FCC Exam Question: 3-87N1

What causes the SART to begin a transmission?

A. When activated manually, it begins radiating immediately.
B. After being activated the SART responds to RADAR interrogation.
C. It is either manually or water activated before radiating.
D. It begins radiating only when keyed by the operator.
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: A Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) is a type of radar beacon used to pinpoint the location of a distress incident or survival craft. After being manually or water activated, the SART does not continuously radiate. Instead, it operates as a transponder. It listens for pulses from X-band marine RADARs operating in the 9 GHz band. Upon receiving a RADAR interrogation pulse, the SART immediately transmits a series of 12 distinct sweep signals back to the RADAR. These signals appear as a line of dots on the RADAR display, indicating the SART's position and helping search and rescue vessels navigate towards it. Therefore, the SART only begins to transmit *in response* to an incoming RADAR signal, making option B correct. Options A and C are incorrect because they imply continuous radiation after activation, which is not how a SART works. Option D is incorrect as SARTs are automatic responders, not manually keyed devices.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.