Dukane TS500 Explained: Essential Tester for Underwater Locator Beacons (ULBs)
When it comes to aircraft safety, every component must function flawlessly — especially the Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB) attached to the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). In the event of an accident, these beacons emit acoustic signals to help recovery teams locate flight recorders underwater.
To ensure these critical devices operate within required specifications, technicians rely on the Dukane TS500 ULB Test Set, one of the most trusted and reliable tools in the aviation industry.
What is the Dukane TS500?
The Dukane TS500 is a portable, battery-operated test set designed to verify the performance of underwater locator beacons. It measures beacon output frequency, signal strength, and pulse rate to confirm compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
Developed by Dukane Seacom, a global leader in underwater acoustic technology, the TS500 remains a benchmark for ULB testing and calibration across commercial, business, and military aircraft.
Key Features and Capabilities
• Accurate Frequency and Output Measurement
The TS500 precisely measures the beacon’s output frequency (typically 37.5 kHz ± 1 kHz), ensuring it meets ICAO and FAA standards for underwater transmission. This helps verify that a CVR or FDR beacon will transmit the correct acoustic signal when submerged.
• Built-In Hydrophone Sensor
The integrated hydrophone allows direct acoustic signal detection from the beacon, simulating underwater conditions and providing reliable real-world performance checks.
• Easy-to-Use Interface
With simple controls and clear digital readouts, technicians can quickly perform functional checks without extensive training. This makes the TS500 ideal for both hangar use and field maintenance.
• Rugged and Portable Design
Engineered for durability, the unit’s compact form factor and lightweight build make it easy to transport and operate in diverse maintenance environments.
• Universal Compatibility
Compatible with a wide range of Dukane Seacom and other OEM ULB models, the TS500 supports CVRs, FDRs, and other black box systems from multiple aircraft manufacturers.
Why ULB Testing Matters
Regular testing of ULBs is critical for ensuring flight recorder compliance and post-incident reliability. A weak or failed beacon can delay recovery efforts, increase investigation costs, and jeopardize regulatory certification.
By using the Dukane TS500, aviation maintenance teams can quickly validate beacon functionality, detect potential issues early, and maintain compliance with ICAO Annex 6 and FAA Part 25 requirements.
Advantages of using the Dukane TS500
- Ensures regulatory compliance for CVR and FDR beacons.
- Reduces downtime and maintenance costs by identifying issues before deployment.
- Offers accurate, repeatable testing results.
- Supports a wide variety of ULB models and aircraft types.
- Backed by decades of proven performance and manufacturer reliability.
Conclusion
The Dukane TS500 remains one of the most dependable tools for ensuring the integrity of Underwater Locator Beacons in aviation. Combining portability, precision, and durability, it’s an essential test set for every MRO, avionics shop, and airline maintenance facility committed to safety and compliance.
Looking to purchase or service your Dukane TS500 ULB Test Set?
Contact AvionTEq — your trusted source for new, refurbished, and calibrated avionics test equipment.
Our team provides expert guidance, trade-in programs, and NIST-traceable calibration support for Dukane and other leading ULB test sets.
Email: [email protected] | Phone: +1.877.719.6714
Alternative Options to the Dukane TS500
If you’re exploring other solutions for Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB) testing, consider these reliable alternatives also available from AvionTEq:
Each of these units delivers dependable performance and is supported by AvionTEq’s calibration and after-sales service.