I have the ACK E-04, and have not heard of the more extensive tests you refer to. Per the manufacturer's instructions, I do the easy self-test every 3 months (just push the test button and look for LED flash and one beep). Then every annual I do the more extensive test where you remove the unit and yank it to activate the G-switch and listen for the squeal on the radio to make sure it is transmitting to the satellites. All done without any special equipment.