"The Becker"

In addition to the conventional 121.5 MHz, 243 MHz and 156.8 MHz (maritime Ch 16) SAR frequencies, Becker‘s new SAR-DF 517 also receive the 406 MHz COSPAS/SARSAT satellite emergency frequency. This frequency transmits a 450 milliseconds digital pulse every 50 seconds, too short to secure a lock on conventional DF‘s; however, the new SAR-DF 517 is designed to lock on this short burst.

During the 49.5 second space between pulses of a 406 MHz signal, The SAR-DF 517can be set to scan two other emergency frequencies for a continuous signal.

Becker Avionics: DF 517

:: I've got a cadre of new pilots and observers training up at my unit... So it's time to revisit the Becker.

Sure it looks like a coffee can bolted to the ventral side of the airplane, but it's one of the most important pieces of gear we have. As I posted in my class notes about the Becker, "It's a $10,000 life saving device."

... and don't you forget it.

You can download the manual here.

I highly recommend that air crew new to the Becker get some training on the ground before flying with it...

I climbed into a Becker equipped airplane once during a SAREX to fly right seat as an Observer, only to be told by the pilot not to bother with the Becker, "because  that damn thing is broken. It doesn't work."

Not true. The previous Observer just didn't know how to tune the unit.

I proceeded to tune it to the correct training frequency and generate an azimuth to the practice beacon.

Lesson learned... gear doesn't work if you don't know the switchology.

True story.

Comments

[jcj]

The Becker is an incredibly effective DF. It does require some operator training but once working properly it is extremely accurate - in fact it takes the sport out of ELT searches.

[Tribal Elder]

I take it then that this device is not for the crews whose VCR's are flashing "12:00" (or 01:00, if it adjusted for DST).