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able to send one test transmission utilizing the test function. This transmission is marked as a
test transmission and disregarded by the satellite system. The tester will also recognize that it
is a test transmission and will display a “T” on the top line of the message page on the right
side. If an “N” appears here, the ELT is defective as it transmitted a normal transmission which
could set off an alarm. When initially activated in the normal (alarm) mode, COSPAS-SARSAT
requires an approximate 50 second delay from the time of activation until the first actual
transmission by the beacon is made. This should provide sufficient time to turn off an
accidently activated beacon or place the beacon in a shielded container for testing.
MARINE
Marine ELTs come in several types. Some are manually activated, while others are
automatically activated by one or more of several different methods. When testing the manual
or automatic activation methods, prior to activating the ELT, make sure that you can reset it
once activated. Additionally some use a removable antenna with a standard connector while
others utilize an integral antenna which has no provision for directly testing the RF power being
generated by the ELT. Therefore the procedure used to test the ELT can be a variation of the
AVIATION procedure or the PLB procedure and will have to be determined by the individual
making the tests. In any event, care should be taken to not radiate any normal (not test) signals.
NOTE: CHECK THE HEX CODE AND COUNTRY OF REGISTRATION, SEE PAGES 12 & 14
PLB
PLBs present a different problem in testing them since they are self-contained having an
integral antenna and therefore no way to test the actual RF power being generated.
Additionally, if activated in the normal mode of operation (not test) they will most definitely
trigger an alarm unless placed in a suitable shielded container (SEE APPENDIX G). As with some
Marine ELTs, it is important to be sure that you can reset the PLB once activated in the normal
mode for testing.
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE
STEP PROCEDURE
1. Set tester to field strength
2. Place the PLB approximately 6 inches from the tester
3. Activate PLB in test mode
4. Note results.
5. Check HEX code and country of registration (SEE PAGES 12 & 14)
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