Francis Searchlights LX480 User manual

User Instruction & Installation Manual
LX480 Remote Control
2 Kilowatt Xenon Searchlight
Product Reference Number:
A7154 –Variable Speed Motor Unit 240v
Manufacturer’s details: Distributor details:
Manual Part Number: C28039
17.1.19 Issue: 1
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 Diagram & 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 Xenon 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.
Back To Top

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.
◼Because of the high internal pressure within the lamp, there is a risk of explosion in either a
hot or cold state;
◼During operation this lamp emits intense UV radiation which is harmful to the eyes and
skin. Suitable protection should be worn;
◼The high luminance of the arc can cause severe damage to the eye if viewed directly.
ALWAYS wear suitable protective goggles when viewing the lamp;
◼Always use protective jackets supplied with the lamp;
◼Should it be necessary to examine the lamp with the front bezel removed, always use a
protective shield and wear goggles to ensure a safe working environment;
◼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 disposing of lamps there are several options available:
◼Return the lamp, via the supplier, to the lamp manufacturer in its complete
packaging
◼Because of the cold internal pressure of the lamp is approximately 8 bar,
the lamp must first be depressurised before disposal. Place the lamp, in its
protective jacket, in a plastic bag and drop from a height of 1 to 2 metres
onto a hard surface;
◼XBO lamps do not contain materials which are harmful to the environment and thus are not
subject to special waste disposal regulations;
◼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 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.
Back To Top

3 - Technical Information
This product has been designed to operate in accordance with the product specification. The
LX480RC 2000 watt searchlight has the following features:
◼All marine grade materials and fixings;
◼Electronic power supply unit;
◼Parabolic glass reflector;
◼Instant lamp re-strike. No cooling down time required;
◼Economical 2400 hour lamp life;
◼Powder coated & Stove enamel painted;
◼385° horizontal rotation;
◼Vertical movement + 30˚ to -35˚;
◼Variable speed 1-23˚/sec (Pan), 1-8˚/sec (Tilt);
◼RS485 connectivity & auto home positioning;
◼Remote focus facility;
◼Internal self-regulating heater.
◼Toughened front glass;
◼Sealing to IP56;
The searchlight also performs to the following optical data:
◼Xenon light source;
◼Lamp Wattage - 2000 Watts;
◼Supply voltage –220v-240v;
◼Peak Beam Candlepower –90,364,036 lux;
◼Range –9,506 metres;
◼Divergence - 1.5° spot to 10˚ flood;
◼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.
Technical information on the Power Supply Unit and Ignitor are included overleaf. For more
detailed information please contact the manufacturer.
PSU ref.: Model 8502 (Xelamp)
Ignitor ref. AS16040A (Irem)
Power Supply fixing centres 440 x 152 using M8 screws.

Power Supply Details (Model 8502)
General Description
Output Power 1400-2200 watts
Voltage 22-30 volts D.C.
Current 50-85 amperes D.C.
Ripple 5% peak-to-peak
Input Current 25/22 amperes maximum 40 amperes
maximum
Voltage 208/237 VAC 110/120 VAC
Phase Single
Frequency 60 Hz (50Hz available)
Output Adjustments 9 steps
Size Width 12” (30.5 cm)
Height 15” (38 cm)
Length 19” (48.25 cm)
Weight 145 lbs. (65.9 Kg)
Cooling Convection
Warning
When this appears in this text, it indicates a hazard to personnel.
Caution
When this appears in this text, it indicates a procedure which can result in equipment damage if
not properly accomplished.
Receiving the Power supply
The units are shipped with the power supply bolted to a shipping skid and enclosed in a heavy
cardboard cover held in place by banding. Physical damage to the container or its contents
should be reported to the carrier immediately.
Unpacking
Cut the banding strips and lift the cardboard cover off of the unit. Remove the four bolts holding
the power supply to the skid. Place the unit in the location selected for installation.
Locating the power supply
The power supply is convection cooled and the location selected should provide a minimum of
6” clearance around the case. The area should have free movement of air to dissipate the heat
generated by operation of the power supply. Provide a space large enough to allow service of
the unit if required.

Caution
Do not allow anything to be placed upon the power supply case; the perforated top is for
ventilation and must not be obstructed.
Try to select a location as close to the lamp house as practical. Many users install the power
supply adjacent to the searchlight where space is available and local codes permit.
Electrical installation and connection
Caution
Much future grief can be avoided by having a competent electrical contractor install and
connect this unit.
Caution
We make suggestions in this manual as to minimum wire sizes to be used. Refer to and
conform to the codes applicable in your area.
Caution
Observe polarity of the conductors which carry the D.C. output of the power supply to
the lamp house. Reversed polarity will immediately destroy the xenon bulb upon
application of power.
Warning
When the electrical installation is complete there are two sources of primary power
within the unit. Turn off all power when adjusting or servicing the power supply.
Warning
This unit can run warm to very hot. Allow at least 15 minutes after turning off the power
for the unit and its components to cool down before attempting any service procedures.
Holes are provided in the end section of the power supply case for conduit entries. Install
conduit in a manner which allows some movement for service if required. Refer to drawings for
connection information.
Model 8502 Primary line: (240v) #10 gauge minimum (110v) #8 gauge minimum; 30
ampere breaker or fuse (240v) 40 ampere breaker or fuse (110v).
D.C. output: #4 gauge minimum.

Warning
The power supplies have two sources of power. Disconnect (turn off) primary power
before making adjustments or service procedures.
Output power adjustment
Warning
The power supply stores energy after primary power is switched off. Wait a minimum of
two minutes for the capacitor charge to bleed off.
Taps are provided on TB1 to alter the output of the power supply. Small current changes may
be made by moving the tap from H to M to L. Highest current is on H; the lowest is on L. Larger
current changes may be made by moving the tap from 4 to 5 to 6. Highest current is on 4; the
lowest is on 6. One input line must be on H, M or L. The second line must be on 4, 5 or 6.
When the primary line is high (120/240 VAC), tap 5 or 6 should be used. For 110/208 VAC use
any tap, 4, 5 or 6. When changing taps, do not insert wire into the connector so far as to clamp
on the insulation rather than the bare wire. Be sure to tighten the connector screws.
Routine maintenance
Warning
The power supply has two sources of power. Turn off power before servicing the unit.
Warning
This unit can run warm to very hot. Allow at least 15 minutes after turning off the power
for the unit and its components to cool down before attempting any service procedures.
At 6-month intervals, clean dust out of the unit. Inspect all electrical connections. Look for
discoloration due to overheating. Be sure all components are clean and tight.
Troubleshooting
Much data can be obtained from the volt-ammeter built into the lamp house control panel. In
addition, the following instruments will be needed to perform all trouble-shooting operations that
can be done in the field:
Portable volt-Ohm-ammeter (VOM) –must be capable of supplying current to forward bias a
silicon diode on R X 1 range. (Some digital instruments cannot; consult operator’s manual for
instrument concerned.)
Clamp-on A.C. ammeter capable of ¼ ampere or better resolution.

Xenon lamp power supplies have two stages of operation:
1) Before igniting the bulb –At this time, the voltage at the power supply output terminals
reaches “open circuit” value (110 VDC or greater).
2) After igniting the bulb –At this time, the voltage at the power supply output is
determined by the load placed on the power supply by the xenon lamp (18-30 VDC).
Power supply difficulties can be separated into one of three areas for purposes of diagnosis
and repair:
A) Power line problems.
B) Boost circuit (Open circuit voltage) problems.
C) Main power supply problems.
A) Primary power problems
Power to the power supply is supplied from the sub-panel. The PSU power contactor, K1, will
operate when the lamp house is switched on in the absence of primary power to K1. If there is
D.C. voltage out of the power supply as indicted on the lamp house voltmeter you have primary
power. If there is no lamp house voltmeter, use your VOM. If there is no DC. Output voltage
and K1 operates, check the primary line with a VOM to locate the point of failure.
B) Boost circuit problems (open circuit voltage)
Loss of the open circuit voltage due to boost circuit problems will result in the following:
Ignitor will not fire in the AUTO mode.
Bulb will not light.
Disable the lamp house ignitor by removing primary power to the ignitor. Connect your VOM to
the power supply D.C. output. Observe polarity. Turn on the power supply. If you read 110 VDC
or more, the boost circuit is operating. If the D.C. voltage is low, on the order of 50 volts, it is
likely that diodes 5 and/or 6 have failed. Current limiting resistor R1 may be open.
C) Main power supply
Power supply bank D1-D4
A shorted diode will cause the primary current to go high and will trip the circuit breaker in the
sub-panel. An open diode will cause the projected picture to have a pronounced flicker and
may result in somewhat lower operating current.
Capacitors C1-C2-C3
A shorted capacitor or capacitors will raise the primary current and trip the circuit breaker in the
sub-panel.
C1-C2-C3
If these are open or have lost capacity (ability to store energy) they will cause either a
noticeable flicker in the projected picture or ignition problems or both. If in doubt, disconnect the
capacitors one at a time. After disconnecting a capacitor, if no change in ignition or flicker is
observed, then the capacitor is having no effect. Replace it.
Low capacity or an open capacitor affect ignition because there is insufficient surge current to
reliably light the bulb. If disconnecting a capacitor does change either flicker or ignition, then
the capacitor is functioning. Reconnect it. High ripple current caused by a diode failure will

result in overheating of R3. You may use a clamp-on A.C. ammeter on the common D.C. line to
the capacitor bank as an indirect method of checking ripple. The 8502-capacitor bank will have
a nominal 25 ampere (AC) current flow. Higher current indicates a high ripple condition. Lower
currents may indicate open or deteriorated capacitors.
Current into the capacitor bank varies with adjustment of the power output. As the output power
is decreased, current flow of the capacitor bank will decrease.
Diode testing and replacement
To test a diode, it must be disconnected from the circuit in which it is used. In many failure
modes, the diode failure can be tentatively identified by discoloration of the bright surface
because of excessive heat. You will still have to disconnect the diode and make further checks
to verify failure. After disconnecting the diode, sue your VOM on the R x 1 scale. With the
meter leads connected in one direction, the reading should be zero or close to it; reversing the
meter leads, the indication should be a very high resistance. If the diodes do not exhibit these
characteristics, replace it. If you have removed a diode from its heatsink or you are installing a
new diode, observe the following instructions: Clean the area of the heatsink in which the diode
is to be installed.
Warning
You must use heatsink compound. It is caustic in nature. Do not use for fingers; keep it
away from your eyes; and do not ingest. Follow instructions on the container in which
the compound is packaged.
You may obtain heatsink compound at your local electronics dealer. Apply the compound with
a wood or plastic spatula; a Popsicle stick will work well. A thin layer of compound is adequate.
Use internal star washers as opposed to split washers. When tightening the diodes in the
model 8502 power supply, the torque should be 90 in lbs, 125 in lbs. In replacing diodes,
observe polarity. Model 8502 –diodes 1-3 are 1N3291R types, diodes 2-4 are 1N3291S types.