Two Operational Reminders For The BendixKing ART-2100 Radar Transceiver

March 2023

At Duncan Aviation's Component Repair facility in Lincoln, NE, we see many BendixKing ART-2100 radar transceivers arrive without the software update released in 2018.

This software upgrade (SW) 01/06 addresses memory corruption issues during power-on or shutdown procedures for part numbers 071-01550-0101 and -0201. The ART-2100 units must already have Mod 9 installed to perform this software upgrade.

When power is removed from the unit during the BITE (built-in test equipment) test, the nonvolatile memory can become corrupt. This means when the system is turned to the "off" position, just after power-on or during system shutdown but before the self-calibration is completed, the unit's memory can become corrupted.

A previous Service Aid, SA ART-2100-107, instructed operators to turn the system to standby for five seconds allowing this self-calibration to complete before turning the system to the off position. This is still good practice, even with the software upgrade.

This software upgrade will: 

1. Correct the BITE test in which nonvolatile memory can become corrupted if power is disrupted during the test.
2. Annunciate an RT (receiver transmitter) failure when factory calibration information in nonvolatile memory is corrupted.

After software installation, the unit requires several hours of calibration through temperatures ranging from +70C to -55C.

HONEYWELL INSTALLATION BULLETIN 374

Honeywell Installation Bulletin 374 describes precautionary measures to prevent damage to the ART 2000/2100 high-power digital weather radars.

These radars are specified to have an operating VSWR of up to 2:1. To prevent performance loss, the following precautions are recommended:

• Lightning diverter strips installed on the bottom of the radome may cause problems
• Avoid using lead or metallic flake paints on the radome
• Avoid operating the radar near steel buildings.

This last point usually occurs inside a hangar by transmitting into a close-by hangar door. This can cause a shorted T/R limiter, which results in weak returns. The damage may not be discovered until after takeoff.

Following the proper operation and installation procedures and checking for the latest Service Aids for your equipment can give you a greater and more dependable service life for your radar.