Francis Searchlights A7180 VH500 Installation instructions

User Instruction & Installation Manual
Product Reference Number:
A7180 VH500 250w 24v Halogen
A7181 VH500 250w 110v/230v Halogen
Manufacturer’s details: Distributor details:
Manual Part Number: C27395
Issue: 2 18/4/18
Francis Searchlights Ltd
Union Road, Bolton
Lancashire, BL2 2HJ, UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.francis.co.uk
E-mail: [email protected]k

CONTENTS
1 - Introduction
2 - Safety Precautions
3 - Technical Information
4 - Unpacking and Installation Instructions
5 - Electrical Installation
6 - Operating Instructions
7 - Fault Finding
8 - Maintenance and Servicing
9 - Wiring Diagrams & General Assembly
10 - Spare Parts List

1 - Introduction
It is imperative that this manual is read carefully and understood before
installing your equipment. For your future reference please keep this
manual in a safe place.
Thank you for specifying a product from the Francis Searchlights range. All Francis products
are designed to give complete customer satisfaction and are manufactured to the highest
engineering standards in order to ensure optimum performance and service life.
The Francis range combines features proven over many years service in the most hazardous
conditions in both marine and land installations.
In order to prolong the life and performance of your product, we recommend that you only
specify Francis Searchlights spare parts. This will also ensure that any warranties on your
equipment will not be invalidated. Information on spares ordering and parts is provided in this
manual.
Should you ever need to contact Francis Searchlights Ltd. regarding your equipment, please
quote the Product Serial Number at all times.
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2 - Safety Precautions
The following instructions must be adhered to, in order to ensure a safe working environment
and the safety of the user.
Note: When unpacking or manoeuvring the searchlight into its fixing position, suitable
lifting points must be used in order to prevent damage to the equipment or personal
injury.
◼Prevent rain, snow, condensation and water droplets from contacting the lamp as this may
cause bulb failure and possible shattering;
◼Quartz halogen bulbs run with a high internal pressure in excess of atmospheric. Whilst the
construction is inherently strong, there is a slight risk of the bulb shattering;
◼Never look directly into an illuminated searchlight as this may cause severe damage to
eyesight. If it is necessary to inspect a lamp whilst in operation, always wear suitable
protective goggles;
◼Should it be necessary to examine the lamp with the lid removed, always use a protective
shield and wear goggles to ensure a safe working environment;
◼Never attempt to clean a lamp whilst in use;
◼Searchlights get hot. Never touch the unit when lit and always allow 15 to 20 minutes for
cooling down after turning the searchlight off;
◼Never place anything on or cover the searchlight when in use;
◼Ensure the lamp has cooled sufficiently before removal;
◼If undue force appears necessary to remove the lamp, the equipment should be inspected
by a competent person or contact the manufacturer;
◼When breaking a lamp for disposal, care must be taken to ensure the glass fragments are
safely contained. This operation must be performed out of doors in free air. In all
circumstances refer to the lamp manufacturers instructions packed with the lamp;
◼Due to the vast range of lamps available it may appear possible that more powerful lamps
can be used in the equipment than for which it was designed. Even when the unit will
physically accept a higher wattage or voltage lamp, this substitution is not recommended
and is dangerous. This action will also void any warranties on the equipment.
Always refer to the lamp manufacturer’s technical data when dealing with lamps.
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3 - Technical Information
This product has been designed to operate in accordance with the product specification. The
VH500 searchlight has the following features:
◼All marine grade materials and fixings;
◼Parabolic glass reflector;
◼350° horizontal rotation;
◼Vertical movement +20° to -20°;
◼Motor speed 1- 20/sec (Pan). 1°-3.5/sec (Tilt);
◼RS485 connectivity & auto home positioning;
◼Remote focus facility;
◼Self Regulating internal heater;
◼Toughened front glass;
◼Sealing to IP66;
The searchlight also performs to the following optical data:
250Watt T/H 250Watt T/H
◼Lamp Part Number D9851 D4695
◼Peak Beam Candlepower 2,800,000 Lux 1,900,000 Lux
◼Range 1673 metres 1390 metres
◼Divergence 33
◼Temperature range -50°C -50°C
◼Lamp Life 300 hours 2000 hours
In order that the searchlight operates correctly it is imperative that competent personnel are
responsible for the installation, operation and servicing of this equipment. Failure to adhere to
this advice may cause premature failure or incorrect operation of the searchlight, which may
damage the equipment or cause personal injury.
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4 - Unpacking and Installation Instructions
The following instructions should be read and fully understood prior to installing the equipment
to ensure that the correct procedures are followed, and all safety precautions are observed.
Note: If the equipment has been in storage for a considerable amount of time, it is
advisable to conduct a routine maintenance check on all parts before installation.
Safety Precautions
This equipment should not be connected to an electrical supply before being installed.
Installation procedures should be adhered to in order to ensure a safe working environment
and reduce the risk of damage or personal injury.
Preparing the Mounting Position
Mark out and drill the fixing holes through the deck. When in the desired position fasten the
searchlight firmly down. On and uneven surface it may be necessary to use a suitable sealant
such as silicone, in order to ensure a weatherproofed joint. If no cabling is required to be seen
on deck, there is the option to wire from underneath the base directly into the deck. See
drawing A7180 for details.
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5 - Electrical Installation
Note: ~
When the main power is first applied to the searchlight, the searchlight will carry out a
self-test, it will Pan to the left limit and Tilt down to the limit, once this is complete, the
searchlight will then move to the centre and horizontal, during this please do not try and
operate the searchlight while this test is being carried out. Once the searchlight is back
at centre the searchlight can then be operated normally, by pressing the Panel button on
the control panel.
For safety purposes, only competent personnel should perform the electrical installation. All
equipment should be installed to current Electrical Regulations and Standards.
In order to obtain the maximum light output from the searchlight, it is essential that the full
operating voltage of the lamp fitted be applied to the lampholder contacts.
Method of Electrical Connection
1) Disconnect the supply before working on the electrical system;
2) The searchlight must be connected to a fused electrical supply, using suitably sized cable;
3) The junction box should NOT be positioned more than 6 metres away from the searchlight
using standard cables supplied.
4) Whenever possible cable terminations should be made below deck and with approved
terminal devices;
5) If a spare auxiliary fuse or circuit breaker is not available, one of the correct type and rating
should be fitted and connected to a positive supply. It is advisable to locate a bus bar or
main connection and avoid any direct connection to the supply:
Note: This equipment must be earthed.

Installation Guidelines
A typical installation and connection routine for the VH500 RC 24v supply searchlight is
as follows:
Referring to wiring diagram C27387 a supply is fed to the junction box which then provides a
common feed to the searchlight and joystick panel.
The following cables are fitted as standard: -
4 metres of 2 Pair twisted 0.22mm 100ohm screened cable from the junction box to the
searchlight.
4 metres of 3 cores 2.5mm Butyl cable from the junction box to the searchlight.
4 metres of 2 Pair twisted 0.22mm 100ohm screened cable from the junction box to the joystick
panel.
4 metres of 3 cores 2.5mm Butyl cable from the junction box to the supply.
(Customer may need to increase this length refer to table on previous page).
A typical installation and connection routine for the VH500 RC 240v supply searchlight
is as follows:
Referring to wiring diagram C27389 a supply is fed to the junction box which then provides a
common feed to the searchlight and joystick panel.
The following cables are fitted as standard: -
4 metres of 2 Pair twisted 0.22mm 100ohm screened cable from the junction box to the
searchlight.
4 metres of 5 cores 2.5mm Butyl cable from the junction box to the searchlight.
4 metres of 2 Pair twisted 0.22mm 100ohm screened cable from the junction box to the joystick
panel.
4 metres of 3 cores 1.5mm Butyl cable from the junction box to the supply.
(Customer may need to increase this length refer to table on previous page).
A typical installation and connection routine for the VH500 RC 115v supply searchlight
is as follows:
Referring to wiring diagram C27388 a supply is fed to the junction box which then provides a
common feed to the searchlight and joystick panel.
The following cables are fitted as standard: -
4 metres of 2 Pair twisted 0.22mm 100ohm screened cable from the junction box to the
searchlight.
4 metres of 5 cores 2.5mm Butyl cable from the junction box to the searchlight.
4 metres of 2 Pair twisted 0.22mm 100ohm screened cable from the junction box to the joystick
panel.
4 metres of 3 cores 1.5mm Butyl cable from the junction box to the supply.
(Customer may need to increase this length refer to table on previous page).
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6 - Operating Instructions
This equipment is designed for use out of doors, in free air. Never place anything on or cover
the searchlight when in use as this may present a hazard.
Switch On
The panel is activated using the PANEL button. This will illuminate brightly when the panel is
active. Alternate operations of the PANEL button will switch the panel on and off.
Lamp Control
When the panel is active pressing the LAMP, button will switch the lamp on or off.
If the control panel is switched off with the PANEL button the lamp will switch off.
Focus Control
The lamp focus can be adjusted using the FOCUS button. Lamp focus will adjust continuously
whilst FOCUS is pressed.
Beam Direction
The beam direction can be adjusted using the joystick when the panel is active. Moving the
joystick left or right will pan the beam clockwise or anticlockwise.
Moving the joystick up or down will move the beam up or down. The speed of movement is
proportional to the movement of the joystick. It is possible to move the beam in both directions
at once by moving the joystick diagonally.
Home
The lamp can be returned to a pre-set home position. By default, this is dead ahead with the
beam level although different positions can be programmed as described below.
To send the lamp to the home position switch the panel off then press the LAMP button.
Set New Home Position
To set a new home position move the lamp to the new desired home position. Switch the panel
off then press the joystick down to its limit and press the lamp button. The current position will
now be the new home position.
Set Motion Limit (only available when Remote Focus is fitted)
The lamp travel can be limited in either axis and either direction. To set a new limit switch the
panel on and move the lamp to the desired limit position. Switch the panel off then press and
hold the focus button whilst moving the joystick full travel in the direction of the desired limit.
Hold in this position for 4 seconds. For example, to set a limit to the tilt up motion; -
1. Switch panel on and drive lamp to desired tilt up limit position.
2. Switch panel off.

3. Press and hold the FOCUS button and hold joystick in the full up position for 4
seconds.
4. Tilt up motion will now be inhibited above the current position.
Clear Motion Limits
Motion limits as set above can be cleared by switching the panel off then pressing and holding
the focus button and lamp buttons together for 10 seconds.
Adjusting Panel Illumination
The panel illumination and indicators intensity can be adjusted to suit ambient light levels. To
adjust the intensity, switch the panel on then switch it off with the PANEL button and keep the
PANEL button pressed. To increase intensity, move the joystick to the right. To decrease move
to the left. Note that the panel button must be kept depressed whilst the joystick is moved. All
indicators will illuminate whilst adjustments are performed. Adjustment is complete when the
panel button is released.
Obtaining Fault Status
Fault codes can be accessed by switching the control panel on with the PANEL button and
keeping the PANEL button pressed for 10 seconds. Fault codes are indicated by the PANEL
button flashing a number of times related to the fault. Fault codes are detailed below. If more
than one fault is present the PANEL button will indicate them in sequence.
1. Pan Limit. –Either of the pan limit switches operated. Note that this
may not actually be a fault. The LED will flash when a limit switch is
operated under normal circumstances i.e. the lamp is at the limit of
travel. This will also indicate when a variable limit is reached.
2. Tilt Limit. –Either of the tilt limit switches operated. Note that this may
not actually be a fault. The LED will flash when a limit switch is
operated under normal circumstances i.e. the lamp is at the limit of
travel. This will also indicate when a variable limit is reached.
3. Pan motor over current. –The pan motor is taking excessive current.
The motor will be disabled for a period when this occurs. Fault
indication will remain until power is removed or the fault is corrected.
4. Tilt motor over current. –The tilt motor is taking excessive current. The
motor will be disabled for a period when this occurs. Fault indication
will remain until power is removed or the fault is corrected.
5. Focus motor over current. –The focus motor is taking excessive
current. The motor will be disabled for a period when this occurs. Fault
indication will remain until power is removed or the fault is corrected.
6. FBUS interface over current. –The speed control card supplies 24VDC
to the remote-control panels. This fault indicates the 24VDC output is
taking excessive current. The FBUS supply output will switch off. To