ACR Electronics VECTA 2 - REV A2 Istruzioni per l'installazione

PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL

Vecta2™

Dual Scale

Direction Finder Product No. 2769.4

121.5MHz

121.775 MHz

Y1-03-0227

Rev. A2

ACR Electronics, Inc.

5757 Ravenswood Road

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Tel: +1(954) 981-3333

Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087

www.acrelectronics.com

Email: info

acrelectronics.com

IF YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE

WITH YOUR PRODUCT,

DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE STORE!

CALL ACR ELECTRONICS AT

+1 (954) 981-3333. WE WILL HELP YOU

RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS YOU MAY BE

EXPERIENCING. MANY PROBLEMS CAN

BE CORRECTED OVER THE PHONE.

Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2

LIMITED WARRANTY

This product is warranted against factory defect in material and workmanship for a period of five years

from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc. will , at its

option, repair or replace the unit at no cost to you for labor, materials or return transportation,

provided you obtain a Return Authorization from ACR Electronics, Inc., 5757 Ravenswood Road, Ft.

Lauderdale, FL 33312-6645.

To obtain a Return Authorization, call our Customer Service Department at (800) 432-0227. This

warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse, or as a result of

service or modification by other than the factory. Except as otherwise expressly stated in the previous

paragraph, the COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS

OR IMPLIED, AS TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER

MATTER WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. The Company shall not be liable for consequential or

special damages.

You must complete the accompanying registration card and be return it to us within ten days of

purchase. Failure to do so may void the warranty.

Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing from ACR Electronics, Inc. We design, manufacture and distribute

quality products knowing they are used to save lives. Many of our products are required to be

tested and approved by regulatory bodies worldwide. We believe in going beyond those

specifications to insure our products work when needed in real world conditions. With proper care

and maintenance your ACR product will last for years. It is important that you thoroughly read this

product support manual to understand the proper care and use of your ACR product.

ACR is proud to be certified to ISO 9001:2000, the International Standard for Quality.

This manual provides installation, operation and maintenance instructions for the Vecta2Dual

Scale Direction Finder.

Table of Contents

1.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION....................................................................................................3

1.1 Introducing the Vecta2Dual Scale Direction Finder............................................................3

1.2 Unpacking the Vecta2P/N 2769.4......................................................................................3

1.3 Unpacking the Vecta2 P/N 2769.5......................................................................................3

1.4 Direction Finder and Test BEACON Features....................................................................4

2.0 Installation............................................................................................................................5

2.1 Remote Omni-Directional Antenna (Rooftop, Pole, etc…)..................................................5

2.2 Folding Handle / Mounting Bracket.....................................................................................5

3.0 Operation..............................................................................................................................5

3.1 Holding the Vecta2..............................................................................................................5

3.2 Headphones.......................................................................................................................5

3.2 Headphones.......................................................................................................................6

3.3 Searching for a BEACON...................................................................................................6

3.4 Polarization of the BEACON and the Vecta2......................................................................6

4.0 Understanding the Dual Scale ............................................................................................7

4.1 Reading Power Measurements to Determine Bearing and Direction..................................7

5.0 Range Exercises ..................................................................................................................8

5.1 Selecting a Location for the Test BEACON........................................................................8

5.2 Recording Observations.....................................................................................................8

5.3 Conducting a Blind Search.................................................................................................8

5.4 Search Patterns..................................................................................................................8

6.0 EMERGENCY SCENARIOS................................................................................................10

6.1 Lost Diver .........................................................................................................................10

6.2 ELT False Activation.........................................................................................................11

6.3 Hiker Rescued..................................................................................................................11

7.0 Technical Data....................................................................................................................12

7.1 Optional Accessories.............................................................................................................12

1.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1.1 Introducing the Vecta2Dual Scale Direction Finder

The Vecta2™ Dual Scale Radio Direction Finder (DF) provides a Dual Scale signal strength meter

that can detect an AM radio signal typically down to .5µV. One scale is for COARSE power

readings and one scale for FINE power that is user friendly for use on land or at sea. These 2

scales work together to show the received signal strength and to determine bearing by pointing the

Vecta2towards the highest power reading and then moving in that direction until the BEACON is

found. This product is capable of monitoring and finding BEACONs transmitting on 121.5 MHz

which includes PLBs, EPIRBs and ELTs. In this document, these products are collectively referred

to as BEACONs.

The Vecta2Direction Finding Kit comes with a training BEACON that operates on the TRAIN

channel of your Vecta2. The Vecta2is very intuitive for the novice user. Radio direction finding

practice using the Training BEACON for simulated real searches will have the most Novice user

Radio Direction Finding like a seasoned professional. With practice, the user will learn to overcome

reflected signals in heavily reflecting areas and determine the true signals direction.

The Vecta2has an open and closable small beam, directional-finding antenna that is connected to

a very sensitive AM receiver that has been calibrated with a micro processor that interprets the

strength of a received signal. The dual LED scales are maximized when the Vecta2is within a few

feet of the typical 75 mW emergency transmitter. Under ideal conditions the Vecta2, at two meters

above water line, will detect a BEACON floating at sea level from a distance of up to 8NM. Land

based distances may vary due to changes in topography that can block and reflect signals.

1.2 Unpacking the Vecta2P/N 2769.4

Figure 1

Your new Vecta2Dual Scale Direction Finder

comes with the following components:

1. Heavy Duty Pelican Case

2. External Antenna, 3ft

3. Vecta2Dual Scale Direction Finder

4. Water Resistant Carrying Case

5. Mini B300™ILS Training BEACON with Float

Collar

6. AC Power Adapter & 12V Power Adapter

7. Vecta2Training CD

8. Headphone

Not shown: Mounting bracket

Training Beacon Flotation Collar

1.3 Unpacking the Vecta2P/N 2769.5

Optional kit for those needing additional Direction

Finders:

3. Vecta2Dual Scale Direction Finder

4. Water Resistant Carrying Case

6. AC Power Adapter

7. Vecta2Training CD

Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2

1.4 Direction Finder and Test BEACON Features

1. Antenna Elements

2. External Antenna Jack

3 COARSE and FINE Signal Strength Meters

4. Search and Train Frequency indicator LEDs.

Search Freq – 121.5MHz

Train Freq – 121.775MHz

5. Search and Train frequency Receive Channel buttons

6. Volume Up and Down buttons

7. On and Off buttons

8. External Headphone Jack

Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2

9. External 12VDC Power jack

10. Mini B2Training BEACON

Figure 2

2.0 INSTALLATION

2.1 Remote Omni-Directional Antenna (Rooftop, Pole, etc…)

The Vecta2is supplied with a specially designed and tuned 3’ whip antenna (121.5 MHz) and

should be mounted as high as practical for optimum receiver range. Use a standard 1” x 14 thread

VHF style mount appropriate for your mounting location. Route the Coax to where the Vecta2is

mounted and connect via the external antenna jack. When the Vecta2is in its mounting bracket,

the Omni-Directional antenna should be plugged in to achieve optimum performance while in the

“Monitoring” mode. When a signal has been detected, remove the Vecta2from its bracket,

disconnect the Omni-Directional Antenna and deploy the antenna blades for “Search” mode. While

the antenna looks and mounts like a standard 3' VHF marine antenna, it is not. Do not attempt to

use the Vecta2with any other antenna. This action will damage the Vecta2and may void the

warranty.

2.2 Folding Handle / Mounting Bracket

The Vecta2is supplied with a folding handle that also functions as part of

the mounting bracket. This handle allows the Vecta2to be hand held

while searching and also be secured to a fixed bracket when not in use

or is just monitoring. To mount the bracket, select a flat location allowing

for the antenna and power wires to be routed. Before drilling holes and

screwing down the bracket, test fit the Vecta2making sure the unit is

able to slide in and out of the bracket unobstructed. It is not necessary

to deploy the antenna blades while the unit is in its bracket and attached

to the remote Omni-Directional antenna.

Figure 3

3.0 OPERATION

3.1 Holding the Vecta2

Turn the unit ON, (if used for training, switch to

Train mode) hold the Vecta2in the left hand

away from your body, in a vertical orientation

and at ear level. Holding the Vecta2in this

manner also polarizes the antenna with a

vertically oriented BEACON antenna and

improves the ability to hear signals in the early

stages of a search by positioning the Vecta2

speaker next to your ear.

Figure 4

The right-hand front antenna element of the Vecta2™ is the electrically active element and the

body’s effect on the front to back ratio of the antenna is minimized when in this position.

Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2

3.2 Headphones

Headphones can assist in the early stage of a search when the signal is very weak. When outside

the range of a transmitter, the Vecta2will pick up ambient electromagnetic interference, (EMI), or

static noise. The EMI can overpower the signal of a distant transmitter. At times the oscillating tone

of a BEACON can be heard faintly amidst the static by listening with the headphones. When this

occurs the BEACON is located in the general direction that the Vecta2is pointed. Move in that

direction.

3.3 Searching for a BEACON

Slowly rotate 360°, taking about 2 minutes, listening for a 121.5 MHz BEACON tone. The LEDs will

scroll up and down as you rotate nearer and farther away from the BEACON’s signal. The FINE

scale will climb when facing the BEACON. There are two indication modes for deciding the

direction of the BEACON: You must take your time when rotating and keep the Vecta2in the same

position as you turn to minimize the effects of your body on your power readings.

Tone Mode: When just coming into range of the BEACON (Weak Signal) an audio tone will

be your guide for direction. A louder tone will be received from the BEACON direction. If no

tone is heard, rotate the unit in your hand 90° and scan the horizon all around (360°)

listening for a tone. See section 3.4 for an explanation of polarization. If a tone is heard, the

BEACON is in range, and the rescue can continue with greater pace.

Visual Mode: When Audio Tone has stabilized (as signal strength increases), the LED

Signal Meter will scroll in an upward fashion indicating an increase in signal strength, as you

approach the BEACON. Signal strength can be observed in two different modes: COARSE

and FINE. See section 4.0 for an explanation of COARSE and FINE signals.

3.4 Polarization of the BEACON and the Vecta2

The ability of the Vecta2to pick up a weak signal is improved when the antenna of the Vecta2is

polarized with the antenna of the transmitter.

In a blind search, the polarization of the BEACON’s antenna is unknown. To polarize the antennas

rotate the Vecta2antennas from a horizontal position to a vertical position so they are in alignment

with the transmitting BEACON’s antenna. The Vecta2is not polarized when the antenna blades of

the unit are in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the transmitting antenna.

Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2

The Vecta2is polarized for maximum signal strength when the antenna blades of the unit are in a

parallel orientation with the transmit antenna.

Figure 5

Polarized with Beacon Figure 6

Not Polarized with Beacon

Once the tone is heard and the rescuer is heading in the direction of the BEACON, the LEDs can

be expected to climb up the Signal Strength Meter visually showing that the BEACON is nearer.

The Audio tone will remain constant.

4.0 UNDERSTANDING THE DUAL SCALE

In most situations a searcher will focus on the COARSE scale to determine signal strength when

scanning the horizon (360°). In some situations a searcher will have two signals 180° opposite that

seem to be the same signal strength. Choosing the right direction oftentimes depends on very

small changes to the FINE scale. It is important to understand the relationship of the COARSE

scale to the FINE scale.

The further from the BEACON transmitter, the weaker the signal; the closer, the stronger the

signal. The Vecta2Signal Strength Meters measure the decibel level of a signal in 256 units

displayed on two columns (16 x 16 = 256).

The COARSE and FINE scales are labeled 1-16. Each COARSE LED step represents a value

increase of 16 units which are represented in the FINE scale. As the Signal level increase the

scales climb up towards the top. When the FINE scale reaches 16 the COARSE scale will

increment up 1 unit.

4.1 Reading Power Measurements to Determine Bearing and Direction

The Vecta2is designed to indicate the signal strength of a transmitting BEACON. With the

antennas deployed and held in its operating position the Vecta2will be able to measure the signal

strength of the received signal and when pointing in the direction of the BEACON the Vecta2will

display the highest power reading level (You need to determine this in your 360 degree sweep).

A COARSE scale reading of 2 combined with a FINE

scale reading of 10 equals an overall signal strength

value of 2.10.

Adding 7 FINE steps to the above signal strength forces

the next COARSE LED to illuminate and the FINE to

loop to 1 again, giving an overall signal strength value of

3.1.

Figure 7 Figure 8

When determining bearing you should be focused on the fine scale and looking for the highest

power reading and from slowly scanning left and right you should see where the power starts to

drop off from the highest power reading and proceed forward in that highest readings direction.

Walking or not holding the Vecta2in its operation position can be misleading when trying to read

the power meter, ensure you are always in the operating position when recording power

measurements.

Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2

5.0 RANGE EXERCISES

5.1 Selecting a Location for the Test BEACON

This range exercise involves placing the test BEACON in an area similar to where rescues are

expected to take place, then moving away from the BEACON in measured distances and recording

the signal strength. For open water searches, anchor the BEACON in an area where there is at

least 8 nautical miles of open water in all directions. Secure the BEACON so it cannot be moved or

pulled under by wind or current. Attaching the BEACON to an orange life buoy or similar flotation

device in addition to the supplied flotation collar will improve the BEACON’s visibility in heavy seas.

If the application is an oil platform, anchor the test BEACON in an area around the platform. If an

airport, then place the test BEACON somewhere on the airport grounds. If you expect to conduct a

search in more than one environment, do a range exercise in each environment.

This will help you build experience with the Vecta2and how the effects of your particular search

environment impact the radio waves traveling from a BEACON.

5.2 Recording Observations

Once the test BEACON is placed and the location accurately determined, turn the test BEACON

ON and point the Vecta2directly at the BEACON. Record the COARSE and FINE reading. Move

away from the test BEACON, recording the COARSE and FINE at intervals of 0.25, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5,

2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 (nautical and/or statutory miles) etc., until it can no longer

be heard under any circumstances. A form similar to the following may be helpful in recording the

results of your range exercise:

0.0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0

COARSE

FINE

When doing a range exercise in the ocean, especially at greater distances, wave height can cause

a BEACON to be heard intermittently as it rides up out of a trough to the crest of a swell or wave

and back down. A GPS is invaluable in ensuring accurate distance intervals.

Emergency transmitters that emit the VHF 121.5 MHz frequencies are limited to line of sight and

will be detectable at a much greater range or distance on the open ocean than on land. This is a

function of the transmitted signal being absorbed by hilly terrain, vegetation and buildings.

5.3 Conducting a Blind Search

A partner hides the test BEACON within a realistic search area. Place the test BEACON in an area

that does not inhibit the signal. (Avoid situations such as in a hole, submerged under water, lying

on its side, laying on a metal plate, etc. A BEACON can be found in these situations, however

these situations are considered advanced and should be practiced only after the fundamentals are

attained.) The trainee using the Vecta2need only be aware of the search area boundaries.

5.4 Search Patterns

At the very beginning of a search, it is important to slowly rotate the Vecta2antennas from

horizontal to vertical and back when searching for the signal. The signal will be more easily

detected when the Vecta2becomes aligned or polarized with the antenna of the transmitter, which

may not be known to the searcher.

Watch the FINE signal scale for signs of a strengthening signal. Once the signal strength rises

above the EMI, the Signal Strength Meter should be used primarily to determine the directional

bearing to the transmitter.

Depending on whether a search is conducted on land or sea determines the search pattern. On

water, the pattern is methodical, beginning up current working towards the opposite end of the

search area. On land, drive the perimeter of the search area, stopping periodically to sweep the

horizon with the Vecta2.

Figure 9

Standard SAR Pattern - Move until a signal is detected.

Disconnect the Vecta2from the omni-directional antenna.

Sweep the horizon to establish a directional bearing to the

BEACON. Once the direction is determined, continue

towards the BEACON. If the signal becomes weak or

disappears, return to the last known location with a signal

and take a new bearing. This type of search pattern is

preferable for aquatic based searches, where the terrain is

considered flat and there is little concern for reflected signals

from ob

ects.

Follow the strengthening signal. If it starts to fall or weaken, STOP! Slowly move the Vecta2in a

circle to clearly establish the strongest signal direction.

A cross-directional search pattern is useful when

there are a lot of false signals. Start the search

heading in a straight line until the signal weakens

(A). Stop, and take a signal strength reading at 90°

from the current heading (B). Choose the stronger

signal (C). Continue in that direction until the

BEACON is found (D), or the signal becomes

weak. Repeat the process crossing the straight

path at 90° intervals when the signal starts to

weaken. Move in a straight line as the Signal

Strength Meter strengthens. Do not deviate from

the straight-line course as long as the signal is

strengthening (see figure 10).

DCB

Figure 10

Stop at the instance the signal peaks and starts to

weaken. The BEACON will be laying close to a line perpendicular to your current course. Take

signal strength readings at 90° angles from your current straight line course and heading and try to

determine if the signal is stronger in one direction or another. Turn exactly 90° and repeat the first

step of walking in a straight line as long as the signal strengthens, stopping as soon as it begins to

fall. If for some reason you have chosen the wrong direction the signal will begin to weaken

steadily from the moment you turn and start moving. If signal meter shows the signal is weakening

turn around and work in the reverse direction.

Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2

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