PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL PathFinder™3 Search and Rescue Transponder Model No.: SART-3 Product No.: 2714, 2714NH Y1-03-0170 Rev.
About ACR Electronics ACR Electronics www.acrelectronics.com, designs and manufactures a complete line of safety and survival products including EPIRBs, PLBs, AIS, SARTs, Strobe Lights, Life Jacket Lights, Search Lights and safety accessories. The quality systems of this facility have been registered by UL to the ISO 9001:2000 Series Standards.
Table of Contents SECTION 1 - HOW THE PATHFINDER™3 WORKS ___________________ 1 SECTION 2 - PREPARING TO INSTALL ___________________________ 2 SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION ___________________________________ 4 SECTION 4 - OPERATION _____________________________________ 7 SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE _________________________________ 11 APPENDIX A - SPECIFICATIONS _______________________________ 13 APPENDIX B - WARRANTY, NOTICES ___________________________ 14 PLEASE READ ALL WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES CAREFULLY Y
SECTION 1 - HOW THE PATHFINDER™3 WORKS The PathFinder™3 helps search and rescue services to quickly locate a life raft in the event of a rescue at sea. The SART can either be stowed in a life raft, or mounted next to emergency exits and then carried to the life raft in an emergency. During an emergency, simply switch the SART on.
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.
Controls and indicators Antenna Pull Tab Lock Activation Switch Ring Pull Tab Control and Battery Housing Hanging Lanyard Lanyard Spool Telescopic Pole Rotate bottom cap to release lanyard and telescopic pole Figure 2 Y1-03-0170J 3
Vessel name The SART label has a space where the vessel name is marked (see Figure 3). This can be done as follows. With an indelible pen, write the vessel name directly onto the SART. Note, however, that some indelible inks will fade when exposed to strong sunlight, so a ultra-violet (UV) 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.
CAUTION: Keep this SART at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from all magnetic sources, stereo speakers and compass installations. Installation The SART mounting bracket should be bolted to a bulkhead using four (4) suitable M6 (1/4") bolts. Mounting hardware for the bracket is not included. Hardware required depends on the bulkhead material and its thickness. Bracket mounting holes and SART mounting details are shown in figure 4.
NOT TO SCALE Figure 4: Installing the SART Y1-03-0170J 6
SECTION 4 - OPERATION Sequence of Operations The SART has primary and secondary indicating systems: The primary system is the indicator lights and the secondary system is the buzzer. When the switch is set to ON, the SART immediately enters the Test Mode. Here both the red light and the buzzer are tested. Note that 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.
When activated the SART has three modes of operation: 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. WARNING: The SART must only be activated in situations of grave and imminent danger.
Pole Mounted SART 1. The PathFinder™3 is supplied with a telescopic pole to raise the SART one meter above sea level (see figure 6). 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.
Hanging SART 1. If no pole is available, or if you prefer, you can suspend the SART from the canopy support using the additional lanyard loop provided (see Figure 7). 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 1m above sea level. Ensure SART is not obscured by metal objects or inflatable radar reflectors.
SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE This chart is a summary of the procedures described below. Time interval Every two months Every year Maintenance to do Visual inspection Battery expiry date check Pole operation check Lanyard check Safety lock check Confidence check Functional test Every-two-months inspection The SART is a safety device; it must be regularly checked at least every two months as follows. 1.) Visually inspect the casing for cracks & punctures. 2.
Functional Test Perform this test at least once a year. Get someone to watch the radar screen, while you take the SART to the ship’s bow or other location, at least 150m minimum from the radar antenna to the SART. 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 concentric circles.
APPENDIX A - SPECIFICATIONS Approvals Approvals MED: EC Type Examination Certificate Number: QQ-MED-22/08-01 FCC ID: B66ACR-SART-PF-3 Industry Canada TAC No.:1322A-ACRSART3 Standards Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) according to Chapter 3 of IMO SOLAS IMO Resolution A.802(19) IMO Resolution A.694(17), Relevant parts ITU-R M.628-3 IEC 61097-1: 2007 IEC 60945: 2002, EMC Clauses Part 80 of the FCC Rules NOTE: For all other type approval information, please visit our website at www.
APPENDIX B - WARRANTY, NOTICES Limited Warranty This product is warranted against factory defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 (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 the unit at no cost to you for labor, materials and return transportation from ACR. For further assistance, please contact our Technical Service Department at ACR Electronics, Inc.
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ACR Electronics hereby declares that the following product is in conformity with Council Directive 96/98/EC of 20 December 1996 on Marine Equipment (MED) last amended by Commission Directive 2010/68/EU of 22 October 2010, and has been type examined as described in this Declaration.
ACR ELECTRONICS INC.
ACR ELECTRONICS INC.
