User Guide

Y1-03-0180 Rev. A

Also to be considered in selecting a location for installation is the harmful effect that certain

corrosive vapors might have on the beacon. Under no circumstances should a location be selected

for installation where the beacon would be jeopardized by any foreign articles being temporarily

or permanently positioned during “at sea” or “in port” activities.

Do not mount or store the beacon within 1 meter (3.3 ft) of strong magnetic (such as loud

speakers) or electrical (such as radar or high power radio transmitter) fields. The beacon should

not be mounted closer than 1 meter (3.3 ft) to a navigation compass.

In order to maintain the required covert operation, the ThunderBird SSAS mounting location

should be hidden from the view of most personnel and all passengers and guests. Suitable

locations include inside an equipment closet or cabinet, under the navigation bridge and inside a

closed equipment rack.

The bracket can be mounted in any orientation; however, the beacon controls and system

connections are designed for vertical installation. When selecting a mounting location the

following should be carefully considered:

• Routing of switch wires/cables. (Connects to top of mounting bracket.)

• Routing of RG-8U coaxial antenna cable. (Connects to top of beacon.)

• Routing of GPS interface cable. (Connects to top left part of beacon.)

• Accessibility to beacon control switch. (Top right part of beacon.)

• Visibility of Test and Xmit LED’s. (Top left part of beacon.)

3.2.3 Hardware

Use three Stainless Steel Pan Head fasteners to secure beacon mount to surface. Size 3/16” or

#10 bolts can be used. (Not Supplied)

3.2.4 Installing the beacon in the bracket

The mounting bracket is keyed to prevent the beacon from being installed backwards. Install the

ThunderBird SSAS with the front label facing out. The strap should be tightened to secure the

beacon snugly in the bracket. Connect the 2-Pin waterproof connector on the left side of the

beacon.

ThunderBird SSAS correctly mounted in bracket

Figure 1

GPS Interface Cable

2-Pin Waterproof Connector

Bracket Mounting Strap