Becker BD406 User manual

Becker Avionics GmbH •Baden-Airpark B108 •77836 Rheinmünster •Germany
[phone] •Fax [phone]
http://www.becker-avionics.com •E-mail: [e-mail]
Installation and Operation
Manual DV16401.03
Issue 04 May 2021
Article-No. 0629.294-071
Beacon Decoder
BD406
PBD406

Installation and Operation
Becker Avionics
2 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
Approved Production and Maintenance Organization
Certificates see: http://www.becker-avionics.com/certification/ →Certificates
Contact data for:
Europe, Asia,
Oceania and
Africa
Becker Avionics GmbH
Baden-Airpark B108
77836 Rheinmünster (Germany)
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.becker-avionics.com
Email: [e-mail]
Customer Service:
Email: [e-mail]
Contact data for:
America,
Australia, Japan
Becker Avionics Inc.
Email: [email protected]om
WARNING - USER RESPONSIBILITY
FAILURE OR IMPROPER SELECTION OR IMPROPER USE OF THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED
HEREIN OR RELATED ITEMS CAN CAUSE DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY
DAMAGE.
This document and other information from Becker Avionics provide product or system options for
further investigation by users having technical knowledge.
The user is responsible for making the final selection of the system and components. The user has
to assure that all performance, endurance, maintenance, safety requirements of the application are
met and warnings be obeyed.
For this the user has to include all aspects of the application to be compliant with the applicable
industry standards and the requirements of the responsible aviation authority. The product
documentations from Becker Avionics have to be obeyed.
To the extent that Becker Avionics provide component or system options based upon data or
specifications provided by the user, the user is responsible for determining that such data and
specifications are suitable and sufficient for all applications and reasonably foreseeable uses of the
components or systems.
Term definition: User in the sense of user, installer, installation company.

Becker Avionics
Installation and Operation
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 3
Preface
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing a Becker Avionics product. We are pleased that you have chosen our
product and we are confident that it will meet your expectations.
For development and manufacturing of our product, the guidelines for highest quality and reliability
have been borne in mind, supplemented by selection of high-quality material, responsible production
and testing in accordance with the standards.
Our competent customer support department will respond on any technical question you may have.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
Beacon Decoder BD406 & PBD406*
BD406-(XX1)
single block decoder with control head
BD406-(XX3)
single block remote decoder without control head
PBD406-(XXX)
portable device with power sully and accessories
* design depends on variant.
* Some figures in this manual are for basic understanding and can be different to the actual design.

Installation and Operation
Becker Avionics
4 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
List of Effective Pages and Changes
Only technical relevant modifications are described in this table.
Document: DV16401.03 issue 04 Article Number 0629.294-071
Cover Page 05/2021
Introduction 05/2021
Chapter 1 – 4 05/2021
Issue Page No.: Section /
Chapter Description
04 1-112 all Updated: Editorial adjustments.
-- all Added: New variant BD406-(003)
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© by Becker Avionics GmbH / all rights reserved

Becker Avionics
Installation and Operation
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 5
Table of Contents
1General Description .................................................................................................................... 13
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 14
1.2 Purpose of Equipment................................................................................................................. 15
1.3 Variants Overview ....................................................................................................................... 16
1.4 Scope of Functionality................................................................................................................. 17
Beacon / NavPoint Indication............................................................................................ 18
Beacon / NavPoint Memory .............................................................................................. 18
Power Supply - BD406 ..................................................................................................... 19
Power Supply - PBD406 ................................................................................................... 19
Audio Outputs ................................................................................................................... 19
Illumination........................................................................................................................ 19
Audio Notifications ............................................................................................................ 19
Internal GPS Receiver ...................................................................................................... 20
Built-In Tests ..................................................................................................................... 20
Installation Setup .............................................................................................................. 20
Service Mode .................................................................................................................... 20
1.5 Safety-Conscious Utilization ....................................................................................................... 21
1.6 Cleaning and Disinfection of Devices ......................................................................................... 22
Procedure:..................................................................................................................................... 22
1.7 Restriction for Use....................................................................................................................... 22
1.8 Technical Data ............................................................................................................................ 23
Power Supply - BD406 ..................................................................................................... 23
Power Supply - PBD406 ................................................................................................... 23
General Characteristics .................................................................................................... 24
Dimensions & Weight - BD406 ......................................................................................... 26
Dimensions & Weight - PBD406....................................................................................... 26
Continued Airworthiness................................................................................................... 27
Environmental Conditions................................................................................................. 28
Certifications ..................................................................................................................... 29
1.9 Order Code ................................................................................................................................. 30
BD406, PBD406................................................................................................................ 30
Accessories....................................................................................................................... 30
Spare Parts ....................................................................................................................... 31
Documentation.................................................................................................................. 31
2Installation.................................................................................................................................... 33
2.1 Packaging, Transport, Storage ................................................................................................... 34
2.2 Device Assignment ..................................................................................................................... 35
Scope of Delivery.............................................................................................................. 35
State of Delivery................................................................................................................ 35
Additional Equipment........................................................................................................ 35
Type Plate......................................................................................................................... 36
Software/Firmware Status – Functionality ........................................................................ 36
2.3 Installation Requirements............................................................................................................ 37
Rear Panel Installation - BD406 with Control Head.......................................................... 38
Avionic Bay Installation - BD406 without Control Head.................................................... 38
Installation - PBD406 ........................................................................................................ 39
2.4 Dimensions ................................................................................................................................. 40
BD406 with Control Head ................................................................................................. 40
BD406 without Control Head ............................................................................................ 41
BD406 without Control Head with Mounting Kit MK4401 ................................................. 42
PBD406............................................................................................................................. 43
Bracket for Vehicle Installation ......................................................................................... 44
2.5 Electrical Interface....................................................................................................................... 45
Connector Pin Assignments - BD406 ............................................................................... 45
Connector Pin Assignments - PBD406............................................................................. 51
Inputs / Outputs................................................................................................................. 52
2.6 Aircraft Wiring.............................................................................................................................. 57
Electrical Bonding and Grounding .................................................................................... 57
Wiring - BD406 with Control Head, P1 Connector and Antennas .................................... 58
Wiring - BD406 with Control Head, J1 Connector (PBD406 J6 Connector)..................... 59
Wiring - BD406 without Control Head, P1 Connector and Antennas ............................... 60

Installation and Operation
Becker Avionics
6 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
Wiring - BD406 without Control Head, J1 Connector ....................................................... 61
Antenna Installation........................................................................................................... 62
2.7 Installation Setup......................................................................................................................... 62
Start Installation Setup ...................................................................................................... 62
Device Info ........................................................................................................................ 63
General Configuration ....................................................................................................... 64
Audio Warnings................................................................................................................. 65
Dimming Input ................................................................................................................... 65
Brightness ......................................................................................................................... 66
Illumination Curve ............................................................................................................. 66
Load Default...................................................................................................................... 67
GPS Source Selection ...................................................................................................... 68
External GPS Receiver Configuration............................................................................... 68
Target Status Protocol ...................................................................................................... 68
ARINC 429 ........................................................................................................................ 69
GPO_0 .............................................................................................................................. 69
GPI_0 ................................................................................................................................ 69
Control Head Interface ...................................................................................................... 70
Second Control Interface .................................................................................................. 70
2.8 Post Installation Check................................................................................................................ 71
Mechanical Installation and Wiring Check ........................................................................ 71
Power Supply .................................................................................................................... 71
Activated Subsystems....................................................................................................... 71
Receiver Operation ........................................................................................................... 71
Antenna Check.................................................................................................................. 71
Interference Check............................................................................................................ 71
Flight Test Check .............................................................................................................. 72
2.9 Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................... 72
2.10 Targets Status Protocol - IF3 Interface ....................................................................................... 73
Term Definition.................................................................................................................. 73
Physical Layer................................................................................................................... 74
Communication Description .............................................................................................. 75
Recommended Receiver Operation.................................................................................. 80
3Operation...................................................................................................................................... 81
3.1 General........................................................................................................................................ 81
3.2 Device Description ...................................................................................................................... 81
3.3 Controls and Indications.............................................................................................................. 82
User Interface - BD406 ..................................................................................................... 82
Symbols on the BD406 Display ........................................................................................ 83
User Interface - PBD406................................................................................................... 84
Audio Notification .............................................................................................................. 85
Warning and Failure Indications ....................................................................................... 86
Power Interrupt Indication ................................................................................................. 88
3.4 Operation Modes......................................................................................................................... 88
3.5 Start-Up - BD406 with Control Head ........................................................................................... 89
3.6 Start-Up - BD406 without Control Head ...................................................................................... 90
Operation with other Controller ......................................................................................... 90
3.7 Start-Up - PBD406 ...................................................................................................................... 90
3.8 Mission Mode .............................................................................................................................. 91
Terms and Definitions ....................................................................................................... 91
Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) – Beacon/NavPoint detailed Menu .............................. 94
Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) – Beacon/NavPoint Course View ................................ 95
Mission Mode - Menu Structure ........................................................................................ 96
Operations from Beacons/NavPoints Details View........................................................... 97
Operations from Beacons/NavPoints Menu View........................................................... 101
Operations from Config Menu View ................................................................................ 103
Operations from Beacon/NavPoint Course View............................................................ 105
3.9 GPS Status View ....................................................................................................................... 106
3.10 Receive Operation – Message Detection.................................................................................. 107
3.11 Contact Data.............................................................................................................................. 109
4Index............................................................................................................................................ 112

Becker Avionics
Installation and Operation
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 7
List of Figures
Some figures in this manual are for basic understanding and can be different to the actual design.
Figure 1: BD406-(XX1) .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 2: BD406-(XX3) .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 3: PBD406-(XX1) - Portable device ............................................................................................................ 16
Figure 4: Batty charger for PBD406 ....................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 5: Menu Screens - Beacons Indication ....................................................................................................... 18
Figure 6: Menu Screens - NavPoints Indication ..................................................................................................... 18
Figure 7: Type plate (example) .............................................................................................................................. 36
Figure 8: BD406-(XX1) (front view)........................................................................................................................ 38
Figure 9: Drilling Template -Rear-Panel Installation............................................................................................... 38
Figure 10: BD406 without Control Head (front view).............................................................................................. 38
Figure 11: MK4401 ................................................................................................................................................ 38
Figure 12: Drilling Template -Vehicle Installation ................................................................................................... 39
Figure 13: Dimensions - BD406 with Control Head................................................................................................ 40
Figure 14: Dimensions - BD406 without Control Head........................................................................................... 41
Figure 15: Dimensions - BD406 without Control Head with Mounting Kit MK4401 ................................................ 42
Figure 16: Dimensions - PBD406........................................................................................................................... 43
Figure 17: Dimensions - Bracket for Vehicle Installation........................................................................................ 44
Figure 18: BD406 – Connector Layout (rear side) ................................................................................................. 45
Figure 19: Connector Layout P1 - Digital and Analog I/O (rear side) ..................................................................... 46
Figure 20: Connector Layout J1 - Serial Interfaces (rear side) .............................................................................. 48
Figure 21: PBD406 – Connector Layout (front side) .............................................................................................. 51
Figure 22: PBD406 – Connector Layout (rear side) ............................................................................................... 51
Figure 23: PBD406 – Connector P3 (front side)..................................................................................................... 51
Figure 24: PBD406 – Connector P2 (front side)..................................................................................................... 52
Figure 25: Wiring - BD406 with Control Head, P1 Connector and Antennas ......................................................... 58
Figure 26: Wiring - BD406 with Control Head, J1 Connector (PBD406 J6 Connector) .......................................... 59
Figure 27: Wiring - BD406 without Control Head, P1 Connector and Antennas .................................................... 60
Figure 28: Wiring - BD406 without Control Head, J1 Connector ............................................................................ 61
Figure 29: "PASSWORD" ...................................................................................................................................... 62
Figure 30: "CH INFO" ............................................................................................................................................ 63
Figure 31: "CM INFO" ............................................................................................................................................ 63
Figure 32: Target Status Protocol - Packet Description ......................................................................................... 75
Figure 33: Target Status Protocol - Frame Description.......................................................................................... 76
Figure 34: User Interface - BD406*........................................................................................................................ 82
Figure 35: LCD - View during Mission.................................................................................................................... 83
Figure 36: LCD - Status Bar................................................................................................................................... 83
Figure 37: User Interface - PBD406....................................................................................................................... 84
Figure 38: Error/Warning - Display Description...................................................................................................... 86
Figure 39: Start-Up View........................................................................................................................................ 89
Figure 40: Error Messages .................................................................................................................................... 89
Figure 41: Operation - Clear Results ... ................................................................................................................. 89
Figure 42: Mission Mode - CDI, Angular Definition for Fixed Position in Beacon/NavPoint detailed Menu............ 94
Figure 43: Mission Mode - CDI, Distance Definition for Fixed Position in Beacon/NavPoint detailed Menu .......... 94
Figure 44: Mission Mode - CDI, Angular Mode, Definition for Constant Course (CRS) in Beacon/NavPoint Course
View ....................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Figure 45: Mission Mode - CDI, Distance Mode, Definition for Constant Course (CRS) in Beacon/NavPoint Course
View ....................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Figure 46: Mission Mode - Menu - Structure .......................................................................................................... 96

Installation and Operation
Becker Avionics
8 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
List of Abbreviations
List of Abbreviations
ARINC
Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
bps
Bits per second
CBIT
Continuous Built-In Test
CDI
Course Deviation Indicator
CH
Control Head
CM
Chassis Module
COSPAS
Space System for the Search of Vessels in Distress
(Russian words “Cosmicheskaya Sistyema Poiska Avariynich Sudov”)
CRC
Checksum Redundancy Check
DB
Database
DC
Direct Current
EET
Estimated Elapsed Time to the Target
ELT
Emergency Location Transmitter (aeronautical distress beacons)
EPIRB
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (maritime distress beacon)
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
etc.
et cetera
GND
Ground
GPI
General Purpose Input
GPO
General Purpose Output
GPS
Global Positioning System
HDPH
Headphone
I/O
Input/Output
ID
Identifier
MHz
Megahertz
MSG
Message
N/A, n/a
Not applicable
NM
Nautical Mile
NMEA
National Marine Electronics Association
NVG
Night Vision Goggles
PBIT
Power-On Built In Test
PC
Personal Computer
PDF
Protected Data Field
PLB
Personal Locator Beacon
RF
Radio Frequency
RS232
Recommended Standard 232
RS422
Recommended Standard 422
RTCA
Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics Inc.
RX
Receive
SARSAT
Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking
SPKR
Speaker
SW
Software
TCXO
Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator
THD
Total Harmonic Distortion
TF
TufLok®, self-locking screws and threads
UTC
Coordinated Universal Time

Becker Avionics
Installation and Operation
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 9
Units
Units
A
Ampere
mA
Milliampere
°C
Degree Celsius
cm
Centimeter
cd/m2
Candela Per Square Meter (1 cd/m2 = 1 nit)
dBm
Power Ratio In Decibel referenced to 1 mW
Leistungsverhältnis in Dezibel in Bezug auf 1 mW
dB
Decibel
g
Gram
kg
Kilogram
kHz
Kilohertz
km/h
Kilometer Per Hour
kts
Knots
MHz
Megahertz
Mbps
Mega Bits Per Second
mm
Millimeter
mph
Miles Per Hour (statute mile 1 mile = 1609,344 m)
Nm
Newton Meter
NM
Nautical Mile (1NM = 1852,0 m)
Ohm (Ω)
Resistance
s
Second
V
Volt
mV
Millivolt
W
Watt
mW
Milliwatt
"
Inch
°
Angular degree

Installation and Operation
Becker Avionics
10 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
General Safety Definitions
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not prevented, will result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not prevented, could result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not prevented, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
Is used to address practices not related to physical injury.
Safety instructions (or equivalent) signs indicate specified safety-related
instructions or procedures.

Becker Avionics
Installation and Operation
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 11
Disposal
The packaging material is inflammable, by burning toxic fumes may develop.
This product contains materials that fall under the special disposal regulation. We recommend the
disposal of such materials in accordance with the current environmental laws.
•Dispose circuit boards by a technical waste dump which is approved to take on e.g.
electrolytic aluminium capacitors. Do under no circumstances dump the circuit boards with
normal waste dump.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin shows: DO NOT throw the battery in
municipal waste.
Discharged and partly discharged batteries can still have enough energy to be
dangerous. Information about where batteries can be disposed free of charge is
available at your local authorities.
Warranty Conditions
The device(s) may be installed on an aircraft only by an approved aeronautical
company (e.g. Part 145) which shall also examine the installation.
Any change made by the user excludes any liability on our part (excluding the work described in this
manual).
•The device must not be opened.
•Do not make any modifications to the device, except for those described in the manual.
•Make connections to the inputs, outputs and interfaces only in the manner described in
the manual.
•Install the devices according to the instructions.
We cannot give any guarantee for other methods.
Conditions of Utilization
With this device you bought a product which was manufactured and tested before delivery with the
utmost care.
Please take your time to read the instructions which you ought to follow closely during installation and
operation.
Otherwise all claims under the warranty will become void and a decreased service life or even
damages must be expected.
The user is responsible for protective covers and/or additional safety measures i
to prevent damages to persons and electric accidents.
Additional Conditions of Utilization
Please refer to "Safety-Conscious Utilization", page 21.
Non-Warranty Clause
We checked the contents of this publication for compliance with the associated hard and software. We
can, however, not exclude discrepancies and do therefore not accept any liability for the exact
compliance. The information in this publication is regularly checked, necessary corrections will be part
of the subsequent publications.

Installation and Operation
Becker Avionics
12 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
Blank Page

Becker Avionics
General Description
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 13
1 General Description
In this chapter you can read about:
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 14
1.2 Purpose of Equipment................................................................................................................. 15
1.3 Variants Overview ....................................................................................................................... 16
1.4 Scope of Functionality................................................................................................................. 17
Beacon / NavPoint Indication............................................................................................ 18
Beacon / NavPoint Memory .............................................................................................. 18
Power Supply - BD406 ..................................................................................................... 19
Power Supply - PBD406 ................................................................................................... 19
Audio Outputs ................................................................................................................... 19
Illumination........................................................................................................................ 19
Audio Notifications ............................................................................................................ 19
Internal GPS Receiver ...................................................................................................... 20
Built-In Tests ..................................................................................................................... 20
Installation Setup .............................................................................................................. 20
Service Mode .................................................................................................................... 20
1.5 Safety-Conscious Utilization ....................................................................................................... 21
1.6 Cleaning and Disinfection of Devices ......................................................................................... 22
Procedure:..................................................................................................................................... 22
1.7 Restriction for Use....................................................................................................................... 22
1.8 Technical Data ............................................................................................................................ 23
Power Supply - BD406 ..................................................................................................... 23
Power Supply - PBD406 ................................................................................................... 23
General Characteristics .................................................................................................... 24
Receiver Data............................................................................................................ 24
Internal GPS Receiver............................................................................................... 24
GPS Antenna............................................................................................................. 25
Audio Subsystem....................................................................................................... 25
Interfaces................................................................................................................... 26
Dimensions & Weight - BD406 ......................................................................................... 26
Dimensions & Weight - PBD406....................................................................................... 26
Continued Airworthiness................................................................................................... 27
Environmental Conditions................................................................................................. 28
Certifications ..................................................................................................................... 29
1.9 Order Code ................................................................................................................................. 30
BD406, PBD406................................................................................................................ 30
Accessories....................................................................................................................... 30
Spare Parts ....................................................................................................................... 31
Documentation.................................................................................................................. 31
This manual describes the Becker Avionics COSPAS/SARSAT Beacon Decoder BD406 and PBD406
and its variants. The type plate on your device shows the part number for identification purposes (see
"Type Plate", page 36).
Before starting operation of the device(s) please read this manual carefully, with particular attention to
the description referring to your device(s).

General Description
Becker Avionics
Introduction
14 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
1.1 Introduction
The technical information in this document applies to the described product and variants of
BD406-(XXX) and PBD406-(XXX).
•We also use the term BD406 or device, instead of BD406/PBD406 or instead writing the
complete model number for descriptions.
•If a description refers to only one product variant is it specified.
The manuals “Maintenance and Repair” (M&R), “Installation and Operation (I&O) and "Operation
Instructions" (OI) contain the sections:
Section
DV16401.04
M&R
DV16401.03
I&O
-
OI
General
X
X
-
Installation
X
X
-
Operation
X
X
X
Theory of Operation
X
N/A
N/A
Maintenance and Repair
X
N/A
N/A
Illustrated Parts List
X
N/A
N/A
Modification and Changes
X
N/A
N/A
Circuit Diagrams
X
N/A
N/A
Certifications
X
N/A
N/A
Attachments
X
N/A
N/A

Becker Avionics
Installation and Operation
Purpose of Equipment
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 15
1.2 Purpose of Equipment
The COSPAS/SARSAT Beacon Decoder BD406 and PBD406 are made for use by search and
rescue (SAR) authorities as a tool to receive vital information and assistance during rescue missions.
•The BD406 is a single block device made for installations in fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
•The PBD406 is a portable version of the BD406 with built-in battery and housing.
•BD406/PBD406 in SAR missions decrease the time necessary to locate a distress signal,
which has a direct effect on the probability of survival of the person in distress at sea or on
land.
•The BD406/PBD406 has direct detection of the distress messages transmitted on
406 MHz (ELTs for aviation use, EPIRBs for maritime use, and PLBs for personal use).
oIt decodes the position of the transmitted signal.
oIt shows the beacons relative position and does continuous tracking during the rescue
mission.
The International Satellite System for Search and Rescue (COSPAS-SARSAT) system is described on
www.cospas-sarsat.org.
Further details of the Cospas-Sarsat system as well as the address of the national supervisory
authorities are obtainable from:
International Cospas-Sarsat Programme
700 de la Gauchetiere West, Suite 2450
Montreal, Quebec H3B 5M2
Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email [e-mail]
URL: www.cospas-sarsat.int

General Description
Becker Avionics
Variants Overview
16 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
1.3 Variants Overview
BD
406
-
(X
X
X)
Identifier
Beacon Decoder
1= Standard
3= Standard without control head
(remote device)
Model Number
0= Standard
1= NVG compatible
0= Standard
PBD
406
-
(X
X
X)
Identifier
Portable Beacon
Decoder
1= Standard
Model Number
0= Standard
1= NVG compatible
0= Standard
Figure 1: BD406-(XX1)
Figure 2: BD406-(XX3)
Figure 3: PBD406-(XX1) - Portable device
Figure 4: Batty charger for PBD406

Becker Avionics
Installation and Operation
Scope of Functionality
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 17
1.4 Scope of Functionality
•The device(s) receives, decodes and processes COSPAS/SARSAT distress signal in a
range of 406.020...406.081 MHz.
BD406 with control head:
•The BD406 with control head is a single block device made for installations in fixed and
rotary wing aircraft.
•BD406 dimensions correspond to the standard instrument diameter of 58 mm (2¼ inch).
oIt can be installed with four screws (rear panel installation).
oAll controls and indicators are on the front panel.
oThe equipment connectors and the antenna sockets are at the rear of the device.
BD406 without control head:
•The BD406 without control head is a single block remote-controlled device made for
installations in fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
oIt does not have a control head or user interface (remote-controlled).
oThe equipment connectors and the antenna sockets are at the rear side of the device.
•Installation: For dimension see "BD406 without Control Head" page 41 and "BD406
without Control Head with Mounting Kit MK4401" page 42.
oUse the mounting kit MK4401 to install the device in the avionic bay environment.
PBD406:
•PBD406 is the portable version with its own battery, internal speaker, battery charger and
inputs for RX and GPS antennas.
•It includes a BD406 single block device with control head.

General Description
Becker Avionics
Scope of Functionality
18 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
Beacon / NavPoint Indication
BD406/PBD406 with control head:
In mission mode, which is the typical operational mode, the user has access to beacon views and
NavPoint views. The beacon view is related to the set of data received from distress beacons during a
mission.
The different data presentations of single beacon include:
•Raw 15HexID, processed data: (Protocol Type Standard/National Location, etc.), beacon
type (EPIRB, PLB, etc.), beacon serial number, TAC (Type Approval Certificate Number),
beacon position (if distress beacon has GPS functionality).
•Up to 49 received beacons can be stored in internal memory.
•Access through the rotary knob, and LEXCH / REXCH keys (details "Controls and
Indications" page 82).
•Beacon data can be removed from memory on demand. Refer to section 3 for menu
details.
B 03/15 1/6
PT: STD-LOC
CNTR: 279 TAC: 0719
BT: EPIRB SN: 14000
S-T
B03/15 2/6
15HEX:
123 456 789
0AB CDE
B03/15 3/6
N43
o
25` `` 16
E 112
o
56` `` 09
B 03/15
4/6
TBRG: 095
o
031.6 kmDIST:
TC: 123.6
o
B 03/15 5/6
031.6 NM
DIST:
ETA:
01 : 20 :56
-2 NM
B 03/15
6/6
FT:
LT:
26 :: 01 : 20 :56
26 :: 05 : 35 :18
[ DD :: HH : MM : SS ]
Figure 5: Menu Screens - Beacons Indication
B 03/15 1/6
PT: STD-LOC
CNTR: 279 TAC: 0719
BT: EPIRB SN: 14000
S-T
B03/15 2/6
15HEX:
123 456 789
0AB CDE
B03/15 3/6
N 43
o
25` `` 16
E 112
o
56` `` 09
B 03/15
4/6
TBRG: 095
o
031.6 kmDIST:
TC: 123.6
o
B 03/15 5/6
031.6 NM
DIST:
ETA:
01 : 20 :56
-2 NM
B 03/15
6/6
FT:
LT:
26 :: 01 : 20 :56
26 :: 05 : 35 :18
[ DD :: HH : MM : SS ]
Figure 6: Menu Screens - NavPoints Indication
Navigational data from beacon can be used to create NavPoint.
NavPoint is a set of navigational data (latitude, longitude, name, additional info) that can be stored in
internal memory (up to 49 records) and used to navigate to a selected target. Details see "Operation"
page 81.
Beacon / NavPoint Memory
BD406/PBD406 with control head:
•The device(s) can store up to 49 beacons and 49 NavPoints in the internal nonvolatile
memory.
•The beacon memory can be erased at start-up of the device (details "Start-Up - BD406"
page 89, and "Mission Mode" page 91).

Becker Avionics
Installation and Operation
Scope of Functionality
DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021 BD406/PBD406 19
Power Supply - BD406
BD406 has an operational power range of 9...32 VDC but start-up (power-on) of the device requires
10.5...32V DC. Once the device is operational the power supply can be reduced to 9 VDC.
Power Supply - PBD406
PBD406 power is supplied from an internal 12.0 V maintenance-free rechargeable, sealed dry acid
battery. The internal power module, installed inside the chassis, operate in a range of 9...36 VDC.
Estimated charge time for a depleted battery is approximately 8 hours. The charger can also be used
as an external power supply; therefore there is no need to disconnect the charger when the battery is
fully charged. The charger can be safely left plugged in. The nominal operating time on full battery
charge is no less than 5 hours.
The battery is protected against a deep discharge – PBD406 will not operate/start when battery
voltage is < 10.5 V.
The battery should be charged every six months for long term inactive storage periods of more than
six months.
Notice: Operating time of PBD406 can decrease for ambient temperatures < 0 °C.
Audio Outputs
The receiver has two audio outputs: headphone and speaker.
Headphone rated output power:300 mW into 150 Ω.
Speaker rated output power: 4 W into 4 Ω.
Illumination
BD406/PBD406 with control head:
The illumination of LCD and push buttons can be controlled internally from the front panel knob or
externally via the dimming inputs.
With external dimming the illumination curve (brightness to voltage relation) can be adjusted in the
installation setup.
For BD406-(011) / PBD406-(011) the illumination curve cannot be set.
In case of PBD406-(001) and PBD406-(011) - DIMMING INPUT must be set in installation setup in a
range of 0…14 V (see "Dimming Input" page 65).
Notice: Illumination of BD406-(XX1) / PBD406-(XX1) is automatically off when the power
supply voltage is below 10.5V.
Audio Notifications
BD406 have a voice notification system that informs the user about:
•Incoming COSPAS/SARSAT messages, homing – distance and bearing to the selected
target (message is triggered on demand by rotary knob or related discrete input), the
device failure. Details "Audio Notification" page 85.

General Description
Becker Avionics
Scope of Functionality
20 BD406/PBD406 DV16401.03 Issue 04 May 2021
Internal GPS Receiver
BD406 is equipped with an integrated GPS receiver module LEA-6S manufactured by u-blox. For
details about the GPS receiver please see www.u-blox.com.
BD406-(XX1) / PBD406-(XX1) use GPS data in ASCII format (NMEA 0183 compliant) from the internal
GPS receiver via RS232 interface. Details "IF2 - GPS Interface (external/internal)" page 55.
•Connect active GPS antenna to the BD406/PBD406 only when the device is
not powered-on.
•Do not connect or disconnect the GPS antenna when the BD406/PBD406
operates, as the internal GPS receiver calibrates the noise floor on power-up.
•To connect the antenna after power-up can cause an extended acquisition
time.
•Use ONLY active antennas according to specification see "GPS Antenna"
page 25.
•Passive GPS antennas must not be connected.
Built-In Tests
BD406 with control head:
After power-on, the device starts a self-test (PBIT).
In case of errors the device notifies the user about any malfunction. During PBIT the receiver identifies
itself and shows the software versions of the control head and chassis module.
During normal operation, a continuous built-in test (CBIT) verifies the correct operation of the device in
background. In case of problems an error notification is shown, details see "Warning and Failure
Indications" page 86.
BD406 without control head:
To control and read the test results and messages an external control interface is required. In case of
problems, an error notification can be read out through the external control interface.
Installation Setup
BD406 with control head:
Configuration of the installation parameters such as headphone and speaker activation, GPS source,
illumination level, and further parameters is possible in installation setup.
BD406 without control head:
Only manufacturer (on customer request) configures specific installation settings. Contact
manufacturer to change current configuration when device is already delivered.
Service Mode
Special factory configuration of the system is possible in this mode through a RS422 interface with a
proprietary serial data communication protocol. This mode is serviced by the manufacturer.