Carmanah R247-E, R247-F, R820-E, R829-E, R920-E Quick Start Manual

E / F Series

TRAFFIC BEACON QUICK START GUIDE

For the R920-E/F, R820-E/F, R829-E/F, and R247-E/F flashing beacons

E-Series F-Series

84775_QSG_TRA_E-F-Series_RevD.docx

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | [email protected]

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E/F SERIES QUICK START GUIDE

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1.1 Safety Precautions

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT LET THE BATTERY TERMINALS COME INTO

CONTACT WITH ANY EXPOSED METAL.

Product can have sharp edges. Accidental movement of hinged components can cause injury.

Batteries are shipped fully charged. Use extreme caution when handling the batteries as they can generate hazardous short-circuit currents. Remove all jewelry (bracelets, metal-strap watches, etc.) before handling the batteries.

Solar panels produce DC electricity when exposed to light and can therefore produce an electrical shock or burn. To render solar panels inoperative, remove them from sunlight or fully cover their front surface with an opaque material.

Before lifting any heavy or bulky equipment, ensure the load is secured so moving parts do not shift, and that it can be lifted as far as needed without back strain or loss of grip. Installation may require more than one person.

Ensure the equipment is not powered during installation and wiring of the system. Recheck all completed wiring for proper polarity prior to energizing the system.

Perform all installation, wiring, grounding and maintenance in conformance with local building and electrical codes. Adherence to the National Electrical Code (NEC) is mandatory to comply with any certification markings. Non-adherence to code may void the warranty.

Changes or modifications to Carmanah equipment not expressly approved by Carmanah could void both the user's authority to operate the equipment and the warranty.

Make sure the installation location has an unobstructed view of the sun’s path. Obstructions such as trees or buildings could significantly reduce the amount of sunlight on the solar panel. Shade analysis is highly recommended to understand how shadows will change according to the time of year. Contact Carmanah for a detailed examination and solar simulations for your site.

This quick start guide is not a replacement for the complete product user manual.

Visit carmanah.com

to download the complete product user manual.

2.1 Tools and Materials Required

The following tools and materials may be required to mount your Carmanah flashing beacon depending on the

E/F Series model and configuration: a. Imperial socket set b. Crescent wrench c. Tap set d. Imperial Allen-Wrench set e. Fish tape f. Level g. Compass or pre-determined equatorial direction h. Drill and drill bits i. j.

Fine-tip felt marker

Multi-bit screwdriver k. Pelco Roger-Wrench (Optional) l. Hook spanner wrench, 11/2” trade size

(configurations 4.2 & 4.3) m. Ladder or lift device n. Lithium grease o. Electrical Multi-meter (Optional)


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3.1 Commissioning

After installing and programming the E/F Series flashing beacon system, the following commissioning verification checklist helps ensure that everything is working as it should be and that your system is ready to serve the public for many years of reliable and sustained operation.

 EMS settings are correct.

 No LED fault message on the EMS.

 For single or triple fixture systems, ensure the flash pattern is set for unison.

 Fixtures flash properly: u se “TEST” at the EMS user interface to check functionality of LEDs.

 Fixtures are tightened and pointed in the correct direction toward oncoming traffic lanes.

 Retrieved calendar from R829 is confirmed to be accurate and calendar setti ng is set to “on” if applicable.

 Solar panel pointed South (or as per specific instructions provided by Carmanah).

 Override box (if equipped) correctly activates or deactivates the flashing (depending on model input setting).

 The solar panel is properly latched, and the solar engine body is secured tightly and unable to spin.

 No debris covering the photosensor window on top of the solar engine.

 Vents are clear, and screens are intact.

 Sealing gaskets on door are intact.

 Solar panel is producing voltage in s unlight (use EMS “Solar” user interface menu item).

 System has clear sky access and no removal of obstructions is required.

 Note the possibility for nearby foliage to eventually shade the solar panel at a different time of year. If so, set a reminder to inspect later.

 Battery voltage is healthy (use either a voltmeter or EMS “Battery” user interface menu item).

 Verify both fuses are intact so that the system doesn't just run off a single battery (use multimeter to confirm fuse continuity or disconnect each fuse individually and confirm the other fuse still allows EMS to operate).

 Yellow fuse holders are tightly sealed to prevent water ingress.

 RRFB light bar flashing starts with left module first if applicable.

 Remote systems are turning on and off correctly via wireless control if applicable.

 For RRFB systems, verify the indicator LEDs on the ends of light bars can be seen by pedestrians across the street.


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4.1 Solar Engine Mounting – Round Post

1. Install supplied longer set screws into mount, if required.

2. Thread mount onto solar engine and tighten.

3. Tighten set screw or clamp bolt at top of mount.

4. Install on post and orient solar engine to face South (for Northern Hemisphere locations).

5. Tighten set screws or bolts onto post.


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4.2 Solar Engine Mounting – Square Post

1. Obtain lock nut included with solar engine. Fully tighten against bottom of solar engine.

2. Thread solar engine fully onto mount.

3. Install mount onto square post and tighten bolts onto post.

4. Loosen less than one turn until solar engine faces South (for Northern Hemisphere locations).

5. Tighten top bolt on mount.


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4.3 Solar Engine Mounting – Side of Post

1. Obtain lock nut included with solar engine. Fully tighten against bottom of solar engine.

2. Thread hex nut onto bottom of solar engine.

3. Insert other hex nut into channel in side of post mount so it lines up with hole in top of mount.

4. Thread solar engine all the way onto nut in channel. Loosen less than one turn until solar engine faces

South (for Northern Hemisphere locations).

5. Tighten top hex nut down against mount.


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4.4 Integrated Solar Engine with Signal Head – Round / Square Post

1. Install supplied longer set screws into mount, if required ( 4.0” OD posts only; see mount contents above).

2. Align serrated lock ring so that tabs fit into slots in bottom of solar engine.

3. Obtain signal housing with reinforcement bracket(s). Install solar engine through top signal housing hole and into hex nut.

4. Install nipple through load spreader plate (12" signal housings only), bottom signal housing hole, serrated lock ring, and tighten onto mount after aligning lock ring tabs with mount slots.

5. Tighten screw/bolt at top of mount.

6. Install on post, adjust the rotation of the signal head if required and adjust the rotation of the solar engine to face South (for Northern Hemisphere locations).

7. Tighten mount screws onto post, then tighten hex nut.


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4.5 Integrated Solar Engine with Signal Head – Square Wood Post

.

1. Install mount onto post using suitable fasteners (not supplied).



4. Install nipple through load spreader plate (12" signal housings only), bottom signal housing hole, serrated lock ring, mount hole, and hex nut as shown.

5. Adjust direction of signal if required, and orient solar engine to face South (for Northern Hemisphere locations).

6. Tighten nipple and top hex nut.


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4.6 Integrated Solar Engine with Signal Head – Side of Post



3. Install nipple with set screw through load spreader plate (12" signal housings only), bottom signal housing hole, gasket, mount hole, and hex nut as shown.

4. Adjust direction of the signal if required, and orient solar engine to face South (for Northern Hemisphere locations).

5. Tighten nipple and top hex nut.


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4.7 RRFB Light Bar Installation (R920-E/F Beacons)

1. Feed light bar cable(s) through post, creating a drip loop.

2. Mount light bar universal bracket(s). Bolts and banding not supplied.

3. Mount light bar(s) onto universal bracket(s) through slots in back. Bolt light bar to universal bracket as shown. Install two anti-vandal rotation locking screws. Tighten mounting nuts. Secure cable using supplied cable ties as shown.

4. Align light bar as required. Push light bar wires into light bar connectors, following color scheme indicated on unit. For FHWA compliance, mount light bar so black and white wires are on the left side. Slide on light bar cover and secure with four screws provided. If the pedestrian confirmation light is not required in one direction, use the supplied opaque label to cover the indicator light.


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5.1 Push Button Installation (R920-E/F & R820-E/F Beacons)

If the E or F Series is wired for a push button but none is needed (such as an advance RRFB), insulate the ends and secure the wires.

The push button can be connected in either polarity.

1. For round poles, cut holes to size and tap as required. Deburr the hole that the push button wiring will pass through.

2. Feed the push button cable through the pole, creating a drip loop.

6.1 Battery Installation

Once the solar engine is secured and the beacons and other devices are in place, the batteries can be installed.

1. Open the solar engine and install the batteries, connecting each battery using the correct polarity. Secure batteries with battery strap; note proper routing.

2. Batteries must be installed with the terminals facing outward (E Series, left image below) or upwards (F

Series, right image below).

3. The system will power up once the batteries are connected. If it is part of a radio-connected group, all members of the group will now be able to communicate with each other.


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7.1 EMS Programming and Testing

The E/F Series ’ Energy Management System (EMS) has several programming functions and settings. These are accessed through the On-Board User Interface (OBUI). Specific products will use a subset of the complete OBUI settings, which will be covered in this manual’s sections specific to each product.

7.2 EMS On-Board User Interface Operation

The EMS OBUI has three buttons to navigate and change settings and activate functions as required. The Up arrow, Down arrow, and SET button are used to scroll through menus, access and change settings, and accept new settings.


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Using the Up or Down buttons on the OBUI, the following menu items will appear:

Menu Items

LED Fault

Battery Status

Solar Status

Flash Pattern

Input Type

Flashing Duration

Intensity (LED Driver

Current)

Night Dimming

Ambient Auto-Adjust

Automatic Light

Control (ALC)

LED Temperature

Internal Calendar

Radio Enable

Radio Channel

Radio Detection

Status

Digital Output

Push Button Input

Status

LED Fixture Test

Built-In Self-Test

Firmware Version

EMS On-Board User Interface Settings Overview

Setting Description

Useradjustable

NO

Broadcast to other systems?

NO

NO NO

Not normally visible, only appears when the EMS detects an LED fault.

Reports battery voltage and status

NO

YES

NO

NO

Reports solar panel voltage and status

Indicates the flash pattern currently set

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

NO

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

Indicates input mode, NC for 24/7 operation, bttn for momentary button input, and NO for calendar setting.

For crosswalks, reports the time duration for a flash pattern.

Indicates the intensity (in milli-amps) the LED modules are set to use. Higher numbers mean brighter lights.

Indicates what fraction of the daytime intensity the

LEDs are set to at night.

If enabled, automatically dims LEDs on overcast days up to 50% to prevent glare for drivers.

If enabled, automatically dims LEDs in response to unexpected solar deficiency to preserve battery life.

If enabled, adjusts LED power output to account for the effects of environmental temperature variations.

Allows LED loads to be set to turn on and off according to a time schedule programmed using Carmanah calendar programming software

Turns the radio on or off

Allows channels to be changed to overcome radio interference issues on a per unit basis.

Confirms whether a radio module has been detected by the system controller (EMS).

Used for relay control. Can be adjusted to allow external loads to be switched on at any time, or only at night.

Detects the status of the push button input and whether there are any faults found.

Allows the LED loads to exhibit a test flash sequence.

Allows the system to run a number of self-tests and can be used for troubleshooting purposes.

Displays the firmware version programmed on the system controller (EMS).


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8.1 Troubleshooting

Symptom

The EMS does not activate or display any information.

LEDs won't flash when push button on the same post is pressed.

LEDs on same post flash, but other systems in the wireless group won't flash.

LED fixture on same post does not flash.

The LEDs are dim when flashing.

The LEDs appear too bright when flashing

Fixtures flash when no button is pressed

LED Open Fault is showing on User

Interface

Possible Cause and What to Check

•

Check if battery voltage is above 12V. Charge or replace batteries if low.

•

Check both battery fuses.

•

Ensure solar panel is clean, clear of debris, and not shaded by buildings or vegetation to allow proper battery charging.

•

Check that button is functioning and is providing the typical feedback. If the button has an LED or audio feedback, ensure that these are operating.

•

Check the wiring to the button for continuity.

•

Check the wiring to the LED fixtures for continuity and make sure the wires are not pinched anywhere along their length. Check that the wiring polarity

(positive / negative) is correct on the LED fixtures.

•

Check the battery voltage, either through the OBUI or with a voltmeter (see item above). Test the system using the “Test” function. If the LEDs flash using the OBUI functions, then the problem is in the button or wiring to the button.

•

Ensure that all the units are set to the same radio channel using the OBUI.

See the EMS Programming and Testing section of this manual.

•

Ensure that the units are not too far apart (ideal 500 ft maximum, 1,000 ft. unobstructed line of sight).

•

Check for barriers or obstructions between systems such as buildings or billboards.

•

Ensure that the wire colors and polarities are correct. Check that the electrical connections are secure.

•

Check the OBUI for ALC status and battery voltage.

•

Ensure that the solar panel is clean, clear of debris, and is not shaded by buildings or vegetation.

•

If the solar panel is covered or shaded, this will prevent proper battery charging and may drive the system to automatic light control mode (ALC).

•

Check for debris covering the ambient light sensor on top of the solar engine and confirm the photosensor is correctly detecting day and night.

•

A flashlight can be shone into the photosensor to simulate day, and the photosensor can be covered to simulate night.

•

Confirm the intensity is set correctly to a value that has been confirmed to be sustainable using a solar simulation.

•

Check the Ambient Auto-Adjust (AAA) setting on the OBUI.

•

Turn off the AAA to see if this corrects the dim LEDs.

•

The intensity setting on the user interface can be turned down to a more suitable brightness level.

•

Verify all fixtures are working. If a fixture stops working, the current that would normally flow through it is redirected into the remaining fixtures, which increases their brightness.

•

Ensure that all units in a group are set to the correct radio channel using the

OBUI while also ensuring that nearby systems at a different location are using a different channel.

•

The EMS is looking for the other fixture in the alternate pattern and declares an “LED Open” fault when it doesn’t find one. Set flash pattern to unison.

19 Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | [email protected]

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© 2020 Carmanah Technologies Corporation

Technical Support:

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free: 1.877.722.8877 (US & Canada)

Worldwide: 1.250.380.0052

Fax: 1.250.380.0062

Web: carmanah.com


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Carmanah R247-E, R247-F, R820-E, R829-E, R920-E Quick Start Manual

TRAFFIC BEACON QUICK START GUIDE

1.1 Safety Precautions

2.1 Tools and Materials Required

3.1 Commissioning

4.1 Solar Engine Mounting – Round Post

4.2 Solar Engine Mounting – Square Post

4.3 Solar Engine Mounting – Side of Post

4.4 Integrated Solar Engine with Signal Head – Round / Square Post

4.5 Integrated Solar Engine with Signal Head – Square Wood Post

4.6 Integrated Solar Engine with Signal Head – Side of Post

4.7 RRFB Light Bar Installation (R920-E/F Beacons)

5.1 Push Button Installation (R920-E/F & R820-E/F Beacons)

6.1 Battery Installation

7.1 EMS Programming and Testing

7.2 EMS On-Board User Interface Operation

EMS On-Board User Interface Settings Overview

8.1 Troubleshooting

Technical Support:

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