Carmanah G Series User manual

G Series
TRAFFIC BEACON QUICK START GUIDE
Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | [e-mail] | carmanah.com
For the SC315-G, R820-G, R829-G, and R247-G flashing beacons
84776_QSG _TRA_G-Series_RevC

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 2
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
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 G
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. Fine-tip felt marker
j. Multi-bit screwdriver
k. Pelco Roger-Wrench (Optional)
l. Ladder or lift device
m. Lithium grease
n. Electrical Multi-meter (Optional)

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 3
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
3.1 Commissioning
After installing and programming the G 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:
Use “TEST” at the EMS user interface to check functionality of LEDs.
Light fixtures are tightened and pointed in the correct direction toward oncoming traffic lanes.
Retrieved calendar from R829 is confirmed to be accurate.
Solar panel pointed South (or as per specific instructions provided by Carmanah).
- Not applicable for AC powered models.
Override box (if equipped) correctly activates or deactivates the flashing (depending on model input
setting).
The solar panel is properly mounted, and the mount is secure.
- Not applicable for AC powered models.
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 sunlight (use EMS “Solar” user interface menu item).
- Not applicable for AC powered models.
System has clear sky access and no removal of obstructions is required.
- Not applicable for AC powered models.
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.
- Not applicable for AC powered models.
Battery voltage is healthy (use either a voltmeter or EMS “Battery” user interface menu item).
- Not applicable for AC powered models.
Verify both fuses are intact (use voltmeter to confirm fuse continuity).
RRFB light bar flashing starts with left module first.
Remote systems are turning on and off correctly via wireless control.
For RRFB systems, verify the indicator LEDs on the ends of light bars can be seen by pedestrians across
the street.
Ensure cabinet door is fully closed and latched.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 4
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
4.1 Solar Panel Mounting (Side or Top of Pole)
1. For side of pole systems, mark position of solar panel mount on pole and drill a suitable hole. Follow
instructions supplied with mount. Install using 45° tilt angle. Ensure solar panel is facing South (for
Northern Hemisphere locations).
2. For top of pole systems, attach solar panel to top of pole mount using supplied 1/4" bolts, washers and
locknuts. Leave nuts finger tight. DO NOT FULLY TIGHTEN at this stage.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 5
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
3. Insert cap into pole top and slide bracket onto the pole.
4. Make sure panel mount sits securely on the top of pole cap, as shown below (image shows solar panel
removed for illustration purposes). Orient so panel faces South (in Northern Hemisphere).
5. Install and tighten supplied 5/8” bolts and washers.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 6
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
6. Tighten ¼” bolts and nuts securing solar panel to mount.
7. Route supplied solar panel wires down pole and through hole for cabinet conduit nipple (side of pole
shown).

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 7
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
4.2 Cabinet Mounting
1. Mark the positions of the flashing beacon(s), LED sign(s) or light bar(s) and cabinet on pole. Drill holes for
cables and pipe nipple exit/entry points as shown below.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 8
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
2. Route solar panel wires into cabinet and install cabinet onto pole with optional U-bolt kit or suitable
banding (not supplied).
3. Feed beacon or light bar harness(es) through cabinet pipe nipple.
Hole drilled for
cabinet pipe nipple
Hole drilled for
flashing beacon
harness

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 9
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
4. Connect the beacon/light bar harness(es) to the LED terminals. For light bars, use “RRFB” wire colors
shown on label. For beacons or signs use “Round” wire colors shown on label. If present, connect push-
button terminals: red to INPT(+), black to INPT(−).
5. Connect solar panel harness to terminals on right side of cabinet: red wire with yellow heat shrink to Solar
(+), black wire with brown heat shrink to Solar (−).

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 10
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
6. Install battery, connecting each battery terminal to correct wiring terminal using the color-coded wires
described on the terminal wiring label (red to positive, black to negative).
7. Connect solar power harness to the solar panel. Suggested location for the solar wiring connectors is
coiled up and tie wrapped to the back side of the solar panel.
8. For AC systems, connect AC input wires according to the label description Black / HOT to the circuit
breaker, White / NEUTRAL to the terminal block and Green / GROUND to the ground bus bar.
Ensure cabinet door is fully closed and latched otherwise damage may occur.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 11
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
4.3 RRFB Light Bars Installation (SC315-G)
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.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 12
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
5.1 Push Button Installation (SC315-G / R820-G)
If the G Series is wired for a pushbutton 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 EMS Programming and Testing
The G 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.
6.2 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.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 13
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 14
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
Using the Up or Down buttons on the OBUI, the following menu items will appear:
Menu Items
User-
adjustable
Broadcast
to other
systems?
Setting Description
LED Fault
NO
NO
Not normally visible, only appears when the EMS
detects an LED fault.
Battery Status
NO
NO
Reports battery voltage and status
Solar Status
NO
NO
Reports solar panel voltage and status
Flash Pattern
YES
NO
Indicates the flash pattern currently set
Input Type
YES
NO
Indicates input mode, NC for 24/7 operation, bttn for
momentary button input, and NO for calendar setting.
Flashing
Duration
YES
YES
For crosswalks, reports the time duration for a flash
pattern.
Intensity (LED
Driver Current)
YES
NO
Indicates the intensity (in milli-amps) the LED
modules are set to use. Higher numbers mean
brighter lights.
Night Dimming
YES
YES
Indicates what fraction of the daytime intensity the
LEDs are set to at night.
Ambient Auto-
Adjust
YES
YES
If enabled, automatically dims LEDs on overcast
days up to 50% to prevent glare for drivers.
Automatic Light
Control (ALC)
YES
NO
If enabled, automatically dims LEDs in response to
unexpected solar deficiency to preserve battery life.
LED
Temperature
YES
NO
If enabled, adjusts LED power output to account for
the effects of environmental temperature variations.
Internal
Calendar
YES
NO
Allows LED loads to be set to turn on and off
according to a time schedule programmed using
Carmanah calendar programming software
Radio Enable
YES
NO
Turns the radio on or off
Radio Channel
YES
NO
Allows channels to be changed to overcome radio
interference issues on a per unit basis.
Radio Detection
Status
NO
NO
Confirms whether a radio module has been detected
by the system controller (EMS).
Digital Output
YES
NO
Used for relay control. Can be adjusted to allow
external loads to be switched on at any time, or only
at night.
Push Button
Input Status
NO
NO
Detects the status of the push button input and
whether there are any faults found.
LED Fixture Test
YES
NO
Allows the LED loads to exhibit a test flash
sequence.
Built-In Self-Test
YES
NO
Allows the system to run a number of self tests and
can be used for troubleshooting purposes.
Firmware
Version
NO
NO
Displays the firmware version programmed on the
system controller (EMS).

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 15
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
7.1 Troubleshooting
Symptom
Possible Cause and What to Check
The EMS does not
activate or display any
information.
•Check if battery or AC power input voltage are above 12V. Charge or replace
battery if low.
•Check all fuses.
•Ensure solar panel is clean, clear of debris, and not shaded by buildings or
vegetation to allow proper battery charging.
LEDs won't flash when
push button on the
same post is pressed.
•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.
LEDs on same post
flash, but other
systems in the
wireless group won't
flash.
•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.
LED fixture on same
post does not flash.
•Ensure that the wire colors and polarities are correct. Check that the electrical
connections are secure.
The LEDs are dim
when flashing.
•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 LEDs appear too
bright when flashing
•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.
Fixtures flash when no
button is pressed
•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.
LED Open Fault is
showing on User
Interface
•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.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | cust[email protected]om | carmanah.com 16
G SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
© 2020 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Technical Support:
Email: [email protected]
Toll Free: 1.877.722.8877 (US & Canada)
Worldwide: 1.250.380.0052
Fax: [phone]
Web: carmanah.com