Commercial in confidence
Smartfind EPIRB service manual
Page 16
GPS operation test (Smartfind Plus only)
To comply with COSPAS-SARSAT regulations, the Smartfind Plus EPIRB is also capable
of checking the correct operation of the GPS receiver. This test consumes significant
reserve capacity of the EPIRB battery, consequently it can only be performed a fixed
number of times. It is recommended that this test is performed only if the performance of
the GPS receiver is suspect.
NOTE: The green LED (indicating successful test) only lights at the end of the test while
the buzzer/strobe are flashing.
This test must be performed only in a location where the beacon may be expected to
acquire a GPS position.
1. Press the TEST button until the red LED lights, then release the button. Wait while
the Self Test routine runs, then immediately the strobe flashes press the TEST
button and hold it down for about 15 seconds until the red LED lights again. (If the
strobe does not flash, the Self Test failed. In such a case, this test cannot be
performed.)
2. Provided that the Self Test was successful, the Smartfind Plus will start the “Long
GPS Self Test” mode. The buzzer will sound twice, the red LED will stay lit and the
green LED will begin to flash. The TEST button may be released at this point.
3. This test takes 15 minutes to complete. During this time, do not shield the EPIRB
and do not stand over it.
4. If the GPS receiver acquires a position, the green LED will light continuously and
the buzzer will sound 10 times. If the receiver fails to acquire a position, the red
LED will light continuously and the buzzer will sound 10 times.
5. Whether the test passes or fails, the white strobe LEDs flash to indicate how many
Long GPS Self Test routines remain available.
NOTE: New beacons have 10 test cycles available. When the Smartfind Plus battery is
changed, it is the responsibility of the service agent to ensure that the GPS/Long Test
cycle counter is reset, as otherwise this test may not be available.
WARNING
: While the EPIRB is running this test it cannot generate a distress alert. (Once
the test is complete the EPIRB returns to normal operation without any operator
intervention.)
If necessary, this test may be terminated (without performing the check) by holding down
the TEST button for approximately 5 seconds until the red LED goes out.
