§ 80.261 - Technical requirements for automatic-alarm-signal keying device.

Link to an amendment published at 68 FR 46966, Aug. 7, 2003.

(a) The automatic-alarm-signal keying device may consist of one or more units.

(b) The device must be designed to activate the keying circuits of any transmitter approved by the Commission for use as a main or reserve transmitter.

(c) Timing-adjustment controls must not be accessible from the exterior of the device.

(d) The device must be able to repeatedly transmit the alarm signal. For this purpose the dashes transmitted must have a duration of 3.8 to 4.2 seconds, and spaces between each of the twelve dashes constituting a series must have a duration of 0.8 to 1.2 seconds. Spaces between each series of twelve dashes must have a duration of 0.8 second to one minute. This operation must be sustainable with power supply voltage variations of ±15%.

(e) A single control, protected to avoid accidental manipulation, must be provided for placing the device into full operation within 30 seconds. Once in operation, the device must be capable of continuous operation without attention for a least one hour.

(f) When the “on-off” control of the device is placed in the “off” position, the keying circuit to the radio transmitter(s) must be automatically opened.

(g) The automatic-alarm-signal keying device must be capable of operation from a power supply independent of ship power. It may operate from the radio station emergency power supply.

(h) Instructions for adjustment of the device and the correct indication of any instrument incorporated to reveal improper operation must be inscribed on a plate mounted on the device in a position to be easily read by the operator.

(i) The keying circuit must be capable of switching 0.75 amperes DC through a 32 ohms non-inductive resistance. If the automatic-alarm-signal keying device is also intended to be used with transmitters requiring a keying circuit capability of 2 amperes DC through a 115 ohms non-inductive resistance, the keying circuit of the device must comply with this latter requirement.

(j) The automatic-alarm-signal keying device must operate within specifications throughout the temperature range 0-50 degrees Celsius at relative humidities as high as 95%.

(k) The automatic-alarm-signal keying device must be protected from excessive currents, power supply reversals and voltage variations which could cause damage to any component.

(l) The automatic-alarm-signal keying device must be capable of operating when subjected to vibrations having a frequency between 20 and 30 Hertz and an amplitude of 0.76 mm (0.03 inch) in a direction at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees with the base of the automatic-alarm-signal keying device.

Effective Date Note:

At 68 FR 46966, Aug. 7, 2003, § 80.261 was removed effective October 6, 2003.