User Guide

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A
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• If the test burst was not received, the FPR-100 may be too far from the antenna. Repeat the
test with the FPR-100 closer to the antenna. (Typically, an FPR-100 can receive a signal from
the cross dipole at a maximum range of 100 ft. (30.5m).
• If the FPR-100 still does not receive the test burst, check all coaxial connections from the
beacon to the antenna.
SECTION 4 - OPERATION
4.1 General
4.1.1 The ThunderBird SSAS Beacon can only be activated manually while installed in the mounting
bracket.
4.1.2 The following two conditions must be satisfied to activate the ThunderBird SSAS:
1) The switch on the beacon must be placed in the “READY” position.
2) One of the remote activation switches must be depressed.
4.1.3 The ThunderBird SSAS is designed to allow the user to perform periodic testing while SSAS is
in the mounting bracket, to assure a functioning beacon.
4.2 Controls
4.2.1 Thumb Switch: The thumb switch on the top right side of the beacon controls the mode of
operation of the ThunderBird SSAS. There are three switch positions (see figure 5):
1) Off: Down to the front, indicated by “O”
2) Self-Test: Vertical
3) Ready: Down to the back, indicated by “ I ”
4.2.2 Remote activation switches: These are momentary switches installed on the ship that are used to
activate the beacon when the beacon is placed in READY mode. To activate, lift the spring-
loaded guard and press the button.
Note: Once the beacon has been activated, it must be manually deactivated.
4.3 Indicators
4.3.1 LED’s:
There are two LED indicators located on the top right part of the beacon:
1) TEST LED: Green
2) XMIT (transmitting) LED: Red
4.3.2 Buzzer:
There is an internal buzzer in the ThunderBird SSAS. The buzzer beeps only during the
Self-Test.
4.3.3 There are no indicators of the beacon’s mode of operation at the remote activation points.
4.3.4 There is no audible indication while in the transmission (operating) mode.