USCG AIRSTA MIAMI

EPIRB’s
How They Work
&
DF-430
MH-65C & D, MH60T, HU25, C-130J,
HC144

January 2010
 How the System Works

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 LEOSAR & GEOSAR
Satellites

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Types of Beacons
Maritime
Distress • EPIRBs
Beacon 406 MHz (w/ 121.5 homer)
Automatic activation when
out of bracket and wet.
Floats upright to transmit
Strobe light
Min 48 hour transmit
Some GPS enabled

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Types of Beacons
Distress Beacon
for Personal Use
• PLBs (Land Rescue)
406 MHz (w/ 121.5 homer)
Manual activation
Carried on persons
May or may not float
Held out of water to transmit
NO Strobe light required
Min 24 hour transmit
Some GPS Enabled L Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
Types of Beacons
Aviation
Distress • ELTs
Beacon Transmit on 121.5 (most)
or 406 MHz
Integrated 121.5 MHz homer
Crash activation
Floats upright to transmit
No Strobe light
Min 48 hour transmit

L Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 EPIRB

• Maritime Satellite
• Emergency
• Position-Indicating
• RadioBeacon

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 EPIRB Operational Requirements
• EPIRB 406 MHz Signal - 5 Watts
• Short bursts at approximately 50 second
intervals (varies between 47.5 and 52.5 s), with a transmission
time of 440 ms or 520 ms.
• Transmits in the 406.0 to 406.1 MHz band.
• Transmission consists:
– unmodulated carrier, for 160 ms,
– short synchronization signal, signal inverted for test,
– Digital message that provides stored information
(identification, nationality, type of user),
– Optionally, current information like, type of emergency
and estimated location.
Designed to prevent inadvertent activation
Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 Hex ID
• EPIRB’s identification, when decoded into
its 15 character hexadecimal
representation, which is the EPIRB’s
unique identifier number.
• http://www.cospas-sarsat.org/Beacons/
decode.htm
• Normally readout in 3 groups of 5
characters.
Example: ABCDE 12345 ABCDE
Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 Battery Replacement
• Required at Expiration date or if EPIRB
activated for any reason besides test.
• Useful Life = power for all required testing
+ 48 hrs operation.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 EPIRB Operational Requirements
• Positive visual and/or audible indication
that EPIRB is activated (strobe light
flashing).
• Easily manually deployed, activate, and
deactivated, and transferred to survival
craft.
• Not be activated or deactivated by
conditions encountered in maritime
environment.
Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 EPIRB Control
• Ready – EPIRB should be ON in the water
unless in its bracket. Sometimes labeled “OFF”.
• ON – EPIRB operates regardless of
location or orientation. Unconditional “ON”
position. (Requires two physical actions)
• Test – Self-test Function.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

Prevention of Inadvertent Activation
• Must be fitted with means to prevent
inadvertent activation and deactivation.
• Not automatically activate when water
washes over while in bracket.
• Most EPIRBs use bracket with magnet to
disable activation circuit.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 EPIRB Deactivation
• Remove beacon from water and dry off or
replace in bracket

• Move switch to OFF or Ready position

• If the above failed then:

– Remove cover and disconnect battery

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 EPIRB Activation
• How
– By definition it transmits:
• out of bracket and wet,
• by manual switch, in or out of bracket,
Or
– Self test

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 EPIRB Activation
• What Happens;
– Beacon starts transmitting its Unique
Hex ID in a 406 MHz digital message,
– 121.5 MHz homer with an audible
warble,
– Strobe Light starts flashing.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Rockwell Collins DF-430

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 NAV Page
• LS3 access the DF
Control Page.

• Accesses the NAV

Page.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 DF Control Page
• Access to BCN, TAC,  PRESETS
Df ctrl

and SAR pages. MODE: ON BCN 

TAC SAR

C/S ------------------------------------
↕[ ]
• Display page for
LAT/Long if received.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 DF-430 Utilization by USCG
Aircraft
• DF-430 Modes: Despite aircraft unique
installations, all interfaces provide 3 basic
modes of operations:
– TAC SCAN - Tactical Scan
– SAR SCAN - SAR
– BCN - Beacon

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 TAC Scan

• TAC Scan - will scan: 121.5 MHz, 243.0

MHz, 406 (.025 / .028 / .037) MHz, + Manually
entered frequency.
– Signal detection on operator selected tac freq,
will result in TAC DET annunciation + bearing
pointer.
– 406, 121, or 243 detection will get DET
annunciation, No bearing pointer.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 SAR Scan

• SAR Scan - will scan: 121.5 MHz, 243.0

MHz, and 406 (.025 / .028 / .037) MHz, with
priority to 406 MHz.
– Signal detection 406, will result in DET
annunciation + bearing pointer.
– 121, or 243 detection will get DET
annunciation, No bearing pointer.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 BCN
• Beacon provides single-channel access to
one of six signals: 121.5, 243.0, 406 MHz,
CH=16 (156.800MHz), CH-70 (156.525
MHz), or ARGOS (401.650 MHz).

• ARGOS (401.650) is the frequency for

your SLDMB.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Embedded GPS Data
• Only some Beacons have GPS
• Data only viewable if the aircraft DF-430
on the DF Control Page.
• GPS data should be considered
confirming source.
• Fly the Needle on your DF bearing pointer.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 DF Control Page
• C/S Will display  PRESETS
Df ctrl

LAT/LONG when MODE: ON BCN 

position transmitting
TAC SAR

C/S ------------------------------------

capable 406 is ↕[ ]

detected. LS4s will

then copy position
into scratchpad.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 “fly-to-waypoint”.
• From the DF Control Page, the aircrew will
be able to capture GPS data into their
scratchpad and create a “fly-to-waypoint”.
• This can assist:
– if the EPIRB signal is lost, or
– at EPRIB passage as the FMS needle may
swing before the DF needle due to ~50 sec
transmit cycle of beacon.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 DF Bearing Pointer
• DF pointer is relative (not stablilized)
• DF pointer only updates on receipt of next
406 MHz EPIRB burst transmission.
– Will seem jerky.
• EPIRB transmission only every ~50 sec.
• Burst transmission only half sec duration.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Figure-of-Merit (FOM) Values

• DF-430 will display a FOM value in range

of 0-255. Only displays on TAC, SAR, or
BCN Scan Page.

• Practical application is as a secondary

level of confidence the aircraft is tracking
towards target.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 406 MHz Detection Range
Detection
Altitude (ft) Range (nm)
25,000 133
22,500 129
20,000 124
17,500 119
15,000 113
12,500 106
10,000 99
7,500 88
5,000 76
2,500 57
1,500 23

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Operational Considerations
• Transit in SAR Scan, unless tasking
indicates a need to monitor a tactical freq.
• Greatest range/ earliest detection
opportunity at higher altitudes.
• If a 406 signal is detected, DF needle will
point and the GPS position displayed
when received.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 406 Beacon Tests
• Every 406 MHz Beacon is supposed to be tested
(using the self-test function) once every month.

• Each test transmits one live 406 burst.

• Wait at least two bursts before you react to a 406

Det.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Operational Considerations
• GPS positions from EPIRBs have been
inaccurate. If the FMS and DF needles
split, wait for next 406 burst and then
Follow the DF Needle.
• As a second confirming indication, watch
for increasing FOM.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 EPIRB Prosecution

What Does the CC/RCC

do with a 406 Alert?

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Registered/Unlocated
406MHZ EPIRB
• 1. RCC or RSC on receipt of unlocated
registered 406 EPIRB:
– a. Place case in the DISTRESS phase.
– b. Assume SMC.
– c. Determine status of vessel from contact
number listed, available databases, etc.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Registered/Unlocated
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 2. If vessel is determined to be safe
underway or in port:
– a. Close case. A case will be claimed for all
406 alerts prosecuted

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Registered/Unlocated
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 3. If vessel is underway and cannot be
contacted:
– a. Issue UMIB for Home Port and general
area in which vessel is believed to be
operating.
– b. Contact AMVER Ships and request callouts
for the vessel.
– c. Contact USMCC and request satellite
forecast for the geographic area.
Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 Registered/Unlocated
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 3. If vessel is underway and cannot be
contacted:
– d. If the next forecast satellite pass does not
locate the beacon consider sending an SRU
to the area to attempt to hail the vessel or DF
on 406/121.5MHZ homing signal. Continue
investigating to try to determine last known
position/probable track of vessel for additional
searches.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Registered/Unlocated
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 3. If vessel is underway and cannot be
contacted:
– e. If vessel cannot be located after reasonable
search is conducted, search will be
suspended.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Registered/Unlocated
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 4. If SRU is tasked to search for vessel:
– a. Proceed top LKP/tasked search area.
Make callouts for vessel and attempt to DF
homing beacon on 406/121.5MHZ.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Registered/Unlocated
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 4. If SRU is tasked to search for vessel:
– b. If signal cannot be DF’d once on scene and
unless otherwise tasked, aircraft shall
complete a VS search at radius of 12NM.
Vessels shall complete the same search at
3NM.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 “A” solution located
406MHZ EPIRB
• 1. RCC or RSC on receipt “A” solution
located 406MHZ EPIRB:
– a. Place case in the DISTRESS phase.
– b. Assumed SMC.
– c. Determine status of vessel from contact
number listed (if registered), available
databases, etc.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 “A” solution located
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 2. RCC or RSC if vessel is determined to
be safe/underway or in port:
– a. Close case.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 “A” solution located
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 3. RCC or RSC if vessel is underway and
cannot be contacted:
– a. Issue UMIB for general area in which
vessel is believed to be operating.
– b. Contact AMVER ships in vicinity and
request callouts for vessel.
– c. Dispatch SRU to located vessel and
determine status. SRU’s should be tasked to
DF on the signal.
Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 “A” solution located
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 3. RCC or RSC if vessel is underway and
cannot be contacted:
– d. If vessel cannot be located after reasonable
search is conducted, search will be suspended.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 “A” solution located
406MHZ EPIRB (cont)
• 4. SRU if tasked to search for vessel:
– a. Proceed to position/tasked search area.
Make callouts for vessel and attempt to DF
homing beacon on 406/121.5MHZ.
– b. If a signal cannot be DF’d once on scene
and unless otherwise tasked, aircraft shall
complete a VS search at radius of 12NM.
Vessels shall complete the same search at
3NM.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

“B” solution with alert probability
less than or equal to 20%
1. RCC or RSC on receipt “B” solution with
probability less than or equal to 20%:
a. Place case in the UNCERTAINTY phase.
b. Assume SMC.
c. Coordinate investigation with RCC responsible
for “A” solution. If investigation determines “B”
solution is the likely position, respond in same
manner as an “A” solution.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 “B” solution with alert
probability greater than 20%
• 1. RCC or RSC on receipt “B” solution with
probability greater than 20%:
– a. Place case in the ALERT phase.
– b. Assumed SMC.
– c. Coordinate investigation with RCC
responsible for “A” solution. If investigation
determines “B” solution is the likely position,
respond in same manner as an “A” solution.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 Unregistered/Unlocated
EPIRB alerts:
• 1. RCC or RSC investigate identity of
vessel through vessel data bases.
• 2. RCC or RSC contact RCC country of
vessel registered and attempt to determine
vessel’s status.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 False Alerts

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 False Alerts
• If a false alert is determined upon arrival
on-scene complete the following actions:
– Have vessel de-activate the beacon.
– Have vessel provide the beacon “HexID”
– Have vessel provide the reason beacon
alerted and include in MISLE Reporting.
– Advise vessel that EPIRB and bracket require
servicing and battery replacement.
– Relay to tasking authority as required.
Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 Operator Induced False Alerts
• 10% were Testing without following
manufactures instructions, or other
deliberate non-emergency activations
• 6% were EPIRBs deliberately taken
out of bracket and naked of any
control of the wet sensor.

Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS

 EPIRB False Alerts
69% Caused by Failure of “The bracket
decoupling function” to control the
EPIRB
– Observed with Category I and II
– Manufactures, makes and models
in the US registration data base
were proportionally represented by
False Alerts
Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 Why didn’t I get a 406 Det
or
How Long do False Alerts Last?
120 100.0%
Number of Alerts

100 78.4% 79.3%

69.4% 74.6%
80
60.8%
60 45.3%
40
20
105 36 20 12 9 2 48
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 More
Alert Duration (in minutes)
Jan 2010 L.T.Yarbrough/D7 CFVS
 Questions?

(305) 415 6868

Larry.T.Yarbrough@uscg.mil

Jan 2010