HR Smith Products (11)
- COSPAS/SARSAT 406MHz Detection and Decoding
- Messages decoded and displayed in an easy to understand format
- Touch screen interface
- Internal Antenna
- Internal re-chargeable battery
- USB to PC connectivity
The Techtest 12-406-9 is specifically designed to detect, locate, and verify any 406MHz beacon transmission, including ELT or ADELT/CPI and EPIRBs. It can be used either as a test tool on the ground or as portable equipment on a SAR mission. It is able to immediately display the transmitted GPS Lat/Long location of the beacon if present and, in conjunction with the built in GPS receiver, display range and bearing information.
The handheld unit includes a colour touch screen providing a clear display of information with user configurable fields. The integral antenna results in a compact device easy to carry. Data is updated continuously as new messages are received and decoded (typically every 50 seconds from one beacon). If multiple beacons are transmitting then all are summarized on a scrolling display. Individual messages can be selected to display full decode information. Data can be transferred to a PC for later analysis.
The unit can be fixed to a wall, using an optional mounting tray, and configured as a remote monitoring station. In this case data is logged automatically by a Windows Based Application.
As manufacturers of antennas and SAR equipment, the company has always believed it of great importance to provide supporting equipment to these products. Over the years, this has resulted in a range of Test Sets being manufactured by Techtest.
Our range of VSWR Test Sets is known throughout the aviation community as the industry standard products for testing aircraft antennas. They are all available with ruggedized cases and models are available to cover all the frequencies commonly found in avionic equipment. These VSWR Test Sets allow antennas to be checked for correct operation and can be used whilst the antenna is still on the airframe thus saving costly removal of the antenna when it is not necessary.
It is vital that an Emergency Locator Transmitter works correctly, if it is used, so Techtest supply a range of test equipment to check correct operation of this type of equipment. These Test Sets can be used with all types and makes of ELTs and EPIRBs.
Brochure downloads
12-406 Homing Test Set (PDF, 436Kb)12-500-5 PLB / ELT Test Set (PDF, 60Kb)12-503-1 PLB / ELT Test Set (PDF, 60Kb)12-503-2 Screened Box (PDF, 52Kb)12-503-5 Programming Test Set (PDF, 84Kb)12-602-3 Antenna Test Set (PDF, 1.6Mb)12-602-7/8/9 Portable Signal Generator (PDF, 848Kb)12-612 Electrostatic Discharger Test Set (PDF, 840Kb)631-012 Antenna Test Set (PDF, 824Kb)613-013 MLS Antenna Test Set (PDF, 832Kb)310 Precision WBCO Attenuator (PDF, 580Kb)
The need for Search and Rescue (SAR) services to accurately detect and locate the distress signals from emergency beacons resulted in Techtest developing its range of Homing Systems.
These use a phase comparison method to provide left-right steering information, to the SAR pilot enabling him to locate emergency beacons operating on all the standard distress frequencies (121.5 MHz, 156.8 MHz, 243 MHz and 406 MHz). This type of system requires only two antennas and offers a more compact, lower cost solution to the more complex DF systems available.
Techtest now manufactures a range of Homer/Decoder systems which decode the unique data included in the COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz distress signal. This includes the position information from Location Protocol Beacons and gives the user real time information to help minimise rescue times. A number of integrated airborne systems are available as well as the unique Portable 406 SAR Decoder which is a fully self contained unit which can be carried on to any aircraft, boat or land vehicle. This unit is ideal for a SAR force which already has Homing/DF systems fitted but wishes to extend its capability to include 406 MHz decoding in a cost effective way.
Brochure downloads
12-406-7 Portable 406 SAR Decoder (PDF, 160Kb)12-406 Homing Test Set (PDF, 436Kb)406-2-053 Full NVIS Compatibility SAR Homing System (PDF, 284Kb)406-407 Delivering real-time SAR 406 decode and position (PDF, 520Kb)
The 503 Series of automatically activated Emergency Locator Transmitters are the most advanced on the market yet are available at competitive prices. All 503 series Emergency Locator Transmitters are designed to work with the COSPAS-SARSAT emergency satellite system and operate on 406 MHz in addition to the two traditional distress frequencies of 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz.
They are available as an Automatic Fixed Emergency Locator Transmitter or Automatic Portable Emergency Locator Transmitter depending on which mounting tray is specified. The 503 series of Emergency Locator Transmitters has been fitted on all types of platform including GA aircraft, helicopters, commercial airliners and military fast jets.
By using the latest in solid state microprocessor technology coupled with an advanced battery design
, we have developed the smallest and lightest automatic Emergency Locator Transmitter currently available. This has not been achieved at the expense of the outright specification of the Emergency Locator Transmitters as they offer a number of unique standard features and options. They are the only Class 1 Automatic Emergency Locator Transmitter available ensuring they remain fully functional down to temperatures of -40°C. They also include a sophisticated self-diagnosis feature which along with their modular design ensures trouble free maintenance.
The 503 series of Emergency Locator Transmitters can be interfaced to the aircraft’s on board GPS system, without a separate interface unit, to ensure even faster detection times in the event of an emergency. All common GPS protocols are supported, and for aircraft not fitted with GPS the 503 series of Emergency Loc
ator Transmitters can be specified with its own embedded GPS card.
Techtest are the leading manufacturer of Automatic Deployable Emergency Locator Transmitters, supplying all the leading helicopter manufacturers and off shore operators. These systems are part of our 503 series and offer a top quality solution for all maritime aircraft whether commercial or military.
Brochure downloads
503 Series Emergency Locator Transmitters (PDF, 900Kb)Crash Position Indicator, 503 Series of Deployable Beacon (PDF, 192Kb)12-503-5 Programming Test Set (PDF, 84Kb)
The 500 series of Personal Locator Beacons or Survival Emergency Locator Transmitters offers a wide range of options to suit any requirement. The 500 series of Personal Locator Beacons has been chosen by a wide customer base, including armed forces, commercial airlines, off-shore helicopter operators, life raft manufacturers and ejection seat manufacturers.
For all the 500 series Personal Locator Beacons, Techtest has obtained full certification to aircraft standards so these products should not be confused with inferior quality beacons intended for hobby use.
The 500-1 Personal Locator Beacon is a compact light-weight unit operating on 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz and has been favoured by customers requiring a small beacon for many years.
The 500-12 Personal Locator Beacon is designed to work with the COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue satellite system and features 406 MHz as well as 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz distress signals. It also incorporates a speech function which allows survivors to have two way voice communication with a rescue craft. In addition to the normal aircraft approvals the 500-12 also has full Boeing and Airbus approvals making it the natural choice for commercial airline operators due to its compact size and low weight. The 500-27 shares all the functionality of the 500-12 but also incorporates embedded GPS to minimize location time in the event of an emergency.
The latest 500-27-07 PLB (above right) utilizes all the proven electronics of its predecessors but updates the casing design to give a modern stylish appearance without losing the rugged and durable qualities associated with Techtest SAR products.
The new 500-32 PLB (above left) offers similar features to the 500-27-07 but in a significantly smaller package (35% reduction in volume). This has been achieved by using state-of-the-art battery technology and optimised electronics.
After rigorous testing the 500-32 series of ELT(s) or PLB has recently been awarded a COSPAS SARSAT type approval (Certificate No. 223).
Brochure downloads
500-1 and 500-1 SMART Personal Locator Beacon (PDF, 488Kb)500-12 Multi Function Personal Locator Beacon (PDF, 212Kb)500-27 Multi Function Personal Locator Beacon + Embedded GPS (PDF, 220Kb)500-27-07 Multi Function Personal Locator Beacon + Embedded GPS (PDF, 104Kb)500-32 406MHz Multi Function Personal Locator Beacon (PDF, 220Kb)12-503-5 Programming Test Set (PDF, 84Kb)
For many years, HR Smith (Technical Developments) have been manufacturing a range of Static Dischargers for all aircraft platforms from GA aircraft through commercial airliners to fast jet applications.
The company manufactures a version of its range of dischargers by conventional techniques using aluminium castings with composite rods but has pioneered the introduction of its range of all plastic static dischargers. This type of discharger is manufactured from advanced thermo-set plastics and offers a number of advantages over the conventional design. These include light weight, improved noise resistance, lightning strike resistance and low cost of ownership.
Brochure downloads
12-612 Electrostatic Discharger Test Set (PDF, 840Kb)A revolutionary advance in electrostatic dischargers (PDF, 1Mb)
Modern electrical and RF systems require that joints between metallic surfaces remain in good electrical contact and free from corrosion. To ensure this, HR Smith (Technical Developments) has developed a range of conductive sealing gaskets.
The “wet-fit” range use a thin sheet of aluminium alloy or nickel alloy and a two-part epoxy resin to give the ultimate in corrosion resistance while still retaining high electrical conductivity. The gasket can be stamped out in any shape and can be purchased separately from the sealant or can be supplied as a kit with the sealant.
The company designed, and obtained a world-wide patent on its “dry-fit” range of gaskets. These gaskets again use aluminium or nickel alloy sheet but the sheet is sandwiched between two sheets of polyethylene foam. This means there is no requirement for a sealant and fitting is simpler and less time consuming. The “dry-fit” gasket still provides excellent corrosion protection and due to the unique way it is stamped provides electrical continuity.
Brochure downloads
10-500-11 Conductive Sealing Gaskets (PDF, 360Kb)10-500-11 Conductive Sealing Gaskets Technical Data (PDF, 760Kb)10-500-11A Dry Fit Conductive Anti-Corrosion Gaskets (Airborne Antenna Brochure) (PDF, 3.1Mb)
HR Smith (Technical Developments) first became involved in conformal antennas with the development and manufacture of the VHF Fin-Cap antenna for the BAe Systems Hawk aircraft.
The company now has experience in a wide range of conformal antenna designs for VHF, UHF, HF, Radalt and VOR/LOC applications on both military and commercial platforms.
The Company also specialises in the manufacture of conformal antennas for Emergency Locator Transmitters. These allow a more tailored ELT solution on specialist aircraft such as fast jets.
Brochure downloads
No brochures are available for Conformal Antennas. Please contact HR Smith Group for further information.
HR Smith (Technical Developments) are the leading manufacture of aircraft data antennas. From IFF antennas, Link 16 and GPS antennas through to the latest satellite communication antennas, designed to work with the Thuyraya and Iridium satellite systems, the company employs the latest technology to design and produce state of the art antenna solutions.
The company has developed a range of switched lobe antennas to work with the latest inter-aircraft fast data transfer systems employed on both military and commercial aircraft.
Brochure downloads
Airborne Antenna Brochure (PDF, 3.1Mb)
HR Smith (Technical Developments) manufactures a wide range of VOR/LOC, Marker Beacon and Glide Slope antennas for both commercial and military applications.
The range of light weight thermoplastic navigation antennas is ideal for all commercial aircraft applications and can be supplied with a full range of accessories such as Couplers, Diplexers and Filters.
In addition, the company manufactures a range of navigation antennas suitable for military aircraft with speed ratings up to Mach 2.5. The company specialises in providing navigation antenna solutions for upgrading ex Warsaw Pact aircraft to allow them to operate alongside NATO forces.
Radio altimeter and passive and active GPS antennas are manufactured by HR Smith (Technical Developments) for fitment on both commercial and military platforms.
Brochure downloads
Airborne Antenna Brochure (PDF, 3.1Mb)