Carmanah 502 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Model 502 Solar LED Light

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
3
© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
Contents
1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 4
2.0 Infrared Programmer ........................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Setting up the Programmer ............................................................................................................ 5
3.0 Programming a Light ........................................................................................................ 6
3.1 Transitioning the Light .................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Programming Sequence................................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Entering the Security Code............................................................................................................. 8
3.4 Changing the Flash Pattern............................................................................................................ 8
3.5 Automatic Light Control .................................................................................................................. 9
3.5.1 Turning ALC off or on ................................................................................................................ 9
4.0 Storing a Light.................................................................................................................10
4.1 Storage Mode ............................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Sleep Mode................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 Turn the Light On Manually .......................................................................................................... 10
5.0 Testing the Battery.......................................................................................................... 11
6.0 Recharging a Light.......................................................................................................... 12
7.0 Appendices......................................................................................................................13
Appendix A: Original Infrared Programmer ....................................................................... 13
A-1: Setting up the Programmer ..................................................................................................... 13
Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions......................................................................... 14
Appendix C: Glossary of Terms .......................................................................................... 15
Appendix D: Warranty and Customer Service ................................................................... 15
D-1: Warranty .................................................................................................................................. 15
D-2: Customer Service .................................................................................................................... 15

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
1.0 Introduction
Carmanah Model 502 lights are small, self-contained, and easy to operate. During daylight hours, the
light is dormant and charges its battery from the available sunlight. At night, the light flashes according to
a customer-specified flash pattern. You can configure the light at any time by transitioning it from dark to
light. The infrared programmer enables you to configure or check the following settings:
flash pattern
light intensity
automatic light control
state of charge for the battery
In addition to this basic functionality, the light also includes the following features:
Ship mode: Conserves power while the product is sealed in a box.
24-hour shutdown mode: The light turns off after more than 24 hours of darkness has been
detected, as may happen if the light is placed in a box or if the solar panel is covered. This mode
prevents complete discharge of the battery if the solar-recharge operation is prevented from
functioning.
Low battery mode: Displays a low battery flash once the battery is discharged past its normal
operational limits.

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
2.0 Infrared Programmer
All functions of the Model 502 light are controlled by an infrared programmer. Carmanah currently
supports both the original and the updated infrared programmers. The only differences between the two
programmers are the faceplate and setting up the programmers; all other functionality remains the same.
To set up the programmer and see the faceplate details for the original Carmanah programmer, see
Appendix A: Original Infrared Programmer.
Using the programmer you can perform the following functions:
change the flash pattern
set the automatic light control
turn the light off and on
test the light
Once the settings are programmed, the light can be immediately deployed or placed in a box for storage
or shipping. If placed in a box, the light automatically turns off after 24 hours. All the previously
programmed settings become active when the light is removed from the box.
Table 2-1: Programmer Buttons describes the buttons for the programmer.
Table 2-1: Programmer Buttons
Button or Symbol Description
Use the Start button to initiate a programming sequence.
Use the Enter button to complete a programming sequence.
This symbol indicates that a numerical entry is required.
Table 2-2: Light Programming Symbols describes the symbols used in this manual to indicate the
response from the Model 502 light during programming.
Table 2-2: Light Programming Symbols
Symbol Description
The single burst symbol represents the single flash from the light indicating a correct entry.
The double burst symbol represents two longer flashes from the light which indicates an
incorrect entry. The code has not been accepted and you must restart the programming
sequence.
The triple burst symbol represents three quick flashes from the light indicating that the code
has been accepted.
2.1 Setting up the Programmer
To set up the infrared programmer, install two new AAA batteries.

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
3.0 Programming a Light
You can customize the light settings using the programmer. Before programming the settings you must
transition the light and enter the security code. You can then program the settings listed in Table 3-1:
Programmable Settings.
Table 3-1: Programmable Settings
Setting Section
Change the flash pattern 3.4
Set automatic light control 3.5
Turn the light off:
Storage mode 4.1
Sleep mode 4.2
Turn the light on 4.3
3.1 Transitioning the Light
To make any change to the settings of the light, you must transition the light from night to day mode. The
light only accepts programming commands while it is exposed to light. The light cannot be programmed in
darkness. After transitioning the light you must enter the security code in order to proceed with the
programming; see section 3.3 Entering the Security Code.
If, after transition, the light does not respond to the programmer, remove and re-install the programmer
batteries and repeat the programming instructions for the required function.
Transition a new light:
1. Remove the light from the shipping box and place it in full sunlight or under an incandescent light for
at least 3 seconds.
2. Move the light into darkness and wait 3 seconds.
3. Move the light back into the light.
4. While the light is exposed to the light, point the programmer at the light and press the Start button;
when the light responds with a flash, it is ready for programming.
Transition an installed light:
During the day:
1. Cover the light with an opaque material for at least 3 seconds.
2. Uncover the light.
3. While the light is exposed to the light, point the programmer at the light and press the Start button;
when the light responds with a flash, it is ready for programming.
At night:
1. Force a transition to day by placing the light under an incandescent light for at least 3 seconds.
2. While the light is exposed to the light, point the programmer at the light and press the Start button;
when the light begins to flash, it is ready for programming.
3.2 Programming Sequence
The infrared sensor in the light responds to commands from the programmer for 1 minute after transition
of the light. The infrared sensor switches off automatically after 1 minute to conserve power.

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
You can program multiple settings within one session by pressing any button within the 1 minute window
that the infrared sensor is on. Pressing the Start button causes the infrared sensor to remain on for an
additional minute from the time the button was pressed. If the button is not pressed within the 1 minute
window you must re-transition the light and re-enter the security code to complete or continue
programming the light.
When programming a Model 502 light, the key sequence on the programmer and the responding flash
sequence from the light is always in the format shown in Figure 3-1 regardless of the settings being
configured.
Figure 3-1: Programming Sequence
Press
Start
Single
flash from
the light
Press the
first
number of
the code
Single
flash from
the light
Press the
second
number of
the code
Single
flash from
the light
Press the
third
number of
the code
Single
flash from
the light
Press
Enter
Single
flash from
the light
Do not press the buttons on the programmer too fast and do not proceed until you see a
flash from the light.
One of the flash patterns described in Table 3-2: Programming Completion displays after the
programming sequence is complete. The flash pattern indicates whether or not the programming was
successful.
Table 3-2: Programming Completion
Programming Result Flash Pattern Description
Successful
Three quick consecutive flashes indicate that the code has been
accepted. You will see this flash after every successful entry.
Unsuccessful
Two longer flashes indicate that the code has not been accepted.
Restart the programming sequence.
Figure 3-2: Successful Programming Sequence
Figure 3-3: Unsuccessful Programming Sequence
An unsuccessful programming sequence for the Model 502 light occurs for one of the following reasons:
the light does not recognize the sequence, or
the light has not received the correct security code
If the programming sequence is unsuccessful, re-enter the key sequence for the required code. If the
programming sequence is still unsuccessful, re-enter the security code.

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
3.3 Entering the Security Code
After the light is transitioned, you must enter the programming security code before you can make any
changes to the Model 502 light’s settings. You must enter the security code every time the light is
transitioned. The security code is 753.
1. Transition the light.
2. Enter the security code: 7 5 3.
7 53
Once the security code has been successfully entered, you can program the settings listed in Table 3-1:
Programmable Settings.
3.4 Changing the Flash Pattern
You can change the flash pattern of the light by entering a flash code.
1. Transition the light (if required).
2. Enter the security code (if required).
3. Program the new flash pattern by entering the required flash code; see Table 3-3: Model 502 Flash
Codes.
where # is a number of the flash code; Table 3-3: Model 502 Flash Codes
Table 3-3: Model 502 Flash Codes
Flash
Code
Flash
Character
FL1 EC1 FL2 EC2 FL3 EC3 FL4 EC4 FL5 EC5 Effective
Intensity (cd)
000 Off 0 0
001 Fixed 1 0
0.25
055 Fl 2s 0.5 1.5
0.70
064 Fl 4s 0.5 3.5 0.70
066 Fl 4s 1 3
0.80
072 Fl 6s 0.5 5.5
0.70
129 Q 1s 0.3 0.7
0.50
147 Q(5) 20s 0.3 0.7 0.3 0.7 0.3 0.7 0.3 0.7 0.3 15.7 0.60
209 Q 1s 0.15 0.85
0.70
After successfully entering a flash code cover the light with an opaque material to simulate night. The light
will display a quick flash, and then display the programmed flash pattern.
The infrared sensor remains on while the light displays the programmed flash pattern. If required, you can
interrupt the flash pattern at any time by transitioning to light, pressing the Start button, and entering a
different code.

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
3.5 Automatic Light Control
The Automatic Light Control (ALC) function of the Model 502 light monitors the battery voltage and
reduces the light’s intensity level if the light is not receiving sufficient solar charging to maintain the
battery voltage.
If a light is set at the correct intensity setting for the available solar illumination, ALC is not required
except in unusual circumstances of poor solar illumination.
If the light is manually set at a higher intensity it will operate at that higher intensity during the summer
months, but may turn itself down during the winter months in definable steps. If you do not want the
intensity level reduced automatically, you must turn ALC off; see section 3.5.1 Turning ALC off or on.
Disabling ALC while also increasing the light's intensity beyond a sustainable level will
cause the battery to over-discharge and the light will fail.
3.5.1 Turning ALC off or on
Turning ALC off prevents the light from automatically adjusting the intensity level of the programmed flash
pattern based on the available battery voltage. If ALC is turned off, you must set the required intensity
level for the light.
Turning ALC on allows the light to automatically adjust the intensity level of the programmed flash pattern
based on the available battery voltage.
Turning ALC Off:
1. Transition the light (if required).
2. Enter the security code (if required).
3. Enter the flash code (if required).
4. Enter code 8 0 0 to turn ALC off.
8 00
Turning ALC On:
1. Transition the light (if required).
2. Enter the security code (if required).
3. Enter the flash code (if required).
4. Enter code 8 0 1 to turn ALC on.
8 01

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
4.0 Storing a Light
You can store or ship a light by placing it in either storage mode or sleep mode. Store a light if it is not
going to be used for an extended period of time or if is being shipped to an alternate location and you do
not want it to turn on during transit.
When you store a light ensure that it is fully charged. The batteries must not be stored in a discharged
state.
Elevated storage temperatures increase the rate of battery self-discharge. The optimum storage
temperature for a light is 68 °F (20 °C) or cooler. Check the battery level of the light at least every
3 months. For more information on testing the light battery, see section 5.0 Testing the Battery.
4.1 Storage Mode
Using the storage code to turn the light off for storage or shipping allows the light to recharge in sunlight
without the need to transition or reprogram. With the storage code, the light charges during the day and
does not turn on at night. The light remains off until it is transitioned and turned on by entering the
security code and flash pattern using the programmer. The storage code is 0 0 0.
Use the storage code when:
the light is being shipped to a location where there is an available programmer for turning the light on
the light will be exposed to intermittent light; for example, it is not sealed in a box
the light is being recharged using daylight; turning the light off prevents it from turning on at night and
using the charge gained during the day
Placing the light in storage mode:
1. Transition the light (if required).
2. Enter the security code (if required).
3. Enter the storage code 0 0 0 to place the light in storage mode.
0 00
4.2 Sleep Mode
A light automatically enters sleep mode (switches off) when placed in darkness for 24 hours. If you are
storing the unit in sleep mode, do not expose it to light again until it is to be deployed. If a light in sleep
mode is exposed to light, it will resume normal operation for at least 24 hours. It will return to sleep mode
only if it is in continual darkness for 24 hours.
4.3 Turn the Light On Manually
The light only needs to be turned on if it has been turned off using code 0 0 0. To turn the light on you
must transition the light and enter the security code; see 3.3 Entering the Security Code. Once the light is
on, the infrared sensor is turned on for 1 minute and you can program the light as usual.

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
5.0 Testing the Battery
Storing a light in a low state of charge can damage the battery and cause it to lose its ability to hold a
charge. To determine the state of charge of the batteries in a light, transition the light, if needed, and
enter code 8 1 0; the light will respond with a series of flashes:
Single flash: the state of charge is less than 30%
Two flashes: the state of charge is greater than 30%, but less than 75%
Three flashes: the state of charge is greater than 75%
For information on recharging the light see section 6.0 Recharging a Light.
Testing the light battery:
1. Transition the light (if required).
2. Enter the security code (if required).
3. Enter code 8 1 0 to test the battery.
4. Count the number of flashes from the light.
8 10

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
6.0 Recharging a Light
If the light is in use and in a low battery state, displays a single quick flash once every minute to indicate
that the light needs charging. The light cannot be programmed or transitioned until it is charged. The light
must also be charged if it has a charge of 75% or less while in storage or sleep mode.
Charge the light in accordance with the recommended minimum temperatures listed in Table 6-1: Battery
Storage and Charging in conjunction with the guidelines for hours of charging with different light sources
presented in Table 6-2: Charging Alternatives. Following the guidelines ensures that the light is charged
safely and the battery is kept fully charged over extended storage periods.
Table 6-1: Battery Storage and Charging
Storage Temperature
°C °F
Recharge Interval (Months)
20 or lower 68 or lower 9
25 77 6
30 86 4
35 95 2.5
40 104 1.5
45 or higher 113 or higher 1
To recharge a light, turn it off using the storage code and follow the guidelines in Table 6-2: Charging
Alternatives.
The battery will not recharge under fluorescent lighting.
Placing the light source too close to the light will overheat the solar panel and invalidate
the warranty.
Table 6-2: Charging Alternatives
Light Source Distance from Solar Panel Hours to Charge from 10% to 100%
500 W halogen 24 inches (60 cm)
60 W incandescent light bulb 12 inches (30 cm)
100
Direct sunlight (light should turned off
using code 000) – 25

Owner’s Manual | Model 502
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
7.0 Appendices
Appendix A: Original Infrared Programmer
All functions of the Model 502 light are controlled by an infrared programmer. Carmanah currently
supports both the original and the updated infrared programmers. The only differences between the two
programmers are the faceplate and setting up the programmers; all other functionality remains the same.
Table 7-1: Programmer Buttons describes the buttons for the original Carmanah programmer.
See section 3.0 Programming a Light for the light programming procedures.
Table 7-1: Programmer Buttons
Button or Symbol Description
|Use the OFF-ON button to initiate a programming sequence.
SUse the Channel Up button to end a programming sequence.
This symbol indicates that a numerical entry is required.
A-1: Setting up the Programmer
The light is not required to be present when setting up the programmer. Perform the following steps to
setup the infrared programmer:
1. Install two AAA batteries.
2. Press and hold the Code Search button until the red indicator light lights up, then release the Code
Search button.
3. Press and release the TV button. The indicator light will blink and then remain lighted.
4. Enter code 0 0 6 using the number buttons. The indicator light will turn off.
The remote is now ready to use for programming the light.
Whenever batteries are replaced in the programmer, you need to set-up the
programmer again using steps 2 to 4 above.
If the light does not respond to the programmer, remove and re-install the batteries and set-up the
programmer again.

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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions
This section lists some frequently asked questions regarding Carmanah lights. If you have questions that
are not answered through this manual, contact Carmanah Technologies Corporation; see
Appendix D: Warranty and Customer Service.
Q: The light is not responding to the infrared programmer. What is wrong?
A: Ensure that the batteries in the remote are installed and still charged, and that the remote has been set-up
correctly.
Ensure that the light is subjected to a transition from dark to light. The transition turns on the infrared sensor
for 1 minute.
Q: Your brightness measurements are in candelas. What’s that in watts?
A: Watts are not a measurement of light. Watts are a measure of how much energy a light bulb consumes, not
how much light it produces. In incandescent light bulbs only a small percentage of the energy consumed is
converted to light and the rest is dissipated as heat.
A light bulb running at 120 V using 0.5 A current is known as a 60 W light bulb since it consumes 60 W of
electricity. LED lights are very efficient in that nearly all the energy consumed is converted to light rather than
heat.
Q: It’s been raining a lot here. Will my light stop working?
A: A Carmanah light is a solar light and it does require solar energy to work. However, it can run for 150 hours
at full intensity, or 600 hours at low intensity without recharging.
Q: My light has stopped working. What do I do?
A: If the light does not respond to the programmer, does not flash or emits very brief flashes once a minute
when placed in the dark, it means that the batteries have discharged and require recharging. See section 6.0
Recharging a Light for information on how to properly charge the light.
If the light is not flashing in the dark, it may be because the light is in storage mode. Turn it on by transitioning
the light, entering the security code and programming a flash code.
If the light still does not function correctly, contact Carmanah Technologies Corporation.
Q: What happens if birds perch on the light?
A: Although the top of a light does not have a bird deterrent, we have not had problems with bird excrement
accumulating on the domes; the solar panel is domed and relatively self-cleaning when it rains.
Q: Can I glue a bird deterrent to the top of the light?
A: Gluing the bird deterrent to the light is not recommended as it may prevent the light from functioning properly.
Q: Are the lights bullet-proof?
A: Carmanah does not guarantee that the lights are bullet-proof.

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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Revised: August 2008
Appendix C: Glossary of Terms
Autonomy: The length of time a light can produce light without recharging.
Candela: The standard measure of luminous intensity based on the response of the human eye.
Duty Cycle: The amount of time the light is on over an entire cycle of flash pattern. For example, a
pattern of 0.5 seconds on, 3.5 seconds off has a 12.5% duty cycle or 0.5s/4s (time
on/total time).
Effective Intensity: The amount of brightness the human eye perceives.
Equivalent Intensity: The average brightness a flashing light emits.
Fixed Light: A light showing continuously and steadily.
Flash Character: The properties of a light that distinguish its appearance.
Flashing Light: A light in which the total duration of light in a period is shorter than the total duration of
darkness, and the appearance of light (flashes) are usually of equal duration.
Intensity: The quantity (in candelas) of light reaching the eye of an observer after the light emitted
by a source has gone through a lens, filter, or protective covering.
Lux: 1 candela’s brightness at 1 meter’s distance = 1 lux.
Nominal Range: The luminous range of a light when the meteorological visibility is 18 nm (T=0.74).
Peak Intensity: The maximum brightness a light emits.
Signal Color: The color of the light exiting the light, for example, red, green, white; defined by its
charted chromaticity coordinates or the wavelength of the light (in nanometers).
Vertical Divergence: Angle over which the light exits the light in the vertical axis. A greater vertical divergence
increases the allowable tilt of the light but reduces the intensity of the light.
Appendix D: Warranty and Customer Service
D-1: Warranty
This product is covered by the Carmanah warranty. Visit www.carmanah.com/content/products/warranty/
for additional information or to register your product online.
D-2: Customer Service
Before contacting Carmanah’s customer service department, please have the serial number of the
Model 502 light available, a brief description of the problem, as well as all details of installation and
recharging efforts.
To contact Carmanah’s Customer Service Department:
Mail: Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Building 4, 203 Harbour Road
Victoria, BC Canada V9A 3S2
Phone: [phone]
1.877.722.8877 (Toll Free in U.S. and Canada)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: carmanah.com

© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
carmanah.com
Technical Support: [email protected]
Toll Free in Canada and U.S.: 1.877.722.8877
International: 1.250.380.0052 | Fax: [phone]
Number: 502_53510_Manual_vB
53510