Francis Searchlights A7182 VM500 User manual

User Instruction & Installation Manual
Product Reference Number:
A7182 VM500 350w 115/230v Em-Arc Glass Reflector
A7189 VM500 350w 115/230v Em-Arc Aluminium Reflector
Manufacturer’s details: Distributor details:
Manual Part Number: C27394
Issue: 3 18/4/18
Francis Searchlights Ltd
Union Road, Bolton
Lancashire, BL2 2HJ, UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.francis.co.uk
E-mail: [e-mail]

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;
◼EmArc lamps operate under very high-pressure conditions (up to 200 bar) and at high
temperatures (inner bulb temp 1000°C max) and may unexpectedly shatter;
◼Lamps must not be used beyond their rated service life. Operation beyond the rated
service life will increase the likelihood of bulb rupture; fast switching cycles will reduce lamp
life.
◼Never look directly into an illuminated searchlight as this may cause severe damage to
eyesight from UV. 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 safety
goggles or face mask and protective gloves to ensure a safe working environment;
◼Never attempt to clean the searchlight 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 (minimum 10 minutes after
switching off);
◼If undue force appears necessary to remove the lamp, the equipment should be inspected
by a competent person or contact the manufacturer;
◼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.
◼In the event of a bulb rapture, a limited amount of mercury vapour could be emitted. To
avoid inhaling this mercury vapour (which is toxic and can be harmful for lungs and
nervous system) using a mask remove the front bezel from the searchlight and ventilate
thoroughly for a period of at least 30 minutes.
◼At the end of rated life, when lamp is removed from service, please dispose of in
accordance with local universal waste law (Lamps are stamped with Hg mark). Some areas
require all mercury containing lamps to be recycled, contact your environmental
department for any regulation that may apply.
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
VM500 RC searchlight has the following features:
◼All marine grade materials and fixings;
◼Electronic power supply unit;
◼Parabolic glass or aluminium reflector;
◼Instant lamp re-strike. No cooling down time required;
◼Economical 2000 hour lamp life;
◼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;
◼Searchlight to IP66;
The searchlight also performs to the following optical data:
◼Em Arc light source;
◼Lamp Wattage –350 Watts;
◼Supply voltage –115/240 volts;
◼Peak Beam Candlepower –23,100,000 lux;
◼Range –4806 metres;
◼Divergence –1.5;
◼Temperature range -50C;
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 an 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 30 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 VM500RC searchlight is as follows:
Referring to wiring diagram C27386, a supply is fed to the junction box which then provides a
common feed to the searchlight and joystick panel.
The following cables have been supplied as standard: -
4 metres of 2 pair twisted 0.22mm screened cable from the junction box to searchlight.
4 metres of 3 cores 1.5mm cable from the junction box to the mains supply.
4 metres of 7 cores 1.5mm cable from the junction box to searchlight.
4 metres of 2 pair twisted 0.22mm screened cable from the junction box to the joystick panel.
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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
restore this output, remove the supply from the speed control card for a
period.
7. Anti-condensation heater output over current. –The 24VDC anti
condensation heater output is taking excessive current. The heater
output will switch off. To restore this output, remove the supply from the
speed control card for a period.

8. Limit Switch Error. Some lamp types do not use all or some limit
switches. If an invalid limit switch input is detected it is probable the
speed control card is set to the wrong product or there is a wiring error.
9. Datum Error. The start-up datum system has not completed correctly.
10.Product type not set or corrupt. The product type has not been set, has
been set incorrectly or is corrupt.
11.Supply voltage out of tolerance. The 24V supply is outside the range
18-30V.

Always isolate the equipment from the supply when fitting a lamp
See next sheet for fitting aid diagram
Before fitting the lamp:
-Loosen and remove five M8 socket bolts with the dubo washer on the underneath of the
searchlight, then remove the upper hood off the searchlight & store along with the bolts and
washers in a safe area;
After fitting the lamp,
-Replace the upper hood, ensuring the groove aligns correctly with the glass gasket replace
the bolts and washers and make sure they are securely fastened.
When fitting the lamp:
-Always isolate the equipment from the supply when inserting a lamp;
-Ensure the circuit is suitably fused;
-Ensure the lamp is of the correct power rating and type;
-Check the lampholder is in a good dry condition. Never allow water to collect in the lamp
fitting or come into contact with the lamp.
To fit the lamp:
-Fit the rear lampholder lead over the thread of the lamp and then screw into the rear
lampholder;
-Connect the front lead to the igniter positive;
Testing
Upon correct installation and connection to an electrical supply, the equipment can be tested in
order to ensure its’ correct performance. A competent person with some knowledge of electrical
equipment must carry out this work.
Equipment required: Multi-meter with leads
Ammeter
Using the equation P=VI, the approximate power output of the equipment can be calculated in
the following way:
-Using the multi-meter, take a voltage reading across terminals 6 & 7 inside the junction
box;
-Using the ammeter, take a amps reading from the cable in terminal 6 inside the junction
box;
-Multiply these figures together to give an approximate wattage (Power output).
For example:
Using a 240v 350w Em Arc lamp:
Voltage reading = 48v; Amps reading = 7.3 amps
Therefore, Wattage = 48 x 7.3 = 350 watts
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Release the M4 knurled nut and spring washer that secures the
front lead to the positive end of the lamp.
+ Positive end of the lamp (FRONT)
M4 knurled nut and spring washer
Keep the knurled nut and washer in a safe place as it will be
needed later.
Now that the knurled nut and washer is removed, the front lead
can be released front the thread on the front of the lamp.
The lamp can now be removed from the rear lampholder by
carefully unscrewing it (take care not to lose the M4 spring wash-
er). When fitting the new lamp, the negative end must pass
through the ring terminal and M4 spring washer before being
screwed back into the lampholder.
The new lamp must be handled carefully, and a suitable
protective cloth must be used when handling the lamp. The front
lamp lead can now be re-attached using the M4 knurled nut and
washer. Do not overtighten the nut.

FBUS SPEED CONTROL ASSEMBLY DETAILS
MAINS CONNECTORS
L Live.
N Neutral
E Earth
TILT CONNECTOR
MR Tilt Motor Red Wire (+)
MB Tilt Motor Black Wire (-)
ER Tilt Encoder Red Wire (5V). (Voyager Brown Wire)
EG Tilt Encoder Green Wire (Phase A Output) (Voyager Yellow Wire)
EW Tilt Encoder White Wire (Phase B Output)
0V Tilt Encoder Black Wire (Voyager Blue Wire)
Tilt Limit Switch Common Black Wire
UL Tilt up Limit Switch Orange Wire
DL Tilt down Limit Switch Blue Wire
PAN CONNECTOR
MR Pan Motor Red Wire (+)
MB Pan Motor Black Wire (-)
ER Pan Encoder Red Wire (5V)
EG Pan Encoder Green Wire (Phase A Output)
EW Pan Encoder White Wire (Phase B Output)
0V Pan Encoder Black & Pan Limit Switch Common
CL Pan Clockwise Limit Switch Orange Wire (As viewed looking down on lamp)
AL Pan Anticlockwise Limit Switch (As viewed looking down on lamp)
HEAD CONNECTOR
0 0V Common for Heater & Focus (If Searchlight has an igniter terminal is not used)
H Heater Active High Output
F Focus Motor Active High Output
S Focus position potentiometer.
FBUS CONNECTOR
0 OV out to Joystick Panels
T Line Terminate (Connect to + for terminate)
+ FBUS Data +
- FBUS DATA -
24 24V Supply out to joystick panels
24 VOLT INPUT
- Negative
+ Positive
LAMP RELAY
Relay input
Relay output

FBUS Speed Control Board

CONNECTIONS TO FBUS JOYSTICK CONTROL PANEL
FBUS CONNECTOR
0 OV Supply Input
T Line Terminate (Connect to + for terminate)
+ FBUS + RS485 Data In/Out
- FBUS - RS485 Data In/Out
24 +24V Supply Input
JOYSTICK CONNECTOR
BK Joystick Black Wire
Y Joystick Yellow Wire
BL Joystick Blue Wire
R Joystick Red Wire
FBUS JOYSTICK CONTROL BOARD

FBUS ADDRESS SWITCHES
OVERVIEW
FBUS uses two types of address switch. One type is rotary, and the value selected is the value
shown on the dial. The other type is rows of switches whose operation is described below: -
The switches all operate in the same manner producing a binary value with the highest binary
value to the left and the lowest value to the right. The values for each switch are listed below: -
SPEED CONTROL CARD LAMP ADDRESS
SWITCH NUMBER VALUE
SWITCH 4 16
SWITCH 5 8
SWITCH 6 4
SWITCH 7 2
SWITCH 8 1
STANDARD CONTROL PANEL –LAMP ADDRESS
SWITCH NUMBER VALUE
SWITCH 1 16
SWITCH 2 8
SWITCH 3 4
SWITCH 4 2
SWITCH 5 1
STANDARD CONTROL PANEL –PANEL ADDRESS
SWITCH NUMBER VALUE
SWITCH 1 8
SWITCH 2 4
SWITCH 3 2
SWITCH 4 1
Switching a switch to on, adds the binary value relating to that switch to the address value.
With all switches off the value is zero.

EXAMPLES
Standard control panel –panel address set to 5
Switch 1 = Off
Switch 2 = On (Value 4 added to address)
Switch 3 = Off
Switch 4 = On (Value 1 added to address)
4 + 1 = 5
Speed control card - lamp address set to 11
Switch 4 = Off
Switch 5 = On (Value 8 added to address)
Switch 6 = Off
Switch 7 = On (Value 2 added to address)
Switch 8 = On (Value 1 added to address)
8 + 2 + 1 = 11
ADDRESSING SYSTEM
The addressing system is very simple. Every lamp must have a unique address. The
addresses should be sequential and should start from zero. If there were three lamps in a
system the addresses should be set to 0, 1 and 2.
Control panel –panel addresses use the same system being sequential and start from zero.
It is essential that all lamp have a unique address with no duplication.
It is essential that all panels have a unique address with no duplication however note that
lamps and panels can be the same address. For example, on a system with two panels and
two lamps, the panel addresses will be 0 and 1 and the lamps addresses will be 0 and 1.
Control panel lamp addresses are defined by the system configuration. If two panels are used
to control the same lamp they must still have individual panel addresses but the lamp
addresses can be set to the same address value as the lamp which is to be controlled. Any
number of panels can control the same lamp.

FBUS DATA PROTOCOL
OVERVIEW
The Francis bus (FBUS) is a custom communication protocol based on
RS485 two wire bi directional communication hardware. The system provides
a simple bi-directional link between lamps and lamp control panels. The
system allows given panels to communicate with different lamps and also
allows a number of panels to communicate with the same lamp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The FBUS system runs at 38.4K Baud. This low data rate facilitates longer
cable runs and complements the fairly small amount of data transfer required
whilst still providing a fast response. The data frame is 11 bits with 9 data bits,
one start and one stop bit. A simple error detection system is employed which
is described in detail later. Data is sent LSB first.
To prevent data collisions the system uses a polling technique. Lamp number
0 is the default bus master and controls timing of all communications by
polling other units connected to the bus. If lamp 0 is not operating or powered
down, lamp 1 automatically becomes the bus master as will lamp 2 if lamp 1
is not operating.
The system differentiates between address and data values by setting data bit
8 high for an address. Panel 2 address would therefore be sent as hex 102 or
binary 100000010. The lamps and panels use different address ranges with
panels being addresses 0-15 and lamp addresses starting at 16 and going up
to 56. A lamp whose address was set to 0 on the address switches will
actually, be address 16 and would be transmitted as hex 110 or binary
100010000.
If lamp 0 is active this becomes the bus master and sequentially transmits the
full address range. No other units will transmit until they receive their address.
Each address is followed by a 1mS dead period where the master switches
from transmit to receive and monitors the bus for activity. If activity is present
the master will not transmit the next address until 1mS after bus activity
ceases. After the full panel address range has been sent (addresses 0-15) the
master starts to send lamp addresses.
These operate slightly differently in that, if more than three successive
addresses do not illicit a response, the bus master will assume the last lamp
has been polled and re starts the data cycle by reverting to panel address 0.
When a remote panel receives its address, it will send data if it has any to
send, if not, no data will be sent. Lamps operate differently in that they will
always send data after they have seen their address on the bus.
Panels can send data to any lamp therefore they transmit a modified lamp
address value prior to the lamp command(s). The modified address is
received by lamps and, if it matches their own address, the command(s)
which follow will be received and processed.
A detailed description of panel and lamp data follows.

PANEL TRANSMITTED DATA
Panels only send data when there is data to be sent i.e. there has been
activity at the panel which must be sent to a given lamp. If there is no data to
be sent, a panel will not transmit. The amount of data a panel sends will
depend upon the amount of activity at the panel and can be 2 to 10 bytes. The
commands described below are sent after a panel receives its address which
it uses as indication that it has a transmit time slot. Before any commands are
sent the panel must define which lamp the data pertains to. This is achieved
by preceding the command with a lamp address. Note that bit 7 is not set
when a panel defines the lamp to which it is to transmit. Lamps recognise the
address and receive data when the address matches their own. To send
commands to lamp number 2 a panel would precede the lamp command(s)
with the address value Hex 2, Binary 000000010. It is important to note that
multiple commands must be sent in numerical order i.e. a command with
value 01 must be sent before a command with 06 etc.
Panel transmit commands are listed below; -
DATA_PAN_JOYSTICK (Hex 01)
This is a two-byte command and must be immediately followed by another
byte whose value determines the lamps direction and speed. The value is
centred on 128 and has a range of 128 +/- 64. A value of 130 will make the
lamp rotate slowly clockwise. Increasing the value will make the lamp move
faster. A value of 126 will make the lamp rotate slowly anticlockwise.
Decreasing the value will make the lamp move faster. Transmitting values 01
then C0 would make the lamp pan clockwise at full speed.
DATA_TILT_JOYSTICK (Hex 02)
This is a two-byte command and must be immediately followed by another
byte whose value determines the lamps direction and speed. The value is
centred on 128 and has a range of 128 +/- 64. A value of 130 will make the
lamp point upwards slowly. Increasing the value will make the lamp move
faster. A value of 126 will make the lamp move down slowly. Decreasing the
value will make the lamp move faster. Sending values 02 then C0 would make
the lamp tilt up at full speed.
DATA_LAMP_BUTTON (Hex 0A)
This is a single byte command. The same command is sent to switch the lamp
on or off. This command must only be sent once for each press of the button.
Sending again will switch the lamp again. Basically, if the lamp was off,
sending this value will switch it on. If the lamp was on, sending this value will
switch it off. This technique is employed to facilitate simultaneous lamp control
from a number of different panels. Basically, what is sent is just information
that the lamp on off button has been pressed. How the lamp reacts to this
depends on the lamps current status. Most of the other lamp button
commands operate in a similar manner except the focus button. Confirmation
that the command has been received can be obtained by reading the lamp
status byte described below.