Carmanah A704-5 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Model A704-5 Wireless Aviation Lighting System

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
Contents
1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................4
2.0 Precautions.......................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Viewing Precautions.......................................................................................................................5
2.2 Battery Precautions ........................................................................................................................5
2.3 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions....................................................................................6
2.4 Storage Precautions.......................................................................................................................6
2.5 Wireless Precautions......................................................................................................................6
2.6 Other Precautions...........................................................................................................................6
3.0 Component Identification................................................................................................................7
3.1 Model A704-5 Light.........................................................................................................................7
3.2 Wireless Controller .........................................................................................................................8
4.0 Model A704-5 Aviation Light Operation.........................................................................................9
4.1 Understanding the Product.............................................................................................................9
4.2 Model A704-5 Light Quick Start Guide...........................................................................................9
4.3 Programming Options...................................................................................................................10
4.3.1 Indicator LEDs.......................................................................................................................10
4.3.2 Push Button Operation..........................................................................................................11
4.3.3 Automatic Light Control (ALC)...............................................................................................16
4.3.4 24-Hour Shutoff.....................................................................................................................16
5.0 Wireless Controller Operation......................................................................................................17
5.1 Proper Antenna Orientation..........................................................................................................17
5.2 Wireless Controller Quick Start Guide..........................................................................................19
5.3 Wireless Controller Modes ...........................................................................................................19
5.3.1 User Mode.............................................................................................................................19
5.3.2 Administrator Mode...............................................................................................................20
5.3.3 Mode Selection......................................................................................................................20
5.4 PIN Entry ......................................................................................................................................20
5.5 Basic User Operations..................................................................................................................20
5.5.1 Turning the Controller On......................................................................................................20
5.5.2 Entering the PIN....................................................................................................................21
5.5.3 Autonomous Operation Mode ...............................................................................................21
5.5.4 Temporary Operation Mode..................................................................................................21
5.5.5 Steady on vs. Flash Mode.....................................................................................................21
5.5.6 Visible vs. Infrared (IR) Mode................................................................................................22
5.5.7 Standby Mode .......................................................................................................................22
5.5.8 Lights Off Mode.....................................................................................................................22
5.5.9 Emergency Mode ..................................................................................................................22
5.5.10 Clear......................................................................................................................................23
5.6 Advanced User Operations ..........................................................................................................23

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
5.6.1 Battery Diagnose Function....................................................................................................23
5.6.2 Radio Health Diagnose Function...........................................................................................23
5.6.3 Group Control........................................................................................................................24
5.6.4 5.7.4 Configure Groups.........................................................................................................24
5.6.5 Keypad Backlighting..............................................................................................................25
5.7 Administrator Operations..............................................................................................................25
5.7.1 Changing PINs ......................................................................................................................25
5.7.2 PIN Reset..............................................................................................................................26
5.7.3 Unique Code Sequence (UCS) Management.......................................................................26
5.8 UCS Configuration........................................................................................................................28
5.9 ARCAL Mode................................................................................................................................30
5.10 Factory reset code........................................................................................................................31
6.0 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................32
6.1 Critical Low Battery Recovery Method .........................................................................................33
7.0 Installing the Model A704-5 Aviation Light..................................................................................35
7.1 Installation.....................................................................................................................................35
7.2 Optional Airport Mounting Stake...................................................................................................35
7.3 Location 35
8.0 Model A704-5 Operational Maintenance/Diagnostics.................................................................36
9.0 Maintenance and Product Care ....................................................................................................37
9.1 Light Battery Self-Discharge During Storage ...............................................................................37
9.2 Charging Model A704-5 Light’s Batteries.....................................................................................37
9.3 Model A704-5 AC/DC Charger (Part# 48898)..............................................................................38
10.0 Service and Warranty.....................................................................................................................39
11.0 FCC Compliance.............................................................................................................................40
11.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................40
11.2 FCC Statement for Model A704-5 Light and Wireless Controller.................................................40
11.3 FCC Statement for Non-wireless Model A704-5 Light .................................................................40
Appendix A: Glossary.........................................................................................................................41
Appendix B: Model A704-5 Battery Replacement..............................................................................42
Appendix C: Power Cycling the Controller.........................................................................................49

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
1.0 Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the Carmanah Model A704-5 Wireless Aviation Lighting System. Using
LED illumination, these solar-powered lights are designed to operate reliably with no scheduled
maintenance for up to five years.
Combining advanced electronics, software and wireless communication with solar power and LED
technology, the Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System is an advanced, portable, self-contained aviation
lighting solution. The system is designed to operate reliably under extreme environmental conditions.
This manual describes the increased functionality of v3.00 firmware, released October
2007. Some of the features described in this manual are not available in older systems.
For your convenience, both the Model A704-5 light and wireless controller have quick start instructions
that can be found in the following sections:
Model A704-5 Light: section 4.2 Model A704-5 Light Quick Start Guide
Wireless Controller: section 5.3 Wireless Controller Quick Start Guide

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
2.0 Precautions
Observe the following precautions for your safety and the safety of your A704-5
Wireless Lighting System.
2.1 Viewing Precautions
Infrared Light Emitting Diode (LED) Viewing
Do not view a Model A704-5 actively emitting infrared or visible light from the side of
the light (close to or on beam) from a range of less than 4 feet (1.2 meters). Please see
the following diagram for further details.
A safe limit for near-infrared viewing, established by the American Conference of Governmental and
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), is 65mW/in2(10mW/cm2) as the maximum exposure limit for viewing for up
to 16 minutes. This power density can be produced by a Model A704-5 at the lens surface when actively
emitting infrared light. High-power visible-spectrum LEDs also pose an eye safety risk if viewed
inappropriately.
Figure 2-1: LED Viewing Precautions
2.2 Battery Precautions
Use extreme caution when handling the light. This product is capable of generating
enormous short-circuit currents. Remove all jewelry (bracelets, metal-strap watches,
rings) before attempting to handle or remove the batteries.
Take care when connecting or disconnecting cables. A damaged cable can cause
problems with the electrical circuit. For instructions on disconnecting and reconnecting
the batteries within the light, see Appendix A: Battery Replacement.
4 feet
(1.2 m)
4 feet
(1.2 m)

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
2.3 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
If performing maintenance procedures:
Before performing any light maintenance, dissipate static electricity by touching one of the four head
plate screws.
When possible, use a properly grounded antistatic wrist strap.
Prevent damage to the connectors by aligning connector pins carefully before you connect the cable.
Misaligned connector pins can cause damage to system components at power-on.
2.4 Storage Precautions
When in storage, the A704-5 light will require periodic recharging to maximize the life expectancy of its
batteries. The interval between recharging is dependent upon the temperature where the light is stored.
Table 2-1: Recharge Intervals provides the recommended maximum storage interval between charging
as it relates to storage temperature.
The rate of battery self-discharge is very dependent upon temperature. The warmer the
temperature, the faster the batteries will discharge. Specifically, for every rise in
temperature of 16 degrees Fahrenheit, the battery storage life is reduced by one-half.
Storage in a cool area (under 68 degrees Fahrenheit) is recommended.
Table 2-1: Recharge Intervals
Storage Temperature
˚C ˚F Recharge Interval [Months]
20 or lower 68 or lower 3
20 to 40 68 to 104 1
40 or higher 104 or higher Twice Monthly
See section 9.0 Maintenance and Product Care for information on recharging the A704-5 light.
2.5 Wireless Precautions
Keep the controller at a distance of at least three feet (one meter) from the antennas of lights or other
controllers. The controller sends out a powerful radio signal that could damage sensitive receiver
circuitry if operated at close range.
Ensure the antenna is attached to the wireless controller and light before operating. Failure to do so
can result in damage to the product and voiding warranty.
Firmly tighten the light and controller antennas by hand. Do not use tools.
2.6 Other Precautions
Do not lift the light by the top solar panel; use the handle.
Do not clean any part of the light with abrasive cleaners; use a soft cloth with mild soap and water.
Do not install antennas or other connectors when there is dirt, moisture, or debris on the connectors.
The contacts can be cleaned with a jet of compressed air or an ozone-friendly gas.

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
3.0 Component Identification
3.1 Model A704-5 Light
External power
connector
Antenna connector
Handle
Push button
Indicator LEDs
Reflector
Optional antenna Top solar panel
Side solar panels
Main beam LEDs
Lens
Base plate with
mounting holes
Figure 3-1: Model A704-5 Light Component Identification

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
3.2 Wireless Controller
Antenna
Communications
connector
External power
connector
ARCAL
connector
Vent
Figure 3-2: Wireless Controller Component Identification

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
4.0 Model A704-5 Aviation Light Operation
4.1 Understanding the Product
The model A704-5 aviation light is available in wireless and non-wireless models. This manual refers
primarily to the wireless version.1
The Model A704-5 Aviation Light does not require an external power supply. It operates using solar-
charged replaceable batteries that are typically maintenance-free for up to five years. The main body of
the Model A704-5 consists of a rugged aluminum housing that contains the batteries, an external power
connector (for attaching an external DC charger), and four solar panels mounted on the sides. The top
head/lens assembly consists of:
a push button for control of light functions
electronics
light emitting diodes (LEDs) and optics all enclosed within a clear polycarbonate lens
a top solar panel, and
an antenna (optional)
Installing the light requires no special training and can be done easily and quickly.
Unlike conventional airfield lights, the Model A704-5 Aviation Light offers six distinct output modes:
Three 'Autonomous' output modes for continual sustained dusk-to-dawn operation
Three ‘Temporary’ high-intensity output modes for short-term operation
Each output mode can be selected by pressing a push button on the light itself or by using the optional
wireless controller. If the light needs to be extinguished immediately, a single press of the push button
places the light into Standby Mode. When in Standby Mode the Model A704-5 will not illuminate until the
next nightfall.
During the day, the Model A704-5 charges from sunlight. The capacity of the Model A704-5’s battery
ensures that even with poor levels of sunlight over extended periods, the light has enough reserve power
to continue to perform reliably. The Model A704-5 is completely power-autonomous; wiring to an external
power supply is not required in most cases. This independence allows the Model A704-5 to be deployed
in locations where external power is hard to access or unavailable. If continuous high-intensity output is
desired, external power can be supplied via the power connector in the light’s base. On models equipped
with the IR option, infrared LED operation can also be selected.
If the Model A704-5 does not detect daylight for twenty-four hours, it will automatically turn itself off and
go into Ship Mode. For more information, see Ship Mode in section 4.3.2 Push Button Operation.
4.2 Model A704-5 Light Quick Start Guide
This guide provides instructions to follow upon initial receipt of the Model A704-5 lights. Detailed
operational and programming instructions are described later in this owner’s manual.
1. Upon receiving the Model A704-5 light, follow these steps:
2. Unpack the light from the box it was shipped in and remove the warranty card. Keep the shipping box
intact and organized – do not discard the box or cardboard inserts.
3. If the A704-5 lights are equipped with the optional wireless control system, remove the dust cap on
the antenna connector, and thread on the removable antenna. Firmly tighten the antenna by hand.
Store the dust cap for later use by fitting it snugly on the tip of the antenna.
1Note: The wireless A704-5 does not transmit, but rather receives transmissions.

Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
4. Place all the lights physically close together – preferably in a dark place that is dark enough to
observe the LED operation and so that the light thinks that it is night.
5. The lights will all be in Ship Mode. To get the lights out of Ship Mode, quickly press the small black
push button switch on the top of the light (to the left of the handle) twice. Quick presses are required –
do not hold the button down for more than half a second. (If the lights are in a dark location, they will
turn on in the Autonomous Low setting shortly after the button presses.)
The lights are now ready to accept further programming commands using either the push button, or the
wireless controller (for lights with the wireless control system). The lights can now be deployed, and will
operate in the equipped mode (Autonomous Low) from dusk until dawn.
For further information on programming and advanced operation see section 4.3 Programming Options.
4.3 Programming Options
There are two options for programming the Model A704-5 light:
Push Button: The black push button on the top of the Model A704-5 allows manual programming of the
Model A704-5 features and operation.
Wireless Controller: The wireless controller is capable of performing all push button operations as well
as several advanced operations. See section 5.0 Wireless Controller Operation.
4.3.1 Indicator LEDs
Located near the push button inside the lens are three small indicator LEDs that light up as either green,
amber or red. (See section 3.0: Component Identification).
Indicator LEDs are used to:
Guide push button operation (for more detail, see section 4.3.2 Push Button Operation)
Indicate diagnostic information such as battery state of charge
Indicate operating state after the button has not been used for 10 seconds:
The green indicator LED flashes once every 2 seconds when the light is not in Ship Mode or
optional Infrared Mode.
The amber indicator LED flashes once every 2 seconds when the light is charging, using its solar
panels, or once every second when charging via the external power connector.
When the light is in Ship Mode, no indicator LEDs will light unless the light is charging.
When the light is in Infrared Mode (optional), no indicator LEDs will light or flash.