Why Are DME Transponders Needed?
Distance measuring equipment (DME) is a radio-based technology used in the aviation industry to navigate aircraft. DME systems measure the distance (or slant range) between an aircraft and a ground station. The interrogator in the aircraft transmits radio pulses to the DME station on the ground, which triggers the station to reply with a signal of its own. A device that receives radio signals and automatically transmits its own distinct signals is known as a transponder. By calculating the difference in time between aircraft transmission and DME station reception, a DME transponder can determine the distance between the two and ensure that the aircraft arrives at a safe ground speed.
Laversab Aviation offers a variety of innovative DME transponders that ensure safe flying conditions, including a multifunctional all-in-one product known as the Laversab Avionics Radio Test System (ARTS) 7000. One of the key attributes of the ARTS-7000 is that it is designed to meet all aircraft radio test requirements in a single unit. In addition to serving as DME, the ARTS-700 can also function as an instrument landing system (ILS) and as a VHF omnidirectional range (VOR). DME operates in the frequency band between 960 and 1215 megahertz (MHz).
Whether from inside the cockpit or around the aircraft, the ARTS-7000 can be controlled wirelessly via a simple yet intuitive touch-screen interface. In addition, the unit is built to reduce upfront costs, simplify aircraft testing, and cover current and future avionics radio test requirements. Keep reading for more information about the unit’s unique pulse antenna and DME tester modes!
DME Tester Configurations
The ARTS-7000 includes a pulse antenna that can be used for all pulse functions, including transponder, DME, and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS). The pulse antenna is mounted on a tripod in order to allow convenient positioning near the aircraft antenna. Designed to be highly directional the pulse antenna needs to be carefully aligned between the ARTS 7000 antenna and the antenna of the aircraft system being tested.
In order to achieve best results with the pulse antenna, the following steps are recommended:
- Mount the pulse antenna on the tripod and use either the antenna on the ground or affix it to a sturdy gantry.
- Align the center of the pulse antenna as accurately as possible to the antenna under test.
- Establish a clear line of sight between the antenna under test and the pulse antenna on the ARTS-7000.
- Clear the test transmission path of any items that can cause echo and multipath reflections.
- Utilize the shortest coaxial test cable possible (a maximum of 60 feet) between the ARTS-7000 and the pulse antenna.
- Add the vertical height and horizontal distance from the antenna under test and the pulse antenna on the relevant config screen.
- Update the config screen with input about the length of cable between the ARTS 7000 and the pulse antenna.
If the power test fails while using the pulse antenna, make a small adjustment to the antenna alignment and retest. Before running the test, operators can utilize the default mode or access the config page. The ARTS-7000 stores the last configuration used and also has a default setting. When the DEFAULT button on the test screen is pressed, the ARTS-7000 automatically sets the default mode and settings.
For more information about DME transponder test sets, contact Laversab Aviation today!
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Avionics Radio Test Set: ARTS-7000
The Laversab ARTS-7000 is a multifunction all-in-one Avionics Radio Test System – ARTS. It is designed to meet all aircraft radio test requirements in a single unit. The ARTS-7000 is controlled wirelessly – whether from inside the cockpit or around the aircraft. It is controlled via a simple yet intuitive touch-screen interface. The ARTS-7000 is built to reduce upfront costs, simplify aircraft testing, and cover both current & future radio test requirements.
Standard tests: Radio Communication, Navigation, Distance Measuring Equipment, Mode S, ADSB, Emergency Location Transmitters
Optional tests: TCAS, UAT, GPS
The ARTS-7000 is user configurable and expandable to meet future avionics requirements. It is built to test any airborne platform, including General aviation, Commercial airliners, helicopters, and military applications.
