What is the Built-in Self-Test (BIST) and how do I run it?
This article covers the Built-in Self-Test (BIST) command, what it is, and how to run it.
Product applicability
This article applies to the following beacon products:
- E Series: R920-E, R820-E, R829-E and R247-E
- F Series: R920-F, R820-F, R829-F and R247-F
- G Series: SC315-G, R820-G, R829-G and R247-G
The Built-in Self-Test (BIST) runs a self-test on the beacon system and will advise the user of any error codes detected. All Gen 3 beacons have this feature and can be run at any time by personnel servicing the product.
Procedure
Using the up/down arrows on the user interface of the Energy Management System (EMS), locate “bISt”.
- Hold the SET button for a few seconds.
- Scroll the menu to “yes.”
- Hold the SET button down again for a few seconds.
- The self-test will begin to run and take around 10 seconds. Any beacon(s) connected will come on briefly during this time
Radio operation is not tested by this function.
The BIST checks that the temperature is between 15 °C (59 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F). With installation sites frequently having temperatures outside of this range, a temperature check code (0002) will often be generated while there is no real issue with temperature.
The solar engine should be closed during the test to help with the solar charging test.
The test may report an Ambient Brightness Sensor (ABS) error (0080) if tested indoors or if the sensor is not receiving enough ambient light. Shining a flashlight over the Ambient Brightness Sensor cover on the top of the solar engine/cabinet during the test or running the BIST on a sunny day should result in no error being generated.
The current BIST feature checks for the following:
- Temperature Check (0002)
- This error code can be ignored if it is reported. This is only used during the manufacturing process and is not relevant otherwise.
- Battery Check (0008)
- Supply Voltage on Control Board (0010)
- Ambient Brightness Sensor (ABS) Check (0080)
- Charger Check (4000)
- LED Fixture Check (8000)
The hexadecimal number that will be displayed after the BIST test is created by adding together the individual error codes. For example, if there were a charger problem (4000) and a problem with the fixture LED (8000), the hexadecimal sum would be C000. 4 + 8 =12, which is “C” in hexadecimal. One common error code 4080 (4000+80) which is related to a charging issue and lack of ambient light. This would mean the test was probably run while indoors.
Legacy systems that have the BIST function may report slightly different error codes than above. Contact Carmanah for clarification.