ELT Option Combines Two Avionics Test Instruments Into One

Aeroflex has come up with a new emergency beacon testing capability for the IFR 4000 navigation communications (nav/comm) ramp test set. The new ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) option for the IFR 4000 combines two test sets into one and allows airline maintenance personnel and others to eliminate the cost and hassle of having a separate test set just for emergency beacon locator testing. The IFR 4000 is popular with maintenance personnel for its light weight (under 8 lbs.), long battery life (8 hours) and large screen that allows users to see all data in plain English without scrolling to see complete test results.

The IFR 4000 ramp test set’s ELT option can test every kind of emergency locator beacon—aeronautical, maritime and personal systems. ELT provides full protocol support for ELT aeronautical beacons, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) maritime beacons and PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) beacons used for life support for lost personnel.

The ELT option enables accurate measurement of short-range swept tone 121.5 MHz/243 MHz emergency transmitter frequency, output power and AM modulation. It also measures the transmitter frequency and output power of the 406 MHz COSPAS/SARSAT international satellite search and rescue beacon and decodes and displays all location and user protocols.

The IFR 4000 with ELT operates in three modes: AM, FM and SSB (Single Sideband). The AM communications range from 10 MHz to 400 MHz with 25 kHz channel spacing and 8.33 kHz channel spacing over aeronautical communications band range. The FM communications range from 10 MHz to 400 MHz with 12.5 kHz channel spacing added (in addition to 25 kHz channel spacing on the existing IFR 4000) and

SSB modulation from 10 MHz to 30 MHz.

The ELT option adds to the base functionality of the IFR 4000 by providing accurate measurements for aeronautical HF transmitter, frequency (1 MHz to 30 MHz), output power, and modulation (AM and SSB USB/LSB) receiver sensitivity. ELT also extends the frequency range of the IFR 4000 down to 10 MHz (spanning 10 MHz to 400 MHz) for accurate SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) measurement.

About the IFR 4000 Navigation Communications Ramp Test Set

The IFR 4000, introduced by Aeroflex in 2003, verifies the operation and installation of ILS (Instrument Landing System), VHF Omni-directional Radio range (VOR), VHF/UHF Communications (COMM) and Marker Beacon (MKR) avionics systems. It is the lightest and most portable navigational communications ramp test set on the market today. It can be used for cockpit or bench testing. With a large viewable screen, menu-driven functions and guided test capability it has found favor in maintenance facilities all over the world.

The IFR 4000 navigation communications ramp test set’s base price is $11,995 with HF capability. The ELT Option 1 is priced at $1,500. The company says it can deliver within six weeks of order.

FMI: www.aeroflex.com