Carmanah R247-E User manual

24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
R247-E

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
2
Warnings and Precautions
The following symbols indicate important safety
warnings and precautions throughout this manual.
They are defined as follows:
WA
RNI
RNING
WARNING indicates that serious
bodily harm or death may result
from failure to adhere to the
precautions.
C
AUTION
AUTION
CAUTION indicates that damage
to equipment may result if the
instructions are not followed.
N
OTE
OTE
NOTE suggests optimal conditions
under which the equipment will
operate effectively and safely, or
provides additional information to
the reader.
Warranty Disclaimer
This manual will familiarize you with the features,
operation standards, and installation of Carmanah's
R247-E 24 Hour Flashing Beacon. Failure to comply
with the use, storage, maintenance, installation or
placement instructions detailed in this manual could
void the warranty.
Standards
Perform all installation, wiring 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.
Safety and Usage Precautions
WA
RNI
RNING
Batteries are shipped fully-charged.
Use extreme caution when handling
the batteries as they are capable
of generating hazardous short-
circuit currents. Remove all jewelry
(bracelets, metal-strap watches,
etc.) before attempting to handle 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 that the load is
secured so that moving parts do
not shift and 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.
Re-check all completed wiring for
proper polarity prior to energizing
the system.
System must not be operated on
one battery.

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
Table of Contents
Warnings and Precautions ......................................2
Warranty Disclaimer...............................................2
Standards ..............................................................2
Safety and Usage Precautions..............................2
Introduction...............................................................4
System Components .............................................4
Installation.................................................................5
Summary ...............................................................5
Step by Step Instructions.......................................6
EMS Programming and Testing ............................13
EMS Onboard User Interface Operation..............13
Functions and Settings........................................13
System Testing.....................................................15
Maintenance & Product Care.................................16
Fuse Replacement...............................................16
Battery Replacement...........................................16
EMS Recycling ....................................................16
Troubleshooting .....................................................17
Specifications.........................................................18
Warranty..................................................................20
N
OTE
OTE
Changes or modifications to
Carmanah equipment not expressly
approved by Carmanah could
both void the user's authority to
operate the equipment, and void the
warranty.

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
4
Introduction
The R247-E is the new standard for 24 hour flashing
beacons:
The solar panel and EMS work together to charge the
batteries during the day. The EMS controls the flow of
power from the batteries to the flashing LED module.
System Components
• R247-E solar engine, consisting of:
•Energy management system (EMS)
•Chassis assembly
•Solar panel
•Batteries (2)
• Signal head with LED module
• Post mount
R247-E
Solar Engine
Signal Head
Post Mounts
Batteries
EMS
Solar
Panel
Onboard
User
Interface
(OBUI)
Ambient Light Sensor
(not visible)

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INSTALLATION
5
WA
RNI
RNING
WARNING Batteries are
shipped fully-charged.
Use extreme caution
when handling the
batteries as they are
capable of generating
hazardous short-circuit
currents. Remove all
jewelry (bracelets,
metal-strap watches,
etc.) before attempting to
handle the batteries.
CAUTION Consult with
Carmanah customer
service before making
adjustments to the
system. Improper
system adjustment
may reduce operational
effectiveness, reduce
battery life, or void the
warranty.
Installation
Summary
Basic steps to install a R247-E solar engine:
1. Connect the post mount to the post.
2. Mount the solar engine and signal head assembly
onto the post and aim the signal head as desired.
3. Tighten the nipple to secure the signal head as
required.
4. Rotate the solar engine to ensure the solar panel
is facing south and tighten the nut as required.
5. Connect the batteries to the wiring harness and
place the batteries into the solar engine with the
terminals to the bottom and facing out. Take care
not to short the battery terminals to the metal
chassis.
6. Secure the batteries with the battery strap. Note
the proper routing (reference page 11).
7. The EMS will be pre-configured at the factory.
Use the onboard interface to check the system
status and configuration, or to make adjustments if
necessary.
8. Close the solar engine and secure solar panel with
fastener.
C
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© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INSTALLATION
6
Step by Step Instructions
1Attach the post mount to the post using appropriate fasteners.
4.0-4.5" Round
Post Mount
Square Post
Mount 2.5" Square
2" Square
Side-of-Post
Mount
Wood Post
Mount
2.38"-2.88" Round
Post Mount
Recommended
Torque 50-60 in•lb

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INSTALLATION
7
4.0-4.5" Round
Post Mount
2"-2.5" Square
Post Mount
Side-of-Post
Mount
Wood Post
Mount
2Mount the solar engine and signal head assembly to the post mount pointing the signal head in the direction
required.
2.38"-2.88"
Round Post
Mount
INSTALL SET
SCREWS AS
SHOWN

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INSTALLATION
8
3Tighten the nipple to secure the system in place.
4.0-4.5"
Round
Pole
Mount
2"-2.5" Square
Pole Mount
Side-of-Post
Mount
Wood
Post
Mount
2.38"-2.88"
Round Post
Mount

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INSTALLATION
9
Ensure the solar panel is facing south and then tighten the nut.
4

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INSTALLATION
10
5Note the battery terminal and harness polarity. Open the solar engine. Connect one battery harness and
install battery as shown. Note the system will begin operating. Connect second battery harness and install
battery as shown.
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ELECTRICAL
SHOCK
HAZARD
CAUTION
DO NOT LET BATTERY TERMINALS COME
INTO CONTACT WITH ANY
EXPOSED METAL
DO NOT LET WIRE TERMINALS COME
INTO CONTACT WITH ANY EXPOSED
METAL
C
AUTION
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C
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WA
RNI
RNING
WARNING Batteries are shipped
fully-charged. Use extreme caution
when handling the batteries as
they are capable of generating
hazardous short-circuit currents.
Remove all jewelry (bracelets,
metal-strap watches, etc.) before
attempting to handle the batteries.
N
OTE
OTE
Batteries must be installed with the
terminals facing outward.

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INSTALLATION
11
6Secure batteries with battery strap, note proper routing.
Battery strap is tightened over the two
batteries

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
INSTALLATION
12
7The system will start once the batteries are connected. See 'EMS Programming and Testing' section to check
the system status and configuration.
CAUTION Consult with Carmanah customer service before making
adjustments to the system. Improper system adjustment may reduce
operational effectiveness, reduce battery life, or void the warranty.
C
AUTION
AUTION
8Close and latch the solar panel to complete installation.

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
EMS PROGRAMMING AND TESTING
13
EMS Programming and
Testing
The EMS will be pre-configured at the factory. Use
the onboard interface to check the system status and
configuration, or to make adjustments if necessary.
The energy management system (EMS) has several
programming functions and settings. These are
accessed through the onboard user interface (OBUI).
This section discusses the various functions, settings
and operation.
EMS Onboard 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.
Functions and Settings
The functions and settings are accessed through the
OBUI via a menu system. On the next page is the
menu hierarchy and a description of the function or
setting.
N
OTE
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Only these items in the menu
system are adjustable settings:
nItE, FLAS, tEnP, AAA, FACt, bISt
Use arrow
buttons to
scrollthrough
the menu.
Press and
hold the set
button to edit
a setting.
Display will
blink when
ready to edit.
Use arrow
buttons to
adjust the
setting.






Press and
hold the set
button to
accept new
setting.
Display will
flash 3 times.

set set

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
EMS PROGRAMMING AND TESTING
14
bAtt: Battery status and voltage. When the batteries are first connected, the system will display this item, if no faults are present.
good: Batteries are charged.
chAr: Batteries require charging. This indicates that the batteries are not at full charge, but the battery is still healthy.
Lo: Batteries have very low voltage. The batteries are not recharging enough or may be faulty. This can affect proper operation.
bAd: Battery needs replacing. The batteries can not retain a charge or have been depleted beyond recovery.
00.00: Battery voltage, displayed in volts. Normal battery voltage should be above 12.0 V.
LEd: LED flasher fault alert. This alert only appears if there is a problem with the LED flasher(s). Disconnect the batteries, correct the
issue, then reconnect the batteries.
SHrt: LED flasher is shorted. Correct the short to return to normal operation.
oPEn: LED flasher has an open circuit. Check the LED wiring, correct the problem to return to normal operation.









SoLr: Solar sensor status.
nItE: Solar sensor is not detecting light (nighttime). This can be simulated by covering the ambient light sensor on top of the engine.
dAY: Solar sensor is detecting light (daytime).
00.00: Solar panel voltage. This voltage can range depending on the current solar conditions.




TEnP: Temperature: Select the color of the bulb attached to the system.
rEd: The temperature options are red or yellow.
 
AAA: Ambient light auto-adjust settings. The system will automatically adjust to the surrounding light conditions when theAAAis on.
on: Ambient light auto-adjust is on.
oFF: Ambient light auto-adjust is off.
10: Ambient light auto-adjust dim level. Reports what the current adjustment level is, ranging from 1 to 10.




ALC: Automatic light control energy savings level.
100: Percentage of normal energy output. Ranges from 25% to 100%. 100% would indicate normal operation.
 
bISt: Built in system test.
YES: Activates the built-in system test.
no: Skips the built-in system test.



Set
vEr: Firmware version number.
0.0.0.0:The firmware version number.
 
ALERT!
FACt: Factory Set LED brightness depending on solar location.
10: LED brightness range from 10mAto 545mA in increments of 5mA. Contact Carmanah before adjusting this setting.
 
Set
FLAS: Flash: Select the desired flash pattern:
UnI: Unison or alternating (dual flasher only).
 
nItE: Nighttime dimming level. During the darkness of night, the system will dim to this level as full brightness is not required.
30: Percent of daytime level, from 10 to 30%.
 
Set
Set
Set
Set

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
EMS PROGRAMMING AND TESTING
15
System Testing
Built-in System Test
The OBUI has a built-in system test function (bISt,
see previous section). Activating this function through
the OBUI performs the system test. After the test
completes, it will display any errors or 'PASS' if no
error is detected.
N
OTE
OTE
It may be necessary to start the test
and then close the system so the solar
panel receives enough light to pass the
charging test.
The test is completed after the flashing
LED module turns on steadily for
several seconds and returns to regular
operations.
Possible errors include:
Code Error
0002 Severe temperature detected
0004 Onboard memory has failed
0008 Battery issue detected
0010 There is a problem with the on board processor
supply voltage
0020 Keypad failure detected
0040 Internal communication failure
0080 There is a problem with the ambient brightness
sensor
1000 There is a problem with the charging circuit, or
the PV is not connected, or not charging
2000 There is a problem with the flashing LED
module, LED module wiring, or the LED driver
LED Fault Message
The EMS performs an internal test during start up
to check for any shorts or open circuits in the LED
flashers and the associated wiring. If any faults are
detected this message will be displayed on the OBUI
before any other menu item.

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
MAINTENANCE & PRODUCT CARE
16
Maintenance & Product Care
The R247-E solar engine is designed to operate
reliably for years with virtually no need for
maintenance. Carmanah recommends routine
inspections of the solar panels to ensure that they are
unobstructed by anything that may prevent effective
solar charging, including:
• dirt and dust
• snow
• leaves
• debris
• shade that may have developed after installation
due to adjacent plant or tree growth.
The frequency of the inspections depends on location
and local weather patterns. A yearly visual inspection
of the R247-E solar engine is typically sufficient. The
R247-E is designed to be maintenance free, however
maximum system performance will be achieved when
the LED module lens and solar panels are clean.
Fuse Replacement
A wiring fault during installation or maintenance can
sometimes cause the battery fuses to blow. To replace
the fuse:
1. Make sure you’re not wearing any metal jewelry,
or holding any tools or other conductive objects.
2. Disconnect the batteries.
3. Check all wiring for any faults that may have
caused the fuse to blow.
4. Pull the fuse holder apart and check the fuse.
5. Replace a blown fuse with an identical fuse - 1.5A
fuse, Littelfuse 0312002.HXP, Carmanah Part #
68372.
Battery Replacement
When the R247-E system’s batteries require
replacement, it is recommended that the original
R247-E battery be used (Carmanah part # 67620).
You should replace both batteries at the same time.
WA
RNI
RNING
Battery replacement procedure
should not be carried out in windy
conditions. In all cases, the area at
the base of the post must be roped
off to prevent death or injury by
falling pieces.
EMS Recycling
Production of the EMS required the extraction and
use of natural resources. The EMS may contain
substances that could be harmful to the environment
or human health if improperly handled at the product’s
end of life. In order to avoid the release of such
substances into the environment and to reduce the
use of natural resources, we encourage you to recycle
the EMS in an appropriate way that will ensure most
of the materials are reused or recycled appropriately.
Check your local municipality for electronics recyclers.
Fuse
Holders

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
17
Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause - What to Check
The EMS does not activate, does not
display any information, or the system
does not activate.
This is typically caused by low or no voltage from the batteries.
Check both of the fuses. See the maintenance section of this manual for fuse
information.
Using a volt meter, measure the battery voltage. It should have a reading of 12.0 V
or greater. If the voltage is very low, charge or replace the batteries and monitor the
system for proper operation. Ensure that the R247-E solar engine 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. Once the batteries have proper
voltage, check the EMS for error codes and run the 'bISt' function. See the 'EMS
Programming and Testing' section of this manual.
The LED module will not flash. This can be caused by either a wiring issue, low battery voltage, or the unlikely event
of an EMS failure.
Check the wiring to the LED module and make sure the wires are not pinched
anywhere along their length.
Check the OBUI for errors. See the 'EMS Programming and Testing' section of this
manual.
The LED module is dim when flashing. The battery voltage may be too low for proper operation and the system has activated
the Automatic Light Control (ALC). Check the OBUI for ALC status and battery
voltage. See the 'EMS Programming and Testing' section of this manual. Ensure that
the R247-E solar engine 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 drive the system into ALC.
Check for debris covering the ambient light sensor on top of the solar engine.
Check the OBUI Solar (SoLr) setting to ensure it is detecting light ("dAY" not "nItE").
Check the Factory Set LED brightness setting (FACt). Consult Carmanah prior to
changing this setting as the LED brightness is set based on the solar location.
Check the ambient light auto-adjust (AAA) setting on the OBUI. Turn off the AAA to
see if this corrects the dim LED Module. See the 'EMS Programming and Testing'
section of this manual.
The LED module appear too bright when
flashing. Settings on the EMS can affect the apparent brightness of the LED module.
See the 'EMS Programming and Testing' section of this manual.

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
SPECIFICATIONS
18
Specifications
Mechanical Specifications
Solar Engine
Width 13.6" (345 mm)
Depth (not including mount) 3.6" (91 mm)
Tilt angle 45 degrees
Height (above signal head) 12.0 " (302 mm)
Weight (Solar enging only) 19.8 lbs (9kg)
Electrical Specifications
System
System voltage 12V (nominal)
System capacity 14 Ah
Overcurrent Protection
Fuse 2 x 1.5 A
Type Littelfuse 0312002.HXP
Solar Charge Controller
Type Maximum power point tracking
3 stage temperature compensated
Type Littelfuse 0312002.HXP
Battery
Quantity 2
Voltage 12 V (nominal)
Capacity 7 Ah
Solar Panel
Power 10 W
Voc 21.6 V
Vmp 17.5 V
Imp 0.57 A
Isc 0.62 A
LED Driver
Type Constant current, buck - boost
Max output voltage 33 Vdc
Max output current 545 mA
Environmental
Maximum wind zone deployment 110 mph
Operating temperature range Standard batteries: 5 to 122˚F (-15 to 50˚C)
Extended temperature batteries: -40 to 122˚F (-40 to 50˚C)

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
19

© 2014, Carmanah Technologies Corporation. 72466_R247-E_UserManual_RevA
R247-E 24 HOUR FLASHING BEACON USER MANUAL
WARRANTY
20
Warranty
This product is covered by the Carmanah warranty.
Visit www.carmanah.com for additional information or
contact the customer service department.
Before contacting Carmanah’s customer service
department, please have the serial number of your
system available, a brief description of the problem,
as well as all details of the installation.
To contact Carmanah’s customer service
department:
Mail: Carmanah Technologies Corporation
250 Bay Street
Victoria, BC Canada V9A3K5
Phone: [phone]
877.722.8877 (Toll Free in U.S. and Canada)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: carmanah.com