Product Manual

5 Y1-03-0171 Rev. A
Introduction
The SART is a Search and Rescue Transponder that provides location information to search radars
operating in the X-band (9.2 – 9.5 GHz). Once activated the SART detects the radar signal of the
search craft and sends a series of response pulses to the radar of the search craft that causes a series
of 12 equally spaced arcs to appear on the radar display (see figure 1). The arcs indicate the
direction to the SART location. The rescue craft follows the direction shown and proceeds to the
SART.
To achieve the maximum useful range the SART must be mounted at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) above
sea level and the rescue craft antenna must be 50 feet (15 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.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all vessels of more than 300 GRT to carry
at least one SART and vessels 500 GRT and over must carry at least two SART’s.
Figure 2 on page 6 shows the key features of your TelluSART MK III SART. The blue
activation switch ring is located under the top white cap. Located in the middle of the switch
ring is a red pull tab that must be removed to activate your SART. The pull tab locks the switch
ring in place and stops the SART from accidentally being placed in the ON position.
Turning the switch ring to the left allows you to test the SART. When held to the left, the SART
will beep once and continue to flash every four seconds. When released the switch ring will
return to the OFF position. TEST mode is identical to ON mode and will generate a “distress”
pattern on any Radar within range. Use TEST mode carefully to avoid false alarms.
To activate your SART in times of emergency, turn the blue activation switch ring to the left into
the test position and remove the red pull tab by pulling down on the lanyard attached to the tab.
Turn the blue activation switch ring to the right and into the ON position (see page 9 for
complete activation instructions).
When first turned ON, the SART will beep once and continue to flash every four seconds. The
SART is now operational. When responding to Radar the red light comes on continuously and
the SART will beep every two seconds. For best results a telescope pole is supplied on the
bottom of your SART to position the SART to the proper height above sea level.