BASEWEST TS-421 User manual

BASEWEST
Operating Manual
Model TS-421 Test Set
Escape Slide Lighting Systems
19 June 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
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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 systems, light harnesses and batteries. The test set
comprises a plastic enclosure with touchscreen, a removable protective cover with stand,
and a universal 120/220 VAC charger. The TS-421 replaces the original TS-420 test set
and duplicates the functions of that unit as well as the Astronics Model TU-14 test set.
TS-421 Test Set Shown at the Home Screen
1.2 Function
The Model TS-421 provides the following test modes:
•Voltmeter Mode with built-in load bank –The Voltmeter Mode is used to test condition
of the internal cell stack of the slide lighting system battery. A touchscreen interface
provides for the selection of established resistive loads as well as an open circuit (no
load) test.
•Ammeter Mode 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 internal
5 VDC power supply and to verify that all luminaires are functioning. 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 and polarized contacts to test individual light harnesses. Marked polarity must be
observed when testing individual LED-based 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 Touchscreen is dark and the RED button is not illuminated.
The test set is turned ON by pressing the RED button. The HOME screen appears with
Voltmeter or Ammeter test selection options, shown center, below.
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. The test set
will then turn OFF.
1.5 Home Icon
The HOME screen reappears at any time the HOME icon, shown below, is pressed.
.
Home Icon
Polarized Contacts
for Individual Light
Harness Connection
4-Contact Receptacle for
Battery or System Testing
through 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 test set’s internal battery is monitored and displayed 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 can be used but should be recharged before next usage.
Half Charge (Yellow) Full Charge (Green)
1.7 Recharging
Recharging of the internal battery is accomplished with the 120/220 VAC charger provided
with the unit. Chargers provided with the earlier TS-420 test set may continue to be used
with the TS-421. The recharging port is located at the lower right-hand side of the test set.
A recharging time of at least overnight is recommended.
1.8 Display Timing
Voltmeter and ammeter test readings remain on the screen for 30 seconds. At that point,
the screen goes dark and the RED button begins to blink for 90 seconds for the Voltmeter
test and 120 seconds for the Ammeter test. While the RED button is blinking, the last test
reading may be recovered by pressing the RED button or pressing the Touchscreen.
1.9 Automatic Time-Outs
If the test set is left ON and unattended for 90 seconds, the unit will automatically turn
OFF, erasing the last reading. The unit can be turned OFF by either returning to the Home
screen and pressing the RED button or by pressing the RED button for 3 seconds.
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. Press the VOLTMETER icon on the
HOME screen, and the load selection screen appears per figures below.

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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 shown in the Select Load figure, below.
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 The test reading remains visible for 30 seconds after which the screen goes dark and the
RED button begins to flash for 90 seconds. The test reading can be retrieved while the
RED button is flashing by either pressing the RED button or the touchscreen.

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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 lighting harness directly to two
polarized contact 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 while connected to a 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. Press 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 Press to Test Ammeter Reading
3.4 The connected lighting harness will remain illuminated for 30 seconds, allowing the test
operator to conduct a walk-around, hands free, to verify that all luminaires are operating.
3.5 After the lighting harness is turned OFF, the test reading remains visible for an additional
30 seconds. At that point the test screen goes dark and the RED button flashes for 90
seconds. The test reading can be retrieved while the RED button is flashing by either
pressing the RED button or the touchscreen.

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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 and should be handled 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 enclosure is not completely sealed; keep the test set away from rain, spills,
and fluids to prevent damage to internal electronics.
•Do not apply external electrical inputs, except the 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.)
•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 integral to the replaceable back panel of
the test set. The battery has a nominal 5 to 7 year life. Battery charge retention will
diminish over time and usage. The battery should be replaced when the charge retention
level becomes unacceptable. Battery replacement can be accomplished at any time
without affecting calibration. Replacement is accomplished as follows:
•Remove protective cover.
•Remove back panel/battery assembly of the test set; retain 4 attach screws.
•Disconnect the battery connection to the test set and discard the old back
panel/battery assembly.
•Connect new the battery connection on the replacement back panel/battery
assembly with same orientation.
•Secure new back panel/battery assembly 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 at one-year cycles but is
dependent on user requirements and policy. Calibration can be accomplished without
opening the test set enclosure. See the calibration manual for recommended accessories.