User Guide

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A
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4.4 Modes of operation
4.4.1 OFF Mode: The ThunderBird SSAS can not be activated when in OFF mode. The beacon is in
OFF mode whenever the thumb switch is in the “Off” position (down to the front) as indicated by
the “O” symbol displayed on the thumb switch.
4.4.2 READY Mode: The ThunderBird SSAS is capable of being activated when in READY mode.
The beacon is in READY mode whenever the thumb switch is in the “Ready” position (down to
the back) as indicated by the “ I ” symbol displayed on the thumb switch.
4.4.3 ON Mode: The ThunderBird SSAS is activated and is transmitting bursts of data when in ON
mode. The beacon is in ON mode when one of the remote switches is depressed while the beacon
is in READY mode. ON mode is indicated by a flashing red XMIT LED.
4.4.4 SELF-TEST Mode: The ThunderBird SSAS is in SELF-TEST mode while it is performing the
self-test. The beacon goes into SELF-TEST mode when the thumb switch is held in the Self-Test
position (vertical) for at least 1 second. SELF-TEST mode is indicated by a series of flashing
green TEST LED and red XMIT LED’s and beeps as detailed in section 4.7.
4.5 Activation
An ACR 406 MHz SSAS can be activated by two different methods.
1. With the beacon switch in the ready position and depressing one of the buttons of the remote
activation points, or
2. With the beacon switch in the ready position and shorting the two wire leads from the beacon.
4.5.1 The ThunderBird SSAS can be manually activated by first placing the beacon in READY mode.
This is done by lifting the thumb switch to a vertical position, sliding it to the left and pushing it
down to the back side of the SSAS READY mode is indicated by the " I " symbol displayed on
the thumb switch.
4.5.2 Once in READY mode, the ThunderBird SSAS is activated by depressing one of the remote
activation switches. At the remote activation locations, there is no indication that the beacon is
activated. This is intentional to ensure covert operation. The flashing red XMIT LED on the
beacon indicates activation.
4.5.3 The ThunderBird SSAS should only be activated when the ships security has been threatened or
compromised. However, applicable personnel must be familiar with its operation so the beacon
can be activated when needed.
4.6 Deactivation
4.6.1 The ThunderBird SSAS can be deactivated by returning the thumb switch to the “OFF” position.
4.6.2 If the beacon continues to operate after it has been deactivated, remove the four screws holding
the top cap to the bottom case assembly and unplug the battery to disable the unit. Return it to a
Service Center for repair.