Carmanah R247 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Solar LED Roadway Light /
24-Hour Hazard Flasher - Model R247
“The world’s most advanced 24-hour solar LED hazard flasher”
No external wiring or bulb replacement.
No maintenance for five years!
© November 7, 2006, Carmanah Technologies Corp.
www.carmanah.com
Technical Support: [e-mail]
Toll Free in North America: 1 [phone]
International: + [phone] | Fax: + [phone]
R247 - 37224

Owner’s Manual | Model R247
3
Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2006
Document number: MAN_ROAD R247 Owner's Manual 37224_vE
Last revised: November 7, 2006
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................4
1.1 H OW IT W ORKS .................................................................................................4
2.0 PRODUCT ASSEMBLY / INSTALLATION ........................................................4
2.1 T OOLS R EQUIRED .............................................................................................4
2.2 A TTACHING THE M OUNTING P OST ......................................................................5
2.3 M OUNTING THE M AIN H OUSING U NIT ..................................................................5
2.4 M OUNTING THE LED A RRAY ..............................................................................5
2.5 I NSTALL AND C ONNECT THE B ATTERIES ..............................................................6
2.6 F INAL A DJUSTMENTS .........................................................................................7
2.7 I NSTALL B IRD D ETERRENTS ON THE M ODULE H OUSING .......................................7
3.0 CONFIGURATION / OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..........................................8
3.1 H OW TO USE THE R247.....................................................................................8
3.1.1 Activation..................................................................................................8
3.1.2 Configuration Options ...............................................................................8
3.2 P RODUCT C ONFIGURATION ................................................................................8
3.2.1 Switch Function and Options.....................................................................9
3.3 F ACTORY D EFAULT S ETTINGS ............................................................................9
4.0 MAINTENANCE AND PRODUCT CARE.........................................................10
5.0 TROUBLESHOOTING .....................................................................................11
6.0 SERVICE AND ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS .....................................................11
6.1 C USTOMER S ERVICE .......................................................................................11
6.2 A DDITIONAL P RODUCTS ...................................................................................12
7.0 SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................12
8.0 APPENDIX A: R247 COMPONENTS...............................................................14

Owner’s Manual | Model R247
Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2006
Document number: MAN_ROAD R247 Owner's Manual 37224_vE
Last revised: November 7, 2006
4
1.0 Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the Carmanah Model R247 solar-powered LED roadway hazard
flasher, “the world’s most advanced solar LED hazard flasher.” The R247 is intended to
increase the visibility of roadway hazards using a completely self-contained unit that is very
easy to install on an existing signpost. Using LED illumination, the unit is designed to operate
reliably with no scheduled maintenance for up to 5 years except for routine cleaning.
1.1 How it Works
The Carmanah Model R247 does not require an external power supply as it operates using a
pair of solar-charged batteries that are maintenance free for up to five years when the product
is properly installed. The R247 consists of a single LED array that will cast a highly visible light
towards oncoming traffic in all conditions. It can also be adjusted to meet varying brightness
requirements.
Activation of the R247 is performed at the time of installation, and from then on, the R247 will
flash 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no down-time required for charging. The output
brightness will automatically change at dusk and dawn to provide optimum visibility, day and
night.
The light is completely power-autonomous therefore no wiring to an external power supply is
required. Trenching of wire to a power source, pavement cutting and traffic disruption are not a
concern with the R247 as everything is contained within the unit itself. It can be mounted
wherever there is sunlight.
2.0 Product Assembly / Installation
2.1 Tools Required
•Socket Set
•Power Drill
•3/16” drill bit
•Multi-bit screwdriver
•1/8” hex driver
•Ladder or lift device
•Lithium grease
•Knowledge of local latitude
•Compass
Installation time can be budgeted at approximately ten minutes in the shop plus one hour in the
field per R247 system. This time budget is assuming that a pole is already in place in the field
to mount the unit on. No trenching, external cabling, traffic disruption or site remediation is
required.

Owner’s Manual | Model R247
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Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2006
Document number: MAN_ROAD R247 Owner's Manual 37224_vE
Last revised: November 7, 2006
2.2 Attaching the Mounting Post
Place the Head and Light Mounting bracket onto the post – the cavity in the mounting post
must face traffic. There are five holes in the L-shaped section of the mounting bracket, and
corresponding holes must be drilled into the wood post to a depth of at least 2 inches using a
3/16” drill bit. Ensure the mounting bracket remains in the desired position on the post while
drilling – you may want to temporarily bind it into place using gaffer’s tape or similar material.
Once the holes are drilled, fasten the mounting post to the support structure using the supplied
lag bolts and flat washers.
2.3 Mounting the Main Housing Unit
1. Apply some lithium grease to the threads of the Tee pipe.
2. Lift the housing unit above the mounting post and thread the LED harness from the T-
pipe down into the top opening of the mounting bracket.
3. Taking care not to pinch the cable, spin the Main Housing Unit onto the post, threading
the T-pipe into the post collar until one or two threads remain visible on the Tee pipe
(this will allow for final rotational adjustment).
2.4 Mounting the LED Array
1. Hold the support arm and pass the Main Housing Unit LED Harness into the bolt-mount
end of the pipe, shown in Figure 1:
Figure 1
2. Place the flange of the top arm pipe into the mounting bracket and ensure that the
cabling is not pinched – make sure it does not obscure the mounting hole. See Figure
2.

Owner’s Manual | Model R247
Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2006
Document number: MAN_ROAD R247 Owner's Manual 37224_vE
Last revised: November 7, 2006
6
Figure 2
3. Fasten the top arm pipe to the mounting bracket using the hardware described in
Drawing R247-A01_02 found at the end of these instructions.
4. Remove the large locking nut on the top arm and pass the LED harness into the top
hole of the LED array. Replace the locking nut back onto the top pipe from inside the
LED array housing. Do not fully tighten, as aiming is required when completed.
5. Fasten the lower arm to the mounting bracket, and to the lower side of the LED array
housing.
6. Connect the LED Array harnesses inside the housing.
7. Aim the LED array in the desired direction and then tighten the two locking nuts inside
the housing.
2.5 Install and Connect the Batteries
1. Remove the top cover of the main unit. There are two (2) metal battery brackets inside
– remove the four (2) nuts and washers holding each bracket and remove the bracket.
2. Remove the cover of the circuit board box (in the center of the main EMS Housing
Assembly). Notice that the LED harness is already connected to the card.
3. Each battery has two harnesses, one male and one female. With the connectors of the
card facing toward you, join the male connector of the right-side battery to the female
connector of the left-side battery. Now insert the remaining male harness connector of
the left-side battery into the circuit board using the left-most card connector, denoted as
“Battery”. The right-side battery will have a harness that is unused. See Figure 3.

Owner’s Manual | Model R247
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Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2006
Document number: MAN_ROAD R247 Owner's Manual 37224_vE
Last revised: November 7, 2006
Figure 3
5. Plug the solar panel harness into the solar panel interface harness already present on
the card.
6. Place the circuit board lid onto the box (make sure open end is towards the harnesses).
Ensure the harnesses exit the box, being pinched only by the foam seal. Fasten the lid
with the supplied screws.
The Model R247 Hazard Light is now functional!
Note: If any changes are desired in the function of the light using the DIP switches, the
changes must be made while disconnected from the batteries – the unit reads the DIP switch
settings upon initial power-up.
2.6 Final Adjustments
As the Carmanah Model R247 is a solar-powered device, it is critical to position the unit in
relation to the optimum angle of the sun in order to achieve maximum solar power generation.
Note: To do this, angle the top of the main housing unit towards the equator (south if installed
in the northern hemisphere, and north if installed in the southern hemisphere) and tip it
upwards at an angle equal to your latitude plus 5 degrees.
Once you have determined the final position of the R247, tighten the set-screw in the mount
collar.
2.7 Install Bird Deterrents on the Module Housing
The small wire bird deterrents discourage birds from perching on the R247. Attach the bird
deterrents to the top panel using the holes and sheet metal screws provided.

Owner’s Manual | Model R247
Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2006
Document number: MAN_ROAD R247 Owner's Manual 37224_vE
Last revised: November 7, 2006
8
3.0 Configuration / Operating Instructions
3.1 How to use the R247
3.1.1 Activation
Connecting the batteries to the main circuit board activates the R247. The light will
immediately begin flashing and will continue to do so until the unit is no longer required at the
location. Unplug the battery cable from the circuit board to turn the unit off.
3.1.2 Configuration Options
The R247 offers four (4) customer-configurable options using a set of switches located on the
circuit board:
Daytime Brightness Levels: 124, 250 or 400 candela for MUTCD setting.
Nighttime brightness: 10 or 35 candela for MUTCD setting.
Automatic Light Control (ALC): ALC is a patented algorithm built into the system to ensure
that the unit performs at its maximum efficiency by determining the brightness that can be
continuously sustained at a particular state of charge. It will protect the batteries if the voltage
drops too low due to insufficient sunlight. ALC can be turned “on” or “off.”
Flash Pattern: See the table in Section 3.2.1 for the 8 options available to choose from.
3.2 Product Configuration
To configure the above settings, the top of the unit upon which the solar panels are mounted
must be removed to access the circuit board inside. To do this, remove the four (4) screws
attaching the top solar panel lid to the main housing. Remove the lid and locate the main circuit
board enclosure in the center of the main housing. Remove the four (4) screws and enclosure
lid.
On the circuit board there is a plastic block with eight small switches on it (see Figure 4).
Figure 4

Owner’s Manual | Model R247
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Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2006
Document number: MAN_ROAD R247 Owner's Manual 37224_vE
Last revised: November 7, 2006
3.2.1 Switch Function and Options
The R247 has several user-configurable options that are accessed by DIP switches mounted
on the circuit board. These options are read by the R247 only on power-up, so the power must
be disconnected and reconnected after any change is made.
Switch 1: Night Intensity (for MUTCD setting)
OFF – 35 candela
ON – 10 candela
Switch 2 and 3: Day Intensity
2 OFF, 3 OFF - 124 candela
2 ON, 3 OFF - 250 candela
2 OFF, 3 ON - 400 candela
2 ON, 3 ON - 400 candela
Switch 4: ALC Disable
OFF – ALC Enabled
ON – ALC Disabled
Switch 5: ALC Disable
Not Used
Switch 6, 7 and 8: Flash Pattern
Switch Settings Flash times, in seconds Approx.
Brightness (Cd)
Description
6 7 8 On Off On Off On Off On Off
Off Off Off 0.5 0.5 250 MUTCD standard
Off Off On 0.3 0.7 417 Brighter than MUTCD
Off On Off 0.1 0.05 0.1 0.05 0.1 0.5 375 Three quick flashes
Off On On 0.15 0.1 0.15 0.1 0.15 0.5 319 Three slower flashes
On Off Off 0.1 0.2 375 Fast flashing
On Off On 0.5 1 375 Slow flashing
On On Off 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 417 Three flashes
On On On 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 375 Four Flashes
3.3 Factory Default Settings
The factory default configuration is all switches set to the OFF position – this sets 124 candela
daytime intensity and 35 candela nighttime intensity, with ALC enabled and MUTCD standard
flash pattern.

Owner’s Manual | Model R247
Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2006
Document number: MAN_ROAD R247 Owner's Manual 37224_vE
Last revised: November 7, 2006
10
4.0 Maintenance and Product Care
Although the system is designed to be maintenance free, optimum performance can be
achieved by cleaning solar panels and lenses as required. Clean on a regular basis, or
whenever the panels are visibly dirty. Use water and a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning and a
mild, non-abrasive cleaning agent for more stubborn residue. Rinse well.
Note: Pressure washers should not be used (water forced up into the louvers may soak
internal components).
Following the check list below will assist in ensuring that the R247 is will perform optimally
1. Clean the solar panels more frequently during drier months, as they may become
soiled more quickly.
2. Check all electrical and mechanical connectors yearly to ensure they are clean, secure
and undamaged.
3. The main battery housing has several vents and drain holes. Ensure that they are free
of debris.
4. Visual inspection – check over exterior assembly for cracks, missing or broken
hardware or other potential problems.
A Note on Batteries
Be cautious when handling the battery packs. They are capable of generating enormous short-
circuit currents. Remove all jewelry (bracelets, metal-strap watches, rings) before attempting to
handle or disassemble the battery packs.
The batteries are comprised of four sealed, lead-acid cells each. Consult your local municipal
by-laws for information on recycling the cells.
Do not discard these cells in the garbage – please recycle!