When a beacon is turned on, it performs a self test. If an error is encountered, most transceivers will either display a message on the screen, change the color of an indicator light, or change the blinking of an indicator light.

The Pieps DSP (and probably some other transceivers) uses a fourth antenna to transmit a weak signal during the self test. This approach allows it to test that the other three antennas can receive a signal. However, if you turn on a DSP when it is near a transmitting beacon or another electrical device, the DSP will often report an error during the self-test because it is receiving a second signal. People sometimes misinterpret this as a problem with the DSP when in fact, it is indicative of a thorough self-test. To avoid these phantom errors, you should be at least 5 meters from any electrical devices or transmitting beacons when you turn on your DSP.

The ARVA Evolution+, Advanced, 3Evo, and 3Axes perform self tests every five minutes to check the battery strength, the transmitting frequency, the transmitting power, etc. If a problem is detected the ARVAs will emit three long beeps every five minutes.

The Ortovox S1 and the Barryvox Pulse have "group check" modes. The S1's manual says that it tests the frequency, "transmission period," and "period length."