The ARTEX ELT 345 is a certified Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) designed for aviation safety and compliance with international and U.S. regulatory standards. This device is intended to activate automatically during a crash and transmit a distress signal on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz frequencies. It also supports manual activation via a cockpit-mounted remote switch. Installation of the ELT 345 requires careful attention to mechanical, electrical, and antenna specifications to ensure reliable operation in emergency scenarios.
This article outlines the installation, maintenance, and operational guidelines for the ARTEX ELT 345 based on the official manufacturer documentation and technical specifications provided in the product manual. The instructions are intended for qualified aviation technicians and include specific details on mounting procedures, wiring requirements, battery replacement, and testing protocols.
Installation Procedures
The installation of the ARTEX ELT 345 involves several key steps, beginning with the preparation of the mounting tray and the secure placement of the ELT unit. The ELT must be installed in a location that is likely to remain intact during a crash. According to the documentation, the tail section of an aircraft is considered the most suitable area for ELT installation, as it is statistically less likely to be severely damaged during impact.
Mounting Tray and ELT Placement
The ELT 345 is designed to be mounted in a dedicated tray (part number A3-06-2882), which is secured to the aircraft structure. The mounting process involves the following steps:
- Align the mounting tray on the aircraft structure such that the arrow on the tray is within 10° of the aircraft’s longitudinal axis.
- Insert the ELT into the mounting tray at an angle, ensuring that the locking ears at the tail end of the ELT engage first.
- Press the ELT down until it is fully seated in the tray.
- Replace the four screws provided and apply a torque of 5 in-lb. to secure the ELT. The screws must be tightened in a specific sequence to ensure even pressure distribution and secure mounting.
Sealing is an essential step in the installation process to protect the ELT from environmental exposure. Sealant should be injected into the back side of the plug to surround all exposed electrical connections and the rear of the plug.
Remote Switch Installation
The ARTEX ELT 345 requires the installation of a 2-wire remote switch (part number A3-06-2757), which allows the pilot to manually activate the ELT from the cockpit. The remote switch must be mounted in a location that is both visible and accessible. The switch includes an indicator LED to show the operational status of the ELT.
The installation of the remote switch involves the following:
- Drill screw holes in the cockpit panel using a #28 or 3.6 mm drill.
- Install the switch assembly using the hardware provided in the remote switch installation kit.
- Apply the “For Aviation Emergency Use Only/Unauthorized Use Prohibited” placard (part number 591-0428) to the switch.
Wiring and Harness Assembly
The wiring between the ELT and the remote switch must be carefully assembled to ensure signal integrity and durability. The harness should be routed in a way that minimizes exposure to mechanical stress or vibration. A drip loop should be created at the ELT end of the harness to prevent water ingress, and a service loop should be included at the cockpit end to facilitate future maintenance.
The D-sub connector at the ELT end must be assembled with a rubber grommet to provide a secure and sealed connection. The jumper between pins 5 and 12 on the D-sub receptacle enables the G-switch circuitry, which allows the ELT to activate based on acceleration thresholds.
Power and Battery Considerations
The ARTEX ELT 345 is powered by a battery pack consisting of two “D” size lithium manganese dioxide cells. The battery must be replaced when the operational life of the ELT exceeds one hour, as indicated by an error message during a self-test. The self-test function is an essential part of routine maintenance to verify the operational status of the ELT.
Battery Replacement and Testing
Battery replacement should be performed by qualified technicians in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. The ELT must be tested following battery replacement to ensure that the new battery functions correctly. A monthly functional check is recommended to verify the ELT’s readiness in case of an emergency.
The battery pack is not interchangeable with other types or brands, and only the specified lithium manganese dioxide cells should be used. The ELT will not operate properly with non-approved battery types.
Antenna Installation and Requirements
The ARTEX ELT 345 requires the use of a specific antenna (part number A3-06-2892-1) for proper signal transmission. The antenna must be selected based on the aircraft’s maximum rated speed and any location restrictions. The coaxial cable used to connect the ELT to the antenna must meet specific insertion loss requirements.
The recommended coaxial cable is part number 611-6013-04 (6 feet in length), which complies with the minimum and maximum cable insertion losses. If a longer cable is required, a low-loss cable must be used to maintain signal integrity.
Antenna Inspection and Testing
The antenna must be inspected regularly for signs of damage, poor condition, or improper mounting. A faulty or improperly mounted antenna can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the ELT during an emergency.
ARTEX recommends using the online testing service www.406Test.com to ensure that the ELT 345 is transmitting through-the-satellite during annual inspections and initial installations. This service allows for remote verification of the ELT’s digital message and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
Maintenance and Testing Protocols
Routine maintenance and testing are critical to the long-term reliability of the ARTEX ELT 345. The following procedures are outlined in the official installation and maintenance manual:
Functional Checks and Self-Tests
A monthly functional check is recommended to ensure the ELT is operational. This includes verifying the status LED on the remote switch and performing a self-test of the ELT. The self-test process should be performed in accordance with the instructions provided in the manual.
During a self-test, the ELT transmits a distress signal for a short duration, and the system checks for any operational errors. If the operation time exceeds one hour, an error indicator will be displayed. This does not affect the normal operation of the ELT but serves as a notification that the battery may need to be replaced.
Digital Message Verification
The digital message transmitted by the ELT 345 must be verified using a beacon reader such as ARTEX part numbers 453-1000, 453-2000, 8700, or 8701. The beacon tester should be connected to the ELT according to the instructions provided with the test equipment. This verification process ensures that the ELT is transmitting the correct digital message, which is essential for satellite-based location tracking.
ELT Reset and Verification
After any manual activation or test, the ELT must be reset to return it to its normal operational state. The reset procedure involves placing the ELT control switch in the ON position and verifying that the system is ready for use. This step is necessary to ensure that the ELT is prepared for automatic activation in the event of a crash.
Regulatory Compliance and Documentation
The ARTEX ELT 345 must be registered in accordance with the requirements of the Cospas-Sarsat system, which coordinates the global search and rescue (SAR) response to distress signals. The registration process involves submitting the ELT’s hexadecimal identification code (Hex ID) along with other relevant information such as the aircraft registration number and owner details.
Registration Procedures
The registration of the ELT can be completed through the ARTEX products website at www.acrartex.com. This site provides links to online registration portals and downloadable registration forms for various countries. The Hex ID code is a unique identifier consisting of letters A-F and numbers 0-9 and is used to associate the ELT with its registered aircraft.
Compliance with FAA and CAR Standards
The ARTEX ELT 345 is designed to meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Canadian Air Regulations (CAR) Part VI, Standard 625. These regulations specify the intervals for ELT inspections and testing. In the United States, ELTs must be inspected at intervals not exceeding 12 months, while in Canada, inspections must be performed at intervals not exceeding 12 months as well.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal penalties and may affect the aircraft’s airworthiness status. Therefore, it is essential to maintain accurate records of all ELT inspections, tests, and maintenance activities.
Troubleshooting and Error Indication
The ARTEX ELT 345 includes several built-in diagnostic features to assist with troubleshooting and maintenance. The ELT will display error indicators during self-tests if any issues are detected, such as battery depletion or improper signal transmission. These indicators provide valuable information to technicians for diagnosing and resolving potential problems.
Common Issues and Solutions
Battery Depletion: If the ELT indicates that the operational time has exceeded one hour, the battery must be replaced as soon as possible. This can be verified through a self-test and confirmed by checking the battery voltage.
Signal Transmission Issues: If the ELT fails to transmit a distress signal, the antenna must be inspected for damage or improper mounting. The coaxial cable and connectors should also be checked for faults.
Remote Switch Malfunction: If the remote switch does not respond correctly, the wiring harness should be inspected for breaks or loose connections. The switch itself should also be tested for continuity and proper operation.
Digital Message Errors: If the ELT fails to transmit the correct digital message, the beacon reader should be used to verify the message content. If the message is incorrect, the ELT may need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
Conclusion
The ARTEX ELT 345 is a critical safety device that plays a vital role in aviation emergency response systems. Its installation, maintenance, and testing must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and regulatory requirements. The detailed procedures outlined in this article provide a comprehensive guide for qualified technicians to ensure the ELT is properly installed and functioning correctly.
By following the installation guidelines, performing regular maintenance checks, and verifying the ELT’s digital message transmission, aircraft operators can ensure that their ELT is ready to perform in the event of an emergency. The ARTEX ELT 345 is designed to meet the highest standards of reliability and performance, making it a trusted choice for aviation safety professionals.