Testing ALERT Transmitters
We offer step-by-step instructions to test the transmitter on your ALERT Man-Overboard Alarm System as part of your regular man-overboard procedure drills. When you regularly test the transmitter, you increase your chances of a successful man-overboard rescue procedure.
Testing the ALERT2 Transmitter
- Arm the ALERT2 Transmitter by turning the cap clockwise until the cap is closed tight. Failure to close completely may allow water to enter electronics compartment and damage the unit.
- Immerse the ALERT2 Transmitter in a bucket of water, or wet fingers and touch both metal probes on Transmitter. One of the metal probes is located inside the black nylon boot.
- A green LED will light up, indicating that transmission to the ALERT2 Receiver has begun. The green LED will continue to flash in intervals until the Transmitter is unarmed. The Receiver will produce an audible sound once transmission has begun.
- If it doesn’t, make sure the cap is firmly screwed shut. If the cap is firmly screwed shut but the green LED does not flash, nor the alarm sound from the Receiver, contact Emerald Marine Products.
- If the green LED does flash but the ALERT2 Receiver does not sound the alarm, make sure the Receiver is turned on. If the power is on but the Receiver fails to alarm (a red LED on front panel will also light up), contact us.
- The ALERT2 Receiver will continue to sound its Alarm until it’s turned off with the power switch. The ALERT418 Receiver Alarm can be silenced, but will continue to display fall overboard information from an ALERT Transmitter until the Transmitter is reset and the ALERT418 Receiver is powered off.
- Disengage the ALERT2 Transmitter alarm transmission by unscrewing cap until the green LED light stops flashing. Make sure the unit is wiped dry if unscrewing the cap completely (in the event of changing batteries).
- If testing additional ALERT2 Transmitters, power off the ALERT2 Receiver and repeat procedures 1-5.
Testing the ALERT418 Transmitter
- The ALERT418 Transmitter is in active mode at all times. There is no need to take additional steps to arm the unit.
- Remove ALERT418 Transmitter from spray-tight pouch. Wet fingers and touch both metal probes on the clear (cap) portion of the transmitter. Don’t test the unit in the spray-tight pouch if possible, as a wet pouch may continue to set the transmitter into transmit mode.
- Flashing green and red LEDs followed by white LEDs indicate active transmission to the ALERT2 or ALERT418 Receiver. The Receiver will produce an audible sound once transmission has begun.If only the red LED flashes, replace the unit’s batteries. See below for additional information about replacing batteries.
If white LEDs fail to flash, contact Emerald Marine Products.
- To stop transmission of the ALERT418 Transmitter, press the ‘Reset’ button on the Transmitter.
- The ALERT2 or ALERT418 Receiver will continue to sound its Alarm until the ALERT418 Transmitter is turned off and the Receiver is powered off with the power switch. While the ALERT418 Receiver Alarm can be silenced, it will keep displaying fall overboard information from an ALERT Transmitter until the Transmitter itself is reset and the ALERT418 Receiver is turned off.
- If the ALERT418 Transmitter fails to reset, make sure the two metal probes on the cap of the transmitter is dry and press the ‘Reset’ button for a longer amount of time. If this fails to reset the device OR a red LED flashes, contact Emerald Marine Products.
- If testing additional ALERT418 Transmitters, power off the ALERT2 Receiver and repeat procedures 1-5.
Replacing batteries in the ALERT418 Transmitter
Replace batteries after emergency use or only red LED continues to flash upon testing. Use CR123 style lithium batteries. Do not use non-lithium or rechargeable batteries. Remove top of ALERT418 Transmitter (cap) by unscrewing two metal screws holding cap to lower body of unit. Your unit may require an allen wrench or phillips screw driver to accomplish. Install two new batteries with positive terminal in “up” position. Use dielectric grease to lubricate between the bottom and top cap. Use a liberal amount, as the dielectric grease will also prevent water seepage into the cap area. Attach the bottom to the cap and test the unit by submerging in water. After the unit is submerged in water for a few minutes, take out of water and dry off metal probes and press “Reset” button. The unit should stop transmission and check for any water or moisture in cap area. If unit continues to transmit, seepage may have occurred. You can dry out the unit, reseal with more dielectric grease and retest or return to Emerald Marine Products for servicing.