Figure 2 - ELT Front View
NOTE: All activations of the ELT should be kept to a minimum. Local or national regulations may limit testing of the ELT or special requirements or conditions to perform testing. For the self-test, Artex recommends that the ELT be “ON” for no more than 5 seconds during the first 5 minutes after the hour.
In addition to output power of the 121.5/406 MHz signals and 406 MHz frequency, other parameters of the ELT are checked and a set of error codes generated if a problem is found. The error codes are displayed by a series of pulses of the ELT LED, remote LED and alert buzzer. See Installed Transmitter Tes (Self-Test), paragraph 4.4.5 (page 45), for more details and a description of the error codes.
1.7 Portable Operation 

1.7.1 Introduction

This section provides instructions for deployment of the ME406P ELT with the portable antenna in the event of a crash landing or medical emergency. This ELT system has the option of transmitting from remote areas away from the crash site location. 
1.7.2 Description

The ME406P ELT has capabilities identical to the AF (automatic fixed) version, including crash-sensing G-switch and transmission on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz to be used by SARSAT forces in locating the site of the emergency.  The construction of the ME406P has been optimized for the auxiliary antenna, which is designed to be used in a variety of conditions and terrain. The auxiliary antenna is stowed on the ME406P ELT. The antenna can be removed from the case and attached to the BNC connector with one hand. A 3 ft. tether is connected between the antenna and the ME406P ELT, along with a lanyard and a clip for attachment to a life raft. The entire ELT system can be removed from the interior of the plane and activated at another site. 
1.7.3 Operation

The ME406P can be installed like a fixed version ELT and set in the “ARM” mode during flight, to be triggered by the remote switch, or the internal G-switch in the event of a crash landing. The ME406P system can also be deployed as a portable beacon following a crash. 
When there is a need to deploy the ELT:
. Remove the DB-15 connector and wiring harness from the front panel.

. Unstrap the Velcro securing the ME406P and the lanyard clip.   

. Remove the ME406P from the mounting tray, along with the portable antenna. The ME406P system can now be transported away from the crash site.

. Remove the antenna from its Velcro mounting and connect the antenna to the (BNC) antenna jack.

. The ELT system should be placed outdoors, as high as possible, with the antenna situated vertically. The system can be placed on a metal ground plane such as a wing surface, however, the antenna is designed to function without a ground plane. The best signal is transmitted when the area within about 10 ft. is free from any large objects, persons, etc.