The Fernau range of Non-Directional Beacons (NDBs) provides safe and reliable guidance to pilots throughout the world. With modern components, the 2060 NDB meets the ever-increasing demands for lower life cycle costs and simple maintenance.

   State of the Art
 


 

The 2060 Non Directional Beacon is the latest generation solid state equipment, providing complete coverage of the NDB Frequency band from 190 to 1750 KHz. Available in three versions: single, dual and portable, with a power output continuously adjustable up to 100 Watts. Co-location with the Fernau 2020 Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) gives combined Direction and Range to the pilot, enabling a very low cost ‘locator beacon’ to be installed.
     Simplicity
   

The 2060 NDB is supplied with an integral Antenna Tuning Unit, enclosed in an IP66 enclosure, with the transmitter at the base of the antenna. Various options can be added to the basic unit if required, for example a remote monitoring and control panel, or a battery back-up to prevent interruptions to service during power supply failures.
     Reliability
    Fernau has paid particular attention to the design of the 2060 NDB with regards to reliability and maintenance aspects. With rigorous manufacturing quality control, the Fernau NDB systems all provide large MTBO figures which are setting new standards which others find hard to beat. Ideal for continuous unattended operation, the Fernau NDB can be supplied with solar panels or wind turbines for true independent operation.
       Description
 

 

The Fernau 2060 NDB is normally supplied in the dual configuration, providing two completely dualised transmitters. The standby transmitter is automatically started in the event of failure of the main transmitter. A system control unit on each transmitter monitors the respective transmitter and according to the limits set, will initiate a changeover in the event of failure. VSWR, Power, Synthesiser Lock and Modulation are monitored by the system control unit. The Auto Changeover unit allows selection of either main or standby transmitter. A test facility allows the servicing engineer to re-start the failed transmitter into the integral ‘dummy load’, so the NDB can be left in service whilst repairs are being undertaken.

The 2060 NDB power amplifier employs power MOSFETs making it extremely rugged and resistant to short circuits and high VSWR. The power amplifier stages operate in push-pull, Class AB, giving good linearity.

Remote Maintenance and Monitoring (RMM) is provided as standard on all units, requiring only the remote status and control panel to be purchased as an optional extra by the customer

The 2060 NDB can be operated in the following modulation modes:

A1A Mode (keyed carrier)
A2A Mode (400Hz or 1020 Hz tone)
A3E Mode (Speech Modulation, ATIS)

       Integral Monitoring
 

 

Built In Test Equipment (BITE) facilities are provided on the transmitter front panel in the form of visual indicators. This enables engineering set-up and checking procedures to be carried out with a minimum of test equipment. In the unlikely event of a fault, the system control unit will remove the drive to the power amplifier, shutting the transmitter down and producing both visual and audible alarms. The executive monitored parameters are:

RF Power Level
Identification Code*
Modulation Depth*
Transmitter Frequency Stability
VSWR*

(*Downgradeable)
     

 Remote Maintenance Monitoring
 


  Provided via RS232 connection or via a single multi-core cable to the Fernau Remote Status/Control Panel. All alarm functions are monitored as well as the operational status, main or standby, of each transmitter. Remote control allows on/off and changeover.
     Range
    The range of the beacon will depend on the type of antenna used, the location of the installation, the RF power supplied to the antenna, and the operating frequency and ground conductivity. Effective coverage also varies according to the time of day and the season of the year. Unlike older designs, Fernau offers a significant advantage: one NDB for full bandwidth coverage. Combining this with the efficiency of Fernau’s own antennas, the 2060 typically provides an operating range of 50NM.
     Maintainability
    Each Line Replacement Unit (LRU) is accessed from the front of the NDB cabinet allowing a typical repair to take less than 15 minutes. The NDB allows for the ‘hot’ replacement of modules, which means that the equipment remains operational even while a module is being replaced.
     Monitor Receiver
   

The Fernau MR 110 Monitor Receiver provides accurate and reliable off-air monitoring and can be supplied as an option with the Fernau 2060 NDB or as a monitor receiver for other NDBs. The unit comes with a compact phantom powered active antenna and incorporates lightning protection. With full bandwidth coverage and a sensitivity of 10uV (20dB S/N ratio, 30% modulation) the MR110 sets the standard for Monitor Receivers.
     Antenna
   

Fernau offers a comprehensive range of antennas for various installations, including vertical radiators - 15m-guyed monopole and 15m self-supporting lattice mast. As an alternative to vertical radiators, Fernau offers wire ‘T’ and helideck antennas.

back to product menu