Federal Signal Corporation VISIBEAM II Manual

2561083A
REV. A 801
Printed in U.S.A.
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
VISIBEAM®II REMOTE CONTROLLED SPOTLIGHT
SAFETY MESSAGE TO INSTALLERS AND USERS
People’s lives depend on your safe installation of our
products. It is important to read, understand and follow all
instructions shipped with the products. In addition, listed
below are some other important safety instructions and
precautions you should follow:
• To properly install this kit: you must have a
good understanding of automotive electrical
procedures and systems, along with proficiency
in the installation and use of safety warning
equipment.
• DO NOT install equipment or route wiring or
cord in the deployment path of an air bag.
• When drilling into a vehicle structure, be sure
that both sides of the surface are clear of any-
thing that could be damaged.
• In order for the light to function properly, a
separate ground connection must be made. If
practical, it should be connected to the negative
battery terminal. At a minimum, it may be
attached to a solid metal body or chassis part
that will provide an effective ground path as
long as the light system is to be used.
• Locate light control so the VEHICLE and CON-
TROL can be operated safely under all driving
conditions.
• Do not attempt to activate or deactivate light
control while driving in a hazardous situation.
• You should frequently inspect the light to en-
sure that it is operating properly and that it is
securely attached to the vehicle.
• File these instructions in a safe place and refer
to them when maintaining and/or reinstalling
the product.
Failure to follow all safety precautions and instruc-
tions may result in property damage, serious injury, or
death to you or others.
I. UNPACKING.
After unpacking the unit, inspect it for damage that
may have occurred in transit. If the unit has been dam-
aged, file a claim immediately with the carrier, stating the
extent of damage. Carefully check all envelopes, shipping
labels, and tags before removing or destroying them.
Ensure that the parts listed in the appropriate KIT
CONTENTS LIST are contained in the package.
II. KIT CONTENTS LIST.
ALL SURFACE MOUNT MODELS
Qty. Description
4 Screw, #6
3 Screw, #10, Hex
3 Flat Washer, #10
1 Gasket, Mounting
1 Plate, Mounting
1 Velcro Loop
1 Velcro Hook
ALL PIPE MOUNT MODELS
Qty. Description
4 Screw, #6
1 Plate, Mounting
1 Velcro Loop
1 Velcro Hook
ALL MAGNETIC MOUNT MODELS
Qty. Description
1 Cover, Magnet
1 Label, Caution
4 Screw, #6
1 Plate, Mounting
1 Velcro Loop
1 Velcro Hook
III. CONTROL INSTALLATION.
WARNING
When installing equipment inside air bag equipped
vehicles, the installer MUST ensure that the equip-
ment is installed ONLY in areas recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer.
Failure to observe this warning will reduce the
effectiveness of the air bag, damage the air bag, or
potentially damage or dislodge the equipment,
causing serious injury or death to you or others.
A. Hook-and-Loop Mounting.
NOTE
The hook-and-loop mounting method is intended for
storing the control unit when it is not in use. The
hook-and-loop material may not provide sufficient
rigidity for proper control unit operation.
1. Locate a suitable mounting location for the
control unit.

NOTE
The hook-and-loop pads’ mounting surfaces must be
clean and dry for proper adhesion. If necessary, use
isopropyl alcohol and water to clean the mounting
surfaces.
2. Remove the paper backing from the hook pad
and affix it to the back of the control unit.
3. Remove the paper backing from the loop pad
and affix it to the mounting surface.
4. Place the control unit in position by mating
the hook and loop surfaces.
B. Snap Mounting (see figure 1).
1. Locate a suitable mounting location for the
control unit.
NOTE
Before marking the drill position marks, ensure that
the mounting plate’s orientation will allow the control
to snap on the mounting plate in the desired position.
2. Using the control mounting plate as a tem-
plate, scribe four drill position marks on the mounting
surface.
CAUTION
To avoid damage when drilling, ensure that both
sides of mounting surface are clear of any parts or
wires.
Also, when drilling any holes, ensure that holes are
drilled only through sheet metal and not through
upholstery.
3. Drill four 7/64" holes at the previously scribed
drill position marks.
-2-
Figure 1.
UP
DOWN
L
E
F
T
R
I
G
H
T
CONTROL
MOUNTING
PLATE
CONTROL
GRAY CABLE
FROM LIGHT
MOUNTING
STUDS (2)
SCREWS, #6 x 5/8",TYPE A THD. FRM.,
PHILLIPS PAN HEAD (4)
PRESS BUTTON TO TURN
LAMP ON OR OFF
290A2669-03B
SLIDE KNOB TO MOVE
REFLECTOR POSITION
Figure 2.
290A2669-04B
PRINTED
CIRCUIT BOARD
MOUNTING
HOLE
FRONT
SLIDE TO
REMOVE
MECHANISM
RELEASE TABS
(PUSH DOWN HERE)
MOUNTING
HOLE TWIST DOME REMOVEINSTALL
MOUNTING
HOLE
WIRING HOLE
MECHANISM
COVER
PUSH TO
RELEASE
DOME
CONTROL CABLE
CONNECTOR
4. Secure the mounting plate to the mounting
surface using the #6 thread-forming phillips screws.
5. To attach the control unit to the mounting
plate, align the mounting studs with the stud retainers and
press the control unit until it snaps in position.
IV. LIGHT INSTALLATION.
A. Surface Mount Models.
To install the light, proceed as follows:
1. Push and hold the dome release button
(located in the plastic base). Turn the dome counterclock-
wise and lift the dome off the base (see figure 2).
2. Position the vehicle on a level surface. Select a
relatively flat mounting position which provides sufficient
rigidity to support the light and prevent vibrations caused
by the light when the vehicle is in motion.
CAUTION
Turning reflector by hand may damage motor or
worm gear. To rotate the reflector, connect to an
appropriate power source.
3. Position the light with the dome release
button toward the rear at the selected mounting location.
4. Use the base of the light as a template and
scribe three mounting hole drill position marks on the
mounting surface. Also, scribe one wire routing hole drill
position mark at the center.
CAUTION
To avoid damage when drilling, ensure that both
sides of mounting surface are clear of any parts or
wires.
Also, when drilling any holes, ensure that holes are
drilled only through sheet metal and not through
upholstery.
5. Drill one 5/8" (0.625) hole (wire routing hole)
at the previously scribed center drill position mark. Drill
three 9/64" (0.140) holes (mounting holes) at the previously
scribed outer drill position marks.

6. To protect the wires from shorts, smooth the
edges of the 5/8" wire routing hole. If desired, a user-
supplied grommet can be installed in the 5/8" wire routing
hole.
7. Align the holes in the mounting gasket with
the appropriate holes in the base and apply the mounting
gasket to the base of the light . Route the light’s wires
through the gasket’s wire routing hole and through the
mounting surface.
8. Apply a silicone sealing compound around the
wires and grommet (if installed) where they pass through
the mounting surface to prevent leakage.
9. See figure 3. Secure the base to the mounting
surface with the three #10 thread-forming screws and flat
washers.
10. Replace the dome.
11. Route the light’s gray eight-conductor cable to
the control unit. Insert the gray cable’s connector into the
receptacle on the bottom of the control unit.
12. Connect the light’s black wire to a known good
vehicle ground.
13. Connect the light’s red wire to one side of a
user-supplied fuseholder. Connect the other side of the
fuseholder to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle’s
battery. Install a six (6) ampere fuse in the fuseholder.
B. Pipe Mount Models.
1. Route the light’s wires through the pipe that
will be used for mounting the light.
2. Screw the flange mount light onto the pipe.
Position the light with the dome release button toward the
rear.
3. Route the light’s gray eight-conductor cable to
the control unit. Insert the gray cable’s connector into the
receptacle on the bottom of the control unit.
4. Connect the light’s black wire to a known good
vehicle ground.
5. Connect the light’s red wire to one side of a
user-supplied fuseholder. Connect the other side of the
fuseholder to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle’s
battery. Install a six (6) ampere fuse in the fuseholder.
C. Magnetic Mount Models.
Magnetic mounting provides a secure, temporary
mounting method for most installations. However, it is not
intended for use on the exterior of a moving vehicle.
WARNING
Because vehicle roof construction and driving condi-
tions vary, Federal does not recommend driving a
vehicle with a magnetically mounted warning light
installed. The light could fly off the vehicle causing
injury or damage. Repair of damage incurred because
of ignoring this warning shall be the sole responsi-
bility of the user.
Holding power of magnetic mounting systems is
dependent upon surface finish, surface flatness, and
thickness of the steel mounting surface. Therefore,
to promote proper magnetic mounting:
• Mounting surface and magnets must be kept
clean, dry, and free of foreign particles that
prevent good surface contact.
• Ensure that mounting surface is flat.
• Magnet mounting system should not be used
on vehicles with vinyl tops.
• To prevent sliding of light assembly on mount-
ing surface, quick acceleration and hard stops
should be avoided.
• If the light is to be held directly to the roof by
the magnet, ensure that the power cable is not
under the magnet.
1. Place the light assembly on a level steel
surface. Ensure that the light is placed to promote maxi-
mum coverage and range of the light’s warning signal.
2. Insert the plug on the end of the power cord
into the cigar lighter socket.
NOTE
When using the vehicle’s cigar lighter socket as the
light’s power source, Federal recommends replacing
the original lighter circuit fuse with an eight-ampere
fuse. After the original fuse has been replaced, de-
vices requiring more than eight amperes will cause
failure of the lighter circuit fuse and therefore should
not be plugged into the cigar lighter socket.
If direct connection to the power source (not utilizing
the cigar lighter plug) is desired, a user-supplied in-
line fuseholder and eight-ampere fuse must be
installed in the power cord’s ribbed (positive) lead.
3. Route the light’s gray eight-conductor cable to
the control unit. Insert the gray cable’s connector into the
receptacle on the bottom of the control unit.
Figure 3.
-3-
DOME
BASE MOUNTING
SURFACE
MOUNTING
GASKET
RED TO FUSE AND POS.(+)
#10 FLAT WASHERS (3) #10-32 x 3/4" SCREWS (3)
290A2669-05B
BLK TO GND (-)GRA, 8 CONDUCTOR TO CONTROL

V. OPERATION.
A. See figure 1. To move the spotlight reflector, slide
the round gray knob (located on the control’s face) in the
desired direction. It is not necessary to illuminate the lamp
to move the reflector.
B. See figure 1. To illuminate or extinguish the lamp,
press and release the gray button on the top of the control.
The lamp indicator will illuminate when the spotlight’s
lamp is illuminated.
VI. MAINTENANCE.
A. General.
WARNING
Crazing (cracking) of domes will cause reduced
effectiveness of the light. Do not use cleaning agents
(which will cause crazing) such as strong detergents,
solvents, or petroleum products. If crazing of dome
does occur, reliability of light for emergency
signalling purposes may be reduced until dome is
replaced.
1. The dome can be cleaned using a non-abra-
sive, high quality, automotive paste wax and a soft cloth.
2. On magnetic mount lights, periodically
inspect the magnet for dirt and metal shavings. Clean the
magnet as necessary. Keep the area around the magnetic
mount light free of dirt and metal shavings.
3. Apply a film of light grease to the gears when
necessary.
B. Lamp Replacement (see figure 4).
WARNING
A serious injury may result if lamp is touched
when hot. Always allow lamp to cool before
removing. Halogen lamps are pressurized and if
broken can result in flying glass. Always wear
gloves and eye protection when handling the
lamps.
CAUTION
Service life of lamp will be shortened if glass portion
is touched. If glass has been handled, clean carefully
with a grease solvent.
1. Move the reflector until the back of the lamp
is easily accessible.
2. Disconnect the lamp connector.
3. Release the lamp spring clip by pressing
inward and to the side on the lamp spring clip ends.
4. Remove the lamp by pulling it away from the
reflector and past the vertical motion cable and spring clip.
5. Replace the lamp by performing the above
steps in reverse order.
C. Mechanism Removal for Servicing (see figure 2).
1. Disconnect power to the light.
2. Push and hold the dome release button
(located in the plastic base). Turn the dome counterclock-
wise and lift the dome off the base.
3. Disconnect the positive and negative wires
which exit the light. Disconnect the control cable from the
printed circuit board connector.
4. Push down and hold both mechanism release
tabs, and slide the mechanism over the release tabs. Lift
the mechanism out of the base.
5. Replace the mechanism after servicing by
performing the above steps in reverse order.
-4-
Figure 4.
LAMP
CONNECTOR
LAMP SPRING
CLIP (PUSH
AND MOVE
SIDEWAYS TO
RELEASE)
290A2669-06
B
MECHANISM
COVER
VERTICLE
MOTION
CHAIN
LAMP