406MHz BEACON Tester

406MHz SARSAT BEACON TESTER is designed to check the maritime emergency radio beacons operating via COSPAS-SARSAT system such as Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

The 406MHz SARSAT BEACON TESTER provides accurate, independent validation of the operation of COSPAS-SARSAT distress beacons in a volume of:

- annual test requirements;
- shore-based maintenance under IMO Circular 10/40 and other resolutions requirements;
- fast check after beacon’s encoding or installation.

406MHz BEACON TESTER can receive the transmission from any 406MHz COSPAS-SARSAT beacons of any manufacturer transmitting either in test mode or in real alert emergency mode. Also the Tester provides reception and check of 121.5MHz home transmitter signal.

The signal can be received through the broadcast by means of antenna or the tester can be connected directly by means of cable through a suitable attenuator (option).

The tests can be performed in any room if the TEST MODE of distress beacon is used. Radiated tests in real alert emergency mode should be carried out using screened room (or enclosure) only.

Features:

- All 406MHz COSPAS-SARSAT protocols will be decoded;
- Reception the signal within the range of 406.020…406.040MHz frequencies;
- Easy and quick audio-control of the sweep signal presence on 121.5MHz frequency;
- Internal database of received messages with possibility to save up to 10 results;
- Easy connection to PC, laptop, notebook to process the stored data;
- Windows user friendly desktop application for database storage and review, process and test reports printout;
- Long life batteries, easy replace;
- Easy recalibration without returning back to factory;
- 1 year warranty.

The BEACON tester allows to perform:

- reception, demodulation and decoding of the emergency information transmitted on channel 406MHz;
- frequency measurement of 406MHz signal in range of 406.020…406.040MHz with accuracy to ± 500Hz;
- audio-control of the sweep 121.5MHz signal presence in range of 121500±10kHz.;
- power level measurement on 406MHz channel within the range 19 – 43dBm or 0.08W - 20W with accuracy to ±3.0dB by means of antenna and ±0.5dB by means of attenuator;
- power level measurement on 121.5MHz channel within the range 13 – 20dBm or 20-100mW with accuracy to ±3.0dB by means of antenna and ±0.5dB by means of attenuator;
- estimation of the positive/negative phase deviation of modulated signal with accuracy to ±2.8 о;
- measurement of total transmission time of 406MHz signal with accuracy to ±0.2%;
- measurement of unmodulated carrier duration of 406MHz signal;
- estimation of the equivalent radiated power of 406MHz signal through broadcast.

The tester is designed to operate at the temperature range from 0°С to +45°С and relative air humidity should be no more than 95%, which is determined by used LCD.

The tester power supply is performed by 4 AA batteries 1.5V, as well as by external DC source with voltage 4.5…7V and load current no less than 300мА. The tester is power supplied by USB cable when connected to computer or USB power adapter.

Approximate continuous operation time of the tester from the internal power supply elements is about 6 hours.

 

Downloads

Specifications / Brochure (version: 2.0; 14.02.2020; 3.4 Mb) Complete specification and advertising brochure of 406MHz SARSAT BEACON Tester. Available in PDF format.
Complete technical description and operation user manual for 406MHz SARSAT BEACON Tester is available in PDF format. Note: Limited access. Login for downloading the item.
The latest software for GMDSS Tester. Download and manage test results for Radios, AIS and EPIRB. Automatic generation of test reports. 32bit and 64bit Windows OS compatible. Note: Limited access. Login for downloading the item.
Latest software for GMDSS Tester. Download and manage test results for Radios, AIS and EPIRB. Automatic generation of test reports. Mac OS X. Note: Limited access. Login for downloading the item.
Test report example (version: 3.0 BE; 24.01.2011; 98 kb) Examples of test reports created by 406MHz BEACON Software. The test report is important logical completition of test process.
FTDI Drivers (version: 2.12.28; 30.08.2017; 2.4Mb) Drivers to create virtual com port for direct connection
Full Catalogue GMDSS Testers (version: 1.2; 05.12.2019; 5.7 Mb) Full catalogue of our equipment with detailed description and specifications

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AIS-SART, EPIRB, HRU G-5

Our company has developed completely new maritime safety equipment AIS-SART Musson - 502A, which operates in A and B VHF AIS channels.

Also we manufacture float Free Satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) under the IMO requirements for COSPAS-SARSAT system, a mandatory item in the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress Safety System). Certified and type approved.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

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GALILEO REFERENCE BEACON GENERATOR BG-105/102r is high-precision simulator of Cospas-Sarsat emergency beacon messages.