BASEWEST TS-421 User manual

BASEWEST
Operating Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Escape Slide Lighting Systems
PRELIMINARY RELEASE
January 10, 2023
BaseWest Inc.
4240 116th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762
Tel: 727 / 573-2700 • Fax: 727 / 573-4307
E-mail: [email protected]
www.basewest.com
25-60-45

BASEWEST Operating & Maintenance Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Page 2 of 725-60-45
1/10/2023
1.0 General
1.1 Introduction
The Model TS-421 test set is a rechargeable, handheld instrument designed specifically
for testing airline escape slide lighting batteries and light harnesses. The configuration
comprises a molded plastic enclosure with touchscreen, a removable protective cover with
stand, and a universal charger. This instrument may be used interchangeably with the
original TS-420 test set and the Astronics Model TU-14.
TS-421 Test Set
1.2 Function
The Model TS-421 provides the following functions:
•Voltmeter with built-in load bank –The Voltmeter Mode is used to test battery
condition. A touchscreen interface provides for the selection of established resistive
loads as well as an open circuit (no load) test.
•Ammeter with regulated power supply –The Ammeter Mode is used to verify the
electrical current draw of the slide light harness when powered by the test set’s
regulated 5 VDC power supply. The ammeter test verifies proper function of the light
harness luminaires. The ammeter test has a built-in timer that allows a hands-free,
walk-around inspection of luminaire operation for 30 seconds. The internal power
supply is capable of providing up to 3 amperes of current.
1.3 Test Connections
Test connections are made at the connector block on the top of the instrument, shown
below. These connections include a 4-contact receptable to mate with the test lead of the
battery or battery/harness system and two polarized receptacles to test individual lighting
harnesses.

BASEWEST Operating & Maintenance Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Page 3 of 725-60-45
1/10/2023
Test Connections / Connector Block
1.4 Test Set Activation
The TS-421 is OFF when the screen is dark and the RED press-to-test button is not
illuminated as shown in the image to the left, below. Test set activation is accomplished
by either tapping the touchscreen or pressing the RED button. The test set is activated
and ready for testing when the HOME screen, below middle, is illuminated.
Inactive / OFF HOME Screen Charging Required
If the internal battery is not sufficiently charged for test set operation, the screen to the
right, above will appear for 3 seconds, indicating that recharging is required.
1.5 Home Icon
The HOME screen, above, re-appears at any time the home icon is touched during
subsequent testing. An example is shown below on a representative screen.
.
Home Icon
Polarized Contacts
for Light Harness
4-Contact Receptacle
for Battery Test Lead

BASEWEST Operating & Maintenance Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Page 4 of 725-60-45
1/10/2023
1.6 Internal Battery Status
The charge status of the internal battery is monitored and read-out upon activation of the
test set and whenever the touchscreen is active. A battery status icon is displayed in the
top righthand corner of the screen indicating state of charge. When the internal battery
voltage reaches a predetermined level, the icon will change from Green to Yellow
indicating that the unit should be recharged before next usage.
Half Charge (Yellow) Full Charge (Green)
1.7 Recharging
Recharging of the internal NiMH internal battery is accomplished by a 120/220 VAC
charger provided with the instrument. Chargers provided with the earlier TS-420 test set
may be used. The recharging port is located at the lower right-hand side of the test set.
1.8 Display Timing
Voltmeter and ammeter test readings remain bright for 15 seconds, then dim for an
additional 15 seconds to conserve power. The screen goes dark after 30 seconds, and
the RED button begins to blink. The last reading is retained and recoverable so long as
the RED button remains blinking (about 60 seconds). During this time the last reading can
be recovered by touching the touchscreen or pressing the RED button.
1.9 Automatic Time-Outs
If the test set is left ON and unattended for 90 seconds, the unit will automatically turn OFF
and the last reading is erased. The unit can be turned OFF by returning to the Home
screen and pressing the RED button.
2.0 Voltmeter Mode (Battery Testing)
2.1 Connect the slide light battery’s 4-contact test lead to the mating receptacle on the
connector block. Note that the connector is keyed for proper alignment.
2.3 Tap the VOLTMETER icon on the HOME screen. The RED button illuminates and the
load selection screen, below, appears. The resistive load specified by the slide
manufacturers CMM is selected by scrolling through the loads via the left/right arrows.

BASEWEST Operating & Maintenance Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Page 5 of 725-60-45
1/10/2023
Select Voltmeter Select Load
NOTE: If the battery to be tested is not connected, or connected improperly, the test
creates a quick three-pulse vibration, and a screen prompt “Connect Battery”appears
indicating that battery connection is required.
2.4 Press the RED button. A loading icon appears momentarily until the voltage reading
appears.
Press to Test Test In Process Voltage Reading
2.5 Display timing and test reading availability is covered in Section 1.8.

BASEWEST Operating & Maintenance Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Page 6 of 725-60-45
1/10/2023
3.0 Ammeter Mode (Light Harness Testing)
3.1 Connect a light harness to the test set as follows:
•If testing an individual light harness - Connect light harness directly to two
polarized receptacles with pins in the connector block. Be sure to observe polarity;
in most cases the BLUE wire is positive (+) and the WHITE wire is negative (-).
•If testing a connected battery and light harness system - Connect the 4-contact
test lead of the battery connected to the light harness to the mating 4-contact
receptacle on the connector block.
3.2 Tap the AMMETER icon on the HOME screen.
NOTE: If the light harness to be tested is not connected, or connected improperly, the test
set creates a quick three-pulse vibration, and a screen prompt “Connect System”appears.
3.3 Press the RED button. A loading icon appears for 3 seconds until the ammeter reading
appears.
Select Ammeter Mode Test In Process Ammeter Reading
3.4 The connected lighting harness will remain illuminated for 30 seconds, allowing the test
operator to walk-around, hands free, to verify that all luminaires are operating.
3.5 Display timing and test reading availability is covered in Section 1.8.

BASEWEST Operating & Maintenance Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Page 7 of 725-60-45
1/10/2023
4.0 Care & Maintenance
4.1 The TS-421 test set is a sensitive electronic instrument; it should be treated and protected
with appropriate care. Damage from obvious abuse cannot be covered by warranty.
•Be particularly careful to protect the touchscreen from any physical damage
(damage to the touchscreen is not covered by warranty)
•The case is not completely sealed; keep away from rain, spills, and fluids to
prevent damage to internal electronics
•Do not apply external electrical inputs, except AC charger
•Protect from extreme temperatures and humidity; it is best to store the instrument
in temperature-controlled spaces
•It is recommended to keep the protective cover in place at all times
•Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and UV
4.2 Maintenance is limited to wiping the unit enclosure and touchscreen down lightly with a
clean cloth moistened with alcohol. DO NOT use cleaners or solvents.
4.3 Field repairs except battery replacement are not authorized and will void warranty.
4.4 The P/N 6-1036 NiMH rechargeable battery is rated at a nominal 5-year life. Battery
replacement, when required, is accomplished as follows:
•Remove protective cover
•Remove back panel of the test set enclosure; retain 4 attach screws.
Note: the removable battery pack is nested in the back panel.
•Disconnect battery pack connection
•Remove battery pack carefully (Velcro attachment)
•Install new battery pack in the same location and orientation
•Reconnect battery
•Reinstall back panel and nested battery pack with four attach screws
5.0 Calibration
A separate BaseWest calibration manual, 25-60-46, is provided with each new unit.
Calibration is recommended on one-year cycles but is dependent on user requirements.
Calibration can be accomplished without opening the test set body.