Sabik Marine Vega VLB-44X Series User manual

VLB-44X
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VLB-44X Marine LED Beacon
(With Extended I/O Option)
Product Manual
Version: 1.0.2
Date: September 18th

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Disclaimer: Every possible effort has been made to ensure the validity of this document. It represents the current
view (as of the publishing date) on the functions and properties of the products mentioned in the document.
SABIK OY is not responsible for possible typing errors. The pictures and drawings are for descriptive use only.
The document may be updated or changed without notice.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE VLB-44X MARINE LED BEACON......................................................................... 4
1.1. OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2. THE INITIAL POWER-UP.............................................................................................................................. 4
1.3. INFRA-RED PROGRAMMING ........................................................................................................................ 5
1.4. AUTOMATIC SCHMIDT CLAUSEN/MODIFIED ALLARD CORRECTION ....................................................................... 5
1.5. VLB-44X INTENSITY PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................................ 5
1.6. BEACON ON OVERRIDE ............................................................................................................................. 5
1.7. TRAFFIC LIGHT MODE ............................................................................................................................... 5
2. GETTING STARTED ................................................................................................................................. 7
3. TVIR REMOTE02 PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES & OPTIONS ................................................................. 8
3.1. PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 8
3.1.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 8
3.1.2. Programming Syntax.................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.3. Visual feedback ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.1.4. Troubleshooting TVIR Programming ............................................................................................. 9
3.1.5. Remote02 TVIR Programming Tutorial.......................................................................................... 9
3.2. PROGRAMMING FEATURES....................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.1. Flash character........................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.2. Custom Flash Character.............................................................................................................. 12
3.2.3. Day / Night control..................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.4. Effective intensity ....................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.5. Beacon synchronization.............................................................................................................. 13
3.2.6. Operation mode ......................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.7. Programming mode ................................................................................................................... 15
3.2.8. Battery Thresholds ..................................................................................................................... 15
3.2.9. System Checks............................................................................................................................ 15
3.2.10. PIN Code Option...................................................................................................................... 16
4. INSTALLING THE VLB-44X BEACON....................................................................................................... 17
4.1. THE MOUNTING STRUCTURE .................................................................................................................... 17
4.2. MOUNTING.......................................................................................................................................... 17
4.2.1. Base Mounting........................................................................................................................... 17
4.2.2. Central Pole Mounting................................................................................................................ 18
4.3. BIRD SPIKES ......................................................................................................................................... 19
4.4. MOUNTING THE VSU-29 PULSE SYNC UNIT ................................................................................................. 19
5. POWER SUPPLY & I/O CONNECTIONS.................................................................................................. 20
5.1. POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................ 20
5.2. POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION ................................................................................................................... 20
5.3. BEACON INPUT /OUTPUT........................................................................................................................ 20
5.4. DIGITAL I/O CONNECTION TO VEGAAIS ...................................................................................................... 21
6. SYNCHRONIZATION WITH OTHER BEACONS ........................................................................................ 22
6.1. HARD-WIRE SYNCHRONIZATION OPTION ...................................................................................................... 22
6.2. EXTERNAL GPS SYNCHRONIZATION OPTION .................................................................................................. 22
7. SERIAL INTERFACE................................................................................................................................ 23

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7.1. MONITORING OUTPUT............................................................................................................................ 23
7.2. COMMAND AND QUERY INPUT.................................................................................................................. 23
8. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................................... 25
8.1. MAINTENANCE CLEANING ........................................................................................................................ 25
8.1.1. Inspection check......................................................................................................................... 25
USER NOTES................................................................................................................................................... 26
APPENDIX A VLB-44X TVIR PROGRAMMING SYNTAX TABLE....................................................................... 27
APPENDIX B VLB-44X PERFORMANCE TABLES............................................................................................ 31
APPENDIX B.1 VLB-44X-2.5 WHITE.................................................................................................................... 32
APPENDIX B.1 VLB-44X-2.5 RED ....................................................................................................................... 34
APPENDIX B.1 VLB-44X-2.5 GREEN.................................................................................................................... 36
APPENDIX B.1 VLB-44X-2.5 YELLOW .................................................................................................................. 38
APPENDIX B.2 VLB-44X-5 WHITE ...................................................................................................................... 40
APPENDIX B.2 VLB-44X-5 RED .......................................................................................................................... 42
APPENDIX B.2 VLB-44X-5 GREEN ...................................................................................................................... 44
APPENDIX B.2 VLB-44X-5 YELLOW..................................................................................................................... 46
APPENDIX B.3 VLB-44X-10 WHITE .................................................................................................................... 48
APPENDIX B.3 VLB-44X-10 RED ........................................................................................................................ 50
APPENDIX B.3 VLB-44X-10GREEN ..................................................................................................................... 52
APPENDIX B.3 VLB-44X-10 YELLOW ................................................................................................................... 53
APPENDIX B.5 SAMPLE VERTICAL DIVERGENCE PROFILES ........................................................................................... 54
APPENDIX C DAY AND NIGHT INTENSITY AND RANGE TABLES ................................................................... 55
APPENDIX D BEACON DIMENSIONS............................................................................................................ 56
APPENDIX E PRODUCT CODES.................................................................................................................... 57
APPENDIX F SPECIFICATIONS OF VLB-44X BEACON.................................................................................... 58
APPENDIX G WORKSHEET FOR A CUSTOM CHARACTER.............................................................................. 60
APPENDIX H FLASH CHARACTER TABLE WITH PROGRAMMING CODES....................................................... 61
APPENDIX I TVIR REMOTE02 SPECIFICATIONS & BATTERY REPLACEMENT ................................................ 67
APPENDIX J SERIAL INTERFACE COMMANDS.................................................................................................. 69

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1. Introduction to the VLB-44X Marine LED Beacon
1.1. Overview
The Vega VLB-44X LED beacon is an energy-efficient marine beacon that is available in a wide range of
configurations. The number of tiers can range from 1 to 3, with each tier having a vertical divergence of 2.5, 5.0 or
10 degrees.
To accommodate different mounting arrangements the beacon can be pole-mounted or mounted on a horizontal
surface.
Three LED colours available are red, green, white, yellow. The peak light intensity and power requirement is
different for each colour and this needs to be taken into account when calculating for the power requirements for a
particular beacon.
The beacons are designed to operate using a 12 VDC power supply and have a maximum voltage capability of 18
VDC. Reversepolarity protection is provided. Thebeacon issupplied with a 1.75m length of neoprene3-core cable
for the power and hard wire synchronizing connections. The size of wire is 1.5mm2.
Thebeacon can optionally be supplied with a1.75mlengthof12-corecable containing additional I/Osignals. These
include the day/night, flash/fixed and on/off inputs that allow this beacon to be manually controlled when in “traffic
light” mode. Also included are an alarm output RS232/485 Rx and Tx and an additional sync connection.
The VLB-44Xhas been designed with many features to allow the user to set up the required operationfor a specific
site. These features are programmable using the Vega infra-red programmer. This programmer is provided with
the beacon and is also available separately. The beacon will be delivered with factory default settings. Details on
how to reprogram the VLB-44X are provided in the Vega IR Programmer instruction manual.
While the VLB-44X beacon is capable of various ranges and can handle a multitude of flash characters, the power
requirement must be ableto be supported by the power supply connected tothe beacon, especially whereit is solar
/ battery powered. Increasing the range or the duty cycle of the beacon will require a larger solar panel and battery
capacity. Information is provided in this manual on how to calculate the beacon power consumption. Vega or the
local Vega Distributor can assist with the calculation if required.
The VLB-44X beacons are fitted with hard wire synchronization, which can be used to synchronize the flash
character with other Vega beacons that are within wiring distance. GPS synchronization can be provided to allow
synchronization with more remote beacons by fitting the optional VSU-29 GPS Synch Unit.
When using the optional VSU-29 GPS unit, ensure the power requirements of this device is included in any overall
power calculation for the beacon.
To begin using the VLB-44X beacon the power will need to be connected, and the unit programmed for the flash
character, effective intensity, and any other features required.
The VLB-44X beacon has a 10-year design life.
1.2. The initial power-up
Upon first powering-up the beacon will start in night mode. If the beacon is in the default sync-master mode then it
will be operating with the programmed flash character.
After 10 seconds thebeacon will begin to monitor the ambientlightlevel. If dayisdetected and thebeacon
is set for night-only operation then the beacon will be turned off.
After 14 seconds the beacon will begin to monitor for the low battery threshold (factory setting 11 Volts).
If the input voltage is below the threshold then the beacon will be turned off. The beacon will not return to
normal operation again until the battery charges to above the high voltage reset voltage (factory setting
13.0 volts) and daylight is detected.
Note: If the beacon does not flash when power is connected.
The power connection might be reversed. Check that the power connection is correct. The beacon is
protected from damage for reverse-polarity connection.
The beacon may be programmed for Storage Mode. Refer to the Vega IR Programming Manual on how
to return the beacon to Operating Mode.
Thebeaconmight be set to sync-slavemode. Either provide anexternal hard-wire sync source or program
the beacon to sync-master mode to enable it to operate.

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Thebeacon might be set to Traffic Lightmode. Either apply the appropriatevoltage to theOninput or send
the TVIR programming command to set the beacon into Normal mode, instead.
1.3. Infra-red programming
The infrared receiver for programming the beacon is located on the base of the beacon. For best results when
programming direct the IR remote at this part of the beacon. Refer to the separate instruction manual for operating
the Vega IR Programmer.
1.4. Automatic Schmidt Clausen/Modified Allard Correction
The VLB-44X beacon is programmed for the required effective intensity. This is the intensity needed to see a light
that is continuously “on” at a certain distance. For example, 77 Candela is required to see a fixed on light at 5NM
at a transmissivity of 0.74T. When a light is flashed the intensity must be increased to maintain the visibility of the
light at the required distance. The VLB-44X automatically maintains the effective range of the light by increasing
the intensity to compensate for shorter flash periods. This is done according to the Schmidt Clausen multiplier.
The desired Schmidt-Clausen multiplier is selectable according to which IALA Recommendation is preferred, E-
200-4 2017 or 2008 (refer to the programming table in Appendix A).
1.5. VLB-44X Intensity Performance
The effective candela settings and the maximum candela capability for the different versions of the VLB-44X are
provided in Appendix B. The beacon can only achieve the maximum peak candela value in the tables when
flashing at a 30% duty cycle or less.
A beacon cannot output an intensity above its maximum peak candela capability. When programming a flash
character the user should check that the peak candela needed for the required effective candela is below the
maximum peak intensity of the beacon. If higher peak intensity is required than what the VLB-44X can produce
then the beacon will not have the required range. Should this be the case the choice to achieve the desired range
would be to:
Increase the flash “on” period (select a different flash character) or
Use a VLB-44X beacon with additional tiers.
1.6. Beacon On Override
The VLB-44X may be forced on by activating the On/Off input. This input is not capable of turning the beacon off.
For example, if the beacon were configured in night only mode, setting the on/off input high during the day would
cause the beacon to come on for as long as that input is held high. If the on/off input is low or open circuit (i.e.
inactive) then the beacon will operate normally, sensing day/night and switching automatically in the normal way.
On/Off input - if this input is high (≥7V) the beacon will turn on; if this input is open-circuit or low (<6V) then
the beacon operates automatically according to its settings, sync input and day/night detection.
Flash/Fixed & Day/Night inputs are inert.
Refer also to the table in the next section.
1.7. Traffic Light Mode
The VLB-44X may be configured to run in “traffic light” mode using the TVIR programmer. Traffic light mode refers
to a method of remotely-controlling the VLB-44X. Thismodeis available regardless of the optical variant of the VLB-
44X.
When in traffic light mode the beacon is completely controlled by the three traffic light inputs as shown below:
On/Off input - if this input is low or open circuit the beacon will turn off; if this input is high the beacon will
turn on.
Day/Night input - if this input is low or open circuit the beacon will usethe programmed nighttime intensity;
if this input is high the beacon will use the programmed day time intensity.
Flash/Fixed input - if this input is low or open circuit the beacon will operate with a fixed flash character; if
this input is high the beacon will operate with the programmed flash character.

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This allows the VLB-44X to be controlled by an external controller soit may be used, for example, to direct shipping
traffic.
Note –when operating in traffic lightmode, the normal mode day/night switching based on the measured light level
is inhibited.
This behaviour is summarized in the following table:
Input State
Beacon Operating Mode
On/Off
Day/Night
Flash/Fixed
Traffic Light
Normal
Low or open
X
X
Off
X
High
Low or open
Low or open
Night intensity
Fixed character
Override On*
High
Low or open
High
Night intensity
Flash character
Override On*
High
High
Low or open
Day intensity
Fixed character
Override On*
High
High
High
Day intensity
Flash character
Override On*
X = no effect.
* When override is on, the intensity and flash character will depend on the programmed settings and ambient light
level.

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2. Getting Started
From knowing the flash character, colour, and range required (effective candela)
i. Determine the number of tiers required and the power requirement (Appendix D)
ii. Connect power to the VLB-44X and any I/O signals that are required.
iii. Program the beacon for the required flash character, effective candela, and other features (Section 3 and
Appendices A & B.)
iv. Install the VLB-44X beacon (Section 4 and 5)
v. Set synchronization options (Section 6)
vi. Check that the beacon is working (Section 7)
vii. Routine maintenance and inspection (Section 7)

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3. TVIR Remote02 Programming Procedures & Options
For detailed programming instructions refer to Appendix A. The programming codes for the effective intensity
settings of the VLB-44X beacon are provided in the performance tables of Appendix B of this manual.
During programming the VLB-44X beacon will flash each time a button is operated on the IR programmer. On
completion of a program option the beacon will provide visual feedback by repeating the code of the programmed
function by a series of flashes.
3.1. Programming overview
3.1.1. Introduction
The TVIR Programmer allows the user to program a wide range of Vega LED Aids to Navigation products.
The VLB-44X beacon is shipped from Vega with default settings. The Vega Remote02 TVIR
Programmer allows the user to set up the product for a particular application and to
interrogate the product to find out what settings are already programmed. Most of the
features of the VLB-44X beacon are the same as found in other Vega LED products.
To use the programmer you will need to consult Appendices A & B obtain the codes for setting the intensity of the
beacon and other features.
3.1.2. Programming Syntax
All programming of the VLB-44X uses a syntax of:
OPERATION_FEATURE_VALUE
There are five OPERATION items
Programming settings Operation 1
Creating a Custom Character Operation 2
System Checks Operation 3
Special settings Operation 7
Read settings Operation 9
The FEATURE items represent the features of the beacon such as flash character and intensity. A feature
parameter must always be entered after an operation parameter.
The VALUES are the actual settings or value of the various features. A value parameter is either entered or read
back, depending on the operation and feature combination selected.
IMPORTANT
Before attempting to use the Programmer for the first time, please pull the insulating strip
of plastic out of the battery holder - you do not need to remove the battery holder to do this.
The Programmer will not work if the plastic strip is left in place.
Numeric key pad, used to
configure the programmable
features of the beacon.
Red standby key, used to
enter programming
mode.

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The valid combinations of operation, feature and value are listed in Appendix A.
The valid beacon intensity settings can be found in Appendix B for the relevant beacon model.
Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the tables in Appendices A & B before continuing.
3.1.3. Visual feedback
The VLB-44X will provide visual feedback of the programming instructions it receives from the TVIR programmer.
It is important to understand the feedback that is provided to ensure that the beacon will be programmed
correctly.
Programmer Keys
Beacon response
Enter Programming Mode
By pressing red standby key for 5 seconds
4 quick flashes (0.1sec on 0.1sec off)
Numeric key when programming
1 flash for each key pressed
When programming code recognised
The 3 or 4 digit value code is repeated using a
series of flashes of 0.1sec on and 0.1 sec off
with a gap of 0.5 sec between each number of
the code. A zero is represented by a 2 second
on flash.
Proper termination of custom character
programming: the feedback code will be 000
When programming code is not recognised
3 quick flashes (0.1sec on 0.1sec off)
The beacon will remain in programming mode
waiting for a new programming instruction.
Exiting Programming mode
No programming activity for 10 Seconds
The beacon will give two quick flashes followed
by a short pause followed by another two quick
flashes.
After this it will resume normal operation. The
beacon will flash its character for 16 seconds
while it checks the day/night settings. If it is day
time and the beacon is set to operate at night
only the beacon will turn off.
3.1.4. Troubleshooting TVIR Programming
If you find that the beacon will not enter the programming mode it will be caused by one of 4 reasons (ensure first
that the Remote02 TVIR programmer is pointed directly at the light sensor window on the base of the VLB-44X):
If there is no response to the Remote02 then the battery in the IR Programmer could be missing, or the
plastic battery insulator might not have been removed, or the battery might have a low voltage.
If there is no response to the Remote02 and the beacon is not operating then there might be no 12VDC
supply connected to the beacon.
If there is no response to the Remote02 then the beacon might have been set to storage mode, in which
case it will initially be very slow to respond to the Remote02 request to enter programming mode.
If the beacon responds and enters programming mode but rejects (triple-flash) any programming
operations then the beacon needs a security PIN to allow programming.
3.1.5. Remote02 TVIR Programming Tutorial
If you have not used the Vega TVIR Programmer before, we suggest that you spend some time learning how the
beacon will respond to the various programming actions. Make sure that the beacon is connected to a 12VDC
supply and experiment with the following.
3.1.5.1 Enter and Exit Program mode
1. Enter program mode

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Press the red standby button for 5 seconds
The beacon will give 4 quick flashes to indicate it
has entered programming mode
2. Exit program mode
Leave the programmer idle for 10 seconds
The beacon will give two quick flashes followed by a
short pause followed by another two quick flashes.
After this it will resume normal operation. The
beacon will flash its character for 16 seconds while
it checks the day/night settings. If it is day time and
the beacon is set to operate at night only the
beacon will turn off.
3.1.5.2 Program a Flash Character with a flash character of Q 1s 0.4. (0.4 “on” 0.6 “off”)
To program this Flash Character find the three digit code from Appendix ?, “Flash character table with program
codes”. (Flash Q 1s 0.4 = code 602). Determine the programming syntax from Appendix A for the setting:
Operation = Programming = 1
Feature = Flash Character = 0
Value = Code = 602
The programming sequence to enter this flash character is 1-0-602
(The ‘-‘ character in the above sequence is inserted only to provide clarity for the reader and has no meaning in
the programming input sequence.)
0. Enter programming mode
Press the red standby button for 5 seconds
The beacon will give 4 quick flashes to indicate it
has entered programming mode
2. Enter the programming sequence for the flash
character (10602)
The beacon will flash once each time a key on the
programmer is operated.
When the sequence is completed and accepted the
beacon will repeat the value 602 in a series of
flashes. Six quick flashes followed by a 0.5sec gap
followed by a 2 second flash (for a zero) followed
by a 0.5 second gap followed by two quick flashes
1. Exit programming mode
Leave the programmer idle for 10 seconds
The beacon will give two quick flashes followed by
a short pause followed by another two quick
flashes.
After this it will resume normal operation. The
beacon will flash its character for 16 seconds while
it checks the day/night settings. If it is day time
and the beacon is set to operate at night only the
beacon will turn off.
3.1.5.3 Create a programming error by attempting to enter an invalid Operation Mode code 003
Determine the programming Syntax from Appendix A for the setting:
Operation = Programming = 1
Feature = Operation Mode = 5
Value = Code = 002
Note: The programming sequence to enter this Operation Mode is 1-5-002.
1. Enter programming mode
Press the red standby button for 5 seconds
The beacon will give 4 quick flashes to indicate it
has entered programming mode
2. Enter the programming sequence for the
Operation Mode (15002)
The beacon will flash once each time a key on the
programmer is operated.