 mm (3.3 x 6.7 in), device depth complete 334 mm (13.1 in) with handle in maximal position, weight ≤ 3700 g.
- Power Supply (BD406): Nominal supply voltage 9-32 VDC (start-up 10.5-32 VDC). Power off state: ≤ 150 µA @ 32 VDC. Max. power consumption: ≤ 1200 mA @ 9V. Normal operation: LCD with white backlight (speaker enabled, headphones enabled, no audio): ≤ 320 mA @ 9 VDC (backlight off), ≤ 320 mA @ 14 VDC (backlight on 100%), ≤ 160 mA @ 32 VDC (backlight on 100%). LCD with NVG compliant backlight (backlight on 100%, speaker enabled, headphones enabled, no audio): ≤ 320 mA @ 9 VDC, ≤ 260 mA @ 14 VDC, ≤ 130 mA @ 32 VDC. Device without control head: ≤ 270 mA @ 9 VDC, ≤ 200 mA @ 14 VDC, ≤ 110 mA @ 32 VDC.
- Power Supply (PBD406): Nominal external supply voltage 9-36 VDC. Battery voltage - nominal 12 VDC. Battery type Sealed Lead Acid. Charging time 8 h (charger can be left plugged in). Battery operating time ≥ 5 h (speaker output disabled, headphone output enabled for load 150 Ω, backlight disabled, beacon message received each 50 s).
Usage Features:
- BD406 with Control Head: Single block device for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, 58 mm (2¼ inch) standard instrument diameter, rear panel installation with four screws, all controls and indicators on the front panel, equipment connectors and antenna sockets at the rear.
- BD406 without Control Head: Single block remote-controlled device for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, no control head or user interface, remote-controlled, equipment connectors and antenna sockets at the rear. Installation in avionic bay environment using mounting kit MK4401.
- PBD406: Portable version with built-in battery, internal speaker, battery charger, and inputs for RX and GPS antennas. Includes a BD406 single block device with control head. Can be mounted in a vehicle using the installed bracket.
- Illumination: LCD and push button illumination can be controlled internally via the front panel knob or externally via dimming inputs. Illumination curve (brightness to voltage relation) can be adjusted in the installation setup. Illumination is automatically off when power supply voltage is below 10.5V.
- Installation Setup: Configuration of installation parameters such as headphone and speaker activation, GPS source, illumination level, and other parameters is possible. For BD406 without control head, specific installation settings are configured by the manufacturer.
- Mission Mode: The typical operational mode for rescue missions, providing access to beacon and NavPoint views, displaying received data, and calculating navigation parameters.
- GPS Status View: Displays GPS information such as device position, speed over ground, true course over ground, altitude, UTC date and time, positional dilution of precision (PDOP), and number of visible satellites.
- Receive Operation – Message Detection: Continuously scans the rescue band for beacon transmissions, analyzes signal amplitude, quality, and frequency. Advanced correction algorithms improve reception ability.
Maintenance Features:
- Continued Airworthiness: Regular maintenance is not necessary; maintenance is "on condition" only. A check of the frequency accuracy of the local frequency reference is recommended after 10 years.
- Disposal: Packaging material is flammable. Product contains materials under special disposal regulation; dispose in accordance with environmental laws. Circuit boards should be disposed of in a technical waste dump approved for electrolytic aluminum capacitors, not with normal waste. Batteries should not be thrown in municipal waste; information on free disposal is available from local authorities.
- Cleaning and Disinfection: Do not use aggressive cleaning agents like Acetone. Clean device body and controls with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth moistened with clean water. For disinfection, diluted monohydric alcohols (Isopropanol or Ethanol) are recommended. Do not use spray bottles or evaporators. Clean LCD screen with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth moistened with clean water, avoiding scratches.
- Warranty Conditions: Device must be installed by an approved aeronautical company. No modifications except those described in the manual. Connections must be made as described. Installation must follow instructions.
- PBD406 Battery: Batteries have a self-discharging rate of approximately 1% per day. Recharge batteries every 3 months.
- Service Mode: Special factory configuration via RS422 interface with a proprietary serial data communication protocol, serviced by the manufacturer.
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