 Southern Avionics (SAC) was

started in 1962 by John B.

Goodhue, a pilot with a
successful aircraft radio repair
business. He recognized a need
for a navigational system for
helicopter pilots servicing
offshore drilling platforms.
• SAC has since grown into a
multi-generational family
business that addresses Non-
Directional Beacon needs on a
global level. Brooks Goodhue, CEO
• Internationally, SAC is
recognized as the foremost
manufacturer of NDBS in the
world.
  Founded in 1962
 Manufactured and supplied the majority of NDB systems in use
throughout the world
 SAC has an NDB in every continent in the world, including
Antarctica.

Unique Services
• Engineering design capabilities, to meet customer requirements
• Site surveys and installation planning
• Site installation
• Full product training at factory or on-site
 What is a NDB system?
NDB stands for Non-Directional Beacon
An NDB system emits a constant RF signal in all directions

 Where are NDBs used?

On board oil rigs with helicopter landing deck
On board any shipping vessel with a helicopter landing deck.
Civil aviation airports

 Why use NDBs?

Meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements
Backup system incase of other equipment failures
 Each NDB must be registered with their local
CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)/MCMC

◦ Frequency assignment
◦ Call sign / Identifier (Morse Code)
◦ Power limitations
 Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)
◦ Receiver inside aircraft to indicate direction to pilot
◦ Simple needle that points towards the NDB
◦ Optionally includes speaker to hear Morse code
◦ Used for non-precision instrument approaches
 Homing
◦ Flying the aircraft to
keep the needle
pointed at 0° RB
position

◦ With no wind, this

would be a straight
line
QA
 An NDB system includes three main parts:

◦ Transmitter
 (SE125, SA100…)

◦ Automatic Tuning Unit (ATU), or “Coupler”

 (PC1000/C3)

◦ Antenna System
 (Sym T, Mast, Whip, Helideck…)
 Main controls
 Determines key factors
◦ Power level, Modulation %
◦ Call sign, Frequency, Mode
 Monitors ICAO shutdown requirements

 Sends RF transmission signal to ATU

 Consists of 4 main components
◦ Capacitive loading element
◦ Insulators
◦ Radiating Element
◦ Ground System

 The most important part of antenna

maintenance is cleaning the insulators
 On Shore
◦ Counterpoise ground system
◦ Typically 12-36 buried radials
◦ Soft drawn copper, 10 AWG
◦ 6 Ft ground rods

 Off Shore
◦ Sea Water
 Un-guyed
 34–40 Ft (10-12m)
 Capacitance: 200pF
 Guyed
 50-145 ft
◦ (15-44m)
 300-600pF
60-200 Ft
700-1000pF

 Increasing the length or number of overhead wires increases the capacitance

 33.3 ft (10.2m)
 100 pF
 Height: Varies
 Length: Varies
 Capacitance:
◦ ~3pF / ft
 Automatic Tuning Unit
◦ Couples the transmitter to the antenna

 Tuning
◦ Uses variable inductance to match antenna
capacitance

 Matching
◦ Uses impedance transformer to reflect antenna
resistance to 50Ω
 Carrier Mode
◦ Sine wave only, no modulation

 Continuous Mode
◦ Constant modulation tone

 Ident Mode
◦ Modulation keyed on/off to produce Morse code
 Forward Power
◦ Power delivered to the antenna/load

 Reflected Power
◦ Power reflected back to the transmitter

 VSWR – “Voltage to Standing Wave Ratio”

◦ A ratio of reflected to forward power
◦ VSWR 1.00 = 0% Reflected
◦ VSWR 2.62 = 20% Reflected
 Newest line of SAC NDB transmitters
◦ Replaces the SA series
 SE125, SE250, SE500, SE1000
 SE125 available in IP66 enclosure
Complete protection from dust, oil, and other non-corrosive material
Complete protection from contact with enclosed equipment
Protection from water, even from powerful jets of water
 Mounting
◦ There are many different ways to mount the
transmitter and coupler
◦ Mounting options can depend on the type of
antenna, location.

 Full dimensions of the enclosure are on page 2-1 of

the Installation & Setup manual
 U-Bolt
◦ Comes with H-Antenna
◦ Mounts to railing

Page 2-5, Install & Setup manual

 Access to wiring

Page 3-2, Install & Setup manual

 Ground lug connection
◦ 12AWG Stranded Wire (2mm)

 Must connect directly to

good ground
◦ Welded deck
◦ Counterpoise
 Not to railings

Page 3-4, Install & Setup manual

 Wiring
◦ If outside, seal all connections

Page 3-7, Install & Setup manual

 Wiring

Page 3-8, Install & Setup manual

 AC Power Requirements
◦ 100 – 264 V AC, 47-64 Hz
◦ SE Dual – 600 VA Max (6A max)
◦ SE Single – 320 VA Max (3.2A max)
◦ Choose breaker accordingly

Page 3-4, Install & Setup manual

 DC Backup Power
◦ 48 V
 Insulated 12 AWG (2.05mm) Wire

◦ Max Current
 SE 125 Single – 7.6A
 SE125 Dual - 14.8

Page 3-4, Install & Setup manual

 ATU Connections

TX ATU
Wire Color TB4 TB1
+12 V Red 1 1
TX On/Off Black 2 5
Ant I White 3 6
GND Shield 4 2

◦ Recommended maximum length of 100m

Page 3-11, Install & Setup manual

 Coax Cable
◦ Connected from transmitter to ATU

◦ RG58 – Up to 300 feet (92m)

◦ RG8 or RG213 – Up to 1000 feet (300m)
 RS485 (Optional, RCU)

Transmitter RCU
TB3 TB1
RXD+ 1  5 TXD+
RXD- 2  6 TXD-
TXD+ 3  3 RXD+
TXD- 4  4 RXD-
Ground 5 7 Ground

◦ 18 AWG (1.02mm) up to 4000 ft (1.2km)

 Ethernet (Optional)
◦ Installed at front panel
◦ Internal 5-port switch to connect to other user
 LCD Display
 LCD Navigation
 Transmitter parameters
 Freq  Mode
◦ Sets the RF Frequency ◦ Toggles between
◦ (190 – 1800 kHz) CARRIER, CONTINUOUS,
and IDENT
 Tone  Output Power
◦ Toggles between 400 ◦ Sets the power level
& 1020 Hz tone ◦ (0-125W)-depend site
frequency
 Mod Level
 Call Sign ◦ Sets the modulation %
◦ Set the Morse code ID ◦ (50-95%)
(up to 8 characters)
 Test Mode
o Not use – factory
 Shutdown Alarm Indicators
 V – (VSWR)
◦ Reflected power more than 20% of forward power

 P – (Power)
◦ Forward power more than ±50% set power

 N - (No Tone)
◦ No modulation detected

 C – (Continuous Tone)
◦ Modulation always on, no Morse code
 Main transmitter
 Operating transmitter
 Forward / Reflected / Modulation meter
 PA Voltage / Current meter
 Alert Tone – Unused – RCU Only
 Auto Reset - Unused
 Special Function (Menu)
 1. Store

◦ Saves all current parameters as system profile

◦ When turned off/on, TX will return to saved state
◦ Saves both TX1 and TX2 at same time

◦ Always “Store” after completing setup

 2. Logging

◦ Displays logged events with a timestamp

◦ Shows source of actions (MC, RCU, NB)
◦ Logs up to 300 lines per transmitter

Install & Setup Manual, Page 6-26

 3. Firmware Ver
◦ Displays the software version of the MC and TCs
◦ Latest firmware is 3.01 and above.

 4. Keyer Rate
◦ Adjusts the speed of the Morse code message
◦ Adjustable from 4-16 Hz
◦ Default is 8Hz
 5. RCU
◦ Enables/Disable remote control access

 6. ID Test
◦ Reverses Morse code message
◦ Transmitter should shut down if monitor is enabled

Install & Setup manual, page 7-16

 7. PWR Test
◦ Tests the automatic shutdown of high/low power

◦ Press “1” for low power test

 Sets power to below 50%

◦ Press “2” for high power test

 Sets power to above 150%

◦ Both tests should fault on a “P” alarm

Install & Setup manual, page 7-14

 8. Calibrate
 9. System
 1. DCAD
◦ Toggles DCAD on/off

 DC Automatic Disconnect
◦ While running on 48V battery, DCAD will
automatically turn the system off if battery voltage
drops below 38V.
 2. Network
◦ Allows control of network settings
 1. DHCP
◦ DHCP enabled allows the network to automatically
assign an IP to the transmitter
◦ DHCP disabled allows the user to select a fixed IP
address

 The IP address, Netmask, and Gateway will

vary depending on the network
 Transmitter Controller

Filter Bridge Module

Switching Power Amplifier Module

Power Control Modulator Module

Low Voltage Regulator / High

Voltage Power Supply Module

Power Supply
9P690350
 Inputs
◦ 85-264 VAC
◦ 47-63 Hz
◦ On/Off Control

 Outputs
◦ +48V
◦ +7.5V
 Controls all modules of a single TX
 Receives data from modules
 Sends data to Master Controller
 Receives commands from Master Controller
(LV Regulator HV Power Supply)

Note: “SLE” means assembly

“SLP” means PCB
 Inputs
◦ +48V
 From power supply or external battery

 Outputs
◦ HV (170V DC)
◦ +12V (Powers all other modules)
 Inputs
◦ HV
◦ Power Control (From TC)
◦ PWM (From TC)
◦ 12V

 Outputs
◦ VMOD
 Inputs
◦ VMOD
◦ 12V
◦ RF In (from TC)

 Outputs
◦ RF Out
 Inputs
◦ SPA RF IN (Square Wave)
◦ 12V

 Outputs
◦ RF Out (Sine Wave)
 Lowers harmonics
◦ Measures power and modulation
 Controls all operations of the transmitter
 Connects to each TC through the I2C bus
 Inputs received through keypad
 Displays data on LCD and meters
 Allows for Ethernet connection
 Decides when to switch to DC power

 Provides power to TC and MC

 Measures battery voltage and current

◦ DCAD – “DC Auto Disconnect”
◦ If this feature is turned on, the transmitter will
automatically shut down if battery voltage drops
below 38V.
 BITE information is displayed on the LCD

◦ Measurements and samples from all modules

◦ Allows for quick checks on the transmitter
◦ Assists in troubleshooting
 Web Watch is the user interface when
connecting the transmitter to a network

 No software needed

 All controls can be done through Web Watch

 If assigned an external IP, the transmitter can

be controlled from any location
 Connecting to Web Watch through a network

◦ Connect a laptop and the transmitter to the same

network
◦ Press SPCL FCTN + 9 + 2 to access the network
menu, and note the IP address
◦ Type this IP address into any web browser on your
laptop
 Connecting to Web Watch directly

◦ To open Web Watch using only an ethernet cable

between your laptop and transmitter, you must
change your network settings

◦ On the transmitter, set DHCP to disabled

◦ Open control panel
◦ Open Network Connections

* “Network and Sharing Center” on Windows7

◦ Right click “Local Area Connection”, and click
Properties

* (For Windows 7, left click “Local Area Connection”)

◦ Select “TCP/IP” and click Properties

* (For Windows 7, select “TCP/IPv4”)

 ◦ Select “Use the following IP Address”
◦ Type in the desired IP and subnet mask
 Press “OK” to close each menu
 On the transmitter, press SPCL FCTN + 9 + 2
to access the Network menu.
 Type in a new IP address and subnet mask,
matching what was used in the previous step.
◦ Note: The last digits of the IP must be different

 Open any web browser, and type in the

transmitter’s IP
 Transmitter Status
 Transmitter Operation
 BITE Information
 Menu
 Primary TX
◦ Selects TX1 or TX2 as the primary

 TX Setup
◦ Frequency
◦ Tone Frequency
◦ Call Sign
◦ Mode
◦ RF Power Level
◦ Modulation Level
 Calibration
◦ Adjust calibration factors
◦ Same as SPCL FCTN + 8

 IP Configuration
◦ Displays IP address and network info
◦ Cannot change, display only

 SysLog Configuration*
◦ Select an IP to send logging information to
◦ Uses port 514
 Time & Date*
◦ Sets the time & date for logging timestamps

 Location Site*
◦ Sets the name of the transmitter location

 Manage SSL Certificates*

◦ Import your own company’s security certificate/key
 Save
◦ Same as “Store” (SPCL FCTN + 1)

 Change passwords
◦ Admin – Controls passwords and security info
◦ API – Full control and monitor of TX parameters
◦ Tech – Access to most TX parameters
◦ Monitor – Monitor only, cannot make changes
 Coarse Taps

Impedance Taps

Fine Taps

Vernier Knob
(Motor)
 1. Tune Reactance
◦ Coarse Tap
◦ Fine Tap
◦ Motor

 2. Resistance
◦ Impedance Tap

 Always turn OFF power before changing taps

 Methods
◦ Using external equipment
 Oscilloscope
 Watt meter
 Spectrum Analyzer
 Antenna Analyzer

◦ Using only the ATU

 Tune meter
 1. Always setup and calibrate the transmitter
into a 50 Ohm load first

 2. Pick a starting location for all taps.

◦ Estimated tuning charts can be found on page 9-7
of the Installation & Setup manual
◦ Start with the impedance tap in the middle (6)
 3. Disable the monitor on the transmitter

 4. Set the transmitter to Carrier mode

 5. Disconnect the dummy load, and connect

the Coax cable to the ATU

 6. Set the ATU to “manual” mode

 7. Make sure the Vernier knob is at “12:00”
position
 Hang the oscilloscope lead on the insulator

◦ This is an “off the air” reading

 Do not attach the probe directly to the output
 Set transmitter to low power (25W)
◦ Observe the oscilloscope reading
 Turn the TX off
 Set the coarse tap either up or down 1
position. Turn the TX back ON. Observe the
oscilloscope
 If the scope signal is now larger, turn the TX
off and move the tap in the same direction

 If the scope signal is now smaller, turn the TX

off and move the tap in the opposite direction

 Continue moving taps until a peak is found,

the tap with the highest signal
 Fine Taps
◦ After finding a peak on Coarse Taps, repeat the
same process for the Fine Taps.
◦ Move fine taps until a peak is found

 Note: At very low power, fine taps can be changed without

turning power off (Optional)
 Vernier knob
◦ After finding the best fine tap, set the ATU to Auto
 Verify the Vernier knob is as close to “12:00” as
possible.
 You may need to move the fine tap up/down one
position to find best location
 Impedance Tap
◦ Observe the reflected power on the transmitter
◦ Change impedance taps for lowest reflected power
 Always turn power off when changing impedance taps

◦ After the best tap is found, increase power to full

rated power, and verify reflected power is still
minimum
 Impedance Tap
◦ If there are two taps with the same reflected power,
use the forward power to choose which tap is best.

◦ If running at 125W, pick the tap where forward

power on the transmitter reads as close to 125 as
possible.
 Tuning is complete
◦ Set the transmitter to “Ident”
◦ Enable the monitor
◦ Save all parameters (SPCL FCTN + 1)
 Setting the “Sense” adjustment
◦ Turn “Sense” fully Clockwise

◦ Slowly turn “sense” Counter-Clockwise until the

LEDs stop flashing

 Note: “Speed” should be fully Clockwise

 1. Always setup and calibrate the transmitter
into a 50 Ohm load first

 2. Pick a starting location for all taps.

◦ Estimated tuning charts can be found on page 9-7
of the Installation & Setup manual
◦ Start with the impedance tap in the middle (6)
 3. Disable the monitor on the transmitter

 4. Set the transmitter to Carrier mode

 5. Disconnect the dummy load, and connect

the Coax cable to the ATU

 6. Set the ATU to “manual” mode

 7. Make sure the Vernier knob is at “12:00”
position
 Set the transmitter to low power (25W)

 Set the ATU meter to “Tune”

◦ Change fine taps, and observe meter
◦ Continue to change taps until a noticeable dip
(minimum) is seen on the meter

◦ If no dip is seen, turn power off, change the coarse

tap, and repeat
 Vernier knob
◦ After finding the best fine tap, set the ATU to Auto
 Verify the Vernier knob is as close to “12:00” as
possible.
 You may need to move the fine tap up/down one
position to find best location
 Impedance Tap
◦ Observe the reflected power on the transmitter
◦ Change impedance taps for lowest reflected power
 Always turn power off when changing impedance taps

◦ After the best tap is found, increase power to full

rated power, and verify reflected power is still
minimum
 Impedance Tap
◦ If there are two taps with the same reflected power,
use the forward power to choose which tap is best.

◦ If running at 125W, pick the tap where forward

power on the transmitter reads as close to 125 as
possible.
 Tuning is complete
◦ Set the transmitter to “Ident”
◦ Enable the monitor
◦ Save all parameters (SPCL FCTN + 1)
 Setting the “Sense” adjustment
◦ Turn “Sense” fully Clockwise

◦ Slowly turn “sense” Counter-Clockwise until the

LEDs stop flashing

 Note: “Speed” should be fully Clockwise