PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL Vecta2™ Dual Scale Direction Finder Product No. 2769.4 121.5MHz 121.775 MHz Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2 ACR Electronics, Inc. 5757 Ravenswood Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Tel: +1(954) 981-3333 Fax: +1 (954) 983-5087 www.acrelectronics.com Email: info@acrelectronics.
IF YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE WITH YOUR PRODUCT, DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE STORE! CALL ACR ELECTRONICS AT +1 (954) 981-3333. WE WILL HELP YOU RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING. MANY PROBLEMS CAN BE CORRECTED OVER THE PHONE. LIMITED WARRANTY This product is warranted against factory defect in material and workmanship for a period of five years from date of purchase or receipt as a gift. During the warranty period ACR Electronics, Inc.
Foreword Thank you for purchasing from ACR Electronics, Inc. We design, manufacture and distribute quality products knowing they are used to save lives. Many of our products are required to be tested and approved by regulatory bodies worldwide. We believe in going beyond those specifications to insure our products work when needed in real world conditions. With proper care and maintenance your ACR product will last for years.
1.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 1.1 Introducing the Vecta2 Dual Scale Direction Finder The Vecta2™ Dual Scale Radio Direction Finder (DF) provides a Dual Scale signal strength meter that can detect an AM radio signal typically down to .5µV. One scale is for COARSE power readings and one scale for FINE power that is user friendly for use on land or at sea.
1.4 Direction Finder and Test BEACON Features 1. Antenna Elements 2. External Antenna Jack 3 COARSE and FINE Signal Strength Meters 4. Search and Train Frequency indicator LEDs. Search Freq – 121.5MHz Train Freq – 121.775MHz 5. Search and Train frequency Receive Channel buttons 6. Volume Up and Down buttons 7. On and Off buttons 8. External Headphone Jack 9. External 12VDC Power jack 10. Mini B2 Training BEACON 2 1 3 4 5 10 6 7 8 9 Figure 2 4 Y1-03-0227 Rev.
2.0 INSTALLATION 2.1 Remote Omni-Directional Antenna (Rooftop, Pole, etc…) The Vecta2 is supplied with a specially designed and tuned 3’ whip antenna (121.5 MHz) and should be mounted as high as practical for optimum receiver range. Use a standard 1” x 14 thread VHF style mount appropriate for your mounting location. Route the Coax to where the Vecta2 is mounted and connect via the external antenna jack.
3.2 Headphones Headphones can assist in the early stage of a search when the signal is very weak. When outside the range of a transmitter, the Vecta2 will pick up ambient electromagnetic interference, (EMI), or static noise. The EMI can overpower the signal of a distant transmitter. At times the oscillating tone of a BEACON can be heard faintly amidst the static by listening with the headphones. When this occurs the BEACON is located in the general direction that the Vecta2 is pointed.
Once the tone is heard and the rescuer is heading in the direction of the BEACON, the LEDs can be expected to climb up the Signal Strength Meter visually showing that the BEACON is nearer. The Audio tone will remain constant. 4.0 UNDERSTANDING THE DUAL SCALE In most situations a searcher will focus on the COARSE scale to determine signal strength when scanning the horizon (360°). In some situations a searcher will have two signals 180° opposite that seem to be the same signal strength.
5.0 RANGE EXERCISES 5.1 Selecting a Location for the Test BEACON This range exercise involves placing the test BEACON in an area similar to where rescues are expected to take place, then moving away from the BEACON in measured distances and recording the signal strength. For open water searches, anchor the BEACON in an area where there is at least 8 nautical miles of open water in all directions. Secure the BEACON so it cannot be moved or pulled under by wind or current.
Watch the FINE signal scale for signs of a strengthening signal. Once the signal strength rises above the EMI, the Signal Strength Meter should be used primarily to determine the directional bearing to the transmitter. Depending on whether a search is conducted on land or sea determines the search pattern. On water, the pattern is methodical, beginning up current working towards the opposite end of the search area.
When the signal strength peaks on the second leg of the search pattern, the BEACON will be closer. If visual contact isn’t made with the BEACON, or if there are still a lot of signal reflections, an additional 90° signal check is preformed. The new course is now parallel to the original course heading. Signal reflections, or false signals, can be a problem at any time of the search.
6.2 ELT False Activation Scenario: A Cessna 172 inbound to land at the local airport bounces in on a hard landing setting off the impact activated ELT. An old fashioned c91 ELT does not notify him that it is transmitting. He taxis to his tie down spot, shuts down his plane and leaves, not realizing that his c91 ELT is transmitting a signal to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. Action: The airport manager, (or ATC, FBO, Unicom, etc.) is alerted to the ELT transmission by the AC power connected Vecta2.
7.0 TECHNICAL DATA Vecta2 Frequency Received Frequency Stability Operating Temperatures Operating Life: Activation Size Weight Color Limited Warranty Search Channel - 121.5 MHz Training Channel - 121.775 MHz .005% (Crystal controlled) -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to + 131°F) 16 hours continuous on one battery, unlimited operating life on either AC or DC power supply Manual “ON-OFF” switch 9.0 x 2.5 x 1.5 in (23 x 6 x 4 cm) 9.0 x 16.0 x 1.5 in (23 x 40.6 x 4 cm) with antenna opened 15.
