ACR&Artex Vecta3 - Manual (Page 13)

Y1-03-0235-1C 13
Figure 7
3. Conducting a blind search
A partner hides the test beacon within a realistic search area. Place the
test beacon in an area that does not inhibit the signal, i.e., Avoid
situations such as in a hole, submerged under water, lying on its side,
laying on a metal plate, etc. A beacon can be found in these situations,
however these situations are considered advanced and should be
practiced only after the fundamentals are attained. The trainee using the
Vecta™
3
need only be aware of the search area boundaries.
4. Search patterns
At the very beginning of a search, it is important to slowly rotate the
Vecta™
3
antennas from horizontal to vertical and back when searching
for the signal. The signal will be more easily detected when the Vecta™
3
becomes aligned or polarized with the antenna of the transmitter, which
may not be known to the searcher.
Once the signal strength rises above the EMI, the NUMBERS screen
should be used primarily to determine the directional bearing to the
transmitter.
Depending on whether a search is conducted on land or sea determines
the search pattern. On water, the pattern is methodical, beginning up
current working towards the opposite end of the search area. On land,
drive the perimeter of the search area, stopping periodically to sweep
the horizon with the Vecta™
3
.
AQUATIC SEARCH: Standard SAR Pattern - Move until a signal is
detected. D
isconnect the Vecta™
3
from the omni-directional antenna.
Sweep the horizon to establish a directional bearing to the beacon.
Once the direction is determined, continue towards the beacon. If the
signal becomes weak or disappears, return to the last known location
with a signal and take a new
bearing. This type of search
pattern is preferable for
aquatic
based searches,
where the terrain is
considered flat and there is
little concern for reflected
signals from objects. See
Figure 7.
10nm
10nm