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When the signal strength peaks on the second leg of the search pattern, the BEACON will be
closer. If visual contact isn't made with the BEACON, or if there are still a lot of signal reflections,
an additional 90° signal check is preformed. The new course is now parallel to the original course
heading.
Signal reflections, or false signals, can be a problem at any time of the search. Signal reflections
can be caused by large or metallic objects such as buildings, bridges, airplanes, cars, trees,
towers, ships, hills, etc. or by being in a close or confined area, such as in a hangar. Signal
reflections can become more pronounced as you get closer to the BEACON.
Signal reflections may cause numerous false directional indications. Fold the antennas and hold
the unit very close to the body. This will detune the Vecta
For great sensitivity when searching, use the optional Hand Held Direction Finding Antenna, part
number 2870.
6.0
EMERGENCY SCENARIOS
6.1
Lost Diver
Scenario: A yacht is cruising the Caribbean. A small group of SCUBA divers have launched a
dingy to a nearby shallow reef for a day of diving. All the divers have been outfitted with a Mini B
personal EPIRB. It is late afternoon, and after a beautiful day of diving, the winds are starting to
pick up. One of the divers has become lost and after an unsuccessful search of the nearby area,
the Dive Master radios the yacht of the pending emergency.
After bringing the remaining divers onboard the dingy, the Dive Master (DM) returns the divers to
the yacht as the captain monitors the Vecta
moving.
Action: The diver, realizing that the current is sweeping him further and further away from the
dingy, activates the Mini B
On the yacht, unable to visually see the BEACON, the DM removes the Vecta
moves to an open area of the boat, extends the mini yagi antenna, and rotates the Vecta
finding a signal. Using the standard SAR search pattern (figure 9), the captain and DM have
located the missing diver a few miles down current.
™
ILS, inflates his buoyancy compensator and waits for the boat.
300
, and help alleviate extraneous noise.
2
Use your body as a shield by holding the
base of the Vecta
This technique will cause the Vecta
receive only the strongest and true signal.
This technique is especially helpful in
confined areas such as airplane hangars.
from the helm station, noticing the FINE LED is
2
10
next to your abdomen.
2
Figure 11
from the bridge,
2
2
Y1-03-0227 Rev. A2
to
2
300
360°,
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