The Marconi IFR Aeroflex ATC-601 Ramp Test Set is a portable transponder test instrument for certifying Mode S, Mode A, and Mode C aircraft transponders in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations 91.172 and Part 43, Appendix F. The unit executes 23 discrete tests in approximately 30 seconds via its AUTO TEST sequence, enabling rapid verification and certification with minimal operator intervention. Individual test execution supports diagnostic fault finding during routine maintenance. The ATC-601 measures transponder transmitting frequency, power output, and receiver sensitivity while supporting data link testing, elementary surveillance, and enhanced surveillance capabilities including ADS-B/GICB testing to RTCA-DO260 and ICAO Annex 10 Vol 3 Chapter 5 standards.
Technical Specifications
Transmitter Power Measurement
• Range: +46.5 to +59 dBm (45 to 800 W)
• Accuracy: ±1 dB
• Resolution: 0.1 dB
Receiver Sensitivity Measurement
• Direct connection range (minimum triggering level): −67 to −79 dBm
• Accuracy: ±2 dB
• Antenna coupling range: −69 to −77 dBm (−77 to −85 dB W/m²)
Signal Generation
• Transmitting frequency range: 1087 to 1093 MHz
• Transmitting frequency accuracy: 50 kHz
• Transmitting frequency resolution: 10 kHz
• Reply delay range: 0.10 to 4.88 sec
• Reply delay accuracy: ±10 ms
• ATCRBS reply delay: 1.80 to 7.00 µs
• ATCRBS reply delay accuracy: ±100 ns
• Mode S reply delay: 125.00 to 131.00 µs
– Key Features
• AUTO TEST: 23 automated tests completed in ~30 seconds
• Individual test mode for targeted diagnostics
• Flight ID and tail number decode validation
• UELM/DELM data link testing
• Elementary surveillance: altitude decode (25 ft increments), flight status, II & SI code, BDS reports (1,0; 1,7; 2,0; 3,0)
• Enhanced surveillance: BDS 4,0 (selected vertical intention), BDS 5,0 (track & turn report), BDS 6,0 (heading & speed report)
• Environmental shock and vibration protection for field operations
– Typical Applications
• FAA transponder certification and recertification
• Scheduled transponder maintenance and functional verification
• Fault diagnosis during transponder troubleshooting
• Mode S, Mode A, and Mode C system validation
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed for aircraft transponder systems operating in the 1087–1093 MHz band with compliance to ADS-B/GICB regulatory standards.
