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TS200 – Dukane Seacom Universal Underwater Acoustic Beacon Test Set
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
The Dukane Seacom TS200 is a specialized, battery-operated diagnostic tool engineered to perform mandated functional tests on underwater acoustic beacons (ULBs). It is the industry-standard equipment for verifying the airworthiness of beacons mounted to Flight Data Recorders (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR), as well as airframe-mounted "pinger" units. The TS200 is designed to test both the legacy 37.5 kHz beacons and the newer 8.8 kHz low-frequency beacons required by modern long-range oceanic flight regulations.
Unlike basic ultrasonic listeners, the TS200 is a comprehensive "Go/No-Go" tester that evaluates the pulse frequency, pulse repetition rate, and relative signal strength of the beacon without requiring the beacon to be removed from the aircraft or its mounting bracket. It is a mandatory tool for any Part 145 repair station or MRO facility performing "A" through "D" checks on commercial, military, or business aircraft.
Key Features
Dual-Frequency Compatibility: Capable of testing standard beacons (37.5 kHz) and New Generation Low Frequency Underwater Acoustic Beacons (8.8 kHz).
Direct Contact or Over-the-Air Testing: Features an internal transducer for "over-the-air" acoustic tests and a direct-contact probe for high-ambient-noise environments (such as active hangars).
Pulse Parameter Analysis: Automatically verifies that the beacon's pulse width and repetition rate fall within the stringent specifications required for underwater detection.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): Provides clear, digital readouts of the beacon's operating frequency and battery status, replacing the subjective "audio-only" testing methods of legacy equipment.
Portable & Ruggedized: Housed in a heavy-duty, impact-resistant case designed for the flight line environment, powered by standard 9V batteries for maximum field utility.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: TS200 (also known as TS-200)
Manufacturer: Dukane Seacom (an HEICO Company)
Frequency Range: 8.8 kHz and 37.5 kHz
Receiver Sensitivity: Optimized for beacon detection up to 3 feet (1 meter) in air.
Display: 2-line Alpha-Numeric LCD
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Power Source: One (1) 9-Volt Alkaline Battery
Weight: Approx. 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
Certification: Compatible with TSO-C121 and TSO-C121b beacons.
Beacon Compatibility
Dukane Seacom Series: DK100, DK120, DK130, DK140, and DKM502.
Low-Frequency ULBs: DK180 series (8.8 kHz).
Universal Support: Compatible with most competitive beacon models from Teledyne Benthos and other major manufacturers.
Note: The TS200 is the direct replacement for the legacy TS100 and TS500 models, offering improved sensitivity and the mandatory low-frequency testing capability.
Applications
The TS200 is utilized for Mandatory Safety Inspections. Its primary roles include:
Functional Periodic Testing: Performing the monthly or 12-month visual and functional checks required by FAA and EASA mandates.
Battery Life Verification: Checking the internal clock/battery integrity of the beacon before flight dispatch.
Post-Installation Validation: Confirming the beacon was not damaged during mounting to a new FDR or CVR.
Why Choose the TS200?
Choosing the Dukane Seacom TS200 ensures Regulatory Compliance. Aviation authorities require that beacons be tested using equipment capable of measuring the specific acoustic parameters of the unit. Using a non-aviation ultrasonic listener does not provide the "Frequency Validation" necessary to sign off an airworthiness release. The TS200 provides a Quantitative Result, removing the guesswork from maintenance and ensuring that in the event of an over-water incident, the search and rescue teams can rely on a beacon that is functioning exactly to its design specifications.
The TS200 functions as an Acoustic Heterodyne Receiver. Because 37.5 kHz is ultrasonic (above the range of human hearing), the TS200 "down-converts" the high-frequency signal into an audible tone while simultaneously analyzing the digital waveform. The physics of Piezoelectric Transduction allows the TS200 to capture the faint acoustic pressure waves in the air. For the 8.8 kHz (Low Frequency) beacons, which have a longer wavelength designed for deeper water penetration, the TS200 uses specialized filters to isolate the signal from the background low-frequency "thrum" of hangar air conditioning or engine noise.
Note: This is a piece of Ground Support Equipment (GSE). It must be calibrated annually to maintain its validity for certifying airworthiness. Prior to testing, ensure the beacon's water-activation switch is clean and dry. Always verify the beacon's expiration date printed on its housing in addition to performing the functional acoustic test.
