Troubleshooting guide

ARTEX AIRCRAFT SUPPLIES, INC. 570-1600
 If this error code persists there may be a problem with the antenna
installation. This can be checked with a VSWR meter. Check the antenna for
opens, shorts, resistive ground plane connection.
4 Flashes - Low power detected. Occurs if output power is below approximately 33 dBm (2
watts) for the 406 signal or 17 dBm (50 mW) for the 121.5 MHz output.
 Check coax and connections
 Check antenna installation
 Check that the frequencies are within acceptable limits
5 Flashes – Indicates that the ELT has not been programmed or is incorrectly programmed.
Does not indicate erroneous or corrupted programmed data.
6 Flashes – Indicates that G-switch loop between pins 5 and 12 at the D-sub connector is not
installed. ELT will not activate during a crash.
 Check that the harness D-sub jumper is installed by verifying less than 1 ohm
of resistance between pins 5 and 12.
7 Flashes – Indicates that the ELT battery has too much accumulated operation time (> 1hr).
Battery may still power ELT; however, it must be replaced to meet FAA
specifications. May also indicate damage to the battery circuit.
4.4.10 Verification of Digital Message
This test is not mandatory in the United States (FAR 91.207(d)); however, Artex strongly
recommends that it be performed as part of annual maintenance.
This test is mandatory in Canada
Verify the 406 MHz digital message using a test set capable of receiving and decoding the
message. Artex suggests the ELT Test Set (ETS) P/N 453-1000. Contact your local Artex dealer
for availability of the ETS or call Artex direct at 1-800-547-8901. Other beacon testers can be
used for the digital message verification. Follow instructions provided with the test set.
Realize that the Artex 406 MHz ELT transmits a 406 MHz message upon reset, which is encoded
such that it will be ignored by the SAR satellite system. This 15-digit number is used to register
the ELT with the appropriate 406 MHz ELT registration authority. In the US, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains the database of registered ELTs.
NOTE: For the following example, the programming protocol is assumed to be Tail
Number, Short Message (Aviation User Protocol). Other protocols are possible
and the exact read-outs of the test set may vary. Refer to the applicable
operation manual included with the test set or contact Artex for assistance.
To verify the digital message, perform the following steps:
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