BASEWEST TS-421 User manual

BASEWEST
Operating Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Escape Slide Lighting Systems
February 15, 2023
BaseWest Inc.
4240 116th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762
Tel: 727 / 573-2700 • Fax: 727 / 573-4307
E-mail: hell[email protected]
www.basewest.com
25-60-45

BASEWEST Operating & Maintenance Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
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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 120/240charger. This instrument replaces the original TS-420 test
set and duplicates the functions of the Astronics Model TU-14 test unit.
TS-421 Test Set Shown at the Home Screen
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 receptacle to mate with the test lead of the
battery or battery/harness system and two polarized receptacles to test individual light
harnesses.

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Model TS-421 Test Set
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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. The test set is turned ON by pressing the RED button; the HOME screen with
test mode selection, below, appears.
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, and test set
will turn OFF.
1.5 Home Icon
The HOME screen, above, re-appears at any time the HOME icon, shown below, is
tapped at any time.
.
Home Icon
Polarized Contacts
for
L
ight
H
arness
4-Contact Receptacle
for Battery
Test Lead

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Model TS-421 Test Set
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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, or by holding the RED button down for 3 seconds at
any time.
2.0 Voltmeter Mode (Battery Testing)
2.1 Connect the 4-contact test lead of the battery under test to the mating receptacle on the
connector block. Note that the connector is keyed for proper alignment.
2.2 Turn the test set ON by pressing the RED button. Tap the VOLTMETER icon on the
HOME screen and the load selection screen, below right, appears.

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Model TS-421 Test Set
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NOTE: If the battery under test is not connected, or connected improperly, pressing the
RED button creates a three-pulse vibration, and a “Check Connection” prompt appears.
2.3 Select the resistive load specified by the slide manufacturer’s CMM by scrolling through
the loads with the left and right arrows.
Select Voltmeter Mode Select Load
2.4 Once the proper load is selected, press the RED button to initiate the test. A loading icon
appears momentarily until the voltage reading is presented.
Press to Test Test In Process Voltage Reading
2.5 Display timing and test reading availability is covered in Section 1.8.

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Model TS-421 Test Set
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3.0 Ammeter Mode (Light Harness Testing)
3.1 Connect a light harness to the test set in one of two ways:
 If testing an individual lighting 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 lighting harness system with a connected battery - Connect the
4-contact test lead of the battery to the mating 4-contact receptacle on the
connector block.
3.2 Turn the test set ON by pressing the RED button. Tap the AMMETER icon on the HOME
screen and the ammeter screen appears.
3.3 To initiate the ammeter test, press the RED button. The RED button illuminates, and a
loading icon appears for three seconds until the ammeter reading is presented.
NOTE: If the lighting harness is not connected, or connected improperly, pressing the
RED button creates a three-pulse vibration, and a “Check Connection” prompt 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.

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Model TS-421 Test Set
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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 provided.
 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 except for
battery replacement. (Note: the back of the protective cover is provided with a
rotating stand that can be removed if it is not useful to the operators.)
 Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and UV radiation.
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 connection.
 Separate the battery pack from the back cover carefully (Velcro attachment).
 Install the new battery pack in the same location and orientation.
 Reconnect battery connection.
 Reinstall back panel with installed battery pack with four attach screws.
5.0 Calibration
A separate BaseWest calibration manual, 25-60-46, is provided with each new unit, and is
available on the BaseWest website. Calibration is recommended on one-year cycles but
is dependent on user requirements. Calibration can be accomplished without opening the
test set body.