Commercial in confidence
Smartfind EPIRB service manual
Page 18
3.4. Internal inspection
Internal inspection is important both for diagnosing faults and for detecting possible faults
early. Internal inspection is required under the following conditions:
•
A fault has been observed and needs to be diagnosed
•
If there is any indication of water inside the EPIRB
•
Any salt deposit or corrosion is visible inside
•
Signs of any cracking of the plastic parts
•
Any time the EPIRB is opened for other reasons
Sections 3.5 and 3.6 detail how to disassemble the EPIRB and then re-assemble it.
These sections should be followed, but using the notes below as guidance on what to
look for during the disassembly process.
Prior to opening EPIRB
•
Inspect lens and body for signs of levering with screwdrivers
•
Inspect antenna for sharp bends, which indicate the EPIRB has been dropped.
With dome removed
•
If there is a pungent smell, then suspect that one of the Lithium battery packs have
leaked. See section 1.4 for advice. Wear rubber gloves. Damaged lithium batteries
may be unstable and pose a serious safety hazard. Leakage usually damages
circuit boards, so it is often necessary to scrap the EPIRB without further
investigation.
•
If the EPIRB has an electrical fault, make measurements on the battery.
•
Check Sea switch contacts internally.
•
Check circuit board for white salt deposits, dull grey corrosion or wetness.
If any corrosion is evident the PCB should be replaced.
•
Check plastic parts, especially screw positions, for signs of cracking.
•
Check condition of EMC coating inside body. Green patches mean water ingress.
With battery removed
•
Check condition of weight. Green deposits mean water was present
