Ocean Signal PLB1 User Manual - page 9
PLB1 USER MANUAL
9
Version 01.03 23/10/2017
4.
TESTING
Routine testing of your PLB is recommended to ensure it is in good working order if
needed, but please follow the guidance notes below on the frequency that tests should be
carried out. Please remember that each test will reduce the battery capacity slightly and
reduce the operation time of your PLB during an emergency.
4.1
Beacon test
Pull antenna out fully before commencing the test. Retract the antenna after the
test.
To test your PLB1 is functioning correctly, press and hold the TEST key. The red LED will
come on to indicate the switch is depressed, followed by the red LED flashing rapidly. The
switch may now be released. After a delay, the strobe light will flash once and the
indicator LED will flash to show the pass or fail status.
Note: This status indication is
repeated a second time after a short delay.
The number of green/amber flashes in each group indicates the battery status as shown in
the table below.
Green / Amber
Indicator
Changes to Amber after 1
hour of use
Red
indicator
No of
Flashe
s
No of
Hours Used
Type of
Failure
1 Flash
0 to 1hr
(Green)
121.5MHz
homer
1 to 2hrs
(Amber)
2
Flashes
2 to 4hrs
(Amber)
406MHz
generation
3
Flashes
4 to 6hrs
(Amber)
406MHz
power amp
4
Flashes
6 to 8hrs
(Amber)
Replace
battery
5
Flashes
8 to 10hrs
(Amber)
Other failure
6
Flashes
Over 10hrs
(Amber)
Because the test transmits a short burst on the
aircraft distress frequency of 121.5MHz, please
only carry out this test in the first five minutes of
each hour.
It is recommended to test your PLB once a
month.
The amber test result is an electronic witness
that indicates the battery has been used for over
one hour or the allowed number of tests has been
exceeded. The PLB will still operate normally in
distress, but the battery should be replaced to
ensure the full operating life when your PLB is
needed.