User manual

20
9 SELF TEST
The EPIRB has a built-in self test capability that will confirm whether the battery is
healthy, both distress transmitters are functional and that the high intensity strobe light is
operational. It is recommended to self test the EPIRB monthly, more frequent self testing
can put unnecessary drain on the battery. During the EPIRB self test, a specially coded
test transmission is sent that will not alert the authorities. A self test can be made while
the Category 2 EPIRB is held in the Carrysafe bracket, a Category1 EPIRB should be
removed from the enclosure first. The self test should be carried out during the first 5
minutes of the hour so as to minimise any disturbance of the emergency channels.
1. Push and hold the TEST button down until the red LED indicator lights.
2. A successful self test will result in the red LED and strobe light flashing together a
number of times.
3. The number of strobe light flashes indicates past battery usage;
Accumulated Battery Use
(hours)
Number of strobe light
flashes
0 to 4 3
4 to 6 2
More than 6 1
Once the self test has completed the EPIRB will switch off automatically.
A self test failure will result in NO strobe light flash and the red LED turning OFF.
Important
Each self test draws small amounts of energy from the battery pack. Unnecessary testing
of the EPIRB will reduce the run time of the EPIRB in an emergency. On average, the
EPIRB should only be self tested 12 times per year, or a total of 72 times during the 6
year battery lifetime.
If the EPIRB has been activated for a cumulative period in excess of 6 hours (self testing
and operation), then the battery must be replaced to ensure that in an emergency it will
still operate for a minimum of 48 hours at -20 pC as required by International regulations.
If the EPIRB fails self test it should be immediately removed from service.
Long self test (GPS version only)
The GPS model can also be put through a GPS long self test which includes allowing the
GPS to acquire a fix. As this test consumes significant amounts of power it is restricted to
a maximum of 10 tests in total.
Self test button